5 of the Best Paris Markets Open Friday

Friday is a sweet spot of a weekday to browse and shop the Paris markets. Vendors’ stalls are well stocked in anticipation of shoppers who want to lay in provisions before the weekend begins, and the aisles are easier to navigate than they will be on Saturday and Sunday when markets are more crowded. Everyone seems to be in good spirits with the weekend within arm’s reach. Admittedly, it’s pretty ridiculous to narrow the list to 5 since there are many terrific neighborhood markets that are open on Friday. But I’ve challenged myself to identify only a handful of markets across different neighborhoods in Paris that stand out for different reasons. Here are some of the best that are open on Friday:

3 of the Best Food (and other items) Markets Open Friday in Paris:

• Le Marché Raspail (6th arrondissement on boulevard Raspail between rue de Rennes and rue du Cherche-Midi), Métro: Rennes. This is the regular Raspail market, and not the organic market that takes place in the same location on Sundays. If you want to try foie gras, look for the Lafitte stand where the kindly monsieur offers samples.

• Le Marché Belleville (11th arr. on rue du Faubourg du Temple), Métro: Belleville, Couronnes, or Ménilmontant. The atmosphere is different from the markets in central Paris, and the prices (especially for large quantities) are hard to beat.

• Le Marché Auguste-Blanqui (13th arr. on boulevard Auguste-Blanqui from place d’Italie to rue Barrault), Métro: Place d’Italie. This market extends over several blocks and offers a variety of ready-to-eat ethnic foods.

2 of the Best Specialty Markets Open Friday in Paris:

• Flower Market (4th arr. on place Louis Lépine in l’Île de la Cité), Métro: Cité. Fresh-cut flowers and blooming plants come in dazzling colors.

• Fabric Market (Le Marché Saint Pierre in the 18th arr.), Métro: Barbès-Rochechouart. Fabrics, buttons, and trimmings galore.

In addition to these markets, the market streets in Paris are open on Friday. That includes Rue Mouffetard, with a usually vibrant café scene around place de la Contrescarpe, and many others.  The covered markets in Paris are another attractive option. Unfortunately, the major flea/antiques markets in Paris (Clignancourt/Saint-Ouen and Porte de Vanves) are not open Friday. However, there are clusters of antiques shops where treasure might lurk, such as Saint-Paul Antiques Village, and shops and galleries in the 6th and 7th arrondissements that specialize in antique furnishings and art. The major gourmet food halls are also open on Friday. You won’t go hungry or without ample diversion. Enjoy exploring!

 Related Posts:

5 Reasons to Shop the Market Streets of Paris

7 of the Best Covered Markets in Paris

Best Gourmet Food Halls in Paris

Paris’s Best Antiques Markets