From vintage gems to clothes and endless bric-à-brac, find bargains galore at the very best flea markets in Paris
Photograph: Shutterstock
Written by Alix Leridon
Journaliste, Time Out Paris
Advertising
Yes, there’s a hell of a lot of famous sights to see in Paris. Your bucket list for the City of Light could probably make up a short novel. But it wouldn’t be right to go home without a souvenir (or ten) right? And for something to really remember Paris by, you’re going to need a flea market.
Luckily enough,Paris has one for every mood, from bric-à-brac and trinkets to vintage bargains and furniture. Here, you can stroll through endless market stalls, pick out candles and jewellery, probably lunch, and buy a very French looking scarf that you may come to regret. What could be better? Here’s our guide to the best flea markets in Paris.
RECOMMENDED:🥐 The bestthings to do in Paris🍽️ The bestrestaurants in Paris🏨 The besthotels in Paris🏠 Where to stay in Paris
Alix Leridonis a journalist atTime Out Paris.At Time Out, all of ourtravel guidesare written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see oureditorial guidelines.
Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.
By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.
🙌
Awesome, you're subscribed!
Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!
Best flea markets in Paris
- Shopping
- Plaisance
Heading south, at the edge of the 14thdistrict and Greater Paris, this is the most peaceful market on our list. In terms of bric-a-brac, you’ll mostly find small household bits and décor, crockery and jewellery. There are a few pieces of furniture, including quite a few antiques, and some clothing (with some lovely items going for a steal here and there, so keep an eye out), but that’s not the main focus. Arrive early,but not just because the best finds go quickly: with nearly 400 vendors, you might well spend the entire morning browsing through everything.
- Shopping
- Home decor
- 18e arrondissement
Marché aux puces de Saint-Ouennotisn’t just a market, it’s like a whole other world, teeming with a seemingly endlessstring of people and trinkets.In fact, there are not one but twelve covered markets and five shopping streets spread over the seven hectares that make up the flea market, each with its own unique atmosphere and identity. The largest, the Dauphine Market, is the most photogenic and eclectic: a great starting point if you're not exactly sure what you’re looking for. To find it, look for the enormous orange flying saucer (the Futuro House) under the glass roof of the main hall (you can’t miss it, unsurprisingly). We also love strolling through the bustling little lanes of the Vernaison Market, perhaps the most authentic in Saint-Ouen, or between the overflowing shelves of the old bookshops in the Passage. Open from Friday to Monday and until 6pm on weekends, take our advice and just plan to spend the entire day there. You won’t regret it.
Advertising
- Shopping
- Vintage shops
- 12e arrondissement
price 1 of 4
We absolutely love this one, for one simple reason: besides its flea market, the Aligre Market is also the hand that feeds East Paris. It’s both a food market and an open-air flea market, making it a true local favourite. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, it’s best to visit on the weekend if you want to snag some bargains and soak up its unique atmosphere. You can find almost anything in its slightly chaotic maze of stalls, but vintage clothes and decorative items are easily available at very low prices. After hunting for treasures, meat lovers can head to Les Provinces eatery just outside the market (come early), while others can find refuge (and calm) at Toto’s, a few blocks away, for a sushi feast. For a drink, head to Baron Rouge, a typical and hugely popular wine bar next to the market.
Buy ticket
- Shopping
- Second-hand shops
- 20e arrondissement
Less famous than its older brother up north in St-Ouen, Montreuil’s flea market is where real folk riffle for antiques nowadays, mostly because it’s off the beaten tourist track (so you can still find the occasional treasure). You’ll find pretty much everything, from vintage clothes and toys to old cutlery, 1940s light-fittings, furniture and antique glassware. Just be patient: you have to walk past stands selling arrays of junk before you get to the little square where the best dealers are (at the end of the alley alongside the periphérique).
Advertising
5.Marché aux puces de Montreuil
You can find pretty much anything at the Montreuil flea market – even laundry detergent and toilet cleaner (at a discount, no less). To discover hidden gems, you’ll need to dig through the heaps, quite literally. Everywhere, among the colourful tented stalls, piles of clothes, shoes, and boxes overflowing with tableware and handbags create a charmingly chaotic scene. Those who enjoy rummaging will love it here: it’s a real treasure hunt for budget-conscious adults. If you do it right, you can fill yourboots with homeware and clothes for less than €10. The atmosphere is great, and there are even a few street food stands to keep you fuelled. For those seeking designer pieces, you’ll have to get up early: in Montreuil, some connoisseur stalls are picked clean before the market even opens...
Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.
By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.
🙌
Awesome, you're subscribed!
Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!
Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.
By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.
🙌
Awesome, you're subscribed!
Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!
Recommended
You may also like
You may also like
Advertising
By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.
🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!
Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!