7 Paris Markets to Visit

Paris is a city that has something for everyone. Our team has been living here for decades - even if you don’t like French food or art, there’s incredible architecture. Not into that? How about wonderful parks and gardens. Horticulture not your thing? Interactive museums that are not about art. Live music - dancing in the street. International food? Perhaps you just want a good view of the Eiffel tower. Whatever it is, you’ll find what you’re looking for both on and off the beaten path, and today we’re here specifically to speak about markets.

And if you’re looking for all your information all in one place - we’re talking dozens of articles, hundreds of tried and true recommendations for places to eat, drink, and visit, as well as full day itineraries and an audio walking tour, you can find it all in our Guide+. Oh, and purchase is for life.

7 of the Best Paris Markets To Visit

When people think about Paris, often shopping comes to mind - but what they don’t realize is that shopping for food is on a whole other level! Sure, we encourage you to check out French grocery stores (visitors love Monoprix, but it’s not cheap), but if you really want to embrace the culture, flavors, and character of the city, you’ll want to hit up its markets. Visiting the markets offers a different perspective on the city - more niche, more local, more… real life. It’ll carry you beyond the major tourist attractions and into the everyday life of the Parisian.

How Many Markets Are There in Paris?

There are over 90 markets in Paris. That’s right - 90 markets for 20 arrondissements. It’s a huge part of French culture. You’ll find permanent covered markets, temporary outdoor markets, specialty markets, tiny neighboorhood markets, flea markets, the list goes on. We’re here to share with you a few of our favorites, but don’t hesitate to look online at the Mairie de Paris’ website to find the market closest to you, if you want to experience one without having to cross town. Remember: Markets are an integral part of daily life for locals, so please be respectful!

What Are Markets In Paris Like?

Paris markets are busy, bustling, exciting and tempting! You’ll run into all sorts of sights, smells, and types of people. It’s truly one of the best ways to get a feel for local life (and to practice your French!). The market is a routine for most locals. They have their regular stands, perhaps their habits on what they pick up for lunch (roast chicken, anyone?), and oftentimes have established a rapport with the vendors. Most of the time, everyone’s in a great mood. It’s truly a fantastic alternative to the grocery store. Here’s what you can expect to find as most markets, whether covered or uncovered:

• Fresh produce. Look for stands that say “bio” if you’re looking for organic. Often stands that focus on 1-3 things (like potatoes, apples, mushrooms, strawberries…) are local and organic. Though these stalls will often only take cash, so it’s good to have a little on you. Other stands that have tons of fruit and vegetables will tempt you in, but if eating local and organic is important to you, follow your gut there. A papaya in winter in Paris is perhaps not your best bet.
• Cheese stands. You’ll smell them from a mile away. These stands will serve mostly high quality unpasteurized cheese (made from “lait cru”). If you need pasteurized, the word for that is basically the same: pasteurisé. It was, after all, their scientist who came up with pasteurization! Try the cow’s cheese (vache) but also goat (chèvre) and even sheep (mouton).
• Meat and fish stands. For some high quality and local protein! You can often find where they source their meat and fish from if you want to stay local, and don’t be afraid to ask questions! They’ll also grind beef for you, and often debone your fish if you’re worried about that.
• Ready-to-eat food vendors. Lebanese wraps and crêpes and oysters, oh my!
• Local vendors. For things like paté, rillettes, and local specialties. These are great stalls to buy souvenirs for people, as everything is usually packaged in little glass jars, ready to travel. And who doesn’t love food??

Tips for Visiting the Market in Paris

Ask Before Touching

Not all vendors want you to touch their fruit! They get tired of people bruising produce while testing for ripeness. Ask permission or study what the locals are doing before you dive in. And when in doubt, always ask their opinion. This is especially true for avocados. They always know which ones to give you to eat today, tomorrow, or later in the week. It’s like magic.

Always Carry Cash

This is less and less true, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Most booths accept cards now, and most without a minimum payment. But it can still be nice to pay with cash if you want, for example, one simple eggroll to munch on as you walk along. Not that if you’re going to ultra low priced deals at the very end of the party, like 10 sad lemons for 2 euros, they’d want cash for that.

Bring a Basket

It’s cute, it’s quaint, and things will get less squished than if you shove everything into a tote bag. Trust us, dealing with a crushed tomato in the bottom of your bag is no fun, if a bit of a right of passage.

Walk Around a Bit Before Buying

Walk around! Take it all in! Decide what looks best before you dive in. Otherwise you risk filling up your basket with berries that… well, aren’t the best the market has to offer.

Go Early

The early bird gets the worm. This is absolutely true on the French market scene. Booths will run out of eggs, rotisserie chicken, and seasonal produce very quickly, so it’s best to make an early morning of it and plan to head down around 9am. Plus, it’s nicer to visit when it’s not so crowded.

What Are The Best Markets In Paris?

