Why are we so fascinated by visiting the markets of Paris? Perhaps because it allows us to be, if only for a few minutes, part of a very French experience and to be exposed to the immense wealth of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, meats and fish that Paris has to offer. There are about 70 markets in Paris: some are open every day and some only on certain days, some are open air and others are indoors, in some you will find food while in others you will also find art objects and clothes.
In short, the wealth and choice is immense and no article will be able to encompass everything the City of Lights has to offer. From this immense selection, I have collected for you the “crème de la crème” – markets in Paris that I particularly like. The guide is updated for 2019. 2026.
Ideal for a small family. Excellent value for money, in the same sought-after historic building.
A perfect nest for a couple or couple + child. Super-central location in a classic Parisian building.
A sweet and decorated studio in a prestigious location, walking distance from the Champs Elysees.
We have carefully filtered and selected dozens of additional recommended apartments in all the equal districts of Paris.
We have collected for you the most recommended hotels in Paris – from intimate boutiques to absolute luxury.
🛒 Recommended Markets Table – Quick View
| Market name | square | specialization | Main opening days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allegra Market | 12 | Cheapest and most authentic (food + bugs) | Tue-Sun (mornings) |
| The Red Children | 3 (Mara) | Excellent prepared food (Street Food) | Tuesday-Sunday |
| Moftar Market | 5 | Historical atmosphere and gastronomy | Tue-Sun (mornings) |
| Flea market in Saint-Ouen | 18 | Antiques, vintage and luxury furniture | Saturday, Sunday, Monday |
| Vannef Flea Market | 14 | Antiques and authenticity at an affordable price | Saturday and Sunday |
| Antiquarian Book Market | 15 | Books, postcards and nostalgia | Saturday and Sunday |
| Bastille Market | 11 | Large, diverse and touristy | Thursday and Sunday |
Markets in Paris – General Tips
– During the weekends, the markets are more lively and full of shoppers, so if you are looking for an anthropological experience – visit them on these days. If you are looking for a more relaxed shopping experience, then it is recommended to visit the markets during the weekdays, when there are not so many shoppers.
– If you are looking for the best selection, arrive as early as possible (usually around 08:30-09:00). If you are looking for the best prices, arrive as late as possible (around 13:00 at morning markets).
– Before you decide to buy, it is recommended to go through the entire market to be exposed to the selection and prices (the markets, especially the temporary ones, are not large, so you can go through the entire market in a relatively short time).
– If you see a stand with a sign Producer, a sign that this is a farmer who sells his produce directly to the consumer (usually higher quality goods).
– Pay attention to where there are lines. If it is someone who sells good goods, the Parisian will be loyal to them. Therefore, a long line at a particular stall is a very good sign, often indicating that it is someone who sells excellent goods.
– Check if there are bags near the stand. If so, you can choose the fruits/vegetables yourself. If not, this is a sign that you should ask the seller to choose for you (if you see that he has chosen a less good fruit or vegetable – do not hesitate to politely ask him to change).
– It is worth asking the sellers which products are especially recommended this time of year. The difference in taste between a fruit/vegetable eaten in season and the same fruit/vegetable eaten out of season is enormous.
– When buying CheesesYou have to tell the seller when you want to eat them (today, tomorrow, in a month, etc.) and he will choose the cheeses for you with the appropriate level of ripeness.
– Don’t worry if your French isn’t fluent. A few polite words are enough to get good service (for those who want more information, I recommend reading the post How not to annoy the French).
– Last tip: If you are looking for Vacation ApartmentTry to check if there is a good food market nearby. The ability to buy fresh, delicious food every day can upgrade your breakfast and dinner meals and make your trip a delicious and not particularly expensive culinary experience.
Aligre Market (Marché d'Aligre)
Address: rue d'Aligre and Place d'Aligre (12th arrondissement, Paris).
שעות פתיחה: The open market is open Tuesday-Sunday from 07:00 AM to 13:30 PM (closed Monday). The covered market (Beauvau) is open until the afternoon.
The Aligre Market is located in the 12th arrondissement of Paris and represents the complex system of Parisian markets in the best possible way. In the eyes of many, it is the best and cheapest market in the city, offering a popular atmosphere alongside high-quality gourmet food. The market is divided into three areas: the open market along Rue Aligre (where you will find agricultural produce at competitive prices), the covered Beauveau Market (built in 1781 and offering delicatessens, butchers and specialty cheeses), and the small flea market in the square. Here you will find a huge wealth of fruit, vegetables, fish, meats and gourmet foods alongside clothes and other “pitchpacks.”
Want to live near the Allegra Market and enjoy the wonderful food you can buy there every day? Here are some Recommended hotels in the 12th arrondissement of Paris (southeast of Bastille and Gare de Lyon).
