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Top 5 Paris Markets to Explore

Top 5 Paris Markets to Explore

I love visiting the markets when I am traveling. It is a great way to see the culture of the country or city you are visiting. When I had an apartment in Montmartre, there was a small market down the street that I made a habit of visiting. Once you are a regular at a market, you really 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 my top 5 Paris markets to add to your list for your next trip.

top markets to visit in Paris

Did I miss one of your favorites? Comment below and share!

French markets to explore in Paris France

Markets in Paris: Bastille Market

french markets to visit

I stumbled on the Bastille market back in 2013 on a walk and I 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 have arrived early and seen 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 it is very busy, it is worth exploring.

Keep your bags zipped and valuables tucked in as you walk through the tight aisles. You can take photos just try not to hold up additional traffic or move to the side. The vendors are there to sell so if you block customers, they won’t be happy with you. You can always be polite and ask them if you can take photos.

You can tell which vendors are the preferred ones 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 a bit of English, and others are not as fluent. It all works out if you don’t speak French as someone is close by 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.

Not to 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.

bastille market Paris france

Left Bank Paris Market: Maubert – MutualitĆ© 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 a great boulangerie, butcher, and fromager just in the same area if you don’t arrive in time or want to shop more places.

summer flowers at the Paris markets pink peonies

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 just ask for a few slices of different meats and request that they cut the harder cheeses for a sandwich or for snacking.

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.

Best Paris Markets to Visit

Markets in Paris: Aligre Market

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. It is worth the visit if you have time. There are great cafƩs and boulangeries in the area surrounding the market for a more local Parisian experience here. Aligre market is open every day from 8 am to 1 pm 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 a great spot for dishes, silverware, and small collectibles.

french markets to explore in  Paris

Paris Market: Monge Market (MarchƩ)

MarchĆ© 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 cafƩ. If you make the MarchƩ Monge part of your Paris trip, you can also explore the Grande MosquƩe and Jardin des Plantes. Jardin des Plantes is magical in the spring and explodes with pink and white cherry blossoms.

Place Monge Parisian market

Best Paris Market: MarchƩ President Wilson

market basket Paris France markets

The market runs down Avenue du PrĆ©sident Wilson on Saturdays 7 am – 2:30 pm. and Wednesdays 7 am- 1:30 pm. MarchĆ© 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, and 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: MarchƩ des Enfants Rouge

marche des enfants rouge paris market

MarchĆ© des Enfants Rouges is the oldest covered market in Paris and is located in the heart of the Marais. The market is closed Mondays. This is different from the other markets mentioned above as it is a permanent location in the city. You will find various vendors selling the usual fruits, vegetables, fish, and cheeses along with stands selling meals. This is a great 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 in 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 have a way to 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 amount as the chairs and out of my budget. I still wish I got them!

You can easily get here at the end of line 4 metro and walk a bit or take a metro or taxi.

Paris flea market frames everyday parisian

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

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  1. Thank you, Rebecca, I love ā€œEveryday Parisianā€!
    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 šŸ˜‰

  2. Rebecca,
    Great selection of markets. We have stayed in apartments several times. First thing each day was to check for that dayā€™s market. There are a couple of others I like, but a lot depends on where you are living. It isnā€™t just the gorgeous flowers and produce, but the way they are displayed.
    Our summer market simply doesnā€™t have the French knack for this.
    David Leibovitz was always my guide to which market to go to on certain days. Since Iā€™ve been there at every time of year, itā€™s been fun to see every seasonā€™s produce.
    You probably have too. Canā€™t wait to get back.