Marché Président Wilson in Paris

Interested in exploring a market in Paris that combines high-quality goods with a relaxed ambiance and an elegant neighborhood? If so, one can’t do much better than Marché Président Wilson. It springs to life each Saturday and Wednesday morning in the posh 16^th arrondissement.

Market stalls extend for several blocks along avenue Président Wilson, their trestle tables brimming with—depending on the season—crisp apples and pears, juicy melons, artichokes, ripe berries, tomatoes, cheeses, breads, olives, dried fruits, gleaming fish, wine, and much more.

If you’re hungry and want something that’s easy to chow down immediately, try a sweet or savory crêpe that will send your eyes rolling to the back of your head, or Lebanese flatbreads sprinkled with herb toppings.

One of the most renowned vendors, Joël Thiébault, whom I’ve written about in this blog before and featured in Markets of Paris, no longer sells at this market (he’s consulting and doing other foodie gigs), but the stand is now run by a protégé, Valdemar Barreira, who continues to sell exceptional salad greens, heirloom tomatoes, carrots, and other vegetables and herbs that are grown on a farm in Carrières-sur-Seine. Their produce sells out, so don’t wait until the last minute…

There’s plenty that’s tempting besides food. You can find clothing, scarves, children’s dresses, and linens with sunny Provençal prints. A flower stand overflows with roses and ranunculi that dazzle like origami.

Vendors at this market are genial and the mood is pleasant even though it can get crowded, especially on Saturdays. Regular shoppers make a beeline to their favorite sellers. If you want low prices, go elsewhere. But if you’re in the mood to experience an upscale Parisian neighborhood at its liveliest, then Marché Président Wilson is an excellent choice.

I recommend combining market excursions with sightseeing, and that’s especially easy to do with this market’s location. Several cultural highlights lie in close proximity. The market is flanked by Palais de Tokyo (contemporary art museum) and the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris (modern art museum) on one side, and Palais Galliera (fashion museum) on the opposite side of the street.

Saunter through the market in the morning to see it at its freshest and fullest. Pick up picnic provisions while you’re there. Then explore the rest of the neighborhood. Near the Pont de l’Alma is a golden sculpture called “Flame of Liberty” which has become an unofficial memorial to Princess Diana. Or walk up to place du Trocadéro where the sprawling terrace of the Palais de Chaillot affords spectacular views (and iconic photos) of the Eiffel Tower and Paris skyline. For the garden and fountains, wend your way down the staircase and through the gauntlet of sellers hawking souvenirs. Or cross the Seine to the grassy Champ de Mars. Wherever you end up, find a comfortable to place to dig into the market goodies while they’re still fresh and a smidge warm.

Details:

Le Marché Président Wilson runs along avenue du Président Wilson from place d’Iéna to rue Debrousse in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. It is open on Saturday and Wednesday, from about 8 am to 1 pm. Closest Métro: Iéna or Alma-Marceau.  For more, see pp. 214-219 in Markets of Paris, 2^nd ed.

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