The Red Children's Market (Marché des Enfants Rouges)
Address: Rue de Bretagne 39 (3rd arrondissement).
שעות פתיחה: Tuesday-Saturday 08:30 AM-20:30 PM, Sunday 08:30 AM-17:00 PM. Closed on Mondays.
The oldest covered market in Paris is located in the 3rd arrondissement. It was founded in 1615 by order of Louis XIII and is named after a nearby orphanage, whose children wore red clothes. In the 90s, the city decided to close the market, but in light of a strong community protest, it was reopened, renovated, and is now a paradise for lovers of prepared food (street food) and informal lunches. You will find excellent stalls here serving Moroccan, Lebanese, Japanese, Italian and, of course, French food, where everyone sits at communal wooden tables in the heart of the market.
Since the area is bustling with life, it's definitely worth checking out. Recommended hotels in the Marais Nord (3rd arrondissement of Paris) And enjoy daily access to everything the market has to offer.
Bastille Market (Marché Bastille)
Address: Boulevard Richard Lenoir (11th arrondissement).
When is it open? Thursdays (07:00-14:30) and Sundays (07:00-15:00). Sunday is busier and more touristy, so it's worth arriving early to avoid the crowds.
One of the largest and most famous markets in Paris, spread along Boulevard Richard-Lenoir, at the foot of the Bastille Column. It is a huge open-air market that combines food stalls (cheese, fish, seafood, breads) with clothing, handbags, and housewares stalls.
Saint Eustache – Les Halles Market
Address: Between Rambeauteau Street and Rue du Jour (1st arrondissement).
open: Thursdays (12:30-20:00) and Sundays (07:00-15:00).
Personally, I really like this market, because of its history and location. On the one hand, it is a reminder of the large wholesale market (Les Halles) that was in the area until the 1970s, and on the other hand, it is within walking distance ofMontreuil Street For its many culinary delights. The market mainly sells fruits and vegetables, but also wine, fresh breads and cheeses.
Want to live not far from the Saint-Eustache Market and Montreuil Street with their many culinary attractions? Take a look at the article about Recommended apartments in the 1st arrondissement of Paris.
Mouffetard Market
Address: At the bottom of Moffatar Street (The Latin Quarter(District 5).
open: Every day except Monday between 07:00 AM and 13:00 PM (Sunday until 13:00 PM).
The Moffatt Market is located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris. It is one of the oldest markets in Paris (it was probably created in 1654, although there is evidence that trade took place as early as the 14th century). The market is charming and preserves the memory of medieval Paris thanks to the ancient houses and cobblestones. It is recommended to go to the market on a Sunday morning and enjoy the music Chansons In public and open-air dancing in the square next to the Saint-Madre church. When you visit you will understand why not only me, but also Six rainbows In love with this market.
The market offers a selection of cheeses, bakeries, vegetables and fruits, as well as cafes and bars. Its proximity to the Sorbonne makes the market particularly popular among students in the area.
The food department of the Bon Marche department store (Grande-Epicerie)
Address: Rue de Sevres corner of Rue du Bac (7th arrondissement).
open: Every day (10:00-20:00), Sundays starting at 11:00.
It’s not a market in the classic sense of the street, but I decided to add the place to my recommendations thanks to the immense culinary wealth it contains. The food department in Bon Marche (La Grande Épicerie) is considered a tourist attraction in itself that foodies must visit. There are very specific restaurants and stalls here, such as an Italian food stall, an Asian food stall, cheeses, charcuterie, and even a stall dedicated entirely to olives. It’s not a cheap experience – but culinary lovers will definitely want to visit the place.
Saint-Ouen Flea Market
Address: Porte de Clignancourt (18th arrondissement / Saint-Ouen area).
open: שבת 10:00-18:00, ראשון 10:00-18:00 ושני 11:00-17:00.
This is the largest flea and antiques market in the world! It spans 11 different themed markets, with over 2,000 merchants. You will find sellers specializing in certain periods (such as vintage furniture from the 50s, tribal art, items from the World War and more). On the Rue des Rosiers in Saint-Ouen there are many stalls and restaurants to relax. Although the prices are not as cheap as they used to be, and the atmosphere is often professional-museum, design and art lovers will feel in heaven here. It is recommended to join a guided tour so as not to get lost.
Portes de Vanves flea market
Address: Marc Sangnier and Georges Lafenestre avenues (14th arrondissement).
open: Saturdays and Sundays, from 07:00 AM to 14:00 PM.
While Saint-Ouen can sometimes be daunting in its size, the Vanves flea market offers a much more intimate, neighborhood-like and accessible experience. Here you will find a huge variety of outdoor collectibles: silverware, antique toys, old photographs, textiles and Judaica. Prices are usually more affordable and reasonable. Golden tip for this market: get up early! To find the real bargains, it is worth arriving when the stalls open at 7 am, as the traders start to close down by noon.
