There are different flea markets, or “Marché aux Puces”, in or around Paris. The most famous, said to be world’s biggest, is the Saint Ouen one. It’s situated just on the Paris border in the suburb Saint Ouen, as the name indicates.There were traditions to find this kind of activity just outside the city walls since centuries. The present Paris border was established in 1860 when some of the surrounding villages (like Montmartre, Belleville, Charonne, Batignolles...) were incorporated. The limit was marked by a defence wall since the mid of the 19th century, finally destroyed in the 1920’s (a few traces still left). I guess this explains why the market was more seriously created here at the end of the 19th century. It is thus claimed that it’s about 125 years old (official start 1885), but it seems that it really started in a more organised way and on a larger scale around 1920.
The market is open Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays and during these three days some 150.000 people visit. There are actually 13 different markets with names like Vernaison, Biron, Paul Bert, Serpette, Dauphine... and some 1300 stands. What is offered may vary quite a bit from one market to another, from one stand to the other, going from the simplest junk to the most exclusive antiques. You have to find your way and try to bargain. Don’t forget you credit card, but it’s easier to deal with some cash.
Around the actual flea market, you will also find a large and wilder market, mostly specialising in second hand – or new - cheap clothes, shoes, records...
... and if you are thirsty or hungry, there are solutions. “Chez Luisette” is perhaps the most well known with possibly not the best eating but with “typical Paris” entertainment. There is also the old “Brasserie A.Picolo” and a number of others.
Here follow a few patchworks, with photos, in complete disorder, corresponding to the feeling you may get when going there - part of the charm!
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