Claye-Souilly Garage Sale

A Garage Sale Along the Water

The Claye-Souilly garage sale gets all its charm from its remarkable location: the exhibitors set up along the avenue bordering the Ourcq canal, this historic watercourse that once supplied Paris with drinking water and goods. Strolling between the stands by the water, under the trees that cast their beneficial shade on this beautiful June day, is a rare pleasure that distinguishes this garage sale from many others.

Claye-Souilly, a Town with Rich History

Claye-Souilly is a commune of more than 12,000 inhabitants, the Clayois, located in the north of Seine-et-Marne. Its history is documented since the 12th century: the first mention of the Claye parish is provided by a text by Manassès II, bishop of Meaux, evoking the collation of the Claye church to the Chaage abbey in 1135. Souilly, another former commune, was joined to Claye by a law of July 25, 1839.

Historical Episodes That Marked the Town

Among the most famous pages of Claye-Souilly's history is the episode of Louis XVI's flight to Varennes in June 1791. On June 21, 1791, a heavy berline stopped in front of the Claye Post relay. A big man of about forty came down, followed by a very pretty woman and two children. These anonymous characters were actually King Louis XVI, Queen Marie-Antoinette and their children, on their way abroad. A little over a century later, in September 1914, Claye found itself at the heart of the Battle of the Marne: General Maunoury established his headquarters there in the current town hall.

Preserved Heritage

The heritage of Claye-Souilly reflects its long history. The Château des Tourelles, acquired by the commune during the mandate of André Benoist (mayor from 1944 to 1959), has housed the town hall since 1970. The Saint-Médard church, listed as a historical monument by decree of February 18, 1975, bears witness to the ancient religious architecture of the region.

An Ideal Setting for Bargain Hunting

The walk along the Ourcq canal makes this garage sale one of the most pleasant in the department. One can walk quietly from stand to stand, sit on a bench to admire the canal, enjoy the food stands to snack on a crepe or drink a coffee.