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Know Before You Go: Shopping at the Saint-Ouen Flea Market

Get lost in one of the world’s largest antique markets—or explore with a guide on a Saint-Ouen Flea Market tour.

two people walking through saint-ouen flea market, paris
Hi, I'm Claire!

Claire Bullen is an award-winning food, drinks, and travel writer and editor who has lived and worked in Chicago, Philadelphia, New York, Paris, and London. She is the author of The Beer Lover's Table: Seasonal Recipes and Modern Beer Pairings, and the editor at GoodBeerHunting.com. Her writing has also appeared in Time Out New York, The Daily Meal, Pellicle Magazine, and beyond.

Often described as the largest antique market in the world—and definitely the biggest and oldest in town—Paris’s sprawling Saint-Ouen Flea Market is a treasure hunter’s dream destination. Technically encompassing 15 individual markets, each with its own specialties, this 150-year-old collection of stalls and warehouses lies just north of Paris proper. It’s almost too easy to lose track of time browsing the thousands (yes, thousands) of vendors’ wares (and practicing haggling in French). Book a Saint-Ouen Flea Market tour to follow a guide to the highlights—and read up on our insider tips, including from Paris-based handbag designer and flea market connoisseur Kasia Dietz, to learn the secrets of snagging the best bargains.

What’s available to buy at the Saint-Ouen Flea Market?

shelves in a saint-ouen stall filled with collectibles like dolls and books
The Saint-Ouen Flea Market is an antique-lover's paradise.Bildquelle: Oleg Anisimov / Shutterstock

Pretty much everything under the sun.

It might be easier to reframe the question: What isn’t available to buy at the Saint-Ouen Flea Market? Home to nearly 2,000 vendors across 15 market areas, Saint-Ouen is best associated with antiques and vintage fashion. However, you can find everything from books and vinyl to glassware and kitchen tools, posters and haberdashery, furniture, jewelry, toys, and historic medical devices. If the genuinely bottomless range of bric-a-brac sounds equally thrilling and intimidating to navigate, book a small-group (or private) Saint-Ouen Flea Market tour to make finding your way around easier.

How do I get to the Saint-Ouen Flea Market?

articulated bus in paris
The 17-acre Saint-Ouen Flea Market is accessible by public transportation.Bildquelle: Jose HERNANDEZ Camera 51 / Shutterstock

Take a taxi, a bus—or even the Métro.

The Saint-Ouen Flea Market may be located just north of the Périphérique (the ring road that encircles central Paris), but that doesn’t mean it’s hard to get to. The market area—which covers a vast 17 acres—is frequented by numerous Paris bus lines, including the 81, 60, 95, 85, and 56. And while taxis and rideshare services are easy for getting around (especially if you come back with a Louis XIV chair in your possession), the Métro may be even easier and cheaper. Take line 4 to Porte de Clignancourt or line 13 to Garibaldi; both are just a few minutes away on foot.

Insider tip: Worried about getting lost? Book a guided tour of Paris’s markets that stops at Saint-Ouen for simplified transit logistics.

What’s the best time to visit the Saint-Ouen Flea Market?

inside the Marché Dauphine section of the Saint-Ouen Flea Market
The Marché Dauphine is a covered market inside the greater Saint-Ouen Flea Market.Bildquelle: Oliverouge 3 / Shutterstock

Arrive early—and avoid the professional-only hours.

Take heed: Saint-Ouen Flea Market gets crowded, especially on good-weather weekend days. On Saturdays and Sundays, the market opens from roughly 10am to 6pm (although some vendors’ hours can vary slightly). It’s a good idea to arrive close to opening time to get in before the rush (and to look out for coveted items before they get snapped up). For a quieter shopping experience, the market is also open on Mondays from around 11am to 5pm, although many stalls are shut or only available by appointment. And while the market is also open on Fridays, steer clear: That’s reserved for professional dealers and traders only.

Insider tip: The Saint-Ouen Flea Market is open throughout the year, but it’s best to temper your expectations if you visit in August. Much of Paris shuts down for summer vacation during the dog days of summer, and you’ll notice far fewer traders than usual.

Which are the best markets to visit at Saint-Ouen?

sign for Marché Paul Bert Serpette
The Marché Paul Bert Serpette is one of the most picturesque sections of Saint-Ouen.Bildquelle: Kristof Bellens / Shutterstock

That depends on what you’re seeking—but there are a few clear highlights.

With 15 market areas—most of which peel off from the area’s central thoroughfare, the Rue des Rosiers—to choose from, it can be hard to know which to prioritize during your visit. According to the Paris-based travel writer and handbag designer Kasia Dietz, there are a few you shouldn’t miss: “Marché Vernaison is the heart of Saint-Ouen,” she says, which sells everything from “old coffee grinders to sets of stately silverware, and fashions from another era.” The Marché Dauphine, one of the largest of the Saint-Ouen markets, boasts “180 merchants set along two floors, with what looks like a space shuttle in the middle.” The Marché Paul Bert Serpette “is the most picturesque, with outdoor ivy-lined stalls featuring mid-century modern art and furniture.”

