Top 10 Outdoor Markets in Paris

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Top 10 Outdoor Markets in Paris

With over 80 markets setting up across the city through out the week, Paris offers a huge selection of places to peruse fresh produce and observe Parisians doing what the French do best- talk about food. The outdoor markets of Paris provide a space for cultures and cuisine to come together, combining the cherished tradition of food shopping in France with the growing interest in foreign foods and ingredients. From farflung regional dishes to resurrected “forgotten” vegetables, the markets of Paris are a window into the city’s cultural make up and culinary obsessesions. See Paris in a new way by visiting these favorite outdoor markets.

Marché Bastille (Boulevard Richard Lenoir, 75011; Open Thursday and Sunday 7 a.m to 2:30 p.m)

This centrally located market is an easy fit into any Paris itinerary. The aisles and aisles of vendors that line Boulevard Richard Lenoir are typical of a classic Paris market and include a wide selection of fresh cheese, produce, fish, and meat. There’s even a vendor that specializes in goose eggs! Visit Mr. And Mme. Baudry’s stand on the corner of rue Sedaine and Blvd. Richard Lenoir to find locally grown and farm fresh fruits and vegetables.

Marché d’Aligre (Place d’Aligre, 75012; Open Tuesday to Sunday 7:30 a.m to 2:30 p.m)

This lively market is actually more like four markets in one. The outdoor market includes both a food and flea market, with used vinyl records and other antiques vying for space among the veggie and and flower vendors. For specialty ingredients like Italian sausages, artisanal olive oils, and North African fare, check out the indoor market, Marché couvert Beauvau (which closes between 1 p.m.-4 p.m). This has been newly renovated after fire damage caused in 2015. The outskirts of the indoor and outdoor market make up the fourth element of Marché d’Aligre, where you’ll find can’t-miss shops such as La Graineterie, a charming spot to pick up some bulk grains as well as regional sweets that are great to take home as gifts.

Produce at Marché sur l'eau/ Emily Dilling

Produce at Marché sur l’eau/ Emily Dilling

Marché biologique des Batignolles (34 Boulevard des Batignolles, 75017; Open Saturday 7:30 a.m to 2:00 p.m)

This is one of the city’s three all-organic markets. Every product-from the fromage to the freshly laid eggs- is certified organic. Grab a freshly squeezed wheatgrass juice from Hermione Boehrer’s stand and explore this market which is a favorite among health conscious shoppers and the stylish locals.

Marché Saxe Breteuil (Avenue de Saxe 75007; Open Thursday and Saturday 7 a.m to 2:30 p.m)

Located in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, this left bank market is a quiet respite from some of the more cacophonous Paris markets. Stands of locally grown produce along with vendors welling table linens and kitchen ware assure that Marché Saxe Breteuil has everything you need to make a classic French meal at home.

Marché Belleville (boulevard de Belleville 75011; Open Tuesday and Friday 7 a.m to 2:30 p.m)

There’s no room for agoraphobes at this crowded neighborhood market, but if you’re willing to brave the crowds you’ll find many surprises in store at Marché Belleville. A source of ingredients for many of the area’s Asian and African restaurants, markets stands overflow with foreign herbs and spices as well as hard-to-find fruits and vegetables.

Marché sur L’Eau (Open Saturday mornings, Rotonde de Stalingrad 75019)

The Marché sur l’Eau counts on a boat to bring locally grown produce to Paris. Using the city’s canal system which extends to neighboring agricultural regions, farmers send their farm fresh goods to the 19th arrondissement, where shoppers can have their pick of seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Spices at the Belleville market/ Emily Dilling

Spices at the Belleville market/ Emily Dilling

Marché Monge (Place Monge 75005; Open Wednesday, Friday and Sunday 7 a.m to 2:30 p.m)

The quaint place Monge is home to this small market, which includes organic vendors and independent farmers. Popular with locals who work or study in the neighborhood, there are also plenty of hot lunch options, including Asian and Lebanese dishes.

