Le Marché Belleville is all the rage these days in Paris. The Belleville market takes place at the intersection of four arrondissements (the 10th, 11th, 19th, and 20th) and similarly represents the intersection of multiple cultures. Asian, Middle Eastern, and African specialties abound–visible by the herbs and spices, the different languages overheard, and the dress of those whose come here.
Many seek out the Belleville Market for its bargains. Indeed the prices are considerably lower than at most other Parisian markets, whether you’re shopping for vegetables, fruits, spices, fish, or fabrics. And they decline even further as the market nears closing time.
If you’re looking for a calm and leisurely market experience, the Belleville Market is not the one for you. But if you want to experience one of the most exhilarating markets which represents the multicultural diversity that is Paris today, don’t miss it. Marché Belleville is lively and fast-paced. Once you enter the stream of shoppers, just go with the flow. You’ll be carried along by the crowd and occasionally jostled but that’s all part of the fun.
Details:
Le Marché Belleville
Blvd de Belleville, 11th arrondissement.
Belleville, Couronnes, Ménilmonant
Open Tuesday & Friday 8 am to 1:30 pm
(See pp. 148-149 in Markets of Paris, 2nd ed.)
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6 comments. Leave new
Dear Pat, Asian and Eastern ‘things’ have been part of Europe since Europe got civilised after learning from the East and Africa. This is the hidden history of Europe and especially France. There is no such item as France or Italy thing. Just as there is no such thing as North American without Native American, Latino, Afro-American, Asian, German, French, Polish, Irish, Indian, Pakistani things. The purpose of travel is to learn not to confirm to your prejudices.
Nice photography though.
Thanks!
Oh God, not this type again. I’m from a major North American city. I don’t need to or want to see this kind of multicultural (esp. Asian/Eastern) thing when I travel. For France, I want to see FRENCH things, Italy – Italian things, etc.
But France today is multicultural. And that adds to the vibrancy.
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