Outdoor Markets

This is probably the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about markets in Paris - sprawling open air street markets scattered across the city. And it’s true that depending on the time of day and the day of the week, every single arrondissement has multiple open air markets, open on certain days of the week. They are quite literally how many Parisian residents do the majority of their grocery shopping, so they have to be accessible. While all markets feel magical to the visitor, not all are created equal. Here are a few of our favorites:

Marché de Bastille

Hours: Thursday 7am-2:30pm | Sunday 7am-3pm

By far one of the most famous markets in Paris - and this time, we’ll admit that it’s for good reason. Bastille Market started at the Bastille Monument and stretches up along the canal (the underground part) along Boulevard Richard Lenoir. It’s packed with incredible produce, ready to eat meals, friendly vendors and more. We won’t say more here, as we devoted an entire blog to it. Get directions.

Marché Maubert

Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 7am-2:30pm | Saturday 7am-3pm

Located in the heart of the Latin Quarter and only a few minutes from the Notre-Dame cathedral, the Marché Maubert is small but mighty. This market sits in a little square just outside of Maison Isabelle (so you can grab your best baguette or croissant before or after your shop!) You’ll find a lovely selection of vendors selling primarily organic fruits and vegetables. A great choice for this touristic neighborhood; and a prime location to pick up picnic snacks before heading to the Seine for lunch. Get directions.

Marché aux Fleurs

Hours: Monday-Saturday 8am-7:30pm

This market has nothing to do with food and everything to do with plants and flowers (and sometimes birds). It’s a fantastic market set smack in the center of Paris on Ile-de-la-Cité. Lengths of stalls house humid, delicious rooms filled with botanics. There’s even an Orchid room. Established in 1830, its 200th anniversary is coming up! Get directions.

Indoor Markets

Paris has a wide range of indoor markets, which are typically open several days a week, if not daily, as opposed to the limited schedule of the outdoor markets. Here is a non-exhaustive list of places that we enjoy - but as a general rule, it’s often best to choose the market closest to you. Very few markets are worth a trek across town just to do your grocery shopping, so have a look at what’s nearest to you, and make your decision based on what feels right. There’s no denying that a market experience is a great one to have!

Marché des Enfants Rouges

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 8am-8pm | Sunday 8:30am-5pm

A market you’ve surely heard of, and one we’re pleased to say is not overrated, would be the Marché des Enfants Rouges. This market was established in the 1600s - yes, you read that correctly. We’re talking about the time of kings! It remains very busy and well visited today, and for good reason - the food is amazing and affordable. Unlike the other markets on this list, the Marché des Enfants Rouges is no longer known for its stalls of produce, cheese and meat. Only a few remain, as the market has shifted to restaurants. It’s a true food market, which makes it a unique stop for your visit to Paris. In it, you’ll get a good taste of plates from around the world - try Moroccoain couscous, Créole dishes, Lebanese food, Japanese flavors and more. Go hungry, and enjoy! Get directions.

Marché d’Aligre

Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30am-1:30pm | Saturday-Sunday 7:30am-2:30pm

Another one of the most famous covered markets in Paris, and for good reason. The Marché d’Aligre is a local gem situated in the 12th arrondissement of Paris. Slightly smaller than some of the indoor markets we’ll talk about next, this one is absolutely adorable, and packed with local charm. This market has been around since the last 1700s! In it you’ll find exceptional meats and cheese, a great selection of organic fruits and vegetables. On the right date, you might also fall on an outdoor market, and/or a flear market outside as well. If you’re in the mood, we recommend getting a bottle of beer and a chunk of cheese from Le Comptoir des Fromages et de la Bière. Get directions.

Marché Couvert de Passy

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 8am-1pm & 4pm-7pm | Sunday 8am-1pm

A fantastic option for a beautiful indoor market experience if you’re staying in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. The Marché Couvert de Passy, is a sweeping market filled with bountiful fresh vegetables, seafood, and more. Be sure to grab yourself something sweet at la Petite Boutique Golosa, where the owner makes delicious treats from around the world. Or perhaps a bouquet of tulips to brighten up your hotel room or Airbnb? Whether you’re looking for nibbles for a picnic, or high quality products to cook a meal for yourself, this market will have what you need. Remember, it’s located in the 16th, and prices may reflect the wealth of the neighborhood! Get directions.

Marché Couvert de Saint-Quentin

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 8am-8pm | Sunday 8am-1:30pm

The Marché Couvert de Saint-Quentin is a great option for shopping if you’re staying in the northern 10th arrondissement, 9th arrondissement, or even eastern 18th arrondissement. It’s located along Boulvevard Magenta, a bustling boulevard that connects République to the 18th arrondissement. It’s a vast market that has been open since the late 1800s and you’ll feel like a local here, as not many tourists end up around here. Indulge in some couscous or fresh Oysters and grab some ripe cheese to indulge in later on your trip. Get directions.

And don’t forget, you can find all of this and more in our guide to Paris.