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Vanves flea market : charm and authenticity
If you love collecting, hunting for treasures, or simply strolling through flea markets, you’ll probably enjoy Vanves flea market!
Every Saturday and Sunday morning, it becomes a paradise for “les Chineurs” (= the French word for bargain hunters).
It’s smaller and more low-key than the famous Saint-Ouen market and has a more relaxed, local vibe.
On a sunny Sunday morning, even if you don’t plan to buy anything, it’s a lovely way to spend a peaceful couple of hours.
This is one of the largest flea markets in Paris with around 350 vendors spread along two avenues (Boulevard Marc Sangnier and Boulevard Georges Lafenestre) on the southern edge of Paris.
At the intersection you might even catch someone playing the piano in the open air!
The atmosphere is friendly and authentic. A joyful and relaxing weekend experience.
What will you find at Vanves flea market?
If you ‘re looking for genuine vintage items, this is the place.
You’ll find objects from the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries, including pieces from the Art Deco era. There are:
- Lamps, glassware and silverware;
- Vintage and costume jewelry
- cameras, vinyl records, old French comic books and magazines
- Antique books, fashion magazines from the 20s and 30s
- Coins, medals, toys, dolls and postcards,
- Small kitchenware, dishes, linens, and decorative objects.
Only a few stalls with or textiles or clothing, and not many that sell large furniture.
Most items are quite affordable, and yes, bargaining is part of the fun!
The main Paris flea markets
Paris has three main flea markets: Montreuil, Saint Ouen, and Vanves.
They all started in the 19th century around the former Thiers Wall, a defensive structure built in the 1840s
(Thiers, President of France from 1871 to 1873)
This wall which surrounded bearly all of today’s Paris, was demolished around 1920.
The Saint Ouen flea market, is by far the largest, with more than 2500 stalls and over 17 kilometers of alleyways across 6 hectares!
So why choose Vanves?
- It’s much smaller than Saint-Ouen, so it’s easy to explore without feeling overwhelmed.
- The vibe is peaceful and very Parisian, a bit old-fashioned in the best way, and locals still make up most of the crowd.
- Many vendors are professionals and have had their stalls for decades.
- It’s a great place for small vintage finds, but if you’re after big furniture or clothing, Saint-Ouen might be a better choice.
My suggestions and thoughts
- Saint Ouen or Vanves? Vanves is smaller, more relaxed, and easier to navigate.
- Furniture and clothing? Not the best place if you’re after large pieces or specific vintage clothes.
- When to go? The earlier the better! Try to arrive before 10.30 am. Many vendors start packing up around 1pm.
- Bring cash: many vendors don’t accept cards.
- Bargain! It’s expected, and part of the fun.
- Time needed? Plan 1.5 to 2.5 hours to explore at a relaxed pace.
- Language? Some vendors speak a bit of Engoish, but speaking a little French will help.
Make the day of it.
- On Sunday morning: Check out the food market on Boulevard Brune (Paris 14) : cheeses, fruit tarts and fresh regional produce
- Explore Montsouris area: charming street from rue Parc Montsouris to Rue Daguerre.
- Visit the Montparnasse neighborhood and enjoy a meal at a traditional crêperie (Rue Montparnasse, more than 12 crêperies).
- Discover the Montparnasse cemetery
- For something unusual, head to Les Catacombes de Paris
Practical details:
- Location: Avenue Marc Sangnier and Avenue Georges Lafenestre avenue, Paris, 14th arrondissement
- Opened year-round: Every Saturday and Sunday from 7 to 1.30pm
- Free entrance
- Metro: Porte de Vanves, line 13 or Tram T3 or Buses 58, 95, 191
- Puces de Vanves official website
- Bring cash for purchases
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