Paris Flea Markets: A Quick Guide

If you love vintage, a Paris flea market is a must. The best known are Saint-Ouen and Vanves, and this time your guide recommends Vanves. It's open only on Saturdays and Sundays. Hours are listed as 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., but when she went, most stalls were starting to pack up around noon. To snag good finds, go early. Vanves is entirely outdoors, so it doesn't run in the rain. It's a big market, and she usually allows an hour and a half to two hours; allow more if you like to browse thoroughly.

Vanves has more small items than furniture. You'll find vintage knickknacks, dishes, ceramics and dolls, plus accessories and books. Your guide mostly buys dishes and coffee cups, but she has also picked up vases, a telescope and a magnifying glass as decor. Prices aren't all low, and vintage pieces can even cost more. Some dishes and cups are sold only as sets, which can be a hassle for travelers. Still, hunting for hidden treasure is half the fun, so if you're in Paris on a weekend, it's worth a visit. One tip: if you spot something you like, buy it right then. If you go back, it's usually gone, and the market is too big to retrace your steps easily. Whereas Vanves closes by midday, Saint-Ouen stays open later, so if you have time, consider it too. Just keep in mind that the two are at nearly opposite ends of Paris, so getting between them takes a while.