The Best Weekend Markets in Paris
The Best Weekend Markets in Paris
One of my favorite things to do in Paris on a weekend, no matter the season, is visit a local market. This is a great way to experience the city like a local, watching the hustle of the Parisians walking to their neighborhood market. You can usually spot a market close by when you see a Parisian pushing a wicker market trolley down the streets. This is where Parisians grab their seasonal produce and fresh flowers. I have been visiting markets in Paris for over a decade, and they never get old.
Whether you are in Paris on a Saturday or Sunday, there is a market worth visiting. I have organized this post by day and by Left Bank or Right Bank, so you can plan around your neighborhood and agenda. Bring cash, it is preferred, but a credit card is also accepted, and come hungry. Not only will the market offer produce and cheeses, but there will be some ready-to-eat and picnic-friendly items you can take with you, even if you aren’t staying in an apartment.
Read this blog post on how to shop at a French market like a local for more tips on navigating the markets.
The Best Markets in Paris on a Sunday
Right Bank Paris Weekend Markets
Marché Bastille Paris Sunday Market
I stumbled upon the Bastille market in 2013 while living in Montmartre. It was a straight shot down from my apartment — a long walk that slowly taught me the city, week by week. Over time, I learned its rhythm: my favorite vendors, the market’s flow, and its seasonality. This is still one of my favorite markets to visit on a Sunday morning in Paris. To get here, take the Line 1 directly to Bastille. You can also walk here from the Marais; it is a quick distance from Place des Vosges. A great spot to return to after you pick up a few picnic items.
Marché Bastille runs along Boulevard Richard Lenoir every Thursday and Sunday. Sunday is the one to plan for. In the warmer months, go early; it gets busy fast. Beyond the produce, you will find fresh flowers, cheese, and rôtisserie stands with roasted chicken and potatoes, perfect if you are picnicking or staying in an apartment. The French eat seasonally, so keep an eye out for in-season fruits and vegetables when you visit.
The flower vendors here are incredible, especially during peony season. You will find flowers stacked high in cascading colors.
You can spot the favorite vendors by the long lines of Parisians with their market baskets. Jump in line here and ask the vendors for help choosing the best in-season fruits and cheeses. Patience and a few key French words will guide you.
Paris Sunday Market Activities in The Marais
One of my favorite Sunday activities is picking up seasonal items like apples and pears in the autumn or strawberries and cherries in the summer, along with cheeses, and heading to Place des Vosges, just a short walk away.
The boulangerie at 28 Beaumarchais is my go-to for a torsade baguette pas trop cuite (not too cooked). I always take friends here and score a warm baguette and some incredible pastries.
Nearby in the Marais, don’t miss falafel on Rue des Rosiers. I prefer Miznon. It is the best place for a sandwich on a Sunday afternoon. The lines move quickly, so don’t be put off by them at L’as Au Falafel or Miznon. It is worth it.
Paris Sunday Market: Marché D’Aligre
Marché d’Aligre is more of a destination market in Paris and is visited more by local Parisians. It is located in the 12th arrondissement, past Marché Bastille. The metro stop Ledru-Rollin (line 8) will put you closest to Marché Aligre. David Lebovitz wrote a great post on the market, and you can read more about Marché d’Aligre here. It is a lively Sunday morning or afternoon if you are looking for something off the beaten path. You can soak up a real Parisian market here with the energy of vendors and locals shopping. There is also a covered market located here with fresh fish and cheeses.
One of the best parts of visiting the Aligre market is the surrounding cafés and boulangeries nearby. The energy of this part of the city cannot be beat and is worth adding to your list once you have checked off all the classic Paris spots.
After the Aligre market, stroll through the Promenade Plantée, the elevated old train track turned into a beautiful park. This is especially worth checking out in the summer months for the garden and roses in bloom.
Marché des Enfants-Rouges Paris Right Bank Market Sunday
This is not your typical market, unlike the other Paris markets mentioned in this post. I was lucky enough to rent an apartment near the Marché des Enfants Rouges in the Marais. It is the oldest covered market in Paris, offering fresh produce, flowers, and cheeses from different vendors. You will even find some lovely vendors offering sandwiches and Moroccan food. Both options are perfect for lunch on a Sunday in the Marais.
This is much smaller than the above-mentioned Sunday markets, but it still gives the energy of the Parisian lifestyle, especially on a Sunday.
Best Sunday Left Bank Markets to Explore in Paris
Marché Raspail Paris Left Bank Sunday Market
Located in the 6th arrondissement, you can find Marché Raspail open on Sundays on Boulevard Raspail from 9 am – 3 pm.
Ina Garten recently mentioned the Marché Raspail was her market of choice while in Paris. It is just a quick walk from the famous Bon Marché department store. Marché Raspail is open three days a week on Boulevard Raspail. On market days, Tuesday and Friday, 7-2:30 pm, traditional fruits, vegetables, and cheeses are offered. It is a great market on the Left Bank.
