The Best Flea Market In Paris
Nestled at the southern edge of Parisā 14thāÆarrondissement, Les Puces de Vanves offers a delightfully intimate alternative to the sprawling SaintāOuen flea market. With around 300ā400 stalls spread along Avenue Marc-SangnierĀ andĀ Avenue Georges-Lafenestre, this hidden gem boasts a curated yet casual atmosphere that charms seasoned collectors and first-time visitors alike.
Less overwhelming and more accessible than its northern counterpart, Vanves invites you to browse vintage kitchenware, art deco curios, silverware, old books, postcards, vinyls, and affordable fashion treasuresāall easily packable and often ready for onboarding into your suitcase.
Whether scanning for antique silver spoons, vintage posters, or a statement accessory that whispers Parisian history, Les Puces de Vanves delivers a relaxed, authentic treasure huntāParisian at its core, explorer at its spirit.
The Vanves Flea Market In Paris (Les Puces de Vanves)
Les Puces de Vanves, is much smaller than the larger and more crowded, MarchĆØ aux Puces de Saint Ouen. I personally find that flea market incredibly overwhelming and overpriced, although I know it’s one most people think about.
The Vanves flea market is spread out amongst several different streets with around 300-400 vendors at any given time.
What Can You Expect To Find At Vanves Flea Market
You can expect to find everything from vintage French designer clothing to beautiful paintings, vintage dinnerware, old French books, and lots of kitchen items, but don’t expect to find any food markets here.
There are also incredible furniture pieces that I always wish I could bring home.
The last two times I have been I bought a vintage Celine scarf and YSL Blazer for incredible prices. Prices here are much better than in the larger market.
However, you will still find some overpriced items so just beware. Just because it’s from a French flea market doesn’t always mean you need to buy it, if it’s overpriced.
Be prepared to dig through boxes here versus things being set up on display nicely.
Sometimes, it looks as if someone has literally cleaned out their garage and just thrown everything in a moving box.
What Should You Buy At The Vanves Market
Make a dream list ahead of time of items you think you would want to find at a flea market in Paris. Every time, I go with a list of items I’ve jotted down in my notes section on my phone.
On my list are items like vintage candle holders, kitchen linens, little trinket dishes (last time I found some dishes from the old Ritz Paris that I bought), and of course designer clothes.
You might be a bit overwhelmed by everything but I feel it’s always best to have a few things in your mind about what you’re looking for. And, if you don’t have anything in mind then that’s okay also. Just going is part of the Parisian experience.
Where Is Marche aux Puces de Vanves Located
The MarchƩ aux Puces (which means flea market in French), de Vanves is located in the south of the 14 arrondissements of Paris, on Avenue Marc Sangnier and Avenue Georges Lafenstre.
Hours of Marche aux Puces de Vanves
The market is open Saturday and Sunday from 7-2. Although you know what they say, the early bird gets the worm. I have been to the market on both days, and either day is great, honestly, but I do prefer Saturday morning.
Sometimes, on Saturday I have noticed vendors packing up a bit earlier than 2 so I guess it’s when they are ready to leave.
How To Get To The Vanves Flea Market
There are several ways you can get to the Marche aux Puces de Vanves on the weekends. I have always taken an uber, G7 , or even the metro to get there. The Uber and G7 will drop you off in front.
You can always take a taxi but beware when you’re trying to return, taxis don’t seem to show up as often as you would think.
If you want to take the metro you can, you would get off at the metro station of Porte de Vanves, which is located on line 13. However, if you’re carrying items back then you might want to skip the metro. You can also use the citymapper app to help tell you which metro line to take.
How To Bring Items Home From The Market In Paris
This all depends on what you purchase and how big the items are. Usually, I automatically check an extra suitcase to bring home items from the trip in general.
I also take a pack of bubble wrap in my suitcase to wrap gentle items. I brought home 8 wine glasses last time and between the bubble wrap and going in the middle of my suitcase, they all arrived perfectly.
You can go to LaPoste, which is the French postal service, and buy a flat-rate box to ship items back.
If you have larger items then you might want to reach out to a company that specializes in sending back antiques from Europe.
Tips For A Paris Flea Market
- You need to take euros in small bills. Many vendors are starting to accept cards, but they do not accept American dollars.
- Go to the ATM before you get to the market in case there isn’t one around.
- You can always try to negotiate the prices.
- Take some sort of bag to carry around your items, I always take a large canvas tote.
- It’s a good idea to know French numbers or at least have google translate ready when you are ready to make a purchase. Don’t expect them to speak English, but if they do, try to speak a little French, and don’t forget to say Bonjour and Merci.
- I would take a crossbody if you have one. The market is safe however things happen and there are lots of people so just be safe.
- In regards to the bathroom, last time I was there they had put up one of those public toilets.
- If you would like to know the schedule of other Broncates in and around Paris, here’s a handy website that my friend Sara passed along.
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