Paris Flea-Markets- Marché aux Puces

I love the Paris flea- markets, and always plan a trip to Paris on the days the market takes place, as a trip to Paris would be incomplete without a day spent visiting the market. The diversity of personalities, stall keepers and products for sale, some more antique than others, makes it unmissable. The term flea market originated with the French marché aux puces. It translates as market of the fleas and refers to the flea-infested used clothing that was sold. Well, hopefully the fleas are a thing of the past but the markets still continue and are gaining in popularity as second-hand, vintage or pre-loved are totally on-trend. The weekend flea market Paris is one of the very best in France, in terms of the size and the eclectic nature of its wares. Its a little off the beaten track, which makes it even more worthwhile visiting. In my opinion, off- the beaten track is always the best way to see a city! 

The history of the flea market dates back over two centuries, when rag and bone men scoured through the garbage of Paris at night to find valuable junk to sell on. They were called crocheteurs or pickers. The romantic term was pêcheurs de lune'or fishermen for the moon. Many tried setting up temporary stalls within the Paris walls in sleazy neighbourhoods, but because these districts were full of pickpockets and thieves, they were chased out of the city walls to Clignancourt, Montreuil and Vanves. All of which continue to trade today.

The rag and bone men gathered outside the walls of Paris at the Porte de Clignancourt and set up temporary stalls. Eventually, they formed groups of stalls to attract more customers. The more enterprising traders began to trade up in terms of goods and eventually it became popular for Parisian collectors and antique dealers to shop there for bargains. 

In 1885, authorities in the town of Saint Ouen made a significant move to pave the streets and clean up the area, marking the official starting year of Les Puces. Several areas were designated as official market areas and a fee had to be paid to set up a stall there. The markets grew until Monsieur Romain Vernaison transformed the land, he owned into a series of covered huts which was to be called Marché Vernaison. This was followed by an Albanian named Malik who bought a restaurant on Rue Jules Vallès and transformed the building into 100 stalls which formed the Malik market. The Marché du Biron was formed in 1925, with two long rows of stalls and is known as one of the more expensive markets. Marché Jules Vallès was created in 1938 which is a smaller covered flea square market. Over time additional markets have been added including the Marché Dauphine, which is the largest covered market of the Saint-Ouen flea market. Now the market spans for miles and consists of 14 different markets.

On Saturday’s, Sunday’s and Monday mornings, Marché aux Puces de Clignancourt or Paris St-Ouen flea market is one of the most popular flea markets in the country with nearly a quarter of a million visitors annually. This market is well known for vendors that sell just about anything. The best way to get to the market is by metro on Line 4 the stop is the Porte de Clignancourt. The market and the neighbourhood are very colourful, don’t wear your best clothes, always wear comfortable shoes as you walk a lot and don't take valuables with you. The 18th arrondissement, where the market is located is in a less affluent part of Paris and the market gets very crowded. You can safely stroll around here during the day but you do need to watch your wallet and handbag. I prefer to go quite early in the morning. 

The Rue des Rosiers is the main street which you walk down in order to go into the separate markets. The individual markets tend to run into each other and there are also some Art Deco and antique shops, along the way. The various markets specialize in different items and I have listed these for you below. I enjoy browsing the markets which are more Bric-à-Brac and Marché Vernaison for textiles, paintings and furniture. You can get lost wandering down the alleyways so do try to remember landmarks. Marché Jules Vallès has the reputation of being the cheapest and the most picturesque market sells antiques postcards, posters and smaller items. Antique enthusiasts can rejoice in bargain-hunting without fuss in these iconic old- fashioned stalls and antiques shops. It promises countless surprises and unusual finds. The Paris market is more expensive than the other markets in France.

The different markets are below:

The Antica Market-Located in a stylish and elegant gallery, this market has a dozen stands and offers paintings, bronze, porcelain and Art Deco style goods.

The Biron Market-220 Antiques and Art dealers offer luxury goods, jewellery, furniture, paintings, mirrors, light fixtures.

The Cambo Market-A small market consisting of 20 different stands across two floors, where you’ll find high-quality restored furniture and works of art

The Dauphine Market-Inaugurated in 1991, this is the newest but also the largest market, with 180 merchants spread across two floors. You can find classic antiques dating back to the 18th and the 19th century as well as items from the 20th century. Its most eclectic market of the Flea market.

The Le Passage Market-Linking the Rue Lécuyer to Rue Jules Vallès. There are a variety of items available for sale antique, but this market is mainly geared towards vintage clothes.

The Malassis Market-This covered market will send you back in time with its original, innovative architecture. You can find antiques dealers, decorators, themed shops, collectors and jewellery.

The Malik Market-This market has sportswear and trendy clothing. Hipsters find trendy Parisian fashion, vintage and old uniforms, think Camden Market.

The Vernaison Market-It offers the largest number of stands: furniture, ancient toys, glassware and vintage clothing.

The Paul Bert Market-This market is popular with interior decorators across the world offering industrial and antique furniture.

The Serpette Market-This market has an upper-class clientele and offers high-end antiques like silverware and table decorations.

The Entrepôt Market-The market offers unique items such as staircases, bookcases, woodwork, castle gates.

The Rues Market-This is like a jumble sale, where people lay their goods out on the ground. You’ll also find some unusual items throughout these stands and boutiques with vintage clothes and furniture. It’s great for rummaging.

Maps are available and it is possible to take a tour of the markets with an experienced antique buyer if you are worried about exploring on your own. Various companies offer this service. Check out the website below, they also have some great advice about the market.

www.parisperfect.com/tour/paris-flea-market-tour

The markets have been closed but are due to re-open this weekend, if you need more details see the link below.

https://uk.tourisme93.com/saint-ouen-clignancourt-flea-market-access-and-opening-times.html