Travel Guide – 6 famous street markets in Paris
If you are looking for a classic Parisian experience, then street markets must be a part of your itinerary. The outdoor markets of Paris provide a space for culture and cuisine to come together. With its cosmopolitan nature, the interest in foreign foods and ingredients is growing day by day. If nothing else, it is fun to visit one just to understand the sights and sounds of a living and breathing city – and to grab an economy lunch. Market streets in Paris are usually pedestrian-only streets lined with multiple specialty food shops that allow you to soak in the atmosphere at your own leisurely pace. So, once you have landed in Paris, take one of the airport transfer cabs like T2 Transfer or the public transport and head to the excitement that street markets hold for you.
Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen
It truly is a great flea market. It’s jam-packed with odds and ends and bits and bobs – everything you never knew you required. Although some of the items are a bit overpriced, thanks to the huge turn-out, you can still have a lot of fun hunting around for a bargain. If you want the full, crazy experience, the best day to visit is on a holiday. The new Phillipe Starck-designed canteen and the much-lauded and trendy Ma Cocotte greatly add to the previously slim pickings of restaurants within the market.
Marché d’Aligre
This cutest traditional Parisian market is actually multiple markets in one. The Marché d’Aligre is one of the lesser-known markets, only visited by locals and tourists who are well-informed. This paradise brags freshly sourced products from all the French regions. Located in a quiet residential square, this market offers numerous terraces to enjoy a coffee or a glass of wine after hectic shopping!
Rue Montorgueil
This beautiful, local street is in the heart of Paris just off the former central market of Les Halles. La rue Montorgueil boasts some of the most famous and iconic food stores in the city. Walking around this trendy pedestrian street is almost like a French gourmet walking tour! Here you’ll find the oldest bakery in Paris where Rhum Babas were invented, an incredible cheese shop offering over 300 varieties from all over the country and an iconic chocolate store with cozy café terraces.
Marché Bastille
This centrally located market is an easy fit for any Paris itinerary. The aisles and aisles of vendors that line Boulevard Richard Lenoir is typical of a classic Paris market and include a wide selection of fresh cheese, produce, fish, and meat. It’s easy to spend hours on end roaming the stalls. If you want to go where the locals go, this is your spot.
Seine River Booksellers
Paris has its distinguishable characters, but one that stands out most to locals may be the booksellers who set up shop along the banks of the Seine River. A centuries-old tradition, 900 classic dark green boxes align the quais of both the right and left bank for more than three kilometers of antique books and posters. Taking a stroll along this UNESCO World Heritage site is the perfect way to enjoy the journey between Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower.
Marché des enfants Rouges
The oldest market in Paris, the Marché des Enfants Rouges dates back to the early 1600s. The name was taken from a neighboring orphanage where the children wore red coats. While technically not an outdoor market, this is a great spot to grab lunch to go and then head outside to enjoy a picnic or hot meal. North African, Japanese, British, Italian and French cuisine come together in this covered market, which also has a few stands selling organic produce, cheese, and meat… The tagline is certainly one of the most famous in Paris.
Follow some basic rules when you are in the market. Take a tour of the entire market before committing to any one thing in order to avoid buyer’s remorse and trust long lines to lead you to the worthwhile bites and bits. You can do the bargain but be attuned to the cultural customs. The thrill is in the hunt. The inventory is always changing. If you have fun once, then go again on your next trip. It’s the kind of experience that can be repeated but never feels repetitive