Last updated on February 9th, 2022
Unlike many modern “mega cities”, Paris is actually a city that’s made for people to live in it. Every neighborhood has its school, gardens, bakeries and most importantly – a market. In this post, we’ll explore 14 of the best food markets in Paris! Covered or out in the open, you simply cannot go wrong with a visit to a Parisian market.
Plan the perfect trip to Paris with free and in-depth Paris travel guides, including the Best of Paris collection and a guide to all major Parisian neighborhoods.
I always liked spending my weekends in Paris exploring a different neighborhood and always liked to start the day with a visit to the local market. There’s no better way to get a sense of local life, than by walking among Parisians who are going about their morning routines. In Paris, there’s so much attention to detail in every corner of life. From the grand palaces to the metro signs, there’s chic everywhere. The same is true in the markets, where asparagus and artichokes combine forces to create artistic designs, and where even potatoes and carrots can draw your attention.
For the visitor to Paris I can share one friendly tip – always be prepared for a picnic lunch in one of the nearby parks. You won’t be able to leave the market empty-handed!
Metro Stations: Les Halles, Sentier | When to go: every day
One of my favorite market streets in Paris, there’s something to do on Rue Montorgueil at all times of the day. It’s one of the best markets in Paris. Mornings are perfect for doing some food shopping and grabbing breakfast, as locals pour in from the side streets. Have a stroll and stop at the local cheese shop or perhaps the bakery, and afterward find your favorite cafe to start your day. Don’t forget to stop by Pâtisserie Stohrer. They’ve been making delicious pastries and baguettes since 1730! They’re so good at what they do that they’ve even been selected to bake for Queen Elizabeth.
During the evening hours and into the night, Rue Montorgueil springs back to life as local residents of the 1st & 2nd arrondissements pack the cafes, bars, and restaurants before heading to bed. There’s always something happening here! One of my favorites is just off Rue Montorgueil – Comptoir de la Gastronomie. I came here with friends as part of our culinary weekend in Paris and I can highly recommend their southwest French Cuisine. The service is super friendly and you should pay a visit to the restaurant’s shop for some local delights like foie gras, cured meats, and other goodies.
There’s plenty more around Rue Montorgueil. Have a look at this travel guide to the Paris Grands Boulevards.
Metro Stations: Ledru-Rollin, Bastille | When to go: weekends are best, closed Monday
This was my favorite food market in all of Paris and the reason for that is the vibe. The Bastille area is in eastern Paris, and the further east you go, the less pretentious things get. Animated by Algerian sellers, the Aligre Market is best visited during the morning hours when the streets around Place d’Aligre are packed with fruits and vegetable stalls that pretty much sell the same produce. So how do the sellers attract shoppers to their stall? Have a look at this video and you’ll understand why I love this market!
When you’ve bought your fruits and veggies, head inside the adjacent Marché Beauvau to complete your shopping list.
There’s lots to see around the Aligre Market! Read more about exploring the Bastille area of Paris.
Metro Station: Villiers | When to go: every day but Monday
You’d expect things to be ‘over posh’ at the upscale 8th district but Rue de Lévis is the neighborhood exception. The flat where I spent 3 memorable months in Paris was just next door and Rue de Lévis was the place to come when planning a nice meal. Though prices are slightly higher here, you’ll find everything that your mouth desires and get to see how local residents go about their day. I especially loved buying a roasted chicken for that Sunday lunch. It seems to be the standard Sunday meal around Paris and the way the potatoes get their flavor from the chicken roasting on top is just irresistible.
When you’re done shopping, grab a spot on the terrasse of Cafe le Dome and watch life go by over a long cup of coffee and a croissant! The lovely Parc Monceau is just next door so a picnic lunch might not be a bad idea!
Rue de Levis and Parc Monceau are also covered in this guide to the Paris Grands Boulevards.
Metro Station: École Militaire | When to go: weekends are best, avoid Mondays
I didn’t expect to find any residential charm in the 7th arrondissement but discovering Rue Cler, led me to come back to this area on many occasions. This short pedestrian street is filled with the usual culinary goodies and on sunny weekends, extra spots in the cafes are made available in the middle of the street. Be sure to check out Davoli, a family-run delicatessen of over 100 years. If you come here on the weekend, there’s a cool antique market around Rue Cler and whatever you do – head to the nearby Gâteaux Thoumieux for some of the best pastries in all of Paris!
Metro Station: Ternes | When to go: Saturday
So close to the avenue that’s synonymous with glitz and glamour, yet a world away – Rue Poncelet is a tiny market street in the 17th arrondissement. There’s a small but quality selection of fruits & vegetables, cheese, and great seafood. The best part is that all the tourists head straight to the Champs Elysees, so you’re pretty much guaranteed a local experience. The cafes at the corner of Avenue des Ternes were buzzing on a bright Saturday morning and one of the best pastry makers in Paris, La Pâtisserie des Rêves, has a branch right here.
Don’t miss out on all the highlights in the Champs Elysees area, have a look at this travel guide.
Metro Station: Arts et Métiers | When to go: every day but Tuesday & Wednesday
Back in the 1600s, children dressed in red aprons from the local orphanage sold their goods in this spot and the name just stuck (the market of the red children). After years of neglect, the market is back up and running and though not very big at all, it feels super friendly. You’ll find here the usual selection of market delights, like fresh fruits & vegetables, cheese, bread, and seafood – but you can also get here great ready-to-go food.
Since you’re super close to the Place des Vosges, you might as well buy a few things and head over for a lovely picnic if the weather’s nice. Right outside the market is Café Charlot and if you can find a spot on the terrasse – consider yourself lucky and grab it right away!
