The Markets of Paris

Fish from the nearby Atlantic, Mediterranean and sometimes from tropical seas

During your next visit to Paris, you will want, of course, to visit the Musée du Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Tour Eiffel and Champs-Élysées. But there is also a live and free show that you should not miss: The markets of Paris. You will find them in each of the 20 arrondissements on certain days of the week with a rotating formula from one arrondissement to the other as well as in the suburbs. Parisians of all walks of life love to shop and browse among the open-air stalls as merchants cheerfully trumpet—often with humor—the quality of their goods. Rain or shine, the markets start early in the morning and close around 1:30 p.m.

Baskets of health: artichokes, apples, tangerines—all you need for a healthy diet

The street markets of Paris display an abundance of all kinds of food, everything from cheese to vegetables, olives to bread, fish and meat to fruit—you name it. The goods are not only from all over France, but also from all over the world, like haricots verts from Kenya or lychees from Vietnam. A number of producers drive all night to bring their products to the stalls on the streets of Paris: oysters from Ile de Ré or Noirmoutier, charcuteries from Auvergne, goat cheese from the Loire Valley. Even if you are not buying anything, the vendors will be happy to see you and you will enjoy a real feast for the eyes and ears, and for a moment a precious feeling of warmth and humanity.

Veggie bounty at Rue Montorgeuil

For example, the Sunday morning Marché Mouffetard with its crowded cafés and bars creates a distinct, old-world community feeling, especially when regulars break out in cheerful song. Energetic and exotic, the vast Marché d’Aligre in the 12th arrondissement is open every morning except Monday and promises for an unforgettable experience with loudly calling merchants, organ grinders, aromatic herbs and a beautifully preserved covered market selling superior products. Have a glass of white wine and a plate of oysters at the popular Baron Rouge wine bar, a neighborhood “institution”.

The baguettes and pain de campagne of the day

More centrally located is the ultra-charming market at Rue Montorgeuil in the 2nd arrondissment where friendly merchants display goods on a pristinely paved pedestrian street. Stop at the Patisserie Stohrer at number 51 to witness a truly lovely pastry shop à l’ancienne that even the Queen of England couldn’t resist on her last visit to the French capital. Less boisterous is the proper Marché Raspail, located between rue Cherche Midi and rue de Rennes which offers a traditional market on Tuesday and Friday mornings and organic products on Sunday morning. Although you can buy breads and pastries at the market, make a special stop at the famous storefront bakery, Poilâne, at nearby 8, rue Cherche Midi, for superb breads and rustic pastries.

Paris Markets at a Glance Marché Montorgeuil Rue Montorgeuil 2nd arrondissment Charming market with friendly merchants. Marché Mouffetard Rue Mouffetard 5th arrondissement Typical Parisian experience. Marché Raspail Rue Cherche Midi/Rue de Rennes 6th arrondissement Great for organic products. Marché d’Aligre Place d'Aligre 12th arrondissement Exotic world market with great prices. Marché de Saint Mandé 12th arrondissement

The above pictures (except for Rue Montorgeuil) were shot on a Sunday morning at the Marché de Saint Mandé.

(Updated: 03/22/07 LH)