A market stall selling saucisson in Paris

Best Markets in Paris

By Stuart Bak

Paris’s markets can be dated back to Roman times, when the city was known as Lutetia and a single market operated in the Île de la Cité district. Nowadays, there are nearly 100 to choose from, with traders hawking everything from fresh produce to antiques, knick-knacks, plants and pets. Atmospheric, photogenic and well worth a visit, here's our pick of the 10 best markets in Paris...

Marché Bastille

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One of Paris’s biggest open-air markets, Marché Bastille is a riot of scent and color that runs from the soaring Colonne de Juillet monument on Place de la Bastille all the way down leafy Boulevard Richard-Lenoir every Thursday and Sunday. Here, local producers showcase the finest foods the region has to offer. Wander among the stalls and immerse yourself in the heady aromas of freshly harvested herbs, fragrant fromages and fungi, and just-baked bread. Pick up a few ingredients for a special dinner, or grab some snacks and fresh juices and head to nearby Place des Vosges for a picture-perfect picnic.

Marché aux Puces Saint Ouen

The largest flea market on the planet, the Marché aux Puces is a labyrinthine treasure trove of streets and alleys crammed with just about any and every antique and knick-knack you could imagine. And don’t let the term ‘flea market’ put you off: this place is a dream ticket for in-the-know treasure hunters. Here’s where you’ll find that rarer-than-hens’-teeth Nirvana record you’ve been seeking for the last 15 years. Or a one-of-a-kind vintage handbag. Plus Art Deco ornaments, old-fashioned toys, period furniture in beautiful condition, scientific equipment, posters, paintings, glassware, rugs and... well, you get the general idea. Open Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Rue Montorgueil

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Another for the foodies here, Rue Montorgueil is a permanent market street that straddles the 1st and 2nd arrondissements. Fishmongers, bakeries, florists and artisan cheese shops spill their wares (and lush aromas) out onto the pedestrianized pavements from beneath grand, colorful storefronts. Particularly Instagram-worthy is the gold-and-duck-egg-blue confection that is Au Rocher de Cancale, a highly regarded seafood restaurant that dates back to the 19th Century. Pause to admire the ornate ceiling chandelier and sumptuous interiors of Stohrer, the oldest pâtisserie in town, where it would naturally be rude not to leave with armfuls of sticky chocolate éclairs and rum babas.

Marché aux Fleurs et aux Oiseaux

A flower market during the week, selling local and exotic blooms of all shapes and sizes, at weekends this 200-year-old institution on the Île de la Cité comes alive with the sound of thousands of squawking, chirupping and twittering birds. Just be careful your request doesn’t get lost in translation, or you might go in for an orchid and come out with an ostrich. We jest of course, but the wonderful variety of colorful plants and birdlife makes this market a wonderful place to wander around, even if you’re just window-shopping. Combine with a bag of sugary chouquettes from the boulangerie and a visit to nearby Notre-Dame Cathedral for a romantic Sunday morning stroll.

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Marché Raspail

This foodie mecca in the 6th arrondissement is certified fully organic every Sunday and is said to be a favorite with French celeb royalty Gérard Depardieu and model Laetitia Casta. It’s not hard to discover why, with a wealth of fresh produce and freshly cooked treats waiting at every stall. Ask for free samples to taste before you buy and whatever you do don’t miss the galettes here: delicious hot savory crêpes stuffed full of cheese, potato, mushrooms and onion. Ooh la la. Serious shopaholics will also be pleased to learn that the market is also just a few blocks from the famous Bon Marché department store.

Brocante des Abbesses

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Rummagers rejoice! For here is a manageably diminutive second-hand market in one of Paris’s most beautiful neighborhoods: the atmospheric cobbled lanes of the Montmartre butte. Once you’ve filled up on one of those seemingly endless Parisian Sunday brunches at a local café, this relatively low-key (and tourist-free) market is a great place to pick up antique lamps, paintings, postcards and more, as well as one-off jewelry pieces and knick-knacks from local designers.

Marché Mouffetard

Described as ‘that wonderful narrow crowded market street’ by Ernest Hemingway in his 1964 memoir A Movable Feast, Rue Mouffetard – known locally as la Mouffe – is one of the oldest streets in Paris. Dotted with quaint buildings that retain much of their medieval authenticity and charm, it’s a picturesque and atmospheric place to pick up fresh charcuterie, pâtés and breads from the bustling stalls and stores that line its cobbles. Look up to spot amazing sculptures and frescoes on the buildings, and don’t miss The House of Androuet, with its decoratively painted exterior and hundreds of different cheeses to choose from inside.

