food
Paris Markets
Over 80 covered or open-air markets shape Parisian neighborhood life.
History & context
Paris has lived by its markets since the Middle Ages, first at Les Halles, then from the 19th century in neighbourhood markets spread across every arrondissement.
Covered halls, roving markets set up along the boulevards, market streets: the city keeps a dense network where growers, cheesemongers and greengrocers meet every week.
Why visit
- ·The most direct contact with neighbourhood life
- ·Everything for a full picnic in a single stop
- ·Historic covered halls alongside lively street markets
What to see
- ·Marché des Enfants Rouges (oldest)
- ·Marché Bastille
- ·Marché d'Aligre
- ·Rue Mouffetard
Practical tips
- ·Go in the morning, closes around 2pm
- ·Bastille on Thursdays and Sundays
Best photo spots
- ·Rows of greengrocer stalls, early in the morning
- ·Inside a covered market, looking up at the iron framework
Good to know
- ·Street markets run on set days only, mostly in the morning
- ·Don't handle the fruit and vegetables: the seller picks for you
- ·Keep some change: a few small stalls prefer cash
Schedules and tickets may change. Check the official website before booking.
Anu's insider tip
Come late morning: the atmosphere peaks and traders chat more before packing up.
With family
Shopping at the market then picnicking in a nearby garden is one of the easiest outings with children.
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