Flea Markets
Tips for Flea Markets
- You need to take euros in small bills, most vendors (with the exception of a few) don’t accept cards, nor do they accept American dollars.
- Go to the ATM before you get to the market in case there isn’t one around.
- Take some sort of bag to carry around your items, I always take a large canvas tote.
- It’s a good idea to know French numbers or at least have Google Translate ready when you are ready to make a purchase. Don’t expect them to speak English, but if they do, try to speak a little French, and don’t forget to say Bonjour and Merci.
- I would take a crossbody if you have one. The market is safe however things happen and there are lots of people so just be safe.
- If you’re curious how to get items home, I always pack an extra suitcase in general to bring items that I buy. I also pack a roll of bubble wrap for the small delicate items.
- You can go to LaPoste, which is the French postal service, and buy a flat-rate box to ship items back.
- If you have larger items then you might want to reach out to a company that specializes in sending back antiques from Europe. You can contact EDET or Ship Antiques.
Marché Aux Puces Vanves
5 Av. de la Porte de Vanves, 75014 Paris
7 am-2 pm Saturday and Sunday
This is my favorite flea market, as it’s less crowded and not as overwhelming as
Puces Saint Ouen. However, I have noticed on my last several trips that it’s
becoming more popular and more crowded.
- Go early, as most vendors start to pack up by 1 p.m.
- I usually just take an Uber here. You can take the metro but I don’t want to deal with that when I have things to carry back.
- If you want to take the metro you can, you would get off at stop Porte de Vanves, which is located on line 13. However, if you’re carrying items back then you might want to skip the metro. You can also use the City Mapper app to help tell you which metro line to take.
- There is a boulangerie on the corner for croissants and a cafe when you arrive early in the morning if needed.
- Great place to purchase second-hand designer scarves and French linens.
- There is an ATM around here but it’s the only one within miles so I would have cash ahead of time.
- In regards to the bathroom, last time I was there they had put up one of those public toilets, which are clean, if you’re in dire need of a toilet.
Puces Saint Ouen
9:30-6 PM Saturday thru Monday
- This is the largest flea market in the world with over 2,500 vendors.
- You can book lots of private tours through the market, just google them.
- You can take the metro and walk over towards Rue de Rosier.
- I took an Uber here and back from my hotel. I found that’s the easiest way as it’s a bit confusing.
- I find this market to be much more expensive than Marché Aux Puces Vanves.