The largest is St-Ouen in the north, Montreuil is in the northeast, Aligre is in a corner of the 12^th arrondissement and Vanves is to the south in the 14^th arrondissement.

The flea markets are either stationary – as in St. Ouen – or moveable feasts – the others.

Used, second-hand, loved, rejected, scavenged items are what the markets offer.

Despair not if you arrive at the end of the market. What may have been an expensive vase is now worthless if the merchant drops it on the sidewalk. The pieces might enhance your mosaic project.

A fallen page from a book or loose ad from an ancient newspaper or medicine bottle that is lying on the sidewalk might find new life laminated as a bookmark.  Tear the pages from the old book lying at the base of a tree and turn it into some other example of art.

Odds and ends or flatware that the merchants no longer want to haul around end up in the street waiting for the men in green with their green trucks to come and sweep them away.

Vanves flea market - Puces de la Porte de Vanves

The men in green told me this is market is safer than St. Ouen – fewer thieves.

Vanves is held every Saturday and Sunday during the year -- about 350 merchants participate until 1300 along Avenue Marc Sangnier. The market continues all day along Avenue Georges Lafenestre -- during the month of August, Lafenestre will close about 1400 .. (Sangnier and Lafenestre intersect one another.)

Look for furniture, books, art, fabric, glassware, clocks, jewelry, military paraphernalia, photos, music and other curiosities.

If you really like getting into an authentic Paris flea market atmosphere, come to Vanves.

Metro: Porte de Vanves

(line 13 direction Châtillon Montrouge)(14th arrondissement) rues Marc Sangnier and Georges Lafenestre

 (If you use the blue book for your Paris map, “Paris Pratique” it labels rue Marc Sangnier as “Marché aux Puces”.)

Marché Beauvau- Aligre

My favorite is Marché Beauvau-Aligre not only because it is close to our apartment, but you can browse for antiques in a small square with a large variety.  All of the photos on this page were taken at Aligre.

The regular food markets (open and covered) are there as well the Baron Rouge to relax after shopping!

– Ask me about the Baron Rouge.

Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 0800 until 1300 and from 1600 to 1930. On Sunday, 0800 until 1300.

Place d’Aligre in the 12^th arrondissement, Metro: Ledru-Rollin

The largest flea market is Saint-Ouen (Metro: Porte de Clignancourt )

It is open Saturday, Sunday and Monday (holidays included) from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The market is most active on Friday compare to Monday when many stands are closed. Most of the activity is mid-day; considered weak at the beginning of the morning and end of the day.

The website includes an English version and contains a menu for the history, markets, environment, exhibitors, news, slide show, trends, boutique, life with furniture, partners, events and stars.