Photo by @galerievauclair
Whether you’re looking for furniture, art, decor or fashion from bygone eras, Paris is a treasure trove of vintage finds, with flea markets and antique shops dotted across the city offering an intimate glimpse and brief immersion into this city’s decadent past.
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In Paris – a highly diverse and international city – you will likely find antiques sourced from all over France…and the rest of the world. Each piece has its own unique magic that comes from its history and journey to get to you. Thus, going to an antique store is so much more than just a leisure activity; it’s an investigation into the past; a search for gems waiting to be uncovered; not to mention, a fun challenge to see how much you can haggle!
Come along as we explore the Parisian markets and find their hidden treasures!
If you can’t get to Paris to go antiquing any time soon, remember that you can always whet that vintage appetite from the comfort of your home on the MFCH Online Boutique which ships antiques worldwide from France.
Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen
Our first stop is the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, an illustrious sprawling network of 15 markets that boast more than 1,700 vendors. This market is a haven for antique enthusiasts, offering an array of antique furniture, paintings, and vintage fashion. The possibilities of what you might find are endless, but be warned, the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen is far too big to visit in one day! It’s best to pick 1-2 markets and concentrate on them. We personally prefer Paul Bert Serpette and Vernaison with its charming narrow winding lanes. Be careful of pickpockets, and feel free to haggle prices with a smile!
110 Rue des Rosiers
93400 Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine
Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves
For those who prefer a more relaxed market experience, the Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves is a charming neighborhood brocante open every weekend in the south of Paris. Here, you’ll find a delightful mix of vintage and modern items, including antique silverware, gilt mirrors, and mid-century to baroque style furniture. You might even uncover a rare book or a unique piece of jewelry that captures the essence of French style and elegance.
4 Av. Georges Lafenestre
75014 Paris
Village Suisse
The Village Suisse is a permanent antiques collective known for its quality. Established in 1920, the market is known for its diverse selection of antiques, including furniture, art, and collectibles. Home to over 150 antique dealers, this really is a unique and immersive shopping experience, and just steps from the Eiffel Tower!
78 Avenue de Suffren
75015 Paris
Galerie Vauclair
For collectors seeking exceptional pieces, Galerie Vauclair in St. Germain offers an awe-inspiring array of unique antiques from small and delicate ceramics to stunningly preserved rattan furniture, the gallery’s specialty.
24 Rue de Beaune
75007 Paris
Les Bouquinistes
Along with cute Parisian souvenirs, les Bouquinistes (the metal green bookstands) along the Seine also sell second hand and rare books and gravures. Not only do they provide a wonderful opportunity for book lovers to browse and discover unique items, but they have become an iconic feature of Paris, and visiting their stalls is a must-do experience for anyone who loves literature and history.
Les Quais de la Seine
75004 Paris
Annual Fairs
Other markets worth checking out include the Chatou Fair, a hub of antique dealers, held twice a year in March and September for ten days each time, and the annual fair at Place St. Sulpice held for ten days in October. There are also weekend fairs in each arrondissement that can be found on websites like BrocABrac and VideGrenier.org
Chatou Fair
Ile Des Impressionnistes
78400 Chatou
MFCH Boutique
Another one of our favorite Paris-based antique shops – that is accessible from anywhere in the world – is our very own MFCH Boutique! We are constantly adding new products sourced from all over France, so if we’ve got you in an antiquing mood, head to our online boutique to discover our unique and unexpected treasures. From antique cocktail-ware that make your apero-hour just that bit more refined, to beautiful dinner-service sets that will truly impress your guests. Explore our collection and find the perfect piece to add to your own French-inspired home!