What’s a Troc?

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.