The French tradition that is not to be missed is the Vide Grenier (AKA Car Boot Sale). The idea is to empty your loft/garage, find all the old crap – I mean, valuable treasures – take it to a specific location and try to sell it to other people who want to fill their homes with old – errrrm – valuable treasures. Just occasionally you’ll find something really interesting. And you can meet some really nice people.
