There are many lively and fascinating markets in Paris and rummaging in boxes at a Parisian flea market can give you more than just a great bargain, it’s a chance to truly immerse yourself in French culture and one of its most exciting traditions. When you do, make sure to head to the best bric-à-brac in the city.
The most famous flea market in Paris is the one at Porte de Clignancourt, officially called Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, but there is another lesser-known place that’s a favourite among locals. Every Saturday and Sunday of the year (even public holidays, come rain or shine), the Puces de Vanves welcomes its 380 exhibitors all eager to hawk their treasures.
You’ll find everything from gorgeous Art Deco jewellery, furniture and sculptures, to awe-inspiring military relics, medals and ancient coins. Pristine glassware, silverware and ironwork abound and there are more fur coats than you could shake a stick at. It’s fantastic for the art lover too, to peruse for paintings, photographs and postcards, but also just for the curious browser, who likes to be surprised.
Your best bet is to arrive around 9am, while the morning is still fresh, and here are just some of the treasures you can expect to discover.
Paintings and art in abundance…
Like peculiar sculptures of sardines in tins…
Original printing materials…
As well as stamping materials…
Hilarious advertising posters from the past…
Sculpted treasures made of copper…
Antique doorknobs and decorations…
Bunches of ancient rusty keys…
Vintage stopwatches for a bargain price…
Flamboyant costume jewellery from the 1920s onwards…
And modern jewellery on offer too…
Vintage tableware…
And other random surprises…
Toys from another era…
Fascinating fossils…
Buttons and bits galore…
About the author
Jade is an English travel writer & journalist whose love of languages led her to Paris. She has bylines in The Guardian and The Times amongst other publications.
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