Used and Antique Book Market (Marché du Livre Ancien)
Address: Parc Georges Brassens, 15th arrondissement.
open: Saturday and Sunday, 09:00 AM-18:00 PM.
Love literature, history and the smell of old paper? This is the place for you. Under historic sheds in the heart of a peaceful park, dozens of dealers offer rare editions, antique books (some even from before the 18th and 19th centuries), old postcards and illustrations every weekend. The market sometimes hosts changing exhibitions (such as the “Bresance Salon” and a salon dedicated to antique cookbooks). The intellectual and nostalgic atmosphere makes the place a must-see for bibliophiles.
Fabric Market (Marché Saint-Pierre)
Address: 2 Rue Charles Nodier, at the foot of Montmartre (18th arrondissement).
open: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:30 (closed on Sunday).
Although it is called a “market”, Saint-Pierre is actually a complex of commercial buildings and entire streets dedicated to textiles, fabrics and lace. It is a Parisian institution in every sense of the word. Young fashion designers and design students flock here to purchase raw materials. A visit to the place provides a fascinating glimpse into the making, creativity and behind-the-scenes of the fashion industry in Paris.
Flower Market (Marché aux fleurs Reine Elizabeth II)
Address: Place Louis Lépine (Île de la Cité, 4th arrondissement).
שעות פתיחה: Every day from 08:00 to 19:30.
The flower market is located on Place Louis Lépine, a few steps from Notre Dame Cathedral and the Sainte-Chapelle. Founded in 1808 (and expanded into cast-iron pavilions in the early 20th century), the market is a picturesque and peaceful bubble in the heart of the volume. The botanical selection is vast – from seasonal flowers to exotic plants. It is worth noting that as part of the municipality’s animal welfare policy, the live bird market that used to operate here on Sundays has been canceled, but the flower experience continues to flourish in full force.
Saint-Quentin Market
Address: 85 bis boulevard Magenta, (10th district).
שעות פתיחה: Tuesday-Saturday 08:00-20:00; Sunday 08:00-13:30.
The Saint-Quentin covered market is the largest covered market in Paris (near Gare de l'Est). It has everything – food stalls of all kinds (Italian, African, Moroccan, Asian food, etc.), butchers, flower sellers, and also neat places to sit and eat in a lively dining destination atmosphere. There is even a seamstress and a cobbler's stall here. All under one roof.
Opening hours of markets in Paris
In this article I reviewed my favorite markets in Paris, but the City of Lights has over 70 open-air markets and other excellent sources (like the Dejan Market for African food or the Batignolles Market for organic food). Therefore, I highly recommend going toOfficial municipality website And check which markets are closest to where you live in Paris and what their exact opening days and hours are.
So what's next? Here are a few more pages to help you plan your vacation in Paris.
- If you happen to come to Paris during November or December, you must not miss the Christmas markets.
- Is it your first time in Paris and you don't know what you must see and what you can skip? This is just for you. This article.
- Are the apartments in the article already occupied? I have Excellent apartments Others for you and quite a few Recommended hotels.
- Traveling in Paris and looking for recommended restaurants not far from where you are? You are welcome to enter To this article And discover great restaurants recommended by site members.
- Looking for great museums, want to get on top Eiffel Tower Or sail on the Seine? This page was created for you.And if you happen to want to leave Paris for a few days and visit Versailles or Disneyland Paris, don't miss the This article.
Lovely and always feel Paris through your writing
Thanks!!
Thank you very much Anat. The pleasure is all mine 🙂
Read and feel the smells, tastes, colors, sights, and filling sensations of corners
The streets of this magical city. I still feel like reaching out and choosing. Thanks Zvi!
Thanks for the support 🙂
The pleasure is all mine.
This article, like all the others, is fascinating and invites you to board the next flight to Paris.
Thanks!!!
Wonderful!!!
Lovely site and great articles!!
Can you recommend a breakfast place near the Moffat Market?
Thanks
I would simply recommend buying a baguette, good cheese, and a few other delicious things there and you'll have breakfast.
I really liked the article. I would appreciate some advice regarding the MOUFFETARD market. You said it was at the bottom of the street – what do you mean? What street is near this area, so I can locate myself, and where the singing and dancing take place on Sunday. Thanks in advance.
The street at the bottom of Rue Moffattre is CESNIER. The chansons are performed in the square next to the Saint Medard church in the same area.
Amazing article, I enjoyed it.
First of all, thank you very much for a fascinating article.
Do you know what the opening hours of the Granel Market are?
Hi
I would love to know which street/area in Paris the clothing wholesalers are located on.
Thanks!!
Hey Aussie.
The clothing wholesalers are located in the SENTIER area (there is also a metro station with the same name) which is located in the 2nd arrondissement.
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