Now more than ever, the time has come to recycle ! In a world that massively produces new products every day, giving a second (or even a third) life to objects has become a true economical, ecological, and – provided that you like snooping around – sometimes more enjoyable alternative to « traditional » shopping. Paris is filled with flea markets in which you will be able to walk around and look for second hand treasures ! You might be looking for furniture, utilitarian or decorative objects, clothes, jewelry or accessories... Regardless of what you are searching for, you can be sure that you will find many car boot sales, flea markets and thrift shops all around Paris. Everything is within easy reach ! So, here are a few suggestions to help you begin your abandonned treasure hunt...
Flea markets around Paris
The city of Paris is full of various markets. Just take a look at one of the city programs available on the internet, and you will find that the capital hosts many different markets everywhere in the city every day. Stamp markets, car boots sales, antiques, food markets, regular or occasional, outside and inside : the list goes on and on and there is always something to do ! If you like to browse through second hand products, furniture and objects, here is a small list of some of the most famous and worthwhile flea markets in Paris.
The more authentics
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The Saint-Ouen market
Behind the very big Clignancourt flea market hides the more authentic Saint-Ouen market. It is a very nice antique market for those of you who are looking for vintage furniture. It is one of the most ancient in the capital, and even though it is crowded with treasures (with some 2500 antique merchants!), it often feels very cosy and intimate.
Avenue de la Porte de Clignancourt – Paris 18°
Open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m to 6 p.m and on Mondays from 11 a.m to 5 p.m
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The Vanves market
The Vanves flea market hosts a great number of antique merchants, many of whom have come from the Montreuil flea market when its offer became more modern. If you are only looking for vintage furniture and objects, this is the market for you !
Avenue Georges Lafenestre & avenue Marc Sangnier – Paris 14°
Open on Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m to 2 p.m
The more accessible
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The Montreuil & Clignancourt flea markets
The Montreuil and Clignancourt flea markets are without a doubt the biggest ones and the city. There is not a thing you cannot find there : clothes, supplies, furniture, souvenirs, etc, and even some food to snack along the way. They offer a mixture of old and new, although some say the vintage offer is getting slimmer and slimmer. However, they certainly are cheap (all prices are negotiable), and crowded with locals and tourists looking for a bargain. A small piece of advice : do not forget to close your bags when you go !
Avenue de la Porte de Clignancourt – Paris 18° : open from Saturday to Monday, from 9 a.m to 7 p.m
Avenue du Professeur André Lemierre – Paris 20° : open from Saturday to Monday, from 9 a.m to 7 p.m
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The market of Place d'Aligre
Open six days a week outside, the market of Place d'Aligre is still one of the few places where you can still feel the popular atmosphere of the Old Paris. There, you will find a lot of food, but not only, as many artisans and merchants have invested the market and sell vintage furniture, objects and clothes next to the meat, fish or vegetable stands. If you are specifically looking for them, you will find them quite easily as they traditionally occupy the central square. The market of Place d'Aligre is a general market, but a true parisian and picturesque one.
Place d'Aligre – Paris 12°
Open everyday except Monday, from 9 a.m to 12.30 a.m for the antiques and exterior merchants