Sundays, the Marché Raspail is an organic market with over fifty stalls offering great quality products.
Don’t miss one of my favorite cheese shops in the area, Barthélemy.
Left Bank Paris Sunday Markets
Marché Monge Paris Sunday Market Left Bank
I discovered the Marché Monge market while exploring the Left Bank of Paris. It is in the heart of the Latin Quarter at Place Monge. The market can be reached by the metro. Place Monge line 7. The market runs on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday from 7 – 2:30/3 pm. When I am staying on the Left Bank, which is more often these days, I try to pop over here just to soak up the energy. The markets are a great alternative to a grocery store, offering the freshest ingredients from local farmers.
Left Bank Paris Markets on Saturday
Marché Saxe- Breteuil: Left Bank Paris Market Saturday What to do in Paris on the Weekend
Marché Saxe-Breteuil is the best market in Paris if you love the area near the Eiffel Tower. École Militaire frames the market and runs on Thursdays and Saturdays. To get here, you will find the market located on Avenue de Saxe in the 7th arrondissement. Take the Line 6 metro closest and easiest at Sèvres-Lecourbe or Ségur (line 10). You will have all the fabulous fresh products offered at the other outdoor markets in the city. Enjoy fresh fruit, vegetables, cheeses, and flowers.
Signs above the produce will tell you exactly what country the fruits and vegetables are sourced from. This will help guide you on the best items to purchase. The vendors will also help with freshness and guide you on what to buy, depending on whether you plan to eat it that day or wait a few days, based on ripeness.
As mentioned before, I always like to take cues from the French and look for the stalls with the longest lines. Be patient; the vendors will make small conversations as they move through customers. This is a great opportunity to test out your French. If you don’t know French, “bonjour” (hello) and “merci” (thank you) go a long way.
The market is located in the upper Marais in the heart of Paris on Rue de Bretagne, lined with fantastic cafés, restaurants, and shops. It is a small market, so don’t expect the same number of stalls as the Bastille market, but it will have everything you need.
Marché Aux Puces: Paris Flea Market
At Marché aux Puces, you will find a labyrinth of outdoor stalls offering various antiques, from retro pieces and jewelry to large gold mirrors. Even if you don’t have room to put any of these pieces in your suitcase, it is a fun way to spend an afternoon. The vendors will offer shipping options if you have an eye on something you can’t stop thinking about. Small pieces such as plates, silver, and table linens make great souvenirs you can wrap well in your suitcase.
If you spend time at Les Puces, I highly recommend grabbing lunch at Bonne Aventure.
You can get to Marché Aux Puces by taking line 4 to the end of Clingancourt and walking towards Les Puces. You will see signs, and it is a relatively quick walk from the metro. An Uber is also a great option. Keep an eye on your belongings as you navigate through, especially during high-traffic areas.
Market Streets in Paris: The Best Weekend Markets in Paris
I highly recommend checking out the market streets in Paris. You will find boulangeries, fromageries, and wine shops. One of my favorite lunches or dinners in Paris is a simple roasted chicken and potatoes available at Rotisseries on these market streets. Look for the roast chicken offered as you walk down some of the streets below.
Rue Cler is close to the Eiffel Tower and perfect for those who love the Left Bank and its vibe. I feel Rick Steves put this market street on the map. Food stalls sell produce and cafés and restaurants along the cobblestone streets. Like many others, this street has become more commercialized in the last few years with more chain stores. Look for the fromagerie and boulangerie along Rue Cler for a classic Parisian experience. If you want souvenirs for your family and friends at home, you can do so at the chocolate and macaron shops.
Rue Montorgueil: Best Market Street in Paris
Rue Montorgueil is one of my favorite streets in Paris. It offers a variety of food and drink options at different cafés and restaurants. You will find a variety of cuisines. Some of the best restaurants are located on the side streets. I still dream of a Thai soup I had on a cold, rainy day.
Bonjour, I’m Rebecca!
I’m a photographer, blogger, croissant-lover, and world traveler. I hope that Everyday Parisian inspires you by bringing a bit of France into your daily life and helps you plan the best trip to Paris with personalized recommendations for places to stay, explore, and eat.
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https://www.shakespeareandcompany.com/merch/sh-co-year-of-reading-bundle
I saw this information recently and wanted to share it with you. I am guessing you already know this so please consider this a friendly reminder.
I also want to let you know how much I appreciate and enjoy your blog! Keep up the good work. (I love enjoying coffee and a croissant while reading your Sunday morning post! )
Rebecca, this is a wonderful edition to all your blogs that I have saved! The pictures 🤤
I will read this for days. ❤️
place mobert ?
You are right on! All are great markets. Today at the LP organic market, always a reminder that some how our venders, good as they are, are outdone by the beautiful marketing and arrangements of everything at every market in Paris.