Street markets, flea markets Paris--do they specialize?
 

In reading these pages, I take it that many of the street markets in Paris have "themes". Is that correct? I will be there in October and I love to wander through markets in search of jewelry (costume, not real)and flowers. Are there certain markets for these things? We're staying near Rue de Buci, if that helps.

I don't know about costume jewelry, but there is the "Cité des Fleurs" on the Ile de Cité that sells flowers Mon-Sat. I don't think you can miss it if you just walk around on the Ile a little. We like to visit the street flea market called Puce Vanves, which is Saturday mornings (afternoon too?) at M: Porte de Vanves. Lots of variety.

I have info. somewhere which I could not find, so resorted to a little guide of Paris which mentions the following:<BR>Marche aux Puces de Saint-Ouen at the Porte de Clignancourt - groups half a dozen markets together. Vernaison specializes in musical instruments, lead-soldiers, old toys, buttons, brass and tinware; Biron has mostly antiques; Malik - turn of century dresses, WWI military uniforms,other clothes and Americana; Paul Bert - variety of everything; Jules Valles - smallest and cosies with Art Nouveau lamps, military souvenirs, theatre costumes and old dolls. It's easy to get there by Metro.

I found a fabulous book called 'Paris in a Basket' I have read it cover to cover and all the markets in Paris seem to have their own uniqueness, depending on the area, the merchandise, some are organic etc. Many of the stall holders are third generation and been running their stalls for years and years, It was a wonderful read. In other words, each one is different from the next so ask a local which market is open and where on the day you wish to go. It took the authors a year or more to do their research so you will have plenty to choose from.<BR>Marche Sepette - metro Porte de St Ouen is evidently the market for jewellery and antiques.

I believe there is a small craft market in MOntparnasse. Sorry I don't know the day or place--maybe this will strike someone who does know.

Thank you all...it does sound like fun. I had no idea there was such a variety of markets. I'll only see a sliver of them, but can't wait to get started.

Bonjour Jeanne~<BR><BR>There are two flower markets on the rue de Buci... one is a stationary shop on the corner of Buci and rue de tours...I adore this shop at Christmas and New Years when they put out the mistletoe, quite an occasion!<BR><BR>Also on the corner of Buci and de tours is one of the last 'roving' street merchants selling flowers in the evenings (called 'marchands des quatre-saisons' who used to wheel their produce and flower carts through the streets of Paris...)Monsieur Vivard has been there since 1952...very sweet man and willing to talk...bring a chair and coffee!<BR><BR>I live in the nighborhood, so feel free to send me an e-mail if you have any questions!?<BR><BR>Bon Voyage,<BR>Wendy<BR><BR>Wendy

oops, posted e-mail incorrectly the first time!

We will search out Monsieur Vivard on the first day....how nice to know his name. Thank you.

Jeanne--I second the suggestion of "Paris in a Basket" and also recommend that you go to www.paris-touristoffice.com where you'll be able to search for local neighborhood flea markets occurring on the dates you'll be in Paris. Under the "Events" heading, just search for "second-hand markets" and you'll find a terrific array of events, with some descriptions and exact dates/times. Two of my favorite food/flea markets are Richard-Lenoir near the Bastille, and the Rue Mouffetard market. If you hit Mouffetard on late Sunday morning/early afternoon, you'll find an accordianiste and audience at the base of the hill, singing and dancing to their heart's content. It's a wonderful experience.

The art market is on Sundays (10 a.m. to about 5) at the Edgar Quinet metro stop in Montparnasse area. It is about two blocks long and has many kinds of handmade art - paintings, pottery, jewelry, scarves. The prices are good because the artists are selling directly. My favorite is Maurice Tan, a watercolorist. His website http://www.warmgray.com/