I cheated on myself with another blog. It’s called Paris Perfect, and I must admit, it’s as good as mine. This travel blog is embedded inside a real estate site centered around buying, renting, and remodeling Parisian apartments. But it also includes content for tours, events, shopping, food…
Recently, I used it to navigate Paris’ famous flea market: Les Puces de Saint-Ouen.
Their directions were excellent.
Les Puces (the fleas) dates back to 1870. The largest flea market in Europe spans over 20 acres and consists of 14 separate markets. It’s a maze!
I took their blog writer’s advice and headed for the winding alleys of (market) Marche Vernaison, where I found a wide range of antiques and curiosities.
From Louis XIV furniture
To scary doll parts
In this labyrinth of shops and vendors, you’ll find a little of everything: vintage clothes, jewelry, art, glass, silver, antique bikes?
After poking around for a few hours, I headed farther down the road to Paul Bert’s market. This market is mainly furniture and large decor items. By then, I was tired and realized none of this stuff would fit into my suitcase. So, I turned back towards home. By that, I mean the metro station and my hotel room.
Along the way, I passed several places to stop for refreshment, including La REcyclerie, a cafe housed inside an abandoned steam-train station. It’s right beside the entrance to the metro station and was also recommended by the blog.
It looked cozy and cute inside, but I started my visit using the restroom. Where I ended my visit. Gross!
Las Puces is open on weekends and Mondays. Although I understand some vendors don’t bother to open on Mondays. And many vendors close entirely during August when the locals flee the city.
I very much appreciated the Paris Perfect blog, especially the directions. But I have to close with my own recommendations.
Go. Les Puces is not to be missed if you are an antique lover. But if you have less than 2 weeks to spend in Paris, there are many other places to see and things to do. Time is precious on vacation because vacations are usually too short. Les Puces was on my Paris bucket list, and I would go again in a heartbeat. But honestly, I found the prices rather high. I prefer the smaller neighborhood flea markets throughout Paris, especially Vanves Flea Market in the 14th arrondissement. In this blogger’s humble opinion, Les Puces is too far, too expensive, and just takes too much precious time. Not to mention, it’s kind of a mecca for pickpockets.
Good information!
You do love flea markets. And have since you were a child and used to visit all the small antique shop’s in Campbell California.
Paris itself in my estimation, is a beautiful jewel of an antique. With all its flaws and beauty! So much to see and appreciate. And the doors! Love the beautiful doors of Paris.
Where do the Parisians go in August?