Markets in Paris

The best approach is to greet the shopkeeper or stall owner in French, with a smile, of course, and be able to ask in French how much for their wares. I had trouble our first trip because I didn't learn the numbers like I should have. Many will know English but always, repeat ALWAYS, start off your greeting in French. They will know you are a tourist and may not actually bargain over prices.

People usually don't bargain in French markets. I've lived in France on and off for 30+ years and haven't noticed bargaining as part of the culture. However, some people here in the States say you can bargain for anything anywhere, even in the US. If you have those talents, go for it.

What Bets said. France ain't Lebanon or Viet Nam.

We stay at a studio in the 9th. There is a good general market there on Friday. Marché Anvers Located on the Place d'Anvers, facing # 2-10, and Avenue Trudaine (across from #15-17) Open Fridays. We were there around 10:30 and bought rotisserie chicken, cooked potatoes (in butter and garlic), salad makins', fresh bread, melon and strawberries, and had a wonderful lunch for 22-25Euro and had enough left over for another meal.
Metro: Anvers

Totally agree with Ed and Bets. I think it would be thought insulting, especially since it would be obvious that you are not of the neighbourhood.

I have not tried to bargain in Paris, so can't speak to that, but I have bargained in markets in other cities, such as Metz. Being really polite is one key factor. I witnessed another American demand of a vendor, "What will you take for that?!" He was promptly rebuffed. I approached some time later and smiled, greeted (in French, though I don't speak it well), and praised the item I was interested in. Then said I was sorry that it was not in my budget. The vendor then gave me a better deal. So you never know. I'd also advise that if you are not a good French speaker that you be sure to have paper and pen handy to clarify numbers. Sometimes I get confused between numbers like thirteen and thirty and three hundred when said very fast. EDIT: I should clarify that I am speaking of flea markets/antique markets in those cities, but again, have not shopped street markets in Paris.

Just another voice agreeing with the others... Paris is NOT a bargaining city - at least not at "local street markets" like Rue Cler and Passy, etc. You might be able to haggle at one of the large flea markets (like Les Puces, at Porte de Clignancourt) just as you can in the states, but don't try it at a "local street market" unless it's the very end of the day. At that time, some sellers will already have marked down produce or other perishables, and you might be able to score a two-for-one deal, but otherwise, I vote NO on haggling. Paris is not a haggling city. Even the local street markets feature actual prices (price tages/signs) on all the merchandise, and Parisians will take a dim view of Americans trying to get them to sell goods on the cheap.