The Paris Traveler

Ten Street Markets in Paris

by Lynn on June 27th, 2007

One of the great things about living in Paris are all the different markets; from food to flowers, or books to stamps, there’s sure to be a market in Paris selling just what you’re looking for. Picking the best ones however is almost an impossible task; I may love one because of the carnival atmosphere and the friendly vendors, or another because of the superb quality and the reasonable prices. So let me just give you a few interesting places to shop. 

1.  Marché Rue de Buci. This is one of my favorites, not just because it’s in the 6e, but the ambiance is great with a number of small cafes and boutiques to visit before or after your shopping excursion. You get a wide variety of fresh produce, including seafood. Well-known caterers are here and scrumptous pastry shops! There’s something to please anyone and everyone’s palate. Open daily. M° Mabillon, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Odéon

2.  Marché Raspail. It’s also in the 6e, but with a different atmosphere. A bit more chic, you may be rubbing elbows picking your fruit or cheese with the likes of Carole Bouquet or Vincent Lindon. The market is open Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays and has a large section of organic produce, but it’s also one of the most expensive markets in Paris. M° Saint-Placide, Rennes, Sèvres-Babylone

3. Marché de Neuilly. This market happens to be the favorite of several of my friends. It’s right outside of Paris, but very easy to get to. Hugette has been going every Sunday for years although she lives in the 16e. It has a great selection of legumes and flowers, and bric à brac nearby as well. Open every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. M° Sablons

4. Marché Batignolles. Looking for organic food, then you’ve come to the right place. This market is located in the 17e and has around 70 vendors each Saturday morning from 9h30 to 13h30. I suggest coming early, vendors love to inform their customers about the products they’re selling and you’ll have time to enjoy the area. The Square Batignolles is a great little park to unwind. M° Rome, Place de Clichy

5. Marché Rond-Point des Champs Elysées. Stamp collectors will love this stamp market under the trees where you can buy or trade stamps, phone cards, and post-cards with dealers or other private collectors. Whatever you happen to be missing, or a stamp from whatever country you may need in your collection, you very well may find it right here. They’re open Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. M° Franklin-D-Roosevelt, Champs-Elysées Clémenceau

6. Marché Quai de la Corse. Located on the Ile de la Cité this flower market has one of the famous Fontaine Wallace in its midst. Whether you’re looking for a plant, shrub, flower, or tree for your apartment, this is the place to be. It’s open daily from 8h to 19h, however on Sundays it becomes a bird market. M° Cite, Hôtel de Ville, Châtelet

7. Marché aux Puces. As I have already devoted an entire post to this flea market, which happens to be the largest in the world, you can link here for more details.

8. Marché au Parc George Brassens. I can spend an entire day here just looking through books old and new. Each week-end about 60 to 80 booksellers display their goods to the delight of all book lovers! You can find a real treasure here, such as old books dating back to the early 1800’s, first editions, out of print hard to find collector’s items and more! Open Saturday and Sunday from 9h to 18h. M° Porte de Vanves.

9.  Marché d’Art et Création.  Not only is this quartier great for cafes, restaurants, and cinemas; every Sunday there are close to 130 artist who display their work near the base of the Montparnasse Tower.  Not only do you meet the artist, you can also negociate the price.  (Depending on the artist, of course!) The market is open from 9h to 19h. M°Edgar Quinet

10.  Marché Belleville-Ménilmontant.  This is one of the most popular markets in Paris.  It has just about everything and everyone.  Blacks, Whites, Arabs, Jews, Orientals, you name it; everyone mingles in this souk type atmosphere.  The odors, the colors, the bartering are all a part of the tableau.  Open Tuesdays and Fridays from 7h to 14h30.  M° Belleville

I know there are so many more I could have written about like the Marché Mouffetard on the Rue Mouffetard or the Marché Ternes which specializes in flowers, but as I already said, there are just too many to list! 

Photo Credits: Flickr 

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POSTED IN: Family Fun, Food & Beverage, Fun & Quirky Places, Getting Around, Great Walks, Outdoor Activites, Shopping, Things To See & Do, Travel Tips