After filling your baskets, your stomachs and your nostrils at one of the most beautiful food markets in Paris, how about visiting one of the specialized markets? Flowers, stamps, ancient books, art, antique… you can find almost everything at these Parisian markets!
Flower friends, Paris enjoys several and perfectly lovely and charming flower markets. The splendid flower market of the Île de la Cité has a very large range of flowers, plants, shrubs to offer, as well as excellent pieces of advice from the countless florists working on the spot. Also note that at the same market, you’ll have a bird market with very rare birds and unassuming birds, all kinds of cages, lots of seeds and other accessories for passionate people. Open every day from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Another flower market in Paris is set at the Madeleine, not far from the church. For the record, in 1842, the place de la Madeleine actually was a former flower market. Open from Monday to Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Finally, if these two markets didn’t meet your needs, note that a third flower market can be found on the Place des Ternes median strip in Paris 17th arrondissement. A lovely and small market visited by the locals and where you can mainly find cut flowers to bring a touch of life to your home. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Paris stamp collectors and visiting collectors can all meet at the Marché aux Timbres or Stamp Market, set at the corner of the avenue Marigny and the avenue Gabriel, a stone’s throw from the Champs-Elysées. Open on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays and on public holiday, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., the stamp market opened in 1887 when philately was just arriving in Paris. Curious people may find stamps and telephone-cards, as well as postcards to exchange or buy. And it fits all budgets!
In Paris 15th arrondissement, the Marché du Livre ancien et d’occasion or ancient book and second-hand book market attracts literature fans and collectors, on weekends, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Created in 1987, the book market takes place in a pavilion built in the 19th century and houses not less than fifty booksellers. A large choice of works is available: manuscripts, engravings, comics, posters, vinyls, photographs, autographs, child’s books. Heaven for readers.
Art collectors and fans, the Marché de la Création Edgard Quinet or Edgar Quinet Creation Market in Paris 14th arrondissement (open on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and the Marché de la Création Bastille or Bastille Creation Market in Paris 11th arrondissement (Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.) present creations made by various artists. Painting, ceramic, engraving, photograph, silk, poetry… The perfect place to find a new vase or a new painting. Your weekend meeting if you’re fond of art.
If you have a little bit of free time during your weekend, go have a look at the flea markets. You’re likely to find a lamp from the 50’s, an original movie poster, a piece of furniture from the 18th century, a lighter, a watch and God knows what else!
There’s nothing simpler since Paris features three flea markets: the Porte de Vanves flea market (14th arrondissement), the Saint-Ouen-Clignancourt flea market (18th arrondissement) and the Porte de Montreuil flea market (20th arrondissement).
Note that the Vanves and Saint-Ouen-Clignancourt markets are rather more into vintage antique: art deco furniture, lamps, silverware, ancient jewels, phonograph, coins, paintings. But the one set at the Porte de Montreuil is simpler. In its huge junk shop, you can find new things and old things, trinkets, spare part, thrift clothes for tighter budgets.
Enjoy your shopping!
