The Complete Paris Flea Market Schedule for Vintage Hunters

Rows of antique furniture. Racks of designer vintage clothing. Tables piled with old postcards and jewelry. The smell of fresh crepes from a nearby stand. Vendors calling out prices in rapid French. That's a Saturday morning at a Paris flea market. With the right schedule, you can hit them all.

Paris hosts some of the world's most famous flea markets. Collectors, designers, and curious travelers show up every weekend. But arrive at the wrong time and you'll find closed stalls and picked-over inventory. Here's exactly when and where to go.

The Big Three: Major Paris Flea Markets

Paris has three main flea markets running on regular schedules. Each has its own vibe and specialty.

Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen

The Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen is the largest antique market in the world. It sits at the northern edge of Paris near the Porte de Clignancourt metro. Over 2,500 dealers spread across 14 different markets.

The market runs Saturday through Monday. Saturday and Sunday hours are 10am to 6pm. Monday is 11am to 5pm. Seasoned shoppers show up early Saturday morning for first crack at new inventory.

Each sub-market has its own focus. Marché Vernaison is the oldest section with more affordable finds. Think vintage clothing, books, and smaller decorative pieces. Marché Dauphine carries higher-end antiques and vintage fashion. Marché Paul Bert Serpette draws interior designers looking for mid-century furniture.

Don't skip the surrounding streets. Vendors set up along the roads leading to the main entrances. Prices are lower and there's more room to haggle.

Marché aux Puces de Vanves

Want something more intimate and easier on your wallet? Head to the Marché aux Puces de Vanves in the 14th arrondissement. Locals and savvy travelers come here to dodge the tourist crowds at Saint-Ouen.

Vanves runs Saturday and Sunday from 7am to 2pm. Early arrival is non-negotiable. Dealers start packing up around 1pm. The good stuff vanishes by mid-morning. Set your alarm and get there by 8am.

The market stretches along Avenue Georges Lafenestre and Avenue Marc Sangnier near the Porte de Vanves metro. Expect vintage linens, kitchenware, old photographs, jewelry, and small furniture. Prices run lower than Saint-Ouen. Bargaining is expected.

Marché aux Puces de Montreuil

The Marché aux Puces de Montreuil sits at the eastern edge of Paris near Porte de Montreuil metro. It has a grittier, more local feel.

Hours are Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from 7am to 7:30pm. The focus here is secondhand clothing, shoes, and everyday household goods. No high-end antiques, but prices are the lowest of the major markets. Great for vintage denim, leather jackets, and retro accessories.

Budget-Friendly Alternatives: Thrift Shops and Depot-Ventes

Flea markets close by early afternoon. For a weekday vintage fix, Paris has plenty of thrift shops.

Emmaus shops throughout Paris sell secondhand goods at rock-bottom prices. These charity shops take donations of clothing, furniture, books, and housewares. Inventory changes constantly. Repeat visits pay off.

Depot-ventes are consignment shops where Parisians unload their designer pieces. You'll find authenticated luxury goods at serious discounts. Check the Marais and Saint-Germain-des-Prés for the best vintage fashion selection.

Seasonal Markets and Special Events

Beyond the regular weekend markets, Paris hosts pop-up flea markets and brocantes throughout the year. The Seine-et-Marne region near Paris frequently organizes weekend flea markets and garage sales, especially during the holidays.

Winter months have their own appeal. Fewer tourists means less competition. Vendors negotiate more when foot traffic drops. Bundle up and enjoy the quieter atmosphere.

Practical Tips for Market Success

Timing is everything. Arrive early for the best selection. At Vanves, dealers pack up by early afternoon. At Saint-Ouen, Saturday morning brings fresh inventory.

Bring cash in small bills. Many vendors don't take cards. Exact change makes bargaining smoother. Negotiating is expected at all Paris flea markets. Offer about 20 percent below asking price and meet in the middle.

Wear comfortable shoes. You'll walk for hours on uneven ground. Bring a tote or backpack for your finds. Leave the fancy jewelry at home. Look like a local, not a tourist with money to spend.

Your Weekend Market Schedule at a Glance

Saturday - Vanves: 7am to 2pm (arrive by 8am) - Saint-Ouen: 10am to 6pm - Montreuil: 7am to 7:30pm

Sunday - Vanves: 7am to 2pm - Saint-Ouen: 10am to 6pm - Montreuil: 7am to 7:30pm

Monday - Saint-Ouen: 11am to 5pm - Montreuil: 7am to 7:30pm

Plan around these schedules and you won't miss a market day. Set an early alarm. Bring your sense of adventure. The vintage treasures of Paris are waiting.