Les Puces is one of the four flea markets located near Rue des Rosiers. Among the four markets, Les Puces is located on the left side of Rues des Rosiers.
History of Paris Flea Market
Before the establishment of the market which we see today, the Flea Market was filled with scavengers, who were locally called as ‘bone pickers’ or ‘moonlight sinners’. They used to scavenge for discarded items in the night and in the morning would sell them. The official opening of the market took place in 1885 with the local Parisians and the scavengers setting up the small shops.
After World War I and World War II, the market expanded as several businessmen started to buy the land near the market. As more and more businesses started buying land near the market, the flea market expanded.
After that, many cafes and restaurants opened in the market and slowly it became a tourist destination. With more than a thousand shops and cafes in the flea market, it became the world’s second-largest antique flea market.
Dos and Don'ts of Flea Market Shopping
Do’s
1. Most of the shops in Les Puces do not accept Credit or Debit card. If possible, carry enough cash.
2. Flea Markets are crowded in Paris and Les Puces is always crowded by tourists and Parisians. If possible, do not carry a sling bag or a waist bag that swings behind you. It is possible that there might be pick-pocketers in and around the market.
3. The weather in Paris can change quickly so it is advisable to wear light clothes and carry an umbrella or jacket.
4. If possible, carry a bottle of water. Though there are shops in the market, the price of the water bottle is high.
5. The shops at the Flea Market have this one rule: Once you buy something, it is yours. No exchanges, No return. To avoid any mismeasurements, carry a measurement toolkit.
Don’ts
1. Do not take your pet to the market unless the market allows them. If the market allows pets, make sure that you clean their poop.
2. If you like something, do not leave it in the shop to buy it afterwards. Someone else would also like it and may buy it before you do.
3. Do not expect any discounts in the early hours. It is the opening hour of the shops. Try to get discount for the products in the evening as it is the closing hours and the shopkeepers just want to get home.
Places to Eat Near Paris Flea Market
1. Les Gastropodes- A popular restaurant in Saint Ouen, Les Gastropodes is visited in large numbers by tourists. Serving French and European food items, the restaurant is a popular hub for grabbing a quick bite of breakfast and some hot beverages like coffee and tea. Les Gastropodes is very popular for its types of green salads and other vegetable salads.
2. Chez Louisette- Chez Louisette is a restaurant and a pub located near Les Puces Flea Market. It serves the traditional French breakfast and some of the finest alcohol near the market. After major shops of the market are closed, the restaurant becomes a pub serving some fine wine and liquor.
3. Juicy Burger St Ouen- If you are looking to grab a quick bite of some of the finest buns and burgers near Les Puces, Juicy Burger St Ouen is the best eatery to go to. Serving some of the finest and juiciest burgers, the restaurant is highly visited by tourists and fellow Parisians.
4. O Rest- O Rest or Le Rest’O is a small but popular cafe near Les Puces. O Rest is popular for its fish items and other seafood. It is among the few restaurants which serve sea-food items in near Paris Flea Market.
Places to Stay Near Paris Flea Market
1. Hôtel Legendre- A Parisian architectural style of the hotel, Hôtel Legendre is a popular hotel located near Paris Flea Market. Hôtel Legendre is located between the Paris Flea Market and the Sacre Coeur church and is the ultimate stay option among tourists. The hotel is run by generations of the Brollo family.
2. MOB Hotel- A boutique hotel in Saint Ouen, MOB Hotel is located in the heart of the Paris Flea Market. With live performances and some fresh and organic food items, MOB Hotel is a popular hotel. The hotel also consists of a cosy library and some amazing outdoor spaces in the form of gardens and cafes.
3. Hotel Mercure Paris Saint Ouen- Located between the Paris Flea Market and Champs Elysees, Hotel Mercure Paris Saint Ouen is the perfect hotel for family stay. The hotel has a very popular restaurant, La Fabrique à Saveurs. The restaurant is a roof-top restaurant and invites many tourists.
4. Hotel ibis budget Paris Porte de Montmartre- With mild painted walls and spacious rooms, Hotel ibis budget Paris Porte de Montmartre is a pocket-friendly hotel. The hotel is located near the famous locations of Champs Elysees and Montmartre.
Traveller’s tips before visiting Paris Flea Market
1. Most of the shops on the Paris Flea Market are not opened on Monday, yet a few shops are open on Monday from 11 AM to 5 PM.
2. It is advisable to stay alert while shopping as the place is often visited by pick-pocketers and thieves.
3. Rues des Rosiers is the main street which connects four flea markets of Paris.
4. The market gets crowded in the afternoon and early evening.
5. Paris Flea Market is home to around 20,000 shops. Before you start shopping, it is advisable to rest, eat and drink.
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