Marché du Livre

Booklovers make a beeline for leafy Parc George-Brassens in the 15th arrondissement where, every Saturday and Sunday, dozens of booksellers come together under the covered market halls to ply their wares. Here you can browse thousands of books from antiquarian and long out-of-print editions to modern classics. Once you’ve bagged a few bargains, grab a coffee and find a shady spot beneath the trees to enjoy a good read.

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Marché des Enfants Rouge

The name of the oldest covered market in Paris – literally ‘the market of the red children’ – derives from the red clothes worn by children at a nearby orphanage way back in the 16th Century. Four hundred years on, it’s a foodie favorite in the heart of the Marais district, a small but perfectly formed market with oodles of fresh produce and some of the best street food in town. Follow your nose (and the queue) to local fave Chez Alain Miam Miam for messy, belly-busting pan-fried sandwiches, then – in the unlikely event you still have room for it – get stuck into a honey-sweet baklava and mint tea from Le Traiteur Marocain.

Puces de Montreuil

A younger, more brattish sibling to its better known counterpart up in St-Ouen, Montreuil’s flea market is both less well-known and slightly more off the beaten track, making it well worth the pilgrimage for the increased likelihood of bagging a genuine bargain. Expect a little bit of everything, from vintage fashions, retro comics and old vinyl LPs to bike parts, light fittings and endless piles of antique cutlery. You’ll find the best stuff at the little square at the end of the alley. Bring your best haggling game (in French, if you can) and you never know: you might just leave with that original RAF pilot’s jacket you always dreamed of.

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Bateaux Parisiens
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3 Days in Paris: A Perfect Itinerary

