NOTE: If you came here from Calypso in the Country’s “Take Me Away” Link Party – this post is an oldie but a goodie…Enjoy and please check out my more recent posts too!
On our first full day in Paris, we got up early and took the metro to the end of the line to visit Les Puces de Saint Ouen…the Paris flea market. Since I had never been before, I had no idea what to expect. When I exited the metro, after about a 40 minute trip, in an area just outside of the Paris city limits, my first thought was “why on earth are we spending our day out here instead of one of the many charming and beautiful areas of Paris?” My question was answered once we ventured the few blocks down the road to enter the Saint Ouen flea market…what an amazing place!!
There is something for everyone…from a booth with only keys…
…to intaglios…
…copper cookware and baskets…
…French linens galore…
…vintage luggage for my fellow wanderers…
…luxury lovers will not be disappointed…
The area can be overwhelming as there are several different “marchés” within the flea market area. But, part of the fun was simply wandering from booth to booth enjoying the variety of merchandise to be found.
Tips for visiting the flea market:
Many of you had given me tips for visiting the fleas before I left. The one that I heard over and over again (including from the hotel manager) was be wary of pickpockets. I never felt unsafe while I was in the area of the actual flea market, when we made a wrong turn and ended up in the “swap meet” area, I felt very uncomfortable. I would recommend avoiding that area – there is nothing there you can’t buy at home.
Also, I had printed out a great guide and map from Oh Happy Day before we left, which gave excellent directions on finding the flea market from the metro stop and where the different markets are located within the complex.
For anyone who loves antiques and vintage items, Les Puces is a MUST on your next visit to Paris!
I am in love with this post! Now that I've been to my dream flea market which was in Tongeren, Belgium, my new dream market is this one right here. Thanks for the tips and I can't wait for my chance to visit. I've wanting to go for a while. When we went to Paris in July, there was not enough time.
When we visited, we were very happy to have a local friend who guided us past the flea market. We really enjoyed exploring les puces, and your pictures are fabulous (we often experienced vendors preventing us from photographing anything, even from outside their booths).
Some very interesting information in your post, Sandy. I love antiquing in all the little places, but had never heard of pickpockets…I'm going to remember this. xx's
Oh, I'm so glad you went! Isn't it marvelous? Always a must when in Paris. I always manage to find something wonderful, but the wandering and looking alone would make the trip out to Saint-Ouen worth it. Have you tried the smaller Puces de Vanves in Southern Paris? It's a different vibe and has smaller items and is more of a hodge-podge, but is also a perfect spot to stroll and treasure hunt on a weekend morning!
I have been there…..and part of me loved it and the other part not so much. I think I am in my clearing out phase~ ha ha. Not collecting more.
Does look tempting.
pve
Good morning Sandy! I am very, very late here, but I know I can still jump on board your comments and hitch a ride with you to LES PUCES! There is nothing like finding a treasure in a French flea market! LOVE THE COPPER! You should see the collection I lugged all the way back from France!
Happy day, indeed! Anita
Brings back such great memories! We went last time we were there about 3 years ago, totally underestimated how much time we would spend there and with a then 13 year old in tow..needless to say it wasn't the long day we would have liked to spend there1 But we whizzed through in an afternoon and was bowled over by how huge it was and how many gorgeous things were there! A feast for the senses, super comfy shoes are a must!
Oh now I must go there sometime! The Louis Vuitton luggage, so nice! xo Caroline
Still catching up on my blog reading after my holiday. I remember visiting this market several years ago and like you, found it fascinating. Those French linens are lovely and the vintage luggage is fabulous.
Dying to go the Paris flea market!! I have never been!! I really hope Paris is in the cards this summer….if not 2015 for sure. My little one is begging me to go.
Sandy, I think everyone has the same reaction the first time they go and walk by that swap part. Creepy.
I love the market, so many fabulous things to see and to bring home.
Fabulous photos! But what I want to know is what and where did you have you most favorite dessert?
Have a great weekend!
I never made it to the flea market. I would love to go. Sounds a bit scary about the pickpockets. Glad to read that you felt safe in this area. What did you buy?
Paris….swoon! You truly captured the charm of the French flea market in your photos. I felt the same way on the train to Cligancort flea market during my first visit to Paris. Once we arrived I was blown away. We brought home a number of pieces, including several chandeliers. Love your photos!
Thank you for adding your very stylish posts to our #Stylefocus Lifestyle LinkUp today, Sandy! It's so fun to have your inspiration in the mix. Happy weekend!
xx
Sandy, You are so lucky to be able to get to this! It's on bucket list. Thanks for the map and tips. I love your gorgeous photos. So what did you end up getting? Have a good weekend. x Kim
Oh my, your pictures make my heart go pitter patter. I adore the French markets. I always come away with a treasure and the realization that the French never throw anything away. So charming. Thanks for sharing this with us on #stylefocus This was very inspirational. Happy weekend!!xo
🙂 I've only once been to a flea market while in Paris. It was in February, it was pouring with rain, everything was totally depressing and all I wanted was out. Perhaps I was in the wrong mood, but there was nothing that caught my attentions. Probably very bad timing.
Other than that Paris is a beautiful city and I like the atmosphere.
Have a very HAPPY weekend 🙂
So happy to have discovered your blog through Jennifer and Heather's link-up. Would you believe that I've been to Paris 12 or more times and I've never made it to the flea market?! Might have something to do with travelling with my guy, who doesn't see the appeal. But I'm spending a week in Paris with my sister in a couple of weeks and a flea market is high on the list — definitely bookmarking this post! Thanks for the inspiration and the advice.
I was just there a few months ago and your photos take my breath away again!STUNNING!I have just finished the REMNANTS OF THE PAST SHOW and am sitting here thinking about things I maybe should have purchased!Lovely to have found you via those DAMES over yonder at the STYLE BLOGS………YOU know the girls JENNIFER & HEATHER!They sent me……..and now I am VISITING all of YOU……….hope you do the same.Such FUN for a SUNDAY morning!!!
Looks like a great place for some serious shopping! Too bad about the pickpocketing danger, though! Thanks for linking up and mentioning the party in your post! Have a great week!
Shelley