Marché bio Raspail (Boulevard Raspail, between rues du Cherche Midi and Rennes, 75006; Open Sunday 7:30 a.m to 2:00 p.m)

Another one of the city’s organic markets, Marché Raspail has some of the same vendors as its sister market Marché Batignolles, but also has some unique aspects that make it special. One Raspail exclusive of note is O’Regal Muffins, where you will find homemade English muffins and other anglo favorites along with French specialties such as cannelés.

Marché Président Wilson (Avenue du Président Wilson, between rue Debrousse and Place d’Iéna, 75016; Open Wednesday and Saturday 7:30 a.m to 2:00 p.m)

This lovely market in the 16th arrondissement is a great sunny day stop. Flowers abound from markets stands and the well-heeled residents of this chich neighborhood are fascinating to watch. The star of the market is Joël Thiébault, a local farmer specializing in beautiful heirloom vegetable varieties.

Marché des Enfants Rouges (39 rue de Bretagne, 75003; Open Tuesday to Saturday 8:30 a.m to 7:00 p.m and Sunday 8:30 a.m to 2:00 p.m)

While technically not an outdoor market, this is a great spot to grab lunch to go and then head outside to enjoy a picnic or hot meal. North African, Japanese, British, Italian and French cuisine come together in this covered market, which also has a few stands selling organic produce, cheese, and meat.

Want to be inspired by more French foodie experiences and enjoy classic French food, wine and recipes? Head to our sister website, Taste of France, here.

Lead photo credit : Joël Thiébault at the marché Président Wilson

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Emily Dilling is the author of “My Paris Market Cookbook: A Culinary Tour of French Flavors and Seasonal Recipes” (September 2015) and the founder of the blog parispaysanne.com, which documents her quest to explore Paris markets and French terroir. Emily’s writing has appeared in Beer Advocate, The Portland Mercury, HiP Paris, and Paste Magazine.

Comments

  • Joy Maguire
    2020-06-19 18:25:30
    Joy Maguire
    On the right side of the Marché Saxe Breteuil as you are facing the Tour Eiffel, there is a butcher shop that has something I buy several times when we are in our second home in Paris - Roti de Dindeneau. It is a very small rolled roast of Dindenau - "very young turkey". To die for.....

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  • Nicholas Cox
    2017-04-20 14:15:11
    Nicholas Cox
    Great piece but you forgot Marché Maubert, Tuesday and Thursday, 7:00 am to 2:30 pm, and Saturdays from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm, Place Maubert, 75005!

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  • jay gertz
    2015-10-16 14:33:18
    jay gertz
    Emily! You are right on about the markets! Anyone that doesn't immerse themselves in the market experience when visiting the City of Lights cannot honestly say they have tasted the local Parisian milieu. The Marche Bastille (Richard Lenior) is our absolute favorite with it's wide range of foods, ethnic and otherwise and trinket and sundries stands. The Belleville Market is also right up there vying for first place in my book. What a tremendous multi-ethnic cacophony it is! Wonderful! But like you said, you cannot mind crowds and being bounced around like a pinball in a mad delightful game. One that you didn't mention, of course, it is not in Paris proper, is the Marche' St-Denis. The indoor part has a huge variety of foods from fish and meat to bakeries and cheese. The outdoors part has everything from textiles and shoes to CD's and household goods. A mostly working class neighborhood, it seems to be predominantly North African. Tues. Fri. and Sunday mornings. Combine a trip here with a visit to the Cathedral where many of the early French royalty is interred. You can get there by Metro and/or train, but if you have a pass, don't go beyond your zone limit and get trapped in the station like I did the last time I went! Fortunately for the kindness of strangers, a passing local saw my dilemma and "loaned" me his card so I could get through the turnstile.

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  • Annabella
    2015-10-08 17:44:38
    Annabella
    Thank you for the great info on the Paris markets. I am always learning more about Paris from Bonjourparis.

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