The 5 best flea markets in Paris

Heading south, at the edge of the 14th district and Greater Paris, this is the most peaceful market on our list. In terms of bric-a-brac, you’ll mostly find small household bits and décor, crockery and jewellery. There are a few pieces of furniture, including quite a few antiques, and some clothing (with some lovely items going for a steal here and there, so keep an eye out), but that’s not the main focus. Arrive early, but not just because the best finds go quickly: with nearly 400 vendors, you might well spend the entire morning browsing through everything.

Marché aux puces de Saint-Ouennot isn’t just a market, it’s like a whole other world, teeming with a seemingly endless string of people and trinkets. In fact, there are not one but twelve covered markets and five shopping streets spread over the seven hectares that make up the flea market, each with its own unique atmosphere and identity. The largest, the Dauphine Market, is the most photogenic and eclectic: a great starting point if you're not exactly sure what you’re looking for. To find it, look for the enormous orange flying saucer (the Futuro House) under the glass roof of the main hall (you can’t miss it, unsurprisingly). We also love strolling through the bustling little lanes of the Vernaison Market, perhaps the most authentic in Saint-Ouen, or between the overflowing shelves of the old bookshops in the Passage. Open from Friday to Monday and until 6pm on weekends, take our advice and just plan to spend the entire day there. You won’t regret it.

We absolutely love this one, for one simple reason: besides its flea market, the Aligre Market is also the hand that feeds East Paris. It’s both a food market and an open-air flea market, making it a true local favourite. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, it’s best to visit on the weekend if you want to snag some bargains and soak up its unique atmosphere. You can find almost anything in its slightly chaotic maze of stalls, but vintage clothes and decorative items are easily available at very low prices. After hunting for treasures, meat lovers can head to Les Provinces eatery just outside the market (come early), while others can find refuge (and calm) at Toto’s, a few blocks away, for a sushi feast. For a drink, head to Baron Rouge, a typical and hugely popular wine bar next to the market.

Less famous than its older brother up north in St-Ouen, Montreuil’s flea market is where real folk riffle for antiques nowadays, mostly because it’s off the beaten tourist track (so you can still find the occasional treasure). You’ll find pretty much everything, from vintage clothes and toys to old cutlery, 1940s light-fittings, furniture and antique glassware. Just be patient: you have to walk past stands selling arrays of junk before you get to the little square where the best dealers are (at the end of the alley alongside the periphérique).

You can find pretty much anything at the Montreuil flea market – even laundry detergent and toilet cleaner (at a discount, no less). To discover hidden gems, you’ll need to dig through the heaps, quite literally. Everywhere, among the colourful tented stalls, piles of clothes, shoes, and boxes overflowing with tableware and handbags create a charmingly chaotic scene. Those who enjoy rummaging will love it here: it’s a real treasure hunt for budget-conscious adults. If you do it right, you can fill your boots with homeware and clothes for less than €10. The atmosphere is great, and there are even a few street food stands to keep you fuelled. For those seeking designer pieces, you’ll have to get up early: in Montreuil, some connoisseur stalls are picked clean before the market even opens...