Follow These Tips When You Shop at Paris Flea Markets

Do you know what's my favorite part about living in Paris? Shopping in flea markets. I just love going to them because they're affordable, always have amazing items to sell, and it's an experience you won't get anywhere else. I'd even go so far as to say that it's better to shop in Paris flea markets than in traditional grocery stores. But before you do, it's worth getting into the groove first. So I'm going to share my best tips, which include always bringing cash, dressing comfortably, and knowing how to haggle properly. I hope this will help you!

Check The Schedule

First things first, you need to check the schedule! I learned this the hard way! When I shopped at the Saint Ouen flea market for the first time, I went there too early. My friend told me to go there early but forgot to mention that the market opens at 10 am. What time did I get there, you ask? 7-freaking-am! Thank God I spotted a cafe that was miraculously open at the time and I hung out there until the market opened. I could’ve avoided all that with a quick Google search and so should you!

Make Some Room in Your Place

Do you live in a micro apartment in Paris? Or is your place big but you already have a lot of stuff? If any of these apply to you, then you need to make some room for what you will buy from the flea market. Take it from me—flea markets have so much to offer that you'll often end up buying a lot. Even if you're only planning a little bit, it won't take long for you to buy more and more stuff. So it'll be less stressful for you if you prepare for all of that beforehand.

Get There Early

I know this tip is ironic coming from me because of what I shared earlier in this post, but it really does help to go there early. Not only will it be easier for you to shop when there are fewer people—the things tend to get crowded nearer noontime—but you'll get your hands on some of the rarer pieces more quickly. Now, you don't have to go there hours before the flea market opens, but about half an hour or even just an hour would do. Fortunately, many of the best flea markets in Paris are also surrounded by cafes, stores, and more where you can hang out as you wait.

It will Help if You Speak French

Learning French, in general, will benefit you in the long run when you're in Paris. Though it may be enough to learn a few essential French phrases when you're just a tourist, it's a different story if you're moving here. For one thing, you'll find it easier to haggle prices and form bonds with sellers in flea markets. The latter is important because they'll then give you first dibs on items you might like and probably sell them at better prices for you too!

Always Bring Cash

This probably sounds like a no-brainer, but I feel like I should still include this on my list—always bring cash when you shop at Paris flea markets. Going to practically anywhere else in this city might require you to bring a credit card, but most of these sorts of places only accept cash. And they're pretty serious about it too! Don't expect many of them to allow you to pay through apps too. Some will, but most of them are strict with their cash-only policies.

Bring Sturdy Bags

When it comes to your bags, my ultimate rule of thumb is the sturdier they are, the better. Perhaps I should also start with bringing your own bags, period! I can't tell you how many people—tourists, I presume—I’ve seen who think that flea market stalls will provide their own bags. Many of them do, don't get me wrong, but it's become a sort of silent agreement that buyers will bring their own bags. So when you do, make sure they're sturdy enough to hold heavy antiques, lots of produce, and even some delicate pieces you'll want to keep safe.

Pack Along Some Wipes

This is a tip I learned myself and hoped people told me before I started shopping in Paris flea markets—bring wipes. I only started shopping in flea markets because I wanted to fill my place with antiques. I expected that stalls would at least clean their items before they display them, and while many do, some don't exactly wash their pieces thoroughly. If I wasn't a clean freak, it wouldn't have been a big deal. But I am, and so I decided to bring wipes to clean some antiques before I put them in my bag.

Dress Comfortably

This isn't Paris Fashion Week! You don't have to dress in designer clothes to shop at flea markets in Paris. I've always just put on a shirt and jeans and, most importantly, a comfy pair of sneakers and I'm good to go. Sometimes, I wear shorts because I move better when my legs are out in the open, especially every summer. You'll likely be spending hours in flea markets because there's so much to see and buy, and if you're not dressed comfortably, you'll end up hating yourself afterward!

Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

Look! The cold hard truth is Paris is far from the safest city in the world. Even locals would attest that their city would be closer to the bottom of the list. Now, I'm not saying Paris is a dangerous dystopia or anything like that! I'm simply pointing out that you need to stay aware of your surroundings when you shop at flea markets here. Unfortunately, these places still get their fair share of pickpockets and petty thieves. If you're not careful, your wallet would’ve already been missing from your bag!

Go Beyond Paris

As for where you should shop, I advise that you should go beyond Paris. The biggest and most popular flea market, Marché aux Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen, is in its namesake Paris Suburb. It's my favorite to visit and I never mind going through all the trouble to go there. Apart from this one, most of the flea markets outside of the central arrondissements tend to be the least crowded and in my experience, often have the most fascinating antiques, vintage clothes, and the like.



If you want to shop at flea markets in Paris, you’ll want to follow these tips. They will ensure that you have a good time, find the best items you’re looking for, and that it all becomes a pleasant experience altogether.