flea markets in Paris

Not so that you'd want to rely on it. In fact, the flea market vendors are really old school French. But don't let that stop you from going. The Clingancourt market is huge and fun. It takes a little patience to find it from the Metro but once you do it's amazing.

At the more touristy markets - rue Mouffetard and Place Monge, you won't have trouble finding people who speak a little bit of English.

Agreed that in the big markets (like St-Ouen de Clignancourt) there will be quite a few folks around who speak english. Actually that place is so huge I would expect that you could find people who speak every language on the planet!

I've found in the smaller weekend neighborhood markets, however, that the vendors are mostly older folks who may not speak much english. But they are masters of negotiating in sign language, notes on paper, a few shared words, etc.

So bottom line is english or not, it's pretty easy to communicate, haggle and buy! Have fun!

St Ouen has over 200 vendors. Don't worry they speak English. They want your business.

thank you all for your helpful information. I won't worry, just go and have a great time :)
Cathie