12 Very Best Markets In Paris To Visit

The best markets in Paris are the ones that let you forget, even if just for a few minutes, that you’re a visitor to the city of lights but instead make you feel like you belong here and have lived here all along.

Gorge on all the delicious homemade French foods (hopefully with a fair few free samples thrown in for good measure) smell those fresh flowers, and buy a French magazine (even though you don’t speak a lick of French).

It’ll be an excuse to try to learn a tiny bit of French back in your hotel) and generally just have a good old gander at all the amazing French things you find (which somehow seem to look and sound classier than the same thing back home – hehe).

After all, it’s all fair game when you’re in Paris.

Like, don’t get me wrong, if it’s your first time in Paris then, by all means, head out to the best sights to see in Paris and perhaps even sneak in some of the secret sights in Paris.

Howver, once you’re done with that and find yourself with more time in the city, these are the very best markets in Paris you definitely should visit.

If you plan it right, you can visit a few of these in between your city jaunts as a perfect excuse to pick up a delicious lunchtime picnic. All to be eaten along the banks of the Seine or in one of the many beautiful parks across Paris.

1.) Marche d’Aligre

One of the best-kept secrets in Paris, this market is far less crowded than most of the others on this list, yet there is no shortage of wonders to discover here.

Some of the freshest cheeses, breads and produce from local farms are on offer here so be sure to arrive hungry.

Or, perhaps not, that’s how I end up buying all kinds of random things from markets for no real reason.

There are also plenty of roadside cafes on offer, for a chance to sip on a glass of wine (or two) to celebrate your successful purchases.

The market is open Tuesday – Sunday from 7:30 am – 1:30 pm, and again from 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm.

2.) Marche Bastille

This is the equivalent of a local farmer’s market, where people come together to showcase their produce, herbs, flowers, cheeses, eggs and other foods and goods.

Marche Bastille of the largest and best markets in Paris so set aside enough time to peruse it properly at your leisure.

When you’re done, take a break in one of the many parks nearby to sample some (or all) of the delicious food you just bought (picnic time!).

The market is open from 8:00 am – 2:00 pm on Thursdays and Sundays.

3.) Le Marche Biologique des Batignolles

This is one market in Paris that takes some planning to attend, as it is only open on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

While this market can indeed become quite crowded, it is the absolute best place to go for the freshest organic produce in the city.

As you can see, my market plans are pretty much centred around food… Ha! But then again, you’re in Paris, this is the place to indulge in some good food.

4.) Marche Bourse

Even though this is a very small market, closer to the equivalent of a pop-up Parisian food court, it is one of the best places to grab a group of friends and pop in for a quick, authentic bite to eat.

Here you’ll find a handful of stalls whipping up a very diverse set of cuisines with various influences from all over the world, ranging from Moroccan fish dishes to Creole-style gumbo.

5.) Marche Dejean

One of the best seafood markets in the city, here you will find everything from fresh tilapia and manioc to freshly harvested berries and other produce.

Heads up! Seafood markets tend to come with a prerequisite fishy smell, especially later in the day so perhaps don’t linger around too long here unless you enjoy wearing the au naturel eau-de-fish smell for the rest of the day.

6.) Marche des Enfants Rouges

The name translates to “market of the red children”, which makes kinda sense, seeing it occupies the same area where an orphanage once stood in the 16^th century.

Distinguished as the oldest market in Paris (another reason why it’s one of the best markets in Paris to visit), it is over four hundred years old and boasts a huge array of food, flowers, textiles and much more!

The market is open on Tuesday – Sunday from 8:00 am – 8:30 pm and it is better to go during the week, as the lines can get ridiculously long on Saturdays and Sundays.

7.) Marche aux Fleurs et aux Oiseaux

For the green-fingered, this is one of the best markets in Paris to have a jolly jaunt around.

Not only will you find yourself amidst some of the most beautiful selections of flowers and plants, but there are also some rather quirky and fun stuff to get your mitts on for the other residents (birds, squirrels… et all) of your gardens.

Marche aux Fleurs et aux Oiseaux is open on Monday – Saturday 8:00 am – 7:30 pm and Sundays from 8:00 am – 7:00 pm.

8.) Marche Monge

This is easily one of the more expensive food markets in Paris, yet it is also one of the most entertaining.

Here, you can rest assured that you will have the opportunity to purchase fish from the very same man who made the catch, likewise, produce is bought from the farmer who planted the initial seeds with their own hands (or more like, their machines).

Situated in a gorgeous location, take the time to sit back and enjoy a snack of fresh local cheese paired with a glass of wine while taking in all the market and doing some prime people-watching.

9.) Le Marche Saint-Germain

A historical market famous for its wide variety of flowers, produce and local meats and cheeses, there are many different international cuisines to sample here as well so you know, arrive hungry.

10.) Le Marche de Saint-Pierre

This is one of the best markets in Paris for anyone with a DIY creative flair. (Not me. I’d end up leaving it in such a terrible state and have to call in a professional to fix the mess I created).

Looking to redo the upholstery in your apartment? You are sure to find everything you need here! Searching for material to make costumes?

You’re in the right spot!

An amazing array of clothes and other textiles can be found here – pretty much begging for a project in which to shine!

Le Marche de Saint-Pierre is open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 am – 6:30 pm.

11.) Marche aux puces de Saint-Ouen

One of the absolute best flea markets in Paris, there is truly something for everyone here.

You never can be quite sure what you will encounter here – which makes it just that bit more interesting as the possibilities are endless, with everything ranging from 19th-century household appliances to nostalgic vintage cameras.

This market is open on Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm though Sundays tend to be the most popular day with larger crowds.

12.) Rue Montorgueil

The name of this place translates to Mount of Pride Street, and indeed, it is one of the most wonderful spots in the entire city to check out (and try out) the absolute best food stores you will find anywhere in the city.