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. 2025.
🛒 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 | 18 (St. Owen) | Antiques, vintage and furniture | Saturday, Sunday, Monday |
| Bastille Market | 11 | Large, diverse and touristy | Thursday and Sunday |
Markets in Paris – General Tips
– First and foremost, I highly recommend reading Miriam Edri's excellent article: How real Parisians do market shopping?
– 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. If you are looking for the best prices, arrive as late as possible.
– 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 from rue Crozatier (12th arrondissement, Paris).
שעות פתיחה: Tuesday-Sunday from 08:00 AM to 13:30 PM (closed on Monday).
Aligre Market is located in the 12th arrondissement of Paris. For many, it is the best and cheapest market in the city. Ask Parisians about their weekend plans, and there is a good chance they will include a visit to this market followed by a meal with friends at one of the restaurants scattered around the area. The market is divided into three sub-markets: the open market along Rue Aligre, the covered Beauveau market, and the small flea market in the square. Here you will find a huge wealth of fruit, vegetables, fish, meats, and gourmet foods, along with clothes and other “pitchpacks.”
Want to live near the Allegra Market and enjoy the wonderful food you can buy there every day? Here Recommended apartments in the 12st district.
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 (Thursday until 21:30 PM), Sunday 08:30 AM-17:00 PM. Closed on Monday.
The oldest covered market in Paris is located in the 3rd arrondissement. It was founded in 1628 and is named after a nearby orphanage, whose children wore red clothes. In the 80s, the municipality decided to close the market, but in light of public protest, it was reopened and is now a paradise for lovers of prepared food (street food). You will find excellent stalls here serving Moroccan, Lebanese, Japanese, Italian and of course French food, close to the charming streets of theMarais.
Want to live near the Red Children's Market and enjoy the many wonderful food shops nearby? Here you can find recommended apartments in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris..
Bastille Market (Marché Bastille)
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 market that combines food stalls (cheese, fish, seafood, breads) with clothing, handbags, and housewares stalls.
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.
Saint Eustache Market
Address: Between Rambeauteau Street and Rue du Jour (1st arrondissement).
open: Thursdays (12:30-20:30) 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 array of culinary delights. The market opened in 2005, and it mainly sells fruits and vegetables, as well as wine and cosmetics.
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 Rue Moffatt (the fifth arrondissement of Paris).
open: Every day except Monday between 08:00 AM and 13:00 PM.
The Moffatt Market is located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris. One of the oldest markets in Paris (probably created in 1654, although there is evidence that it also existed in the 14th century). A charming market that preserves the memory of medieval Paris thanks to the ancient houses and cobblestones like they can be found in few places in Paris. It is recommended to come to the market on 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.
Want to live not far from the Moftar market? Here Recommended apartments in the 5st arrondissement of Paris.
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, but I decided to add the place to my recommendations thanks to the immense culinary wealth found there. The food department at Bon Marché (La Grande Épicerie), in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, is considered a tourist attraction in itself, which foodies absolutely must visit. Everything related to food is sold here – and food, of course. There are restaurants here, but the main interest is in the various stalls: an Italian food stall, an Asian food stall, cheeses, charcuterie and very specific stalls, such as a stall dedicated solely to olives. It's not a cheap experience – but culinary lovers will certainly want to visit the place.
Saint-Ouen Flea Market
Address: Porte de Clignancourt (18th arrondissement/Saint-Ouen).
open: שבת 09:00-18:00, ראשון 10:00-18:00 ושני 11:00-17:00.
This is the largest flea market in Paris (and the world!). You can find old items there, and there are quite a few sellers specializing in certain periods (for example: items from World War II). You can also find vintage clothing, jewelry, watches, sunglasses, and more. On Rue des Rosiers (please do not confuse it with a street with the same name in the Marais district) there are nearly 3,000 stalls and many restaurants where you can eat and rest from the shopping experience. Although the prices are not as cheap as they used to be, you can still find a bargain here. Sundays are the busiest days and Mondays are quieter, but note that not all stalls are open on Mondays.
Grenelle Market
A high-quality open-air market in the 15th arrondissement, operating under the metro sky bridge. A great place to buy cheeses, roast chicken and flowers.
This is the market that loves Gal Steiner. All the information about him can be found HERE.
The flower market – The flower market
Address: Place Louis Lépine (Île de la Cité, 4th arrondissement).
שעות פתיחה: Every day from 8:00 to 19:30.
The flower market is located on Place Louis Lépine, between Notre Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle. The market has been around since 1830, and is a source of attraction for flower lovers, gardeners, and just the curious who pass by. The market has an open-air section and an indoor section, and the selection here is huge – flowers of all kinds, including exotic flowers, plants, pots, and everything green and beautiful.
St. Quentin Market
שעות פתיחה: Tuesday-Saturday, 8:00-20:00; on Sunday, the market is open from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The Saint-Quentin covered market is located at 85 bis boulevard Magenta (in the 10th arrondissement, near the Gare de l'Est). It's a large, covered food market that has it all – food stalls of all kinds (Italian, African, Moroccan, Asian, etc.), butchers, florists, and places to sit and eat. There's even a seamstress and a cobbler's stall. All in one place, what more could you want?
Opening hours of markets in Paris
In this article I have only talked about some of my favorite markets in Paris, but there are quite a few other excellent markets in the City of Lights that did not make the list. Therefore, I highly recommend going toThis site And check which of the markets is closest to where you live and what its 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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