Exploring The Marché aux Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen

Flea markets are a big part of my childhood. So when I learned we were scheduled to visit the largest flea market in the world while in Paris, I was really excited. When we first arrived at Marché aux Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen, colorful murals of artwork and lined storefronts filled with unique vintage objects greeted us. The stores were held in garage-like rooms which reminded me of the flea market from back in my hometown of Wichita Falls, Texas, and of those in Mexico.

There weren’t many people in the area where we arrived.  It was quiet and eerie like in some of the areas as many of the shops were closed. However, in walking deeper into the market area, the atmosphere became more lively. It was more like what I have experienced other flea markets to be like.

Walking toward the sounds ahead of me, the peaceful setting shifted to an energetic environment. Vendors with tents joined the mix of lined garage storefronts. There was music playing at almost every stand. The quiet environment shifted to the chatter of vendors and buyers. Every stand you passed by there were vendors who called out to you and insisted that you buy their merchandise.

Before entering the more lively section of the flea market, there is a vintage clothes shop called Avant Garde. This vintage shop was located in a solid black building with a captivating neon sign. It was not what one would expect in a flea market. It was, as the store souvenir buttons stated, SO CHIC. Compared to the other stores in the flea market, this shop was orderly and more modern. Being in Avant Garde transported me from the rustic, homey flea market to a cool, retro environment.

Walking in you are greeted with bright lights, neon signs, colorful items, and music from the ’60s. It was decorated with smooth white arches, pictures of models in hip fashion and bold makeup, and fun furniture such as a bright red lip-shaped couch. The shop was inviting with the smell of sweet perfume and old vintage clothes. The store wasn’t crowded but people would stop by every so often to sift through the vintage clothes racks.

The Marché aux Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen is not just any old flea market. You get a mesh of both modern and rustic vibes. Considering it’s the world’s largest flea market, it makes sense that this market would have it all.