During one of the interviews that I did with Rick Steves for his NPR radio show “Travel with Rick Steves,” we fielded a question from a woman who was planning a trip to Paris for herself and her 15-year-old daughter. She wanted to choose activities that her teenage daughter would enjoy. Did I have any suggestions for fun things to do in Paris when traveling with a teenager?
I proposed taking her to a flea market. Bada-bing! The woman loved the idea. Her daughter was into vintage clothing and collected plush stuffed animals. Besides, this was an activity that they would both enjoy. The mother wanted to know more. Which are the best flea markets in Paris? When is the best time to go? Is it appropriate to negotiate on the price? I’ll share my answers to her questions and other flea market tips here.
Which are the best flea markets in Paris?
The most famous is Clignancourt (pronounced “Clee-nyahn-cour”) and also known as Le Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen. It’s just outside the 18th arrondissement. Another is the Porte de Vanves flea market in the 14th. A third is the flea market by Porte de Montreuil, located near the border of the 20th arrondissement on the eastern edge of Paris. There’s also a small flea market by place d’Aligre in the 12th arrondissement, which combines easily with an outing to the Marché d’Aligre food market.
something for every hobby
How to pick which flea market to go to?
It depends where you’re staying or where you want to go in Paris, and also what your interests are. Clignancourt (often referred to as Le Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen) is the grande dame. It’s the largest flea market in Paris and includes both open-air stands and covered markets. It sprawls over several blocks. This map and related info are helpful for navigating the numerous markets that comprise Clignancourt. It’s no exaggeration when I say that you can spend an entire day there and still not see everything. Some lament that it is no longer as ripe for the pickings as it used to be. Items range from very large and expensive furnishings (some stalls resemble high-end antique shops with prices to match) to small and inexpensive baubles. The flea market at Porte de Vanves is smaller and easier to navigate. You can cover it in one outing. The flea market by Porte de Montreuil is my least favorite because its stock doesn’t interest me personally (a lot of hardware and small electrical items), but it might be to others’ liking. Many locals seek out its inexpensive goods or the adventure that comes with being on the fringe of Paris.
Can you find really good deals at the Paris flea markets?
Yes. But as with any purchase, caveat emptor. I buy items that don’t require a professional appraisal and that are easy to transport home. Several of the markets offer shipping services.
antique furniture
Is it okay to negotiate for a better price?
Definitely yes. But be aware of the cultural customs. Follow these guidelines for negotiating at French flea markets. When handled appropriately, you might be able to negotiate a price reduction of about 15-30%. It’s not like some markets elsewhere in the world where aggressive bargaining is expected. Indeed, that strategy is most likely to backfire at the Paris flea markets.
How to handle shipping of big items?
Clignancourt is set up for this with shipping services on the premises. Otherwise you can send items through the mail at a La Poste office, or make arrangements directly with shippers. My personal motto is don’t buy anything that I can’t pack in a suitcase. I learned this lesson the hard way when a statue that I had purchased at a Vietnamese market arrived in a box but smashed into pieces. Now I limit myself to items that are easy to transport safely.
vintage posters
How to not get dizzy from viewing all the merchandise?
Go with one or two items in mind. Or maybe with a specific person in mind when searching for a gift. I once went to Porte de Vanves on a mission to find a cream pitcher that would remind me of Paris. This helped me focus my search at the market when passing a stream of items. I ended up buying two vintage pitchers, each only a couple of euros. Though an inexpensive investment, it feels absolutely luxurious to sip my coffee each morning and swiftly be transported back to Paris.
What are some items one can find at the flea markets?
An easier question might be what can’t you find there. Several of my favorite purchases have been vintage glasses, serving utensils (including a smooth wooden ladle that I use for soup), and a set of cheese knives.
Why do the French call flea markets “les puces”?
Puce (pronounced “poose,” with a quick whooshing sound) means flea. It’s the same French word that’s used to refer to the microchip (which looks like a flea) in credit cards. No one knows for sure how that term originated in connection to secondhand markets, but many speculate that it dates back to the 1800s when vermin might have infested the peddlers’ shabby upholstery.
Which days of the week are best for going to the flea markets?
Saturdays & Sundays. Check the listings in Markets of Paris for specific details on times & locations, depending on which market you want to visit. Go in the morning because they often become crowded and picked over by afternoon.
What else to know about the flea markets?
The thrill is in the hunt. If you have fun, keep going back. The inventory is always changing. It’s the kind of experience that can be repeated and yet never feels repetitive.
flea market finds
Going to flea markets is one of my favorite things to do in Paris. They are worthwhile destinations not only if traveling with teenagers (I’m referring back to the caller’s question), but also if looking for something to do in Paris on one’s own. There are also brocantes, which are secondhand markets that pop up in different neighborhoods on an irregular schedule. Flea markets in Paris offer such a wide range of goods that there’s usually something that appeals to everyone’s interests. Some travelers might not get their jollies from searching for treasures, but they find entertainment in discovering different neighborhoods and strolling leisurely alongside local residents for whom it’s a regular outing.
