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A Tour of Paris Street Markets

In Paris, outdoor street markets are more than just a place to buy food; they are a living, breathing cultural institution.

Visit early to truly savor the sights and sounds of the marketplace - the vendors hawking their wares, the shoppers trading neighborhood gossip, the smell of fresh bread, the taste of tiny cheese samples.

In addition to fresh produce and food products, many markets also offer house wares, linens, clothing, accessories, antiques and other goods.

Paris has more than 70 outdoor markets, and each varies in size, hours and products offered.

Perhaps the most well-known and extensive market is on the rue Cler, in the 7th arrondissement off metro Ecole Militaire. In addition to a bustling market, the street is also chock-full of boulangeries, patisseries, fromageries, charcuteries and other gourmet food shops. The market is open every day - a rarity in Paris! - though many of the shops close on Mondays.

Other favorite outdoor markets in Paris include:

Maubert Market
Place Maubert, 5th arrondissement.
Tuesday, Thursday, 7 a.m. to 2.30 p.m., Saturday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Metro: Maubert-Mutualite

St-Germain covered market
4/8 rue Lobineau, 6th arrondissement.
Tuesday to Saturday 8.30 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4 p.m.-7.30 p.m. ; Sunday 8.30 a.m. et 1 p.m.
Metro: Mabillon

Bastille Market
Boulevard Richard Lenoir between rue Amelot and rue Saint-Sabin.
Thursday, 7 a.m. to 2.30 p.m., Sunday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Metro: Bastille

The early bird catches the best of Paris at street markets offering everything from local produce to gourmet cheeses, meats, fish, art & antiques, and fresh-picked flowers to set a fine table.

More about Paris street markets around the Web:

Top Paris Street Markets - Check out this review for where to find the best clothes, food and antiques, fresh flowers and more with opening days and hours of operation.

Paris Street Markets - A good read from Paris Digest with their top picks for shopping the outdoor markets incuding related resources, maps and directions.

Best Markets in Paris - Time Out Magazine brings you the goods on where to shop by category including art & antiques, fashion, flea markets, organic foods and more with star-rated reviews from visitors.