I agree that Saint-Ouen is not necessarily the place to find bargains. It all depends on what you are looking for. I do believe the prices are fair, for the most part. These are business people, and, as mentioned, many of them have shops in Paris. Often, what they display at Saint-Ouen is slightly lower end than what they would offer at, say, le Louvre des Antiquaires.

However, there are lots of small dealers with interesting, reasonable offerings. It all depends upon what you are looking for, if anything at all. I thin some people really enjoy flea markets, whether they plan to buy or not. That, in my opinionh, was the reason for the OP and some of the first responses. Brocantes are fun for many people, and you may find something.

For those who think they are abofe this sort of thing, Christie's, Sotheby's, ArtCurial or Tajan, to mention a few, are always there.

If for nothing else but another Parisian experience, go to the flea markets. It is an interesting way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Toupary: I would love to hear your recommendations for a particular market within St. Ouen. Last fall I spent a few hours in Vernaisson..? I can't tell you what I am looking for exactly (I am sure you understand) but NOT antique furniture and not fine porcelain...
many thanks..yet again.

http://www.parispuces.com/FR/Default...e_environ.html

ekscrunchy, you might look at Marchés Paul Bert or Serpette for more "collectible" types of things, particularly the outdoor areas behind the street-side market.

Here's a website that might help flea market hunters:
http://vide-greniers.org/agendaRegion.php?region=22

Rhea thanks for the info on BHV!..sounds easier to get to..

I would just say that the BHV is a wonderful store, but it isn't antiques or collectibles. It is a wonderful department store, with a particularly good "hardware" section. And their game section is also particularly good, I think.

ekscrunchy, if you're not sure what you're looking for, all of the markets have some interesting things. I think for just wandering, Marché Vernaison (one of the first you hit -- see map) is fun. There are lots of little shops spread over a maze of winding alleys. Marché Biron is also interesting, although more furniture. Biron is easier to maneuver in, but I think Vernaison might be fun.

Bonne shopping!

Thanks Toupary! On my trip last October I shopped at Vernaison...it had a good range of things..I am going to try to arrive early (8am??) so maybe I can visit both Vernaison and Biron this time. It is difficult for a tourist..there is so much to see there and so little time! And you never know what you will find, right??

But that's what makes it fun, isn't it? I think going early is a good idea. I hope you'll let me know what you find.

I will!!! I think I mentioned some of the things I saw last time in my (very long) trip report; the link is posted above. Thank you so much for all of your help here.

I just read your trip report, through the dinner at Le Reminet, and I'm getting hungry. I really have to get to work, but I'm looking forward to reading it from the beginning. This is a great report, and I love the fact that you give all the addresses and links.

Speaking as someone who has spent a lot of time there (and I still haven't covered it all ;-) ), your description of the puces is perfect. I can't wait to hear if you end up with one of the treasures you saw before.

Thanks, Toupary! I will keep you posted on our experiences at the markets after I return home in June. Hope to have some good eating experiences, too! I have already booked my dinners at Bath's and Ze Kitchen Galerie.

Saint-Ouen is very easy to reach by the train. I went with my daughter as one of our planned excursions to find a piece of antique jewelry. Found a lovely silver locket - the type used to put the hair of a loved one into. But our experience was almost 10 years ago.

I've just returned from Paris, and went to the Marche aux Puces, don't go. If you're looking for small antiques that you can bring home, opt for Vanves, every weekend, I think closing around one. I was told to go there, but didn't listen. I will next time.

What was wrong with the St. Ouen marches?

You can find just about everything there that you can find at Porte de Vanves. Vanves begins closing down at 12:30pm on Saturday, the day I was there last month.

While I am not a fan any more of the Puces, are you sure you actually got to all the shops and didn't just see the African sellers on the outskirts? It is at least an interesting area.

I think that the people who are disappoined with the St. Ouen market get as far as the junky stalls outside the actual markets..hence the typical comments llike the one above stating that Vanves is superior...the market at Vanves is about a tenth the size of the St. Ouen markets if that much, and does not have nearly the scope of the latter. Not even remotely close.

I suppose the size of Vanves is comparable in size to just one of the dozen or so markets that together comprise the actual St. Ouen Marche aux Puces. (ie, Vernaisson, Paul Bert, etc) It is, however, easy to navigate and less intimidating, I suppose. Both are worthwhile.

I would agree, ekscrunchy. I would only add that Vanves probably has a greater concentration of things like plates and pictures and bibelots that tourists tend to look for. Not more of them, just more per square foot.

Yes, they didn't get to the real thing. BUT I have come to like Vanves better because I can usually find something to pick up within an hour's total time of wandering up the street. St. Ouen takes real dedication for shopping a number of places, etc. And the prices are just too much now. I have shopped it many times over a number of trips, I will add.

Martha Stewart. dare I speak of her?
had her TV show last year for one week in Paris and went to St Owen at her favorite spots for cooking wear, linens, furniture and doo dads

cooking ware!!!