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

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.

Insider tip: 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. Swing by La Chope des Puces: The storied bistro also doubles as a jazz bar and used to be frequented by Django Reinhardt.

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.”

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. Going with a guide will not only help you figure out the best stalls, you can also rely on them for help with haggling, getting good deals, and recommending the top places to eat in this uber popular Parisian market.

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 (6.8 hectares)—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.

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.

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.

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.

Related: Dress Like a Local: What To Wear in Paris

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 advisable 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.

• 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.