How to Get to the Paris Flea Market

When I first started researching on how to get to Les Puces de Saint-Ouen (the flea markets at St. Ouen) I came across a few online stories  and one in particular that went  "we didn't see any antiques, just a lot of leather jackets, junky sneakers, clothing from China, so we turned back"!  If I wasn't prepared, I would've also gotten disappointed. I'll show you what you'll see before you get to the "pot of gold" at the end of all the stalls.

Get on the number 4 train--magenta line on the Metro map--towards Clignancourt. No need to worry which stop to get off  because you want to get to the END of the line. So sit down, make yourself comfortable and try not to look too much like a tourist. ( Check out how to use the Paris Metro)

 Your view as you emerge from the Metro Stop. Cross the street!

When you get out of the Metro stop, you will have to cross a street to get to where the stalls are. This is already part of the flea market, but NOT the flea market you're expecting.  Walk through all these stalls selling knock-off sneakers, sweatshirts, gloves, etc. Walk straight on, one loong block.

You'll have to walk through stalls like this. Resist the urge to even take a peek, it will be a waste of precious time.

 Photo from here.

Then you will come to this, an elevated highway. Cross under it and you're almost there.   (A regular poster on the Fodor's online travel boards  posted up a whole bunch of photos of his day at the flea market. Check it out here.)

Finally you will reach Rue des Rosier. Turn left.

You are now in the main artery of the flea market, from which all the individual markets branch out. There are over 2000 vendors in 12 markets here. To your right you will see an  entrance  to the Vernaison market. Vernaison is only one of twelve markets, but this is the place you will probably pick up bric-a-brac or smaller souvenirs. Paul Bert and Serpette are favorites of interior designers--bigger furniture, chandeliers, etc.

Voila, you are at Vernaison! Lot of vendors with amazing stuff.

Stay the course, you will be richly rewarded!

Each of the markets has it's own map, displayed somewhere near the entrance of the market. You can also get a copy of the flea market map from any vendor. They will be more than happy to hand one to you.

You would have walked from the bottom right of this map, up until Rue des Rosiers.  Vernaison is the first antique market you'll see, it's the triangle in the map. Photo from here.

When I first saw this map, it didn't mean anything to me. I couldn't imagine how huge the flea market was. You really have to be there in person to get your bearings and relate it to the map. Now I look at the map above and know exactly where to go next time!

Check out Theadora Brack's flea market tips. She also recommends visiting Port de Vanves in the morning, and then taking a cross city bus all the way to Clignancourt in the afternoon, a wonderful full day at the fleas. Make sure to start early!