Guide to Paris Flea Market: Puces de Saint Ouen
One of my recent obsessions for the past few years has been visiting antique shops and flea markets no matter where I am. The thrill of digging through countless treasures and unique pieces and curating my own collection, whether it’s jewelry, clothing, or home decor, has become one of my favorite pastimes. Therefore, it is no surprise that I had the Saint Ouen Flea Market, boasted the #5 most visited attractions in France (I know! I am shocked as well!) on my list this time around in Paris. Below is all you need to know and also my experience visiting the famous Paris Flea Market for the first time.
Overview
The largest concentration of flea markets in the world, The Puces de Saint Ouen in Paris receives more than 5 million visitors each year! It’s only open on Saturday, Sunday, and Mondays and the fifth most visited tourist destination in France!
Although the entire flea market area is known as Puces de Saint Ouen in French or Saint Ouen Flea Market, the entire area is actually composed of twelve covered markets, five shopping streets, and sidewalks filled with goodies, each specializing in an area of antiques and items. For example, the Market begins with a massive outdoor market that specializes in knockoff designer clothes, jerseys, and sneakers. Some markets focus on vintage paintings, some on vintage furniture, and others on clothes and collectibles. It is a fantastic area to spend a day if you love to find hidden treasures. Although, some of the items are not necessarily good deals…
Enjoying the vintage goods from Puces de Saint-Ouen, Paris Flea Market!
Getting There
There are a few metro and RER stations near the flea markets but the main one is Porte de Clignancourt if you are arriving from Paris Center.
*Tip: Be mindful of your surroundings as the Porte de Clignancourt area sometimes has hustlers and dealers roaming about. Go during daylight and with a group of friends if possible, especially if you are not familiar with Paris!
Where to Shop
Sadly, I didn’t have enough time to visit all the markets within Saint Ouen but did go to Marche Vernaison and Jules Valles Market! I definitely need to go back and explore some more!
Marché Vernaison
Narrow streets and independent shops, mostly focusing on home decor and furniture. Super cute because the shops a lot of times overflow onto the sidewalks. It’s next to the streets that specializes in knock off sneakers and designer clothing but has several gates as entrances that transform itself to a different realm!
One of the Many Entrances of Marché Vernaison at Paris Flea Market Puces de Saint Ouen
Great indoor outdoor alleyways for vintage finds at Marché Vernaison at Puces de Saint Ouen in Paris
Jules Valles Market
An indoor market with beautiful orangerie type iron and glass work as part of its ceiling with individual stalls focusing on vintage clothing, records, posters, and postcards. There were also a few shops that sold furniture as well as collectibles like old-school Nintendo characters!
Second floor overview of Jules Valles Market with its orangerie type glass and iron dome at Paris Saint Ouen Flea Market
One of the eclectic home decor and antique furniture shops of Paris Flea Market, Puces de Saint Ouen within the Jules Valles Market
Places to Eat
There are restaurants throughout Saint Ouen Flea Markets vicinity, especially on Rue des Rosiers. We went to a cute bistro called Le Voltaire for a quick bite and coffee. It is slightly more overpriced than other areas in Paris, but the food was great and the restaurant was super cute!
My lovely homemade sausage with fries light lunch from Le Voltaire next to the Paris Flea Market of Saint Ouen
