Our Guide to the Best Markets in Paris

Forget the designer stores and take things slow at these markets in Paris

While the crowds flocking to Louis Vuitton and Celine flagships may have you fooled, some of the best shopping experiences you can have are off at one of the numerous markets in Paris. There's something for everybody with artisan food, antiques, secondhand clothing and antique furniture all up for grabs - take a look below at some of the capital's best and get ready to make a dent in your travel budget.

Bastille Market

Even the most jaded of travellers will find something to fall in love with at Bastille Market, which brims with artisan cheeses, freshly made street food and even truffles here or there. It's all open to the elements which makes it a fantastic outing on a sunny day and will easily take you the better half of the morning to explore, with over 150 stalls lined up. It's not all just food though, there's also a few handicrafts and antique stalls to splash out on.

Marche d'Aligre

Dating all the way back to the 1800s, this traditional market has continued to impress with its diverse range of goods and mouthwatering delights. As a local favourite, it's a little wild but navigating its haphazard stalls is all part of the fun whether you're looking for the perfect aged comte cheese or handmade African masks to ad a dash of culture to your home. For savvy fashionistas, there's also a flea market called Marche aux Puce d'Aligre nearby selling secondhand clothing and other oddities.

Marche aux Fleurs Reine Elizabeth II

While buying flowers isn't exactly practical for a brief holiday visit, stepping into the Marche aux Fleurs Reine Elizabeth II is an unforgettable experience. As one of the oldest ladies on the block, this vibrant market dates back to 1808 and is a whirl of rainbows and scents - teeming with botanicals of all shapes, colours and sizes. On Sundays, it's a totally different experience with birds chirping left, right and centre for the bird market.

Marche aux Puces de St-Ouen

In the case of this sprawling flea market, bigger is always better. It's not just one market but a collection of 15 different ones that all have their own thing, whether that be antique furniture, vintage clothing or rare literary finds. With over 3000 stalls and several hectares of shopping galore, it's a wonderland for bargain junkies - though you might need a little patience while you're out mining for gold.

Bouquinistes

The French are a cultural lot and it's no surprise that these bustling book stalls are all filled with sophisticated tales, all lined up alongside the glittering River Seine. Whether you're flexing your French with a collection of Apollinaire's poetry, burying your nose in a vintage Hemingway or getting stuck into one of Tintin's adventures, there's over 200 stalls to discover. Grab a loved one and go for a stroll - it's utterly romantic and you'll be able to show off your literary prowess a little bit.