Some girls go to France for the romance...I went for the antiques. Here is everything I wish I knew before spending the day at Les Puces de Saint-Ouen!
You guys know I’ve been on a total antiques journey as of late, but nothing quite prepared me for the sheer scale of the Paris market. It’s sprawling, magical, a little chaotic, and completely addictive.
First things first: timing is everything.
Les Puces (aka “the fleas”) technically opens Saturday-Monday, and not all vendors are open on Fridays. We went on a Friday and while it was quieter (which has its perks), I’d recommend Saturday or Sunday for the full, vibrant experience. Plan to arrive early enough to beat the crowds.
What you’ll find: over 1,500 vendors, divided into several mini-markets. Think: European furniture, vintage Chanel buttons, 18th-century oil paintings, Deco light fixtures, and heirloom-worthy tabletop pieces. Some stalls feel like perfectly preserved jewel boxes, others are filled to the brim with everything from antique mirrors to vintage clothing to high-value furnishings.
If you’re into more curated, high-end finds (and serious people-watching), head to Marché Paul Bert Serpette. It’s beyond, and where many designers and stylists source their pieces. For digging and bargaining, Marché Vernaison is older, more rustic, and full of gems and surprises.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed (you will) or want a more curated experience, there are incredible services to make the flea feel less overwheming. If you’re serious about sourcing, consider hiring a local expert. These guides know the layout, the vendors, and how to negotiate in a way that actually gets you a better deal. My friend Cassie, who planned our trip, booked us a guide through Paris Addict- and I’m so glad she did. It was incredibly helpful, not just for the translation, but for having someone chic and in-the-know tailor the experience to our style. Whether you're hunting for vintage fashion, old books, mid-century ceramics, or investment furniture, they know exactly where to take you.
Another guide option that come highly recommended was The Antiques Diva & Co. They offer guided shopping tours in English, with a focus on shipping home larger pieces (they regularly ship full containers and the vendors know them!)
Don’t let size stop you from falling in love. Many vendors can coordinate shipping through preferred partners, or you can organize it yourself through services like
Edet International or Crown Relocations, both of which are experienced in handling antique and art shipments from France to the US. If you're just sending a few light pieces, FedEx La Poste can work, though it’s more DIY - they have locations around the city.
Tips I picked up (and wish I’d known):
1)Take photos of everything you buy (and where you bought it). It helps when filling out customs forms, and it’s easy to lose track in the moment….
2) Download a map to your phone ahead of time. The market is technically made up of 15 smaller markets, and it’s very easy to get turned around.
3) Cash is still king. While some vendors accept cards, many don’t. Bring euros (and ideally small bills) to make negotiating smoother.
4) Wear a crossbody and comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking on uneven cobblestones for hours.
5) Don’t be afraid to negotiate. It’s expected, especially if you’re buying more than one item. A polite and confidant offer goes a long way.
6) Ask before you take photos Some vendors are very protective of their setups. Just a quick “Puis-je prendre une photo?” keeps things friendly.
I went in hoping for a few “perfect” finds but ended up leaving with something even better: inspiration. Keep scrolling for all the treasures and moments that caught my eye.
If Paris is calling, Les Puces is 100% worth a day on your itinerary. I will be back!
xx M
