11 Best Markets In France (Where To Find Them + Tips)

Are you looking for the best markets in France to explore?

The markets are one of France’s most popular tourist destinations. Markets can be found in almost every town and village.

From grand street marchés to covered markets known as Les Halles, to authentic Parisian street markets and tiny villages with just a few stalls, there is something for everyone.

Best Markets In France (Where To Find Them + Tips)

A visit to France should always include a trip to one of its many markets. If you don’t know where to go, here’s our list of the best French markets, where to find them, and practical tips to enjoy your time. 

Tips When Going to Markets in France

Whether it is your first time at a French market or you’re a regular patron, these tips should help make the most of your visit. 

• Go early. The best stuff sells out fast and you can avoid crowds and parking problems by showing up toward opening time.
• Bring your big basket or canvas bag. Many vendors have plastic grocery bags which are bad for the environment. Plus, a big basket will allow you to buy lots of goodies and carry them comfortably.
• Bring cash, especially smaller bills. The easiest way to navigate your way through these markets is with the appropriate change.
• Walk around the market first before buying anything. Scoping out everything before diving in will help you find the best prices.
• Take advantage of the samples. This saves you from making bad purchases. You can even make an entire meal from free samples and save cash.
• It is okay to haggle. Negotiate if you believe anything is overpriced (or if you see a seller with cheaper prices). However, don’t be too aggressive or you may get a barrage of French to swear words aimed at you!
• Make a picnic. One of the best things about French markets is that they are commonly close to parks or gardens.  Go pick up ingredients for a delicious and affordable lunch. Grab a baguette, some cheese and meat, fresh fruit, and a bottle of wine, and pick a nice seat for your feast. 

Ready to spend a day or an entire weekend in a French market? Here are some of the best places to visit: 

Paris Markets 

• Marche Dejean

Seafood lovers are sure to have a feast at Marche Dejean. From fresh tilapia and manioc, as well as freshly picked berries and other produce, visitors are sure to score a good find at what’s regarded as the city’s best seafood market.

Address: 23 Rue de Suez, 75018 Paris, France

Schedule: Monday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

• Marche aux Fleurs et aux Oiseaux

The Marché aux fleurs et aux Oiseaux, also known as the flowers and birds market, is a nice place to get some fresh air without leaving the capital. Every day of the week, all kinds of flowers – and birds on Sunday – spread out before your eyes and awaken your senses.

Address: 37 Place Louis Lépine, 75004 Paris, France

Schedule: Monday – Saturday 8:00 am – 7:30 pm and Sundays from 8:00 am – 7:00 pm.

• Le Marche de Saint-Pierre

Considered to be one of the best markets in Paris, this is a must-visit for those into DIY and crafts.  Are you looking for costume materials? You will undoubtedly find everything you require here!  Here you’ll find an incredible range of clothes and other textiles, all begging to be included in a project!

Address: 2 Rue Charles Nodier 75018 Paris, France

Schedule: Monday through Saturday from 8:00 am – 6:30 pm.

• Marche aux puces de Saint-Ouen

This is one of Paris’s finest flea markets, with something for everyone! You never know what you’ll find here, which adds to the fun because the options are endless, ranging from 19th-century kitchen appliances to retro vintage cameras!

Address: Rue des Rosiers, 93400 Saint Ouen France

Schedule: Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

• Le Marche Biologique des Batignolles

Because it is only open on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., this is one market in Paris that requires some forethought.

Although this market can get very busy, it is the best place in town for the freshest organic produce!

Address: 34 Boulevard des Batignolles, 75017 Paris, France

Schedule: Sundays from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Versailles Market, Ile-de-France

The city’s Notre Dame Market has been in operation for more than 350 years. It was founded by Louis XIII and is France’s second-largest market. It is located a short distance from the famous Château de Versailles.

Open every day but you may want to visit on Friday to Sunday, the entire market is packed with stalls selling the highest quality products.

Address: Place du Marché Notre Dame, 78000 Versailles, France

Schedule: Open daily from Tuesday to Sunday

Quai des Belges Fish Market

Marseille’s Fish Auction Market is a true institution, where you can buy fish “à la criée” (literally, at the open outcry!).

Every day on the Quai des Belges in Marseille’s Old Port, you’ll see local fish, such as bass, mullet, holy stone, sea bream, sea urchins, and seafood. They’re all used to make bouillabaisse, and if you don’t feel like making your own, the Chez Michel restaurant serves a delicious version.

Address: Quai des Belges, Marseille, France

Schedule:  every daily from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Les Halles Paul Bocuse Market, Lyon

France is one of the world’s premier culinary destinations. Cities like Lyon, for example, are well-known for their culinary offerings in this region.

The Paul Bocuse Market, located in Les Halles, is named after one of the city’s most well-known chefs. More than fifty stands congregate in this covered market to sell not only delicious fruits, vegetables, and meats, but also gourmet products. 

Address: 102 Cours Lafayette, 69003 Lyon, France

Schedule: Tuesday to Sunday, 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

Carpentras Market, Vaucluse

Known for the quality of its products and its atmosphere, Carpentras has to be one of the best markets in France. 

It’s also one of the oldest, having been listed in an 1155 papal document.

Every Friday morning in Carpentras, the entire Provence gathers here. Fruit and vegetables, local flavors, artisan crafts, flowers, and even truffles, also known as the black diamond, from every part of the region are all welcome in this very rural area.

The setting is authentically southern, and a must experience.  It is no surprise then that Carpentras market has been classified as an Exceptional Market since 1996.

Address: Avenue Jean Jaurès 84200 Carpentras, France

Schedule: every Friday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

Alsace Christmas Markets

• Strasbourg Christmas Market

If you happen to be in France for Christmas (or even just December), don’t miss a visit to Strasbourg’s incredible Christmas market.

In December, it takes over the city of Strasbourg, complete with twinkling lights and beautiful decorations. Spend an entire day checking out stalls selling vin chaud and sweets,  Christmas decorations, and plenty of great gifts for Francophiles.

Address: Place Broglie Cathedral Square, Strasbourg France

Schedule: Open from the 28th of November to the 24th of December.

• Colmar Christmas Market

In France, the Alsace Christmas market is a real legend. The oldest is in Strasbourg, but the most romantic is in Colmar.

People come from all over the world to drink the popular mulled wine and stroll through the wooden chalets starting on the first Sunday before Advent in December.

Here, you can buy Alsace white wine, children’s Christmas decorations and toys, gingerbread figurines, as well as sweet and savory treats from local producers.

Address: Place de l’Ancienne Douane, 68000 Colmar, France

Schedule:  Open from the 25th of November to the 31st of December