Paris is a timelessly charming city that definitely has the power to seduce if you know where to go and what to see. Its famous sights are elegant and iconic, from the slick Eiffel Tower to its chic city streets filled with quaint cafés and dazzling boutiques. Home to world-class fashion houses, endless Michelin-starred restaurants and beautiful architecture at every turn, it has a grand old reputation that is sometimes hard to live up to. But if you give yourself ample time to explore the city and get under its skin, you’ll find all of the romance and grandeur you could ask for. Just give yourself three days at a minimum to experience it! Three days in Paris must-see sights: Arc du Triomphe The Louvre Notre Dame Montmartre tour Paris Cheese and Wine Tasting Seine River cruise Dalí Museum Day 1 – Iconic City Symbols Arc du Triomphe The Arc de Triomphe is pretty darn masterful. It’s a monumental Parisian emblem that stands guard over perhaps the most visually impressive avenue in the world, the Champs-Élysées. Appreciate the monument’s grand 19th century beauty before strolling down the famous boulevard towards the must-see Musée de Louvre. The Louvre The Louvre is a world-renowned museum and a true grand dame of Parisian art and architecture, featuring over 35,000 pieces of amazing artworks in an opulent palace. Its most famous resident is probably the Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo da Vinci, but its futuristic pyramid-shaped entrance is also a key highlight. Notre Dame No one should visit Paris without seeing the exquisite Medieval Cathedral Notre Dame, complete with stunning stained-glass windows. Its decadent Gothic structure has truly stood the test of time, surviving numerous wars and even a fire in 2019. Despite these obstacles, it still stands tall and beautiful, though there are a few scary-looking gargoyles hidden in some of its decorative crevices... Other major architectural sites of note include the Paris Opera House, the Gardens of Trocadéro and the extravagant Grand Palais exhibition center. A good way to make your way to all of these is with a handy Hop-on-Hop-Off bus tour, included with your pass. Disneyland® Paris If you came to Paris on the search for thrill rides and magical lands, then you could forgo the above options and spend a whole day instead at Disneyland® Paris! Comprising two awesome theme parks peppered with rides, rollercoasters, experiences and shows featuring all your favorite characters, there really is something for everyone here. Don't miss the magnificent nightly fireworks spectaculars at Sleeping Beauty's Castle that run all through 2022 in celebration of the park's 30th anniversary! Day 2 – The Belle Époque Magical Montmartre After an action-packed first day visiting the city’s key buildings, relax with a splash of indulgence as you live the beautiful life in the city’s spectacular streets. The district of Montmartre is the perfect place to do this thanks to its historic cobblestoned streets sprinkled with colorful buildings, cute cafés and fine boutiques. Sitting in the shadow of the white-domed Sacré-Cœur basilica, and home to the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret show, this arty district is synonymous with the cultural icons who lived here during the city’s Belle Époque, from Picasso and Van Gogh to Monet. Take a walking tour of the neighborhood to learn all about its fascinating history, enjoy a charming ride aboard the Petit Train de Montmartre, or indulge in Champagne Gourmand at the renowned restaurant Au Cadet de Gascogne, all included with your pass. Cheese and Wine Tasting Continue to satisfy your senses by sampling some of the city’s finest produce with a French cheese and wine tasting session at Les Caves du Louvre wine bar. This renowned establishment offers over 50 different wines by the glass to try, and a knowledgeable sommelier will help you pick ones that suit you best. You’ll also have the chance to refuel with a delectable selection of French cheeses. Originally established by King Louis XV's sommelier, you know that this is the place to try the very best produce of France. Café Couture Next up, it’s time to shop ‘til you drop in the city’s renowned boutiques. As the home of Paris Fashion Week, luxe lovers will rejoice with the range of famed fashion houses on offer like Chanel, Dior and Givenchy around Rue Royale and Rue Cambon. The historic Galerie Lafayette department store is also a great option for everything from clothes and homewares to furniture and books. You can also seek out great antiques at the city’s many flea markets such as Puces de Clignancourt, so there’s something for everyone. Once you’re weighed down with bags, find a fancy café to relax in and while away the rest of your day over coffee and sweet French pastries. Café de Flore is an atmospheric choice. Day 3 – River relaxation Bateaux Parisiens A visit to Paris simply isn’t complete without a trip down its picturesque River Seine. A cruise down this beautiful river will allow you to see the city from a whole new perspective as you float past everything from the Notre Dame to Musée d'Orsay while enjoying jaw-dropping views at a leisurely pace. You’ll be able to see these views from open-air observation decks on the boat, giving you a fantastic opportunity to take great pictures of the sights as you glide past them. The scenic riverbanks were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, so expect some truly lovely vistas. Dalí Museum Round off your bewitching three-day trip with a dash of surrealist splendor from Salvador Dalí. This famous Spanish painter lived in Paris for a time in the creative Montmartre neighborhood, where he met Pablo Picasso and joined the Surrealist art group to further develop his avant-garde style. Over 300 pieces of his are housed in the unique Dalí Museum, which showcases a vast range of colorful paintings, drawings and sculptures from the artist, making it one of the most important museums in the whole of Paris, if not the world. With Go City, this unmissable attraction is free to enter and offers a fantastic chance to see one of the world’s most important artists. Save on admission to top Paris attractions Explore a wealth of amazing things to do in Paris with Go City. Select from top attractions with our All-Inclusive and Explorer Passes, where you’ll enjoy access to must-see museums, exciting river cruises, fun tours and much more. Share your adventure with us Tag @GoCity or use the hashtag #GoCity in your vacation photos and we'll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook channels for exclusive competitions, special offers and events to help you make the most from your travels.
Lee Dales
A couple relaxing in the Jardin des Tuileries
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Relaxing Things to do in Paris