Insider tip: If you’re a jewelry fan, you’ve got one more reason to go to the Marché Paul Bert Serpette. As Kasia notes, “Serpette is also home to one of the world’s most notable vintage Chanel jewelry collections, both on display and for sale.”

Can I haggle when shopping at the Saint-Ouen Flea Market?

shoppers with a vendor at the Saint-Ouen Flea Market
Part of the experience of shopping at Saint-Ouen is haggling.Bildquelle: Oleg Anisimov / Shutterstock

You absolutely can and should.

Although there are bargains at Saint-Ouen Flea Market, there are also rare antiques and treasures that cost a pretty penny. To protect your wallet—and to get into the spirit—haggling is an essential part of the experience. “Don’t be afraid to name your price, as most vendors are willing to negotiate,” says Kasia. And while it’s worth getting out a stack of Euros before you drop by the market, it’s not essential. “While you’ll often get a better deal paying in cash, credit cards are widely accepted at the larger stands,” Kasia notes. Worried about your (lack of) French skills? Exploring with a guide who prioritizes chats with antique dealers is a good bet.

Insider tip: Worried about how to fit your finds into your luggage? No need. Several shipping companies are conveniently located near the market and will carefully pack and send your treasures home.

What should I wear to Saint-Ouen?

shoppers looking at furniture at Saint-Ouen
This is Paris—dress stylishly, but comfortably when shopping at Saint-Ouen.Bildquelle: Stefano Ember / Shutterstock

Comfortable shoes are a must.

Dressing like a Parisian—complete with chic, neutral basics and a well-chosen accessory—might feel like a prerequisite in the ever-stylish Saint-Ouen, but don’t forget practicality. Given the market’s scale, prepare to be on your feet for hours—comfortable shoes are an absolute must. Many market areas are open-air, so wear raincoats on wet days and come prepared with layers when it’s chilly. And carrying your belongings in a zippered bag you can keep close is essential, Kasia says: “Be mindful of your handbag and keep your wallet, camera, and mobile phone safely tucked inside.” Leave any unnecessary valuables (including your passport) in your hotel room.

Where should I eat at the Saint-Ouen Flea Market?

cafe sign with outdoor patio at Saint-Ouen
It's not only about shopping at Saint-Ouen—there are eateries, too.Bildquelle: Poli Pandolfi / Shutterstock

There are many atmospheric eateries to choose from.

If browsing the racks is a Saint-Ouen Flea Market must-do, so is exploring the market’s culinary bounty—and not only because all that browsing works up an appetite. If you stop anywhere, Kasia recommends “arguably Saint-Ouen’s most notable restaurant, Chez Louisette. A legend since 1967, the guinguette (a small restaurant with music and dancing) reveals a taste of old Paris.” And don’t forget to swing by La Chope des Puces: The storied bistro also doubles as a jazz bar and used to be frequented by Django Reinhardt.

Is the Saint-Ouen Flea Market accessible?

paved pathway between stalls at Saint-Ouen
There are flat paved pathways at Saint-Ouen, but the crowds may make navigation less accessible.Bildquelle: jmbf / Shutterstock

Moderately, although crowds bring access challenges.

While most of the Saint-Ouen Flea Market’s attractions are located at street level, accessibility isn’t a sure thing. Between the hordes of weekend shoppers, narrow passageways, and many sloped or uneven surfaces, the market can be tricky for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. It’s advised to book a private tour for an experience that can be customized to fit your needs—and aiming for less busy times of day is a good bet, too.

Frequently asked questions

art on display at Saint-Ouen
Saint-Ouen has been open for nearly 150 years.Bildquelle: Oleg Anisimov / Shutterstock

Everything you need to know about visiting Saint-Ouen Flea Market.

  • How old is the Saint-Ouen Flea Market? Although vendors have been selling secondhand and scavenged wares in Paris for centuries, the Saint-Ouen Flea Market has been a city fixture since the 1870s and has expanded over time.

  • What is the Saint-Ouen Flea Market’s history? According to the stories, the Saint-Ouen Flea Market was first established when several street vendors were forced out of central Paris and relegated to the area just north of the city. Saint-Ouen has blossomed into one of the world's largest antique markets since that insalubrious start.

  • How many people visit the Saint-Ouen Flea Market every year? The Saint-Ouen Flea Market is an enormously popular attraction. Every year, more than 5 million visitors descend on the market, making it one of Paris’ most-visited destinations.

  • Do you need to speak French to visit the Saint-Ouen Flea Market? No, you don't need to. Although practicing basic French words and phrases is a good idea, many market vendors are used to tourists and speak English.

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