Paris street markets date back to Roman times when the city was known as Lutetia. The small markets are still found in some corners of the city. The traders sell things the classic way. You can find fresh products and antiques in these traditional markets. These atmospheric yet photogenic markets look exactly like you’ve seen on Pinterest or social media.
However, some of these have evolved into vibrant trade centres that attract antique dealers, artists, and collectors. You can find some of the hidden gems that still have that utopia vibe in them. The markets where you can explore the city’s culture from the “Old Paris Eyes” Find the treasure on your trip to Paris with this guide to the city’s best markets.
1. Marché Bastille
This massive open-air market welcomes you with a blend of fragrance and colour that runs from the soaring Colonne de Juillet monument on Place de la Bastille. This market is present at Leafy Boulevard Richard-Lenoir every Thursday and Sunday. You can find the finest and most fresh food produced in the region.
To live it the Paris way, wander around the market, check out traditional stalls, and immerse yourself in the earthy aromas of herbs. From freshly baked bread to aromatic fromages, you can find all the local food here. You can pick some special “Paris ingredients” and make a special dinner. Or try out the local snacks and fresh juices for an Instagrammable picnic.
2. Maubert – Mutualité Market
Located just across the Seine off of Boulevard Saint Germain, this market opens three days a week. Tuesday and Thursday: 7 am – 1:30, Saturday: 7 am – 2:30 pm. You can find beautiful flowers, lives, and the best cheese in town. On top of it, you can explore some French items like hand-made jam, fresh honey, and wine.
This little market is perfect for new items for a picnic and a quick stop. Do visit this place to try out some best local cheese and wine. Best croissant in Paris! Lovely produce, fois gras, handmade jewellery, clothing, and leather journals. This underrated market is sure to impress you with its vibe and stalls.
3. Rue Montorgueil
For big-time foodies, this place is a must-visit. Rue Montorgueil is a permanent street market located in the 1st and 2nd arrondissements. You can find fishmongers, bakeries, florists, artists, and cheese shops with lush aromas out onto the pedestrianised pavements.
This Instagram-worthy market boasts a perfect place to enjoy and click pictures called Au Rocher de Cancale. This seafood restaurant has been present in this market since the 19th century. On the way there, Stohrer, the oldest pâtisserie in town and admire its chandelier and regal interiors. You can’t leave this place without grabbing some sticky chocolate éclairs and rum babas.
4. Paris Right Bank Market: Aligre
This street market is located in the 12th arrondissement with a bit off track from central Paris. You must visit this place to have a local experience of the city. Free up your whole day to explore this place as some great cafes and boulangeries offer a classic Parisian experience.
The market is open every day except Mondays from 8. AM to 1. PM. This weekend hours might run long due to more crown and liveliness. What makes this market stand out is its special antique and Brocante items. If you love to explore delicacies, silverware, or small collectables- you’re in for a treat.
5. Marché aux Fleurs et aux Oiseaux
Ever seen those famous flower markets on Instagram or Pinterest? This market is just like those as it is present once a week. This place is famous for selling local and exotic blooms of all shapes and sizes. Not only that, this 200-year-old institution comes with the sound of squawking, chirupping and twittering birds.
The wonderful variety of colourful plants and birdlife will surely make you happy. Wander around to buy some beautiful flowers for your girl or window-shop. For a romantic Sunday morning, you can get sugary chouquettes from the boulangerie and visit to nearby Notre-Dame Cathedral.
6. Marché Raspail
This heaven for all foodies is located in the 6th arrondissement. Opens every Sunday, the market is certified fully organic. It is a renowned market because of its fresh produce and aromatic cooked traits waiting at every stall. You can ask for free samples to try before you buy.
Don’t miss out on the galettes: delicious hot savoury crêpes filled with cheese, potato, mushrooms and onion. Oh My God! If you’re a big shopaholic, check out the clothes market a few blocks from the Bon Marché department store. We offer an explosion of flavours from its vegetables, fruit and cheeses.
7. Brocante des Abbesses
For all shopping lovers, this second-hand goods market is heaven. Located in Paris’s beautiful neighbourhood, its atmospheric cobbled lanes are sure to impress you. First, grab breakfast or brunch at a local Parisian cafe. Then, go to Brocante des Abbesses to pick up antique lamps, paintings, postcards and more.
You can even find unique jewellery pieces and knick-knacks from local designers that will be a “ true Paris find”. Here, you might run into artists and locals, rummaging through old paintings to find inspiration. The vintage postcards are something you should pick from here as a souvenir. And after exploring the market, grab a coffee or hot chocolate and call it a day!
Conclusion:
These markets will surely elevate your local Paris experience. After all, you should explore the city’s culture and roots rather than seeing only touristy spots. The real fun is to become a local and find the city’s uniqueness in its street markets. Here are the best markets that you can explore in the “city of love”
