I love a good flea market anywhere in the world, but there’s something about these Parisian flea markets that sets my Francophile/treasure hunter heart aflutter. Whether you’re looking for a vintage fur stole or a mid-century clock, you’re sure to find something to fit your taste at one of these three marvelous marchés aux puces (French for “flea markets”).
Les Puces de Saint-Ouen at Porte de Clingancourt
Metro: Porte de Clingancourt
Hours: Saturday from 9a.m.-6p.m., Sunday from 10a.m.-6p.m., Monday from 11a.m.-5p.m.
Officially called Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, the marché aux puces at the Porte de Clingancourt is, by far, the most famous flea market in Paris. Les Puces covers seven hectares, making it the largest antique market in the world. Be prepared for crowds: Les Puces is known to attract between 120,000 and 180,000 visitors each weekend. Some of the vendors here have had their stalls for decades, and offer a dazzling array of vintage and antique items. I have personally found some beautiful vintage jewelry boxes and other small (packable!) household items there over the years.
Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves
Metro: Porte de Vanves
Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 7a.m.-1p.m.
If you’re a fan of art deco and mid-century aesthetics (or older antiques), you’ll find plenty of tempting things at the Puces de Vanves. Vanves is smaller and tends to be less crowded than Clingancourt, which makes for a more relaxing visit. I’ve purchased my fair share of hand-tooled leather photo albums, books, and vintage teacups here over the years.
Marché Serpet et Marché Paul Bert
Metro: Porte de Clingancourt, Garibaldi
Hours: Saturday from 9am-6pm, Sunday from 10a.m.-6p.m., Monday from 11a.m.-5p.m.
Specializing in upscale antiques and collectibles, Marché Serpet and Marché Paul Bert are located near Les Puces de Saint-Ouen. If you’re looking for antique and vintage furniture and housewares, this is the place to go. The stall owners are very well-respected and knowledgeable. My favorite purchase from the Marché Paul Bert is a midcentury horse statuette that graces my dresser to this day.
Happy hunting!
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