Paris: best markets to visit in the fall

Markets contribute to a city’s identity, and Paris is no exception.  Parisians are attached to the market-going legacy of old Paris and to this day markets remain a place of lively exchange at the heart of city life.  Paris is currently home to 82 markets, with the oldest one in operation since 1615!  From the oldest to the cheapest, the most grass-roots or the most organic, Pariszigzag has narrowed down their favorite Parisian markets for you just in time for the fall season.  So head on out, and welcome the arrival of your favorite autumnal fruits and vegetables at any one of these local markets.

Le marché d’Aligre, the most exciting

Le marché d’Aligre is one of the most animated and friendly food markets in Paris.  It might be a bit disorderly but that’s exactly why we love it.  An authentic symbol of its arrondissement (12th), this market hasn’t lost any of its charm.  Here you will discover a lively market with fruit and vegetable stalls and a magnificent flea market.  You can also find products from Africa, India, or Asia.  Held at place d’Aligre, a popular spot on sunny days, this picturesque market is also one of the least expensive in Paris. 

Marché d’Aligre: 3 Place d’Aligre, Paris 12
Open from Tuesday to Friday from 9 AM-1 PM and from 4 PM-7:30 PM.  Also open Saturday from 9 AM-1 PM and 3:30 PM-7:30 PM, and on Sunday from 9 AM-1:30 PM.

Le marché de Belleville, the most diverse

This typical market situated between the Ménilmontant and Belleville metro stations offers top choice, high quality products with unbeatable freshness.  This market also sells overstock products from Rungis (the largest wholesale food market in the world located in the southern suburbs of Paris) at insane prices!  Before closing time, vendors will knock down prices even more.  The ambiance is lively, friendly, and multi-ethnic; you’ll hear every language spoken here from Arabic to Chinese and back to French.  In terms of price/quality ratio, you can’t find any better in Paris.

Marché de Belleville: 63 Boulevard de Belleville, Paris 11
Open Tuesdays and Fridays from 7 AM-2:30 PM

Le marché des Enfants Rouges, the oldest market in Paris

A giant market-hall, the Marché des enfants rouges opened its doors to Parisians in 1615, making it the oldest of all of Paris’s markets.  A lively place full of history, we come to the market today to taste quality dishes from all over the world: Moroccan, Japanese, West Indian, Chinese, Lebanese, and of course French.  The delicious smells coming from each small unit of stalls is all it takes for us to want to sit down for a meal.  The market owes its name to an orphanage, as the children living there wore red capes as a sort of uniform. In the 17th century, the market spread out over the entire neighborhood of the Marais, which had just been constructed a century before.  Le marché des enfants rouges has been a registered historic monument since 1982.

Marché des Enfants rouges: 39 rue de Bretagne, Paris 3
Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 8:30 AM-7:30 PM and on Sunday from 8:30-2 PM.

Le marché des Batignolles, the most organic

A real haven for eco-friendly Parisians, le marché des Batignolles is the best for organic produce.  This large market has a very special charm, with its large selection of fruits and vegetables and its friendly merchants.  There is something here for every budget, so don’t hesitate to compare before buying. 

Marché des Batignolles: 64 rue des Batignolles, Paris 17
Ouvert Saturday from 8 AM-1 PM

Le marché Barbès, the least expensive

This large market is set up under the aerial section of metro line 2.  The cheapest in Paris, its motto could very well be “€1/kilo.”  The atmosphere is hectic, especially around 11 when activity is at its peak.  Agoraphobes beware, the crowd is dense!  You’ll leave reeling, but with three bags filled to the brim for only €15.  It’s this perpetual liveliness that makes Barbès one of the most notorious districts in Paris, loved and hated at the same time.

Marché Barbès: Boulevard de la Chapelle, Paris 10
Open Saturday 7 AM-3 PM and Wednesday 8AM-1PM.

Le marché place des Fêtes: the best for small-scale produce

Although this market is a bit out of the way, it’s definitely worth a visit, offering an incredible selection of produce grown in local market gardens.  Here we find seasonal fruits and veggies above all, so no tomatoes in December!  As with every market, have a look around and compare before buying, although we do recommend you check out beekeeper Rémy Vanbremeersch, who sells an excellent honey here.

Marché Place des Fêtes: Place des fêtes, Paris 19
Open Friday 7AM-1PM, Sunday 7:30AM-3PM, and Tuesday 7AM-1PM

Le marché Saxe-Breteuil: the best view

This magnificent market extending along avenue de Saxe has one extra special feature: a superb view of the Eiffel Tower!  Le marché Saxe-Bretuil offers a very pleasant shopping experience, without too many people and with a large selection of products.  The warm atmosphere here brings some liveliness to an otherwise calm neighborhood.  We recommend you visit the stall of Philippe Morice, well-reputed for his poultry, and Régine Bouet, known for her heirloom fruits and vegetables.

Marché Saxe Breteuil: Avenue de Saxe, Paris 7
Open Thursday and Saturday from 7AM-1PM

Source: Les meilleurs marchés de Paris