Portes de Vanves flea market

Every weekend, rain or shine, just a few hundred metres from the Parc Montsouris on avenues Marc Sangnier and Georges Lafenestre, 400 second-hand traders come to sell their wares. To get the best deals, you have to get up early. After a quick cup of coffee, aim to get to the Vanves flea market by 7am. Unlike the famous Saint-Ouen Flea market, stalls are open air. There’s no pretention here, but it is precisely this sense of outmoded authenticity that attracts so many bargain hunters.

Bric-a-brac

Make your way through the alleys and enjoy the convivial atmosphere as you hunt for treasures. The possibilities are endless in this retro bric-a-brac: furniture from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, coins, advertising posters, second-hand clothes, porcelain and silverware, a mountain of vinyl records and even antique jewellery. Sellers don’t take credit cards, so make sure you take cash with you. In terms of price, bargains are to be had and there is something for every budget, so don’t hesitate to negotiate.

One last piece of advice: watch out for the one-off sales that take place in the autumn and spring — they are advertised online and are well worth a visit.

You will also like the Paris Saint-Ouen flea market, north of Paris.

And find more vintage and antiques shopping ideas in the dedicated section of our website.