When visiting Paris, one of the must-visit places for anyone interested in antiques, art, and vintage items is the Saint-Ouen Flea Market. This market is located outside Paris in a place called Saint-Ouen. The Saint-Ouen Flea Market started in the 1870s when peddlers, trying to evade the strict regulations in Paris, moved outside the city walls and settled in the Saint-Ouen area.
The Saint-Ouen Flea Market features approximately 2,500 shops and stalls, showcasing a diverse range of items such as antiques, vintage clothing, art, furniture, and collectibles. Today, however, we will focus on introducing the most renowned and largest section of the market. We will introduce five representative markets: Marche Biron, Marche Paul Bert, Marche Vernaison, Marche Dauphine, and Marche Malassis. “Marche” means “market” in French.
Perhaps the oldest and most diverse antique market in Saint-Ouen is Marche Vernaison.
You can find a wide range of items here, from vintage furniture to quirky collectibles like ashtrays, vintage dishes, and accessories.
There's also a variety of lighting fixtures, such as chandeliers and vintage lamps, as well as vintage furniture. Prices vary widely, and since this place doesn't have fixed prices, you should definitely negotiate. Most payments are made in cash, so be sure to bring some with you.
This place is perfect for picking up small souvenirs to reminisce about your trip to Paris or gifts for friends and family. How about looking for vintage posters or small paintings as souvenirs
This market offers a variety of antique furniture, items, and artwork. You’ll find sculptures, classic art, high-end vintage furniture, and rare items here.
This market offers a variety of antique furniture, items, and artwork. You’ll find sculptures, classic art, high-end vintage furniture, and rare items here.
This is where elegance and history meet. Famous for its high-end antiques and artwork, this market is perfect for those seeking exquisite French furniture, 18th- and 19th-century paintings, luxury furnishings, lighting, and crystal chandeliers
Many shops here display museum-quality items, making it a favorite spot for serious collectors and interior designers. There are also many hidden stalls behind the main stores, so take your time exploring.
For those who love vintage furniture and unique interior pieces, Marche Paul Bert is a treasure trove.
It’s known for its collection of mid-century modern furniture, vintage lighting, and distinctive decorative items.
Unlike some of the other markets, you’ll find more modern furniture here, attracting not only tourists but also locals. Many of the high-end furniture pieces can be paid for by card.
If you're looking for luxurious vintage items, this is a must-visit place. It's a bit more modern, offering rare collectibles like vintage instruments, clothes, arcade machines.
It's also a great place for vinyl records and vintage cameras, making it a favorite for unique item collectors. As one of the largest sections of the Saint-Ouen Market, it offers a spacious and well-organized shopping experience.
The Saint-Ouen Market is a popular tourist destination, and it's known for pickpocketing. So, be sure to take care of your belongings at all times. Recently, security has improved with guards at the entrance of each market, but it’s still best to stay cautious. Each market opens between 9 AM and 10 AM. It's best to visit before lunchtime if possible, as this allows you to browse at a leisurely pace. After 12 PM, more people start to arrive, and many items get sold. Also, as mentioned earlier, prices are negotiable. Try to haggle for the best possible price to get good deals on items.
Taking bus number 85 will drop you off directly in front of the Saint-Ouen Market. Although the area surrounding the market is frequently reported to have safety concerns, using this bus service ensures that you will arrive right at the main markets, alleviating any worries. To find the location using Google Maps, simply search for "Marche Vernaison. It would be helpful to refer to the instructions below on how to get there by metro or RER.
- Address: 87 Rue des Rosiers, 93400 Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine
Metro Line 4: Take Line 4 to Porte de Clignancourt station. From there, it's about a 10-15 minute walk to the market.
Metro Line 13: Alternatively, you can take Line 13 to Garibaldi station, which is also within walking distance.
Bus Lines: Several bus lines serve the area, including Line 166 and Line 85. Check the specific bus routes that lead to the market.
RER Line C: You can also take the RER Line C to Saint-Ouen station, which is close to the market.
Article : Yoonjung
Photo: Obon Paris team