Shop Till You Drop – The Best Flea Markets In Paris

By Author: Seenu Mathew
Total Articles: 32

Paris, the ‘City of Lights’ is known for the iconic Eiffel Tower, its many art galleries and museums, for its wonderful culinary and dining options and renowned avenues and monuments. It is also one of the fashion capitals of the world and boasts of a number of high-end fashion stores selling haute couture. While shopping in these places may not fit into everyone’s budget, one type of shopping that you can definitely indulge in during your Europe tour packages is shopping in Paris’ famous flea markets. These markets, found in the city and its outskirts are called ‘Marché aux Puces’ or market of fleas. Here are the top ones you should definitely head to:

Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen:

The Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen is also called Clignancourt or simply Les Puces by locals. It is the most famous flea market in Paris and the largest flea market in the world, spread out over 7 hectares. It was first organised into a proper market in 1885 and is located just outside the 18th arrondissement. The market is divided into different sections, though it can be quite difficult to say where one section starts and another one begins. Here you can shop for stylish vintage clothes, great antiques, pictures and silver.

Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves

The Porte de Vanves flea market may not be as pretty a sight as Les Puces, but many consider it to be better in terms of the variety of things available. It opens up on the weekends and you’ll be hard pressed to think of something you can’t find here. From paintings and ceramics to silver and books, art deco, kitchenware, linens and vintage clothing are all available. Have a pet obsession? The Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves also specialises in all kinds of collectibles.

Marché aux Puces d’Aligre:

The location of the Marché aux Puces d’Aligre is quite central and is easily accessible from different parts of Paris. The market is relatively quite tiny and situated right within a food and vegetable market. Here you can pick up some wonderful vintage clothes and accessories from various style decades. Books and kitchenware are also available, but the clothes and trinkets are definitely the star of the show. Pick what you like from various piles and make sure you haggle.

Vintage clothes, cool collectibles, old out-of-print books or some kitschy silverware – what will you be bringing home from Paris when you return from your Europe tour packages?