Foire de la Marabille

La Marabille: The Big Flea Market in Thorigné-en-Charnie

Every summer, the small village of Thorigné-en-Charnie, nestled in the Erve valley in southern Mayenne, comes alive for a day thanks to the Foire de la Marabille. Organized by the local festival committee, this event has become, over the years, one of the largest flea markets in the department, attracting bargain hunters, families, and curious visitors from the entire Laval area and beyond.

250 Exhibitors in the Village Streets

The Foire de la Marabille hosts around 250 exhibitors who set up in the village streets and squares from dawn. The stalls offer a wide variety of items:

• Second-hand goods and antiques: old crockery, furniture, trinkets, books.
• Used clothing and accessories.
• Toys, games, and collectibles.
• Various items from clear-outs, from vinyl records to garden tools.

Sellers can set up from 5:30 AM, at a rate of €1.50 per linear meter, with no prior registration required. Early bargain hunters often arrive before sunrise to find the best treasures.

Entertainment and Camaraderie

Beyond the flea market, the Foire de la Marabille offers a program of entertainment for all ages:

• Inflatable structures and wooden games for children.
• Traveling musical group that roams the village streets throughout the day.
• On-site catering at noon and in the evening, with grills, crêpes, and drinks.
• Popular ball in the evening to conclude the day in a festive atmosphere.

An Event Rooted in the Territory

The Foire de la Marabille gets its name from the hamlet "La Marabille", located near the village of Thorigné-en-Charnie. The event is part of the tradition of rural fairs in Mayenne, moments of conviviality and social connection in rural communities. The festival committee invests each year to offer a quality day, accessible to all and open to the region.