The Best Flea Market In Paris

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The Clignancourt flea market is the largest, most impressive, and most beautiful flea market in Paris. In fact, it is one of the best flea markets in the world. 

Every year, about 11 million tourists visit the market, and one visit to this beautiful market will probably not be enough—the market is very big, and you can probably spend days here! 

This is because the market is actually a complex of 12 markets, with more than 2,000 stores. This beautiful market is a cluster of flea markets, antique markets, beautiful art, and furniture stores.  

It is possible—and even recommended—to negotiate the price of an item you are interested in. But at the same time, try to stay polite and respect the end of the negotiation if the seller does not agree with the price you offered.

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Clignancourt Flea Market The expression "Marché aux puces" translates literally to – you guessed it – “flea market". The largest Paris flea market, located in St. Ouen, was established around 1870, earning its name because of the ostensibly flea-infested furniture and other wares sold at the market just outside of the city's northern fortifications. Years later, Pablo Picasso used the markets for walks of inspiration, and more recently, Woody Allen's movie ‘Midnight in Paris’ sent its characters here searching for hidden treasures at bargain prices. Claiming to be the largest of its kind in the world the St. Ouen Flea Market attracts more than 11 million visitors per year and boasts around 2,000 stalls ranging from antiques to fashion. The ‘Marché aux Puces de Clignancourt' spreads over 15 km (10 miles) and hosts shops and a dozen independent flea markets. From ‘Antica’ (a venue dedicated to furniture and objects from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries) to ‘Biron, Cambo’ (a charming twentieth century furniture market located in a side street to the main flea market), ‘Dauphine’, ‘Django Reinhardt’, ‘Jules Vallès’, ‘le Passage’ (clothes, furniture, old books, military clothing, trinkets), ‘Malassis’, M’alik, ‘l’Entrepôt' (large format vintage items like iron grids, stairs, lamp posts, radiators, etc), ‘Paul Bert’, ‘Serpette’, ‘L’Usine & Lécuyer’ (exclusively reserved to professionals antique dealers), ‘Rosiers’ (lighting equipment and twentieth-century art objects) and ‘Vernaison’. In addition to this most famous of the "puces", Paris counts several other fascinating markets to peruse and stroll. The possibilities for eccentric finds are nearly endless: you might happen upon old, charming knickknacks, records, clothes, books, eccentric quills or prized antique items. ‘Avenue de la Porte de Clignancourt ‘, 18th arrondissement, Paris. Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday from 9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Entry is free. #neonurchin #neonurchinblog #dedicatedtothethingswelove #suzyurchin #ollyurchin #art #music #photography #fashion #film #words #pictures #neon #urchin #paris #fleamarket #marchéauxpuces #vintage #jewellery #clothes #furniture

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Arrival to the market is via metro line number 4 to Porte de Clignancourt station, and from there on foot through the various markets in the complex.

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Clignancourt Flea Market Forget what you know about local market stalls and vintage markets – in Paris, it’s a completely different ball game. ‘Clignancourt' is one of the most popular and famous flea markets in Paris. The markets themselves are the largest in Paris and are made up of actual, established stalls rather than make-shift stands. It'll take more than a couple of days to scour diligently through each and every stall, so have an idea what you want to buy and for how much. Prices are high so relegate the thought of stumbling across some fantastic vintage ‘Chanel’, ‘Lanvin’ or ‘Hermès’ piece for cut-price as pure fantasy; designer goods often command high prices. The customers and sellers here know what they’re dealing with. To determine authenticity buy from a reputable dealer and ask lots of questions – ask to see markings of authenticity. On jewellery it can be a stamped hallmark sometimes with a date and with clothing it can be a sewn-in label with details of its season and who it was made for (if you’re lucky). And remember, if it’s too good to be true, it often is. 'Babellou' is popular for stunning designer gowns, handbags and jewellery from the 20s up till the 80s. 'Au Grenier De Lucie' specialises in ‘Christian Lacroix’ costume jewellery. What to buy? Go crazy for vintage linens. Many are monogrammed and have unique features like crocheted edging or embroidery that have faded with time. They can be bought as a set or buy a couple purposely mismatched to use together at your next dinner party. Old posters and magazine adverts – these fashion images like illustrations and photographs are backed onto white cardboard. They make great gifts and can be packed in your suitcase to bring back home easily. How about some old hardback books? With titles embossed in gold, they could be a unique gift for a Francophile friend, or buy a couple to stack as ornaments. Then there are illustration samples. Priced slightly higher than posters and magazines, hand-coloured illustrations of textiles, botanical studies, anatomy and more are also on sale at the flea markets.

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The market is open to the general public Saturdays to Mondays from 10am to 6pm—except on Mondays until 5pm. Some shops close at lunchtime.