Reducing my favorite markets in Paris down to only five is a challenge, as every quartier has one and every arrondissement a few more. Not to mention the tough choice between covered markets, weekend markets, daily markets, and organic markets.
But there are some Paris markets I find myself going to again and again — they must have a special je ne sais quoi that others don’t — so I’m sharing my personal favorites with you here.
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1. Bastille Market – The Chefs’ Market
Running along Boulevard Richard-Lenoir from the big Bastille roundabout up to metro station Bréguet-Sabin, this market has it all — superb fresh produce, fish, meat, cheese, dairy, bread, and pastries; Lebanese treats; clothing; kitchen wares; leather goods; and more. It’s a delightful market to walk around and shop, stop, and eat. The Bastille market is also the market of choice for Parisian chefs who like it for its diversity and selection.
Marché Bastille
Boulevard Richard-Lenoir, 75011 Paris
Metro Bastille or Bréguet-Sabin
Thursdays 07:00–14:30
Sundays 07:00–15:00
2. Grenelle Market – Paris’s Chicest Market
Stretching below the overhead section of Metro Line 6 between stations Dupleix and La Motte-Picquet Grenelle, this market not only offers great views of the Eiffel Tower but also gives you a glimpse into life in a nice Parisian residential neighborhood. Along with fresh produce and fine fromages, so you’ll see chic French families out and about with their baskets, nibbling on the ends of their baguette while discussing the ripeness of the cheese with the fromager.
The food selection is superb, as is the people-watching and atmosphere. Plus, there are some lovely corner café terraces in the area where you can prolong your people-watching over coffee.
Marché Grenelle
Boulevard de Grenelle, 75015 Paris
Metro Dupleix or Motte-Picquet Grenelle
Wednesdays 07:00–14:30
Sundays 07:00–15:00
Photo © Paris Tourist Office, Photographer Marc Bertrand.
3. Marché des Enfants Rouges – Paris’s Oldest Covered Market
This small, covered market in the Haut Marais is the oldest one in Paris, dating back to 1615. Meaning ‘The Red Children’s Market’, this historic market takes its name from the red uniform worn by the children at the nearby orphanage on Rue du Grand Chantier founded by Marguerite de Valois in 1536.
The Marché des Enfants Rouges not only sells fresh produce but is also a great place for lunch, with plenty of small eateries offering tempting dishes.
Marché des Enfants Rouges
39 Rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris
Metro Filles du Calvaire or Arts et Métiers
Tues–Sat: 08:30–19:30
Sundays: 08:30–14:00
4. Marché d’Aligre – Paris’s Most Popular Market
Halfway between Bastille and Nation, off the bustling Rue du Faubourg de Saint-Antoine lies probably the most popular Parisian market: the Marché d’Aligre. A colorful and diverse street market full of fresh fruit and vegetables, vendors holler about their wares all along Rue d’Aligre. The covered market is held in a fabulous old hall, and, to top it off, there’s also a flea market where you can find everything from second-hand books to home-décor knick-knacks or even kids’ toys. It’s three markets in one!
Marché d’Aligre
Rue d’Aligre and Place d’Aligre, 75012 Paris
Metro Ledru – Rollin or Faidherbe – Chaligny
Covered market: Tues–Fri: 09:00–13:00 and 16:00–19:30, Sat: 09:00–13:00 and 15:30–19:30, Sun: 09:00–13:30.
Outdoor market: Tues–Fri: 07:30-–13:30, Sat–Sun: 07:30–14:30
5. Batignolles Markets – Paris’s Organic Food Market
I love the Batignolles area with its small boutiques, excellent cafés, and great restaurants. I also often go to the covered market on Rue Lemercier, but on Saturdays, the area offers something extra. An organic market takes over Boulevard des Batignolles! The colors and selections of fresh produce — and, yes, crowds — are quite amazing. Think still-sandy carrots, broccoli with the odd escargot on it, enticingly uneven zucchinis — you’ll find all things organic, healthy, fresh, and delicious on the stands. But alas, only once a week!
Marché Batignolles
34 Boulevard des Batignolles, 75017 Paris
Metro Rome or Place de Clichy
Saturdays 09:00–15:00
Let Paris-based American chef Alisa Morov guide you through a local market and teach you to cook a French meal. Learn more and reserve this authentic Parisian experience.
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