The Best Markets to Visit in Paris
I love visiting the markets when I am traveling. It is a great way to see the culture of the country or city you visit. When I had an apartment in Montmartre, there was a small market down the street that I habitually visited. Once you are a regular at a market, you get to know the vendors, and they will guide you to what is good in terms of freshness, ripeness, and ingredients to enhance the flavor of what you plan to cook. These are the best markets to visit in Paris.
The Best Markets to Visit in Paris
Did I miss one of your favorites? Comment below and share!
Markets in Paris: Bastille Market
I stumbled on the Bastille market in 2013 on a walk and have been a regular ever since. It runs on both Thursday and Sunday. From my experience, the prices are a little less on Thursdays vs. Sundays. The hours run from 7 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. on Sundays and 7 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on Thursdays. I arrived early and saw vendors set up around 8, so especially in the winter months, don’t rush to be the early bird at the opening. The market will get busy around 9ish and stay packed for most of the day. Sundays are a scene, and while they are very busy, they are worth exploring.
Keep your bags and valuables tucked in as you walk through the tight aisles. You can take photos, but avoid holding up additional traffic or moving to the side. The vendors are there to sell, so they won’t be happy with you if you block customers. You can always be polite and ask them if you can take photos.
You can tell which vendors are preferred by the lines. They move fairly quickly if you are getting produce; just wait your turn patiently, and they will guide you on what is fresh or ripe. Some vendors speak some English, while others are not as fluent. It all works out if you don’t speak French, as someone is nearby to help. Cash is important for the markets, especially if you aren’t buying too much at any stall. Some stalls take cards if you have over a certain euro amount.
I don’t play favorites, but this is my favorite Paris market to visit when I am in town. It’s the Paris market I recommend to all of my friends.
Left Bank Paris: Maubert – Mutualité Market
This market is just across the Seine off of Boulevard Saint Germain and is open three days a week. Saturdays it is open from 7 am – 2:30 pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays it is open from 7 am – 1:30. You will be to find flowers, olives, cheeses, and a few French items such as honey, jam, and wine. I love this little market and if I am in the area on a day the market is on, I will usually pop by. There is an excellent boulangerie, butcher, and fromager in the exact location if you don’t arrive in time or want to shop more places.
Maubert Mutalité is the best Paris market for picking up a few items for a picnic and a quick stop. It isn’t as large as the other markets, but worth checking out.
If you are planning a park or Seine picnic, this is a great place to pick up meats, cheeses, and a baguette to take along with you. You can ask for a few slices of different meats and request that they cut the harder cheeses for a sandwich or snack.
I love olives for snacking which you will see in bins all lined up. This is a fun way to pick up some favorites or try something new. They will let you taste them if you ask politely. There are some Greek spreads offered at some of the vendors as well.
Paris Right Bank Market: Aligre
The Aligre Market is located in the 12th arrondissement, further than the Bastille market, and a bit off the beaten track in terms of central Paris. For a local experience, it is one of the best markets in Paris. It is worth the visit if you have time. There are great cafés and boulangeries in the area surrounding the market for a more local Parisian experience. Aligre Market is open every day from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. except for Mondays. The weekend hours run a bit longer.
One of the differences between this and other markets is the antiques or brocante items you can find. This is an excellent spot for dishes, silverware, and small collectibles.
Paris Market: Monge Market (Marché)
Marché Monge can be found in Place Monge in the heart of the Latin Quarter in the 5th arrondissement is open Wednesday and Friday 7 am – 2:30 pm Sunday 7 am – 3 pm. The market isn’t as big as other markets in the city but you will have a local vibe and experience.
Located close by is one of my favorite coffee spots, Strada café. If you make the Marché Monge part of your Paris trip, you can also explore the Grande Mosquée and Jardin des Plantes. Jardin des Plantes is magical in the spring and explodes with pink and white cherry blossoms.
The Best Paris Markets: Marché President Wilson
The market runs down Avenue du Président Wilson on Saturdays 7 am – 2:30 pm. and Wednesdays 7 am- 1:30 pm. Marché President Wilson is Paris’s largest open-air market. You will have a prime view of the Eiffel Tower from this market. There are great cheese, meat, and produce vendors, as well as florists. Even if you aren’t staying in an apartment where you will have a fridge or room for flowers, this is worth a stroll through. I recommend arriving early as it gets crowded on the weekends. There will be lots of baskets and trolleys to hold up traffic from regulars picking up their items.
Bonus Markets to explore in Paris
Paris Markets: Marché des Enfants Rouge
Marché des Enfants Rouges is the oldest covered market in Paris, located in the heart of the Marais. The market is closed on Mondays. This is different from the other markets mentioned above as it is a permanent location in the city. Various vendors sell the usual fruits, vegetables, fish, and cheeses, along with stands selling meals. This is an excellent spot for lunch to grab Moroccan couscous or sandwiches. The lines do form early and run long throughout the day. It’s worth exploring for an afternoon.
Paris Markets: Puces de Saint-Ouen Cligancourt
I wanted to add to the flea markets because so many people ask. I have been here several times, and if you are looking for an adventure and have a larger budget, this may be your spot. There are vendors selling frames, large furniture, mirrors, and chandeliers. If you can bring home a container, you are in luck. They will also help you with shipping, but don’t expect it to be cheap. I fell in love with two leather chairs ten years ago, and the shipping was the same as the chairs, which was out of my budget. I still wish I got them!
You can quickly get here at the end of line 4 metro and walk a bit or take a metro or taxi.
There are also brocantes (flea markets) in different parts of the city, which I enjoy more. You can use this site to help you find where they will be based on the time of year. They will have them on the weekends in a different arrondissement.
P.S. Don’t miss this post on how to navigate a French market like a local
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.
Subscribe
Subscribe to get a taste of Paris delivered
straight to your inbox every week.
Shop
Currently Loving
Favorites
As always, your inspiring blog stirs my heart to travel back to Paris!
Thank you so much, Lin! xo
Omg, the picture of the peonies (my favorite) 😍😍
Thank you, Rebecca, I love “Everyday Parisian”!
When I was in and around Paris in spring 2019, I found myself in these charming streets that I think were called, Arcades.? Would you tell us a little about those. ( Maybe they are not considered charming there, I loved them. ). Merci!!!
Thank you so much, Becky! Yes, those are the Paris passages. I have a top 5 covering them soon. Stay tuned 😉
Rebecca,
Great selection of markets. We have stayed in apartments several times. First thing each day was to check for that day’s market. There are a couple of others I like, but a lot depends on where you are living. It isn’t just the gorgeous flowers and produce, but the way they are displayed.
Our summer market simply doesn’t have the French knack for this.
David Leibovitz was always my guide to which market to go to on certain days. Since I’ve been there at every time of year, it’s been fun to see every season’s produce.
You probably have too. Can’t wait to get back.