Can I get some suggestions for Flea market visit in Paris?
 

Hello everyone,
Countdown has begun and we are leaving next Wednesday for a week long Paris trip, our first visit there.
I have set aside a day (Sunday) for Flea market, but don't know which one to go to. We are staying at Pullman Hotel near Eiffel, so would love a close by market. But I would rather stay away from the biggest Flea market that's supposedly out there !! Easier to deal with smaller ones.. Any recommendations? I am looking for household stuff, tableware, local art and other cutesy stuff, not so much used clothing..

Thanks in advance

Maybe others know better than I, but I've been staying in roughly that area of Paris for 25+ years and have never seen a flea market anywhere around there. There's the Aligré market and Saint-Ouen and Vanves and Clingancourt, but they are indeed big and require traveling.

That isn't the part of Paris that has flea markets, believe me. Sometimes there are random roving ones several times a year, but I wouldn't know about them.

To be honest, I am not clear you are really looking for a flea market. Are you looking for used stuff or not? If so, I guess that's a flea market. You have no choice but to go down to Vanves, it isn't that far. Or go to place Aligre which is sort of a mixed bag and won't be that far, either. Some of the stuff at Aligre is pretty ratty and used-looking even if it isn't. I don't think that's really a flea market.

There is a market on Sunday under the metro at La Motte-picquet but it isn't a flea market, just the usual type of market. No artwork there that I can remember, mainly food and clothing and the usual scarves, bags, some jewelry or shoes.

The only flea markets in Paris are at Vanves, Clignancourt, and Montreuil (the 20e arr.), and also one in the 18th on rue Jean Henri Fabre, but there isn't any other closer to you than Vanves.

Thanks for quick responses.. I think Vanves is the way to go then.. Is it easier to take a Metro or by hop-on hop-off ? Any specific tips or suggestions navigating this market? Do the vendors bargain ? My french speaking ability is pretty much nil !!:)

I can't imagine any HOHO bus going out to the flea markets. You'd need to take the métro. Without knowing the nearest métro stop to where you're staying, we can't give you exact directions, but you should learn about the Paris public transportation system anyway, so here's the link:

www.ratp.fr

There are 3 main flea markets in Paris: Clignancourt, Montreuil and Vanves.

Some people get overwhelmed by the size of the world famous Cligancourt flea market, some are put off by the poverty of the Montreuil flea market (probably the most authentic for that reason), and some are delighted by the small size and the neatness of the Vanves flea market (therefore the least authentic but still interesting).

I will vote for Clignancourt which has "everything" and more.

Here is a report a made about it a few seasons ago: http://anyportinastorm.proboards.com...ad=3319&page=1

Cligancourt is an experience not to be missed both for its size and the breadth of things to be found there. It's also very easy to get to on the Metro. You'll wish you could ship a container load of purchases home, since you're limited to what will fit in your luggage.

Actually there are some on-site shipping companies. And vendors will take your hand to lead you to them if necessary.

Also, if you truly are looking for "artsy, cutesy stuff," that's not necessarily what I associate with a flea market. You might do better at the Marché de Création on the Boul. Edgar Quinet in Montparnasse, held on Sundays. BUT, someone who lives in Paris should chime in and say if it's open all year round or not, because I'm not sure.

I've been to the three markets mentioned by Kerouac and enjoy them all in different ways. His thread will give you an excellent feel for Clignancourt. It is my personal favorite, and always spend at least a half day there. Lovely cafes within to stop for a drink or lunch.

Vanves is much smaller, but I like it. Here is a thread,
http://mymelange.net/mymelange/2007/...ea-market.html

Marche Aligre, for me, is all about the delicious food, the flea market part doesn't interest me much. Montreiul is very different, crowded, much cheaper, vital. Each of these requires a simple trip by Metro. Another area that is closer and might interest you is Village Saint Paul in the Marais.(4th Arr.)
http://www.geobeats.com/videoclips/f...age-saint-paul

This may help with how to deal the markets,
http://hipparis.com/2011/03/11/the-1...oes-to-chatou/

Unfortunately, the market at Ile de Chatou, is over for this year. I'll be in Paris for most of October, will for sure go to Clignancourt and want to check out this combination bistro by night and flea market by day!
http://www.mylittle.fr/mylittleparis...ilmontant.html

I have been to the Clignancourt and Vanves flea markets. The Vanves market is more like a traditional flea market in that it is temporary stalls set up just for the day, while at Clignancourt there are actual permanent buildings. They are both reachable by metro. The Vanves market is a shorter trip from your location.

I always ask if this is the vendor's best price at a flea market, and they almost always will reply with a lower figure. Or if I am looking at more than one item, I will ask what their best price is for the two or more items. I have not bargained beyond that point, but at least that much bargaining is expected.

bookmarking for a future Paris trip!

Thanks everyone.. I am definitely keeping half day for flea market. Not sure if I can fit in all the stuff to haul it back to US :)

Also, I am curious about Edgar Quinet in Montparnasse, mentioned by StCirq. Does anyone know if they are open now? Is it fun to visit?

Although it doesn't explicitly say so, it would seem it's open every Sunday of the year from 10 am to nightfall..."tous les dimanches..."

http://www.marchecreation.com/le-marche.html

Another vote for Clignancourt - plus there are lots of antiques shops which I love.

Go to the Vanves market but go Saturday morning. Sunday it will be pretty much over. Clignancourt is for a day long search. It is a huge area of small individual shops and "malls", the shops mostly specializing in specific things--mirrors, belle epoque, etc. There may be a brocante somewhere in the city the weekend you are there so you might check the paper--they are really fun to browse. You really cannot limit yourself to "near your hotel", either for a flea market or a restaurant. LOL