Spring is in the air and many people are clearing out their cellars, attics, and cupboards. So it’s not suprising that posters are beginning to appear around town saying “Troc” or “Vide-Grenier”.
What are these? Well a “troc” is the equivalent of a secondhand market and the proceeds from them are often used to benefit local charities or to contribute to village funds. It’s often a good opportunity for a buyer to pick up bargains too. There are specific trocs for bikes, children’s clothes and toys, trocs for books etc and there is usually one going on somewhere in the area in the Spring.
A “Vide Grenier” means “Emptying the attic or loft ” where a greater variety of goods are put up for sale. These events can either be held in a private home or the contents of a whole village’s “attic” will be up for grabs in the local salle communale. The nearest equivalent to this in the UK would either be a jumble sale, or perhaps a car boot sale. In the U.S it would be a garage sale.
These events are advertised well in advance so if you want to take part and sell items, or hunt for a bargain, keep a look out for posters around the towns and in the villages.
Hello,
I would really like to know more about these sales (vide-grenier and/or troc) in the Nyon area. I have a lot of small and not so small stuff I would like to sell.
Could you help with an idea of where the next events will take place or where I could find a list of events ? I would be most grateful.
Alina
Hi Alina,
Some of these trocs are advertised in the Tourist board's monthly agenda. This can be picked up at the tourist office. However not all are advertised in there, it's a question of looking on village noticeboards etc and keeping your eye out for posters in your area. If you have enough stuff of you own then why not organise one yourself? Hope this helps. Kind regards Catherine