With its 6 hectares the flea market of St.Ouen is the largest street market in the world.
It is also the oldest in Paris. Even in the 19th century the merchants and the tricksters concentrated on the outskirts of the city to sell their wares. At the beginning of the 20th century, several newspapers published reports about the market. They suggested that amid all this chaos, an expert collector found exceptional items at an incredible price due to the ignorance of their sellers.
So the place became all the rage and began to attract more visitors every day.
Every weekend, approximately 150,000 people visit it, among them Parisians, tourists, collectors and antique dealers. People of all ages, all social classes and all colours attracted by the infinite diversity of goods impossible to find anywhere else: old toys, rare books, engravings, exhibition catalogues, baths, arms, lustrums, glassware, phonographs, jewels...
Everyone is in search of a bargain nosing around the more than 2,000 covered stalls and in the open air.
It is made up of 16 independently run markets.
At the beginning of Rue des Rosiers, which marks the entrance to numerous markets, there is an information point where you can get a map of the market and its streets.
Of all the markets, I recommend you see the Marché Jules Vallès where you will find items from the late 19th century, the Marché Paul-Bert, although one of the most expensive, is very interesting to see its beautiful articles such as furniture, books and paintings. In the Marché Biron you will also find elegant furniture but at a more affordable price.
What you must not miss is the Marché Vernaison which is the oldest, was created in 1885 and also the largest, with approximately 300 stalls spread out over 10 narrow streets, highly recommendable for jewels, clothes, lamps and other decorative objects.
Look for alley number 10, it is very narrow but covered, you will just love it. Also, in this street you will find Chez Louisette, a café always overflowing with people enjoying homemade food and good music. Some say that Edith Piaf made her debut in this café, but who knows? The only sure thing is that there is almost always someone singing there.
Shops stuffed with everything and specialised shops in, for example, fans or marine objects. We encourage you to lose yourself in its streets and discover its treasures.
If you want to have a nose around, they open on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, from 10 in the morning to 6 in the afternoon. However, bargaining over the price is still an art, so now you know, if you like something, then go for it!