Sunday is the best time to visit the trendy Marais. Have a look at this Sunday in the Marais itinerary.
Metro Station: Place Monge | When to go: Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
The traditional neighborhood food markets are hard to come by and Marche Monge is one of them. You just have to know when they’re open and where to find them. Marché Monge is one of the best markets in Paris and I found myself here completely by chance. Normally, there’s not much happening in Place Monge but every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday from 7 am – 2:30 pm, the square comes to life. You’ll find here all your market favorites and if you want to have a light picnic lunch, stocking up on food here is a good idea. The Jardin des Plantes and the Luxembourg Gardens are just a stone’s throw away!
Aside from the usual choice of unbelievably fresh produce, you’ll also find here ready-to-go African food, clothing, jewelry, and even a knife sharpener. But above all, it’s the vibe that made me fall in love with this otherwise ubiquitous market.
Metro Station: Place Monge | When to go: avoid Sundays and Mondays
Right up there with Rue Montorgueil as one of the best markets in Paris, Rue Mouffetard also has lots of historical significance. This cobblestone pedestrian street in the Latin Quarter used to be outside the Paris city walls and was on the old Roman road from Paris to Rome. Start at the southern end, where you’ll find most of the food shops, and then work your way up to Place de la Contrescarpe to relax with a cup of coffee or lunch in one the cafes lining this square. It’s a great way to start your day of exploring the Latin Quarter and also to prepare for a picnic lunch at either Jardin des Plantes or the Luxembourg Gardens.
The Medieval Latin Quarter simply cannot be missed on your visit to Paris. Have a look at this Latin Quarter itinerary guide.
Metro Station: Edgar Quinet | When to go: Wednesday & Saturday (food market), Sunday (crafts)
Another one of the best markets in Paris, this open-air food lovers paradise is only operating twice a week. After catching a memorable panoramic view of Paris from the Montparnasse Tower, head back to street level and stock up on your favorite foods with the rest of the neighborhood folks. The Market itself is set up on the long and narrow edges of the boulevard and I found it extremely pleasant to walk around on a Saturday morning. You should aim to arrive before noon, as the market tends to wind down early on, but be sure to plan for a picnic lunch in the Luxembourg Gardens, only a 10-minute walk from here.
Metro Stations: Jacques Bonsergent, Strasbourg – Saint-Denis | When to go: every day
Saint Martin covered food market has been around since 1859 and its biggest draw is the selection of fine foods. It’s open every day from morning to evening and aside from fresh produce, you can also grab some takeaway food – French style!
Combine a visit to Saint Martin Market with exploring the Canal Saint-Martin. Have a look at this itinerary guide to see how.
Metro Station: Rom | When to go: Saturday morning
Every Saturday morning, the former working-class village known as Batignolles plays host to a popular food market that specializes in bio foods. Keep in mind that ‘bio’ usually means ‘extra’ when it comes to the price and it’s no different here. From the few spot checks we made, prices were quite high. But the produce looks so damn good, who cares! If you love Parisian food markets (and who doesn’t), you’ll love strolling through the bio market and if Saturday doesn’t work for you, the same market moves across town to Saint Germain on Sundays.
Metro Station: Mabillon | When to go: every day but Monday
If you missed the Marché Biologique in Saint Germain on Sunday (get off at the Rennes metro station) – have no fear. At the heart of the nicest neighborhood in Paris, the covered Saint Germain Market might be a bit sleepy these days during renovations, but you’ll still be able to stock up on whatever you need for that memorable picnic lunch at the Luxembourg Gardens. Prices might be a bit high but the produce is very good.
You do not want to miss exploring Saint-Germain-des-Prés! Check out this Saint Germain itinerary guide and plan a day in Paris that you’ll never forget.
Metro Station: Iéna | When to go: Wednesday & Saturday
This local’s market runs from the morning hours and wraps up at around noon. The market is close to the Palais de Tokyo, Pont de l’alma, and Trocadero. Start your day by walking up and down the middle of President Wilson Avenue, browsing stalls selling fresh produce and gourmet delights. Grab whatever you fancy and head across the Seine to Champs de Mars for a picnic lunch with an Eiffel Tower view!
Metro Station: Garibaldi | When to go: Monday, Saturday, Sunday
Here’s a special bonus with the only non-food market on the list, the Marché aux Puces is one of the biggest flea markets in the entire world! In the old days, it used to be the place where unwanted junk was sold but nowadays, it’s mostly an antique market where quite a few ‘pro’ shoppers hunt for bargains. In fact, some sections of the market are home to stupendously pretentious antique furniture shops, that taking photos is definitely at your own risk. That said, you’ll find at Marché aux Puces anything from 19th-century chandeliers to Uzi submachine guns. If you’re looking for cool, off the beaten path things to do in Paris, this is one of them.
Come for lunch or just a coffee at the legendary Chez Louisette bistro, and you just might bump into the reincarnation of Edith Piaf! Have a look for yourself.
A great idea for a rainy day itinerary in Paris, have a look at this guide and plan your visit to the Paris flea market.
As you can see from this list of 14 of the best markets in Paris – I have a thing or two with Parisian markets! I hope that after reading this post, you can see why. Nothing beats starting your day in Paris with a visit to the local market. Plan your day around the neighborhood’s market and you’ll really get a sense of local Parisian life. There’s no need to try and seem them all, just try and blend them into your daily Paris plan.
Plan the perfect trip to Paris with free and in-depth Paris travel guides, including the Best of Paris collection and a guide to all major Parisian neighborhoods.
