Start early in the day to find the freshest goods on offer...
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.