Related Posts:
An Insider’s Guide to the Brimfield Antique Show
[Video] 10 Tips for Shopping at Flea & Antiques Markets
Antiques Fair in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Provence
5 Tips for Negotiating at French Flea Markets
Tip #6 for Shopping French Flea Markets
Picking a Paris Flea Market: Clignancourt or Porte de Vanves?
How to Prepare for Any Flea Market Like a Pro
Paris Market Finder
Best Paris Markets Open Sunday
Porte de Vanves Flea Market
Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen/Clignancourt
Marché d’Aligre
5 Shopping Tips for Paris Markets
Tips #2 and 3: Early vs Late & Photo Permissions
Tip #4: Timing Matters
Tip #1: Navigating Your Way to the Markets
10 Tips for Shopping at El Rastro Flea Market in Madrid
28 comments. Leave new
What’s the best flea market for paper ephemera (vintage letters, certificates, passports, ledgers, etc.)? I read there are lots of holidays in May which is when I will be there. Do you think that will be an issue?
There are vendors at both Clignancourt and Porte de Vanves flea markets who sell these items. You might also check out the old paper market, open Wednesdays, just outside the 20th arrondissement near the Saint-Mandé Métro stop. Yes, there are a lot of holidays in May and you’ll need to work your itinerary around them. Markets usually remain open, although fewer vendors turn up.
I had a most engaging time perusing a blocks-long brocante when in Paris, couldn’t tell you which. There was a very large difficulty though – could not get past the first 3 or 4 vendors! Treasures included vintage items: religious medals, books, laces, buttons, fabrics, even a small medicine chest mirrored door (which was successfully transported in my luggage!) Just admiring what could not travel with me brought such appreciation and joy…
Thanks for sharing that experience. You’re so right about the hazards of getting past the first few vendors. I allow myself lots of time at the flea markets and yet still feel that there’s not enough to admire the unusual collections as much as I’d like. A good reason to keep returning! ~Marjorie
Are the flea markets open in mid-january?
Yes, they’re open throughout the year.
Unfortunately, we will be arriving in Paris late on a Monday and leaving Friday afternoon. Anyone know of markets open on Tuesdays or Wednesdays?
The Resources page on my website includes links to listings of pop-up brocantes.
Hi I’m going to Paris in August 9-18, will tie flea markets be open?
Thanks for all your advice and tips!
G
Yes they will be (on the weekends, as usual). Wishing you a très bon voyage!
Yes! Some stallholders take time off in August, so there’s reduced activity. But I still think they’re worth a go!
I’m traveling to Paris this weekend and I would like to know whether I can find accessories and clothes from a flea market and if yes, which one specifically would have more collection
For the broadest selection, check out the Clignancourt flea market (aka Le Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen). An alternative (smaller but still lots of good finds) is the Porte de Vanves flea market in the 14th. Happy hunting!
I am going to Paris mid Feb for 9 days. What id the best flea market for hermes scarfs?
Probably Clignancourt. Have a great trip and enjoy the hunt! ~Marjorie
Hi janet
Did you find the designer brands in flea market ? Can you tell where is the area it ? Thank you
Hi Janet. Yes, it’s possible to find designer brands. They’re not in specific areas though. That’s where the hunting skills come into play. Good luck! ~Marjorie
I am going to Paris in Dec. I really need to find a dining room table ( old farm table) and 2 dressers where should I go ???
For that I’d probably go to the Saint-Ouen/Clignancourt flea market. Good luck!
Hi,
We are staying in Rue Provence (District 9), can you please tell me which flea market is nearby that area and open on a Friday. That’s the only day we have.
Thanks
The regularly occurring flea markets are on the weekend. You might get lucky and find a roving brocante market. Check the Resources page on my website for some listings. You will be near the Galeries Lafayette gourmet food hall, so check that out while you’re wandering around. Have a great trip!
What are the best markets for antique fabrics and trims?
Marché Saint-Pierre in the 18th might suit your fancy.
Hi, I was at an amazing weekend ‘attic clear out’ in St Suplice last September. Do you know how I can find out when it is on this year? Only residents from that area could sell- it was unbelievable. French tat is fabulous! Roseanne
Hi Roseanne. Yes, French tat is wonderful! You might check this resource for upcoming “vide greniers”–the French term for “attic cleaners”: http://brocabrac.fr/index.php?dept=75. Happy hunting! ~Marjorie
Which flea markets are open for business around Paris during the week days and not just on weekends?
The flea market Saint-Ouen/Clignancourt has a few vendors open on Monday roughly 11 am-5 pm. The one at Porte de Montreuil too. But most of the action at these regular flea markets happens on weekends. I recommend taking a look at the Resources page on my website and check out the section More on Markets. The 2nd bullet down has a link to a schedule for the occasional markets. That might be your best bet. Hope this helps! https://marjorierwilliams.com/resources/
As many times as I have been to Paris I have not gone to the flea markets and this next trip I will. Your tips are very helpful and make an overwhelming experience seem less so.
Merci Madame Williams