My Favorite Flea Market in Paris
Paris is full of treasures. I like to make a treasure hunt out of everything from searching for specific paintings in the Louvre with my children (more on that in a future blog post) to meandering through Père Lachaise cemetery searching for my favorite French icons. But treasure hunting at a flea market is the best kind of treasure hunting cause you get to take the treasure home!
un marché aux puces - a flea market
Welcome to the Marché de la Porte de Vanves. Located in the 14th arrondissement at Avenue Georges Lafenestre and Avenue Marc Sangnier. If you’ve visited the famous St. Ouen flea market in Paris, the Vanves flea market is not nearly as overwhelming. And who wants to feel overwhelmed when in Paris? Many second-hand dealers go to this market to find their own goods at affordable prices. But you need an early start. The market is open every Saturday and Sunday from 7 am to 2 pm, rain or shine.
This market specializes in smaller items, just the right size for your suitcase. The last time I went treasure hunting here, I found a 2CV toy car and an artichoke plate. The vendors set up their wares on temporary tables as they’ve been doing here since 1905. I found them all friendly, enjoying a very relaxed atmosphere. No tour buses. Mostly locals and the odd lucky tourist.
“It’s not about the treasure – it’s about the hunt.”
Take the metro line 13 and exit at Porte de Vanves. You will see the stands upon exiting the station. Bring cash as not all vendors can accept credit cards, but like everywhere in Paris, beware of pickpockets.
I would love to hear what suitcase-sized treasure you discover.