Explore a Vast Labyrinth of Treasures at One of the World’s Largest Antique Markets in Paris

When you think of shopping in Paris, your mind might immediately go to luxury brand flagship stores along the glitzy Champs-Élysées or the Rue Saint-Honoré. But if you are looking for a more authentic shopping experience in a place that’s steeped in history, there is another Parisian hotspot that shouldn’t be missed — the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, or the flea market of Saint-Ouen. If you’re imagining a quaint little weekend flea market that you can walk around in an hour or so, it’s time to adjust your expectations. You won’t find a flea market bigger than this anywhere else in the world. 

This charming flea market is located at the fringes of the northern part of Paris and its origins date back to the 1860s when a garbage collection system was nonexistent and ragmen would collect junk to sell. The vendors peddled these objects around the city until they were chased out by the authorities, leading them to settle just outside the walls of Paris in the town of Saint-Ouen. Only after the conclusion of World War I did the market start to evolve from temporary stands to more permanent stalls. 

Today, the market still exists, sans fleas. And no one is chasing away these sellers any longer. Instead, locals and tourists alike flock to this flea market for amazing bargains and leisurely strolls. To “chiner” — go bargain-hunting — has become a veritable Parisian experience, and the flea market in Saint-Ouen is the place to start.

Spanning seven hectares and 12 market sections that house over 2000 stalls, Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen is not for the faint-hearted shopper. The markets are distinctly themed and categorized according to their wares, presented as five shopping streets, various covered and open-air markets, and two districts reserved for professionals. It’s a good idea to plan ahead and pick out a market according to your interests before you set off.

For starters, the 120 yellow-painted stalls of the Jules Vallès Market hold a wealth of second-hand vinyl records, textiles, vintage weaponry, furniture pieces, posters, and other bits and bobs at cheap prices. Trek through the 9000-square meter Vernaison Market, where you can find anything from antique books to kitchenware among its 300 stalls. Amateur and professional art and furniture enthusiasts — as well as big names like Julia Roberts, Bill Gates, and Mick Jagger — flock to the open alleys of the Paul Bert Serpette Market, where Napoleon III-era pieces can be found. 

Similarly, the Biron Market is known for high-quality antiques and the expertise of its sellers. Dominated by a large flying saucer installation by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen, the Dauphine Market revolves around cultural mainstream items like comic books and records, but also antique light fixtures and funky furniture pieces. Fans of vintage clothing should check out Le Passage Market, where you can get a fashion history lesson rifling through racks of clothing and accessories, with pieces from the early 1900s to the 1970s and famous shops like Chez Sarah.