Flea Markets
Vanves Flea Market
— This one is smaller and easier to navigate. There are around 200 stall holders. These markets date back over 200 years. Prices are quite reasonable and you can expect to find smaller scale items than the other stalls at 'Marche aux Puces' who specialise in some great furniture items. If you're on the lookout for something like a delicate 'eau de cologne' bottle or something a little more eccentric like a 18th century dollhouse, ancient coins or pop posters, head here. Most stall holders will only accept cash but this gives you some bargaining power.
Afterwards make your way to the Paul Bert Bistro.
M: Port de Vanves Open Saturday and Sunday
www.pucesdeparis-portedevanves.com
Ave Marc Sangnier and Ave Georges Lafenestre, 14th Paris
Malik Market
— Young people congregate here in search of a bargain. There's a huge selection of clothes with some vintage pieces if you look hard enough.
53, rue Jules Vallès, 93400 Saint-Ouen
Marché aux Puces
— No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to these famous markets.
There are several different arcades and markets (listed below) in the rue des Rosiers and surroundings streets. But don’t miss a wonder through the Paul Bert and Biron for wonderful ‘shabby’ chic items; oversized French clocks, contemporary and industrial furniture pieces, art deco furniture, chandeliers and the list goes on.
These markets are huge (over 7 hectares) you could easily spend two whole days scouting. Most dealers will export and don’t forget to negotiate. If you can bring cash always a better tool than credit cards and some of the smaller ones don’t except cards.
Start early, browse for bargain then lunch at a wonderful bistro in rue Paul Bert.
The markets listed below are open :
Saturday 8.30am to 6.30pm
Sunday and Monday 10am to 5.30pm (several, but not all close for lunch 12-2pm)
Dauphine – for a genuine antique item
Vernaison – one of the more casual markets, friendly, lots of bric-a-brac
Malik – young people head here for ‘moins cher’ items, leather, makeup etc
Antica – a sophisticated marke with elegant and beautiful tapestries and antiques
Biron – top interior decorators head here in search of items for their latest project
Cambo – Over two floors you’ll find an array of dealers including vintage clothing
Serpette – In a former Citroën garage lots of art nouveau pieces
L’Entrepot – fireplaces staircases, bookcases and garden gates.
M: Porte de Clignancourt.
www.parispuces.com
avenue Georges Lafenestre & ave Marc Sangnier, 75014
Marché d'Aligre
— This is a real Parisian market that won't disappoint. It opened in 1777 and is often crowded with locals hunting for a treasure or two plus fresh food, flowers, spices and the brocante. Take note of opening hours as I got it wrong twice!
Hours: Tues. - Sat., 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 to 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
M: Ledru Rollin
marchedaligre.free.fr
Place d'Aligre, 75012
Puces de Montreuil
— Very popular with tourists but bargains can always be found. Lots of food stalls and a great atmosphere to wonder around even if you don't feel like shopping.
M: Porte de Montreuil
Saturday, Sunday, Monday, 7am - 7.30pm
Avenue du Professeur-André-Lemierre