Flea Markets (Puces) in Paris, France | ||
Paris has long been known for its large and eclectic flea markets. | ||
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A flea market, or Marché aux Puces, sells just about anything, from antiques and art treasures, to new and used clothing, to bric-a-brac, to souvenirs. The largest and oldest flea market in Paris is the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, sometimes referred to as Clignancourt, the closest Métro stop. Located on the north side of Paris, this colorful spot has been attracting collectors and bargain hunters for many years. The Clignancourt/St-Ouen Flea Market is open Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, with the weekends the biggest draw. Lesser known but preferred by some as a better place for bargains is the Puces de la Porte de Vanves, near the Porte de Vanves Métro station on the south side of Paris in the 14th arrondissement. Smaller but offering a wide range of items from art to furniture, it also makes an interesting visit on Saturday or Sunday. The much smaller Marché aux Puces de Montreuil, located near the Porte de Montreuil Métro stop on the east side of Paris, is also fun to explore. Although it lacks size and organization compared with its larger peers, it has lots of character and energy. You may find some great bargains at any of the flea markets, or you may just go for the experience of walking around and experiencing the ambience and realizing that people have been shopping like this for generations. For other interesting shopping/browsing experiences, visit some of the lovely covered passages of Paris. Dating mostly from the 19th century, these lovely arcades offer a variety of shops and restaurants.
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