Paris flea markets

I've been to the one at Clignancourt (also called St. Ouen) twice. It's interesting, lots of stuff to see, but it's just massive. It takes a while to get there, so factor that in. I think its best for people with high interest in specific things, like old posters, etc.

I've been to the one at Clignancourt many times, and really liked it, but had to walk through a lot of area I didn't like first - kinda low life area for lack of a better description, with guys trying to get your attention to sell their junk. Once I got into the heart of the market, I loved it. But it is huge. They sell everything you can possibly imagine. I went to the Vanves flea market last July and thought it was great. No sleaze, no one trying to get your attention. It wasn't big compared to Clignancourt but it was all great stuff for good prices.

We have gone to Paris for over 20 years and at first we went to Clignancourt, but then French friends told us that Porte de Vanves was best. We now go there every time we are in Paris. Love it. I have a collection of hand -colored french postcards and always pick up a lot there and my husband picks up photo stuff. They have everything. Metro is porte de vanves. Times ...Saturday and Sunday opens 8 AM.. get there early.They have wonderful paintings and old jewelry... great prices,too. Much more reasonable than Clignancourt. Also right across the street from where you exit the metro there is a nice little cafe, so if you need a break or get tired, it is a nice place for a drink, dessert, or sandwich.

I too had wanted to go to a Paris flea market for a long time, but was put off by various things I read about Clignancourt - and it seemed a bit out of the way. I went to Vanves last time I was there and liked it a lot. Easy to get to, friendly, local scene, no pressure. (it wasn't super cheap though - as nothing in Paris is!)