Shop Like a Local: 10 Must-Visit Parisian Markets
By Sam Lee, 2025. Bonjour, fellow shoppers! Want to know where the best markets are in Paris? I’ve got you covered.
Whether you're hunting for local gems or simply looking to immerse yourself in authentic French life, read on to explore my top 10 must-visit markets across Paris.
01—
Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen
Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen is one of Europe's biggest flea markets, selling everything from Nike knock-offs to designer furniture.
Also known as the Saint-Ouen Flea Market, it's a bustling market in the city's northern part.
With over 2,500 vendors offering vast products, there is truly something for everyone in this market. If you're looking for authentic French souvenirs or gifts, this market has plenty to offer.
From delicate porcelain figurines to hand-painted ceramics and intricately designed jewelry to charming trinkets, endless options are available at reasonable prices. Consider taking this market tour for a local insight into the best shopping around the market.
02—
Marché des Enfants Rouges
This historical market takes its name from the 16th-century orphanage that used to occupy the site. Although the orphanage closed before the revolution, the imposing wooden edifice remained and was reopened as a deluxe food market in 2000 after extensive campaigning from locals.
Now something of a touristic hotspot, the market has an impressive range of international food stalls and artisanal and organic food stalls. It's one of the more atmospheric of Paris's food markets.
03—
Marché Saint Germain
If you're visiting the popular Saint Germain des Prés in the 6th arrondissement, there's a great indoor market near the bustling Rue de Buci.
The market dates back to 1511 when the local Priest built a covered market to accommodate 300 merchants. It's an excellent market for buying produce, especially the boucherie, cheese shop, and fishmonger. There are also loads of restaurants inside and outside the market.
04—
La Communale
La Communale is a bustling market in the heart of the city, known for its vibrant atmosphere. You can find everything from fresh produce to unique souvenirs, making it a hotspot for locals and tourists.
As soon as you enter La Communale, you are greeted with an explosion of colors and scents, with stalls containing various fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and other local delicacies. You can truly experience the essence of French cuisine — fresh and high-quality ingredients sourced directly from local producers.
Located in the 10th arrondissement, you can also check out iconic landmarks such as Canal Saint-Martin and Gare du Nord.
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05—
Marché d'Aligre
The Marché d'Aligre is a vibrant market located in the 12th arrondissement, and it's one of the oldest markets in Paris. It showcases second-hand clothes, bric-a-brac, and cheap food.
The top of the street is where to head for seasonal fruit and vegetables, whereas a detour through the covered Beauveau market will take you through the pricier fishmongers' and butchers' stalls. Don't miss the motley collection of books, African masks and other trinkets that line the artisanal stands in the main yard.
The market is open every day, except Mondays, from early morning until mid-afternoon. One must-try item at the Marché d'Aligre is the famous jambon-beurre sandwich. This classic French sandwich consists of a freshly baked baguette filled with slices of ham and butter — simple yet delicious!
06—
Marché Bio des Batignolles
Held every Saturday in the 17th arrondissement, the Marché des Batignolles is one of my favorite farmer markets in Paris and one of the city's only organic markets. Local artisans gather to sell their incredible produce in a beautiful setting. Not to be missed if you want a genuine Parisian market experience.
Open only on Saturdays (from 7am to 3pm) requires a certain amount of organization for a visit. On offer are a wide range of organic butchers, florists, honey producers, and organic oysters.
07—
Rue Montorgueil
Rue Montorgueil is not just a street; it's a lively and bustling market that captures the essence of Parisian life. Locals and tourists flock to this vibrant activity hub daily to experience the city's authentic charm and character.
Half market, half foodie paradise shopping street, the pedestrianized Rue Montorgueil heaves with flower vendors, rotisseries, bakers, and fragrant cheese shops.
As you browse your way down, you might stop in for a pastry at Stohrer (the oldest pastry shop in Paris), some strawberries from the fruit and veg stalls, and shellfish from the fishmonger.
08—
Marche aux fleurs et aux oiseaux
Paris's major central flower and bird markets have drawn droves of gardeners, pet hunters, and curious passersby since the mid-19th century.
With both indoor and outdoor areas and in a prime spot at the northern end of the Île de la Cité, the flower market is home to blooms familiar and exotic, cheap and steep, while the Sunday bird market on the same site chips, clucks and squawks with all manner of feathered species.
09—
Les Puces de Montreuil
Less famous than its older brother up north in St-Ouen, Montreuil's flea market is where real folk riffle for antiques nowadays, looking for a real treasure, mainly because it's off the beaten tourist track.
You'll find pretty much everything from vintage clothes and toys to old cutlery, furniture and antique glassware. You'll walk past stands selling a lot of junk before you get to the little square where the best dealers are.
10—
Marché Bastille
Located in the charming neighborhood of Le Marais, this bustling market attracts both locals and tourists with its vibrant atmosphere, diverse offerings and rich history dating back to 1639.
The market's open every Thursday and Sunday from 7 am to 3 pm. There's a huge range of stands with rare breed meat, fresh fish, cheese, charcuterie, bread, flowers and candy on sale.
There are also plenty of stands with tables so you can enjoy some of the food on offer. You can buy wine and fresh oysters from fishmongers during the summer months, which I would absolutely recommend!
Happy shopping!
Parisian markets offer genuine insight into the French way of life and are a must-visit if you’re looking to truly experience the city. You might also like these popular Parisian food and market tours run by locals:
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