I would like to visit a flea market while in Paris, however, we only have time in our itinerary for one. Interests are porcelain, antique art, etc. Not interested in jewelry or clothing. Which market would you suggest and why? Is the pricing similar in all the flea markets? Is haggling expected or no?
Posted by
Massachusetts
1321 posts
Here is a useful blog about flea markets in Paris
https://www.parisperfect.com/plan-your-trip/things-to-see/markets/paris-flea-markets.php
Posted by
Chicago
8967 posts
I have yet to see a bargain in the big fleas. They are the weekend market at Vavin which is small and at st Ouen which is the big flea market with items ranging from antiques (I found the art deco ice bucket of my dreams for only 1500 Euros -- alas don't have it) to rugs to art to glassware and porcelain. Cheap clothing is found in a ring around this market but the regular vendors of nicer things is inside and a warren of shops. This is the one worth going to with your interests. If you are buying several things you could see how haggling goes.
there are genuine garage sale type events called 'vide grenier' which pop up here and there and you see signs advertising them. Last year I bought 4 really nice old Champagne flutes quite different than anything I could get in the US for 15 Euro -- it cost me more to buy the plastic kitchen storage boxes I used to transport them in my luggage than the glasses. Years ago I got a wonderful art deco design watch from the early days of battery watches at a vide grenier for 10 Euro. They assured me it would work if I put a new battery in and I did and it does and it is lovely. I also have gotten interesting necklaces at Vavin and at Vide Greniers. But most of what you will see at those is true junk. I went to a couple of fleas hoping to find toys for a visiting grandchild and they were both expensive and trash. For about 25 Euro I got a toy stroller, doll, pottery tea set, knock off duplos and a bag of plastic farm animals at Tati the cut rate department store which is alas no more.
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
1885 posts
My experience is that it takes a lot of effort to find really good stuff in Paris, and the prices tend to be somewhat seasonal. This is a link to the best antique/art/etc market I've found, but it's only twice a year. https://www.foiredechatou.com/en/
You may have more luck outside the city. https://maryannesfrance.com/things-to-do/shopping/markets/best-brocante-and-flea-market-fairs-in-france/
Posted by
Michigan
38 posts
Agree with JanetTravels.
If you're really into the "flea market" thing, you should go to the Grande Braderie in Lille...first weekend of September. It's just amazing. There's something for everyone. Streets and streets of people and organizations and businesses selling everything from vintage kitchen ware, to textiles of all sorts, to bits and bobs and books, to real antiques.
A lot of the smaller towns around France will have weekend flea markets, too.
So much fun to browse, haggle, and interact.
Posted by
Munich
663 posts
I always had a great time visiting the 'Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen' when I was in Paris. Yes, it was expensive, and there was certainly a lot of junk, but it had a fantastic atmosphere.
Posted by
Boston
257 posts
The "V's" are getting to Janet :)
She means Vanves, not Vavin. Vanves is a nice flea market.
There's also one at the Marché d'Aligre, but I usually see mostly junk there.
Posted by
Chicago
8967 posts
Absolutely right. Vavin is a metro near Montparnasse and Vanves is the flea market at the Porte de Vanves metro stop of the
13 metro. Sorry.
Posted by
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
4103 posts
I enjoy a quick walk Saturday through the junque on sale at Place d'Aligre in the 12th, paying more attention to the array of food stalls in the covered market and adjoining streets. The nearby Baron Rouge is as authentic a wine cafe as you can find, where the locals bring their jugs for refills. It serves charcuterie for lunch and closes mid-afternoon for the staff's own refreshments of meat and drink.