The Traveling Professor loves to take his travelers from his small group tours to Paris to the market. Here are some favorites.
Les Puces de Paris
This is the mother of all flea markets. Located on the fringe of the city, it might just be the largest in the world. Open Saturday through Monday from 7:30 am to 6 p.m. It is enormous, but savvy flea market shoppers go to the smaller market at Porte de Vanves. Métro: Porte de Clingancourt. Website: www.marcheauxpuces-saintouen.com.
Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves
I prefer this more manageable flea market and the vendors at les Puces de Paris can often be found here buying merchandise for their larger market. Open weekend mornings. Located on avenue Georges Lafenestre & avenue Marc Sangnier. Métro: Porte de Vanves.
Specialty Markets
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.
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 some reason, vendors at these markets are particularly camera-shy. Be discreet if taking photos and expect a few colorful French expressions if you get caught.