What could be more idyllic than a restful break in the City of Love, with its multitude of parks and gardens, tranquil canals and cute pavement cafés, perfect for watching the world go by? Check out our guide to the 10 most relaxing things to do in Paris... Picnic by the Eiffel Tower Paris is a paradise for picnic-lovers, with over 400 delightful green spaces across the city in which to throw down a blanket and unpack your hamper. Pick up a fresh baguette, some fromage et charcuterie and a chilled bottle of Chablis and make for the Champs de Mars, a huge expanse of grassy parkland that’s straddled by the Eiffel Tower. Balmy summer evenings are perfect for this, as dusk falls and thousands of golden bulbs flicker on to illuminate the Paris icon. Come for the romance; stay for the spectacular light show that makes the tower sparkle like a diamond every hour on the hour until 1AM. Go Boating in the Bois du Boulogne Over twice the size of Central Park, Bois du Boulogne is one of the biggest parks in Paris. Its location a little off the beaten track in the 16th arrondissement also makes it one of the least busy. Rowboats are available to rent on the Lac Inferieur (Lower Lake), meaning you can while away a pleasant hour or two bobbing gently on its tranquil waters. Afterwards, take a stroll through the forest to smell the (many) roses in the beautiful Parc de Bagatelle botanical garden. If you’re lucky you might also encounter the park’s resident peacocks and elusive red squirrels along the way. Browse for Books in the Latin Quarter The Latin Quarter’s narrow, winding lanes are a far cry from some of Paris’s more hectic boulevards, and it’s here you’ll discover the semi-legendary English-language bookstore Shakespeare and Company, a labyrinthine treasure trove for literature lovers, where thousands of books pack into higgledy-piggledy shelves and teeter in corners. From here, you’re a stone’s throw to the Bouquinistes of Paris, where hundreds of booksellers line the left bank of the Seine, offering some 300,000 books (give or take). Creaking antiquarian tomes, literary classics, graphic novels, childrens’ books, poetry, art... it’s all here, and then some! Have a Hammam Stunning, intricate mosaics and an epic 33-meter-high minaret are not the only reasons to pay a visit to the Grande Mosquée de Paris in the Latin Quarter. There’s also a beautiful byzantine-style hammam with a marble steam room and babbling fountain. Book an exfoliating scrub or vigorous massage for a near-religious experience and complete your transition to a zen-like state by lingering for baklava and mint tea in the leafy courtyard. For religious reasons, there are separate times for men and women to visit the hammam. Enjoy Pizza and Beer by the Canal Dodge the tourist trail and get yourself down to Canal Saint-Martin, where cute cafés, bistros and craft-beer bars line a peaceful stretch of water that’s dotted with tree-shaded quays, garden squares, cobbled walkways and highly Instagrammable Venetian-style bridges. Eagle-eyed fans of French cinema may recognise the canal from Amélie, the quirky 2001 rom-com set in and around some of Paris’s most picturesque locations. Grab some pizza and beer from one of the boho takeaway joints and find a spot to sit down and skim stones across the water at sunset, just like the movie’s titular heroine. Walk the Coulée Verte Nothing soothes the soul like a bit of greenery and this central Paris walkway – literally ‘the Green Corridor’ – is no exception. A disused railway line that runs across a viaduct in the heart of Paris, it has been converted into a peaceful elevated walking route that’s alive with lush vegetation and foliage. Enjoy views of the Paris skyline from your verdant vantage point and refill your bottle with sparkling water (yes, really!) at the free fountain in Jardin de Reuilly, one of just a handful of its kind dotted around Paris. Play Pétanque One of France’s greatest and most relaxing pastimes, pétanque is a sport that’s beloved of hipsters and old-timers alike. You can have a go at this ancient boule-throwing contest in any number of locations around the city. We recommend Place de la Nation or stunning Luxembourg Gardens, where other gentle pursuits on offer include giant chess and sailing antique toy boats on the ornamental lake. Watch a Sunset (or Sunrise!) Sunset in Paris is truly something else. As the sky turns a dusky pink and lights flicker on across the city, it can feel like there’s magic in the air. Little wonder that this time of day (and its early morning counterpart) provided such inspiration for the likes of Monet. Take a cruise along the Seine to see iconic Paris landmarks including the Louvre and Pont Alexandre III illuminated from the water. Or head for the high ground: the view from the observation deck atop Montparnasse Tower is magnifique, while the atmosphere around Montmartre – as the light fades over the Sacré-Cœur and the colorful carousel below wheels into motion – is hard to beat. Visit a Garden You’re never very far from a park or garden in Paris, so it’s easy to take time out from the hubbub of the city streets and pause to smell the roses – literally. Handily located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, the 17th-century Jardin des Tuileries is a peaceful formal garden with two ponds, statues by the likes of Rodin and Giacometti, and plentiful seating. You can also put your feet up in the sculpture garden at the Rodin Museum, where ornamental ponds, perfectly manicured box hedges and a variety of famous pieces by the celebrated sculptor, make for a relaxing place to while away an hour or two. People-Watch at a Café For Parisians, the act of sitting at a pavement café, slowly sipping espressos and peering at passers-by over dark glasses, is something of an art form. Pull up a chair, order a croissant or three and join the locals in a spot of people-watching. Your server won’t bring the check until you ask for it, so you have all the time in the world to sit back, relax and watch what some would say is the best show in town. Save on relaxing things to do in Paris Save on admission to Paris attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak

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