In Paris now...i want to go to a large flea market..there is one mentioned at the end of a metro line...has anyone been there?..Or any other recommendations?..looking for gifts, etc.

My book mentions Marche aux Puces de St. Ouen...

Thanks..

Haven't been there but the station
is Garibaldi on Line 13 in Saint-Denis Universite direction which you can pick up at Gare St-Lazare station
and opens at 9 am - hope this helps.

> at the end of a metro line ..

That's Line Nr4 and the station is Porte de Clignancourt.

Been there. Haggle, haggle, haggle, h.., etc.

What kind of gifts? Maybe try BHV?

The market you mention, loisco, is indeed at the end of the Clignancourt metro line. It's huge and one of my favorite things to do in Paris. If you go, do not think that the t-shirts and cds being sold are what you're after. You must pass all the junk, go under the highway overpass, and then you'll see it. You can just ask "ou est le brocante?" if you feel lost.

Another option for Sunday morning is the more manageable Port de Vanves market at the metro stop of the same name.

If you like antiques--china, paintings, furniture, knick-knacks, these are definitely worth seeing.

So where is BHV? ...

Near Hotel de Ville on Rue de Rivoli.

I wrote a long discussion of my visit to that flea market in this report if you want to scroll down to the Paris section; there are links to a map of the market.



http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34894706



I am also interested in the Vanves market if anyone can give information.

ekscrunchy,

The market at Porte de Vanves (Métro of same name) is rather more manageable than Saint-Ouen, but doesn't have as wide a range of offerings. There are some interesting things, though. It can be done in a couples of hours, whereas you could spend the day at Saint-Ouen without seeing everything.

loisco,

If you are now in Paris, why not go to the big (once a year) brocante at Bastille? I think it's on until the 14th. I think there are about 375 exhibitors, and the theme this year is arts of the table (although there are plenty of other things), so you might find small items that would make a nice gift.

Be aware that much 'flea market' merchandise is counterfeit. Countries to the east have factories busy making knock-offs for these places. Perfume and cologne are two such items. This from a report by German TV DW.

Perfume and cologne and that sort of thing are found at the beginning, before you enter into the "real" marché aux puces. I would never buy perfume on the street -- there are plenty of legitimate buys on it in Paris. These are the same people selling the so-called Louis Vuitton wallets. Caveat emptor!

EK loved your report. it's a saver. And to the person who told me about the brocante at the Marais...is that at the Bastille?...how would I find out..?..thanks

Thanks, Toupary. We were thinking about visiting Vanves on a Saturday morning.

Also, here is a question: Years ago I read an article in a design magazine about a market outside Paris that specialized in kitchenware..antique items related to food, kitchens, etc. I think one had to take a train there. I can't remember where I read this, nor anything else about the market. It is possible that it is only held once a year....does this ring a bell for anyone??

ekscrunchy, good plan. I've only been to Porte de Vanves on Sunday, and I'm told there are more vendors on Saturday.

loisco, the brocante is at Place de la Bastille, 4-13 May, 11 am to 7 pm, open to 10 pm on Thursday the 10th. The website is www.organisation-joel-garcia.fr, but I just went to it, and it doesn't really give much info beyond what I've already told you.

I have pretty much given up on the March aux Puces for anything affordable. It is just too expensive and I can find the exact same things in the US for much less.
And the poster who mentioned the counterfeits--that is not the real market. Those are the African trinket sellers that surround the Marche. Just push past those to get to the shops and "mall" type buildings. It is HUGE.
I love poking through the Vanves market on Saturday. And if there is a large brocante in town, definitely go. There is often one somewhere on a week-end. Look in Pariscope.

If you go to the St. Ouen market, get there early to avoid the crowds. I agree with Gretchen, prices are not exactly at bargain level, to say the least!

I think we were at that market in the Bastille last year...I believe it was just antiques...but we shall see. You are all giving me good ideas. I love Paris..

Saint-Ouen is not wall-to-wall bargains. However, the prices are usually fair, and many will bargain. If you are an American, they will adjust the prices in consideration of the duty you will have to pay.

If you are thinking of serious buying, do your homework. The more you know in advance, the better your chances of coming away with a souvenir that is out of the ordinary.

I love it out there. It is a community, and on Sunday, you will see dealers, surrounded by friends, family, and their dogs, eating Sunday dinner at a table set up in the middle of their showroom or stand.

It's a fun way to spend a Saturday or Sunday, and it is not all high end. Wander around, and you may find something you love and that will remind you of Paris for years to come.

With that glowing recommendation, I have to make my disclaimer. No, I don't work for them! In fact, I am on the other side, and have to keep up to make sure my clients don't end up with buyers remorse.

The brocante at Bastille is worth it just for the food they serve in various tents!

You can't miss it, there will be a sea of white tents across from the column. As well as the inside area, it goes up and down both sides of the Seine.

We always time our fall trips for the brocante in Nov.

That brocante sounds amazing! Would the Paris residents here happen to know if there are any interesting brocante markets scheduled for the weekend of May 25-26? Thanks!

Glad I found this. I head to Paris in 2 days!! I'll have to check out the brocante market at Bastille.

Monica