Best Flea Markets in France: Paris
There are flea markets all over the French capital. You can find anything you want there, from authentic European antiques and classical furniture to fake watches and the latest sneakers. The three main flea markets in Paris, however, are the Marché aux Puces de Montreuil in the 20th arrondissement to the east, the Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves near Montparnasse to the south, and the massive Puces de Saint-Ouen just outside Montmartre to the north.
Visiting one of these three markets is an essential part of any trip to Paris, just like visiting the Louvre. Once you have mastered the metro, you can see the best of them in a day of intensive shopping. Then spend the next day exploring Paris’s antique neighbourhoods, which are known for their high density of antique shops. Examples include the Carré Rive Gauche and the Village Saint-Paul, a quaint neighbourhood full of antique shops in the Marais district.
Marché aux Puces de Clignancourt (Paris St-Ouen flea market)
The Saint-Ouen flea market in Paris has a long history of market trading. Originally, the market was home to rag-and-bone men. They lived outside the city’s borders and were known as “pêcheurs de lune,” or “moon fishermen.” This name comes from their habit of searching through people’s trash at night and selling the items in their stalls during the day.
In the late 19th century, these traders came together to form the largest and most famous flea market in Paris. Nowadays, the Puces de Clignancourt attracts between 120,000 and 180,000 visitors every weekend.
The Saint-Ouen flea market, also known as the Clignancourt flea market, consists of no fewer than twelve different flea markets. Among them are many indoor flea markets with a total of a couple thousand stalls. The seven-hectare market is the largest antique market in the world. It’s pretty much impossible to leave Porte de Clignancourt without at least a few goodies.
We recommend first heading to the Marché Vernaison flea market on Rue des Rosiers for narrow alleyways full of collectibles and antiques like kitchenware, books, and table lamps. Or, if you are feeling flush, Marché Dauphin flea market on the same street offers some upmarket jewelry and ornate antique furniture.
Read our full review of the Paris Saint Ouen – Porte de Clignancourt Flea Market to come fully prepared, as the sheer size of the market can be overwhelming.
Porte de Clignancourt flea market is on metro line 4.
Where: Marché aux Puces Porte de Clignancourt, 140 Rue des Rosiers 93400 Saint-Ouen, France
When: Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. > Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. > Monday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Read: Full review of the Paris Saint Ouen – Porte de Clignancourt Flea Market
Paris’ Puces de Vanves Flea Market
This Parisian weekend flea market, located near the Porte de Vanves metro stop, is one of the best brocantes in France. It is impressive in both size and the eclectic nature of its wares. On Saturday and Sunday mornings, more than 300 vendors set up at the Puces de Vanves flea market and stay open until around 1 p.m., though a few may stay open later.
Some display their goods attractively on tables, while others simply pile them on blankets on the ground. You can find just about anything at this flea market, including items from many regions of France and faraway places — which is not surprising, given Paris’s international character.
At the Vanves flea market, one can expect to see paintings, ceramics, silver, art deco, the 60s, and 70s items, linens, books, militaria, kitchenware, and vintage clothing – among many other collectibles – at prices that run the gamut. Puces de Vanves might not be the most scenic flea market in Paris, but the tree-lined street has its charm. Puces de Porte de Vanves is a flea market for people keen to buy rather than just sight-see.
Where: Ave Marc Sangnier & Ave Georges Lafenstre, 14th Paris (Metro Porte de Vanves)
When: Open Saturday & Sunday 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Read: Full review of the Vanves Flea Market
Montreuil Flea Market
Established in the 19th century, the Montreuil flea market is one of the oldest flea markets in Paris and it still has the air of a traditional brocante. There are about 500 stalls at this Parisian flea market and it is known as the best place to pick up some distinctly Parisian pre-loved clothing.
Picking your way through vintage fashion, vintage products, vintage images, vintage style dresses, garbled French, aged crockery, faded but fantastic jewelry, rumpled yet grand furniture Gallic, unique vintage, hip-hop, and exotic food, it’s hard not to get drawn in.
The Montreuil flea market is a good place to find vintage and second-hand items, however, if you are looking for high-end antiques, then there are better places to go than Montreuil.
Where: Avenue du Professeur André Lemierre / Place de la Porte de Montreuil, 75020 Paris, France (Subway: M° Porte de Montreuil, line 9 )
When: Saturday and Sunday 07:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Antique shopping in Paris is arguably one of the best ways to get to know the French capital, as it leads you to the big markets on the outskirts of town as well as into quaint little shops in the center of Paris. Have a look at our 3-day itinerary for antique shopping in Paris. We’ve compiled the best addresses for you on a map!