Flower and Bird Market
The flower market is Monday through Saturday while Sunday is for the birds. It’s probably not practical to take home bulbs, bonsai trees, or bird seed, but I have always found uniquely French garden and pet knick-knacks to be perfect souvenirs for friends back home. It’s hard not to find the market – it’s right on Île de la Cité between Notre Dame and St. Chapelle/Conciergerie at the Cite métro stop. We always stop here on The Traveling Professor's small group tours to Paris.
Les Bouquinistes (Booksellers)
When the tourists come out, so do the booksellers. From their green boxes lining the stone walls of the Seine River, the main trade is old books, magazines, posters, and prints. Most of the 250 or so vendors have expanded their inventory to include large picture books, postcards, mini-Eiffel Towers and other remembrances of Paris.
Brocantes
Second-hand markets pop up randomly all over the place, usually on weekends. It’s nearly impossible to tell when and where they will be held far in advance, but banners and posters along the streets announce an upcoming sale. The merchandise quality and the merchandise itself varies wildly, but I enjoy browsing and bargaining with the vendors. I found one near the Arsenal Marina near the Bastille and there is one held on a regular basis outside of St. Sulpice church.
For more Paris travel information including The Traveling Professor's small group tours to Paris, see www.travelingprofessor.com