5 Best Flea Markets in Paris

Also known as Clignancourt Flea Market, Saint-Ouen Flea Market covers 7 hectares and is often described as the largest antique market in the world. From jewellery to furniture and from clothing to household equipment, the list of second-hand goods that can be found at this popular fair goes on and on. To make it short, Saint-Ouen Flea Market is a bargain hunter’s dreams come true. It’s a crowded place, though, so be wary of pickpockets.

Porte de Vanves Flea Market is a genuine street market with around 200 stalls, held every weekend on Avenue Marc Sangnier and Avenue Georges Lafenestre. Stallholders are not too pushy, so this quaint market has the same pleasant atmosphere as a yard sale. Finding valuable fine antiques is more the exception than the rule here, but vintage everyday objects and curiosities are aplenty. Get there early to secure the best buys.

Established in 1860, Montreuil Flea Market is one of the oldest flea markets in Paris. You’ll find an impressive array of goods here, including (but are not limited to) mechanical spare parts, old and new clothes, antique glassware, and kitchen utensils. It’s a really good place to find interesting junk and oddities at rock-bottom prices, after haggling, but beware of pickpockets.

The Dauphine Market (Marché Dauphine) is among the largest covered markets in the city. Spanning 3,000 square metres, it has more than 150 dealers selling almost everything under the sun. Here you'll find such eclectic offerings as jewellery, watches, antique and contemporary furniture, classic and contemporary art from sculptures to paintings to photos and drawings, vinyl records, cassettes, CDs, vintage and collectable books, and the staple of every flea market—vintage fashion.

Besides the dealers spread over 2 floors, the Marché Dauphine has a travel agency within its area as well as a gourmet bistro to grab a quick bite and an exhibit hall with rotating displays. It's about 35 minutes north of the city centre.

Paris riverside booksellers (Les bouquinistes de Paris) is a gigantic open-air bookshop right along the banks of the Seine that offers a unique cultural and literary experience. It's so large it spans the river. On the Right Bank, it runs from Quai du Louvre to Pont Marie, and on the Left Bank, it runs from Quai Voltaire fo Quai de la Tournelle. It offers over 225 booksellers and nearly 300,000 books ranging from medieval treasures to current bestsellers, nonfiction and coffee-table tomes.

This bookseller is an integral part of the Paris cultural landscape. Not only can you find hidden treasures, but you're also sure to take home memories of the sights, touches and smells of the literary scene.