Markets of Paris Region

Feast your senses at the markets of Paris Region. Are grey skies promising a gloomy day in Paris? The colourful arrays of fruit and vegetables at the Aligre market should cheer you up! If you emerge from the metro amid aromas of spice and chicken, you’re probably not far from Raspail market and its stalls selling fresh spit-roast chicken. Fancy stopping to chat over a glass of wine and a plate of local specialities? After stocking up at Maubert market, head for a restaurant terrace for lunch. By now you’ve guessed, the markets offer a joyful, heartwarming experience, as well as filling your stomach.

Fancy a change of scene? No need to jump on a plane, because the Paris Region’s markets will take you on an exotic journey. A market square can have you drifting between the southern seas and the Atlantic ocean, all in a single day. You’d think you were in a fishing port among the fishmonger stalls and their fabulous arrays of trout from Perigord and Norwegian salmon. We bet you want a seafood lunch now!

And travel is all about trying something new. You’ll find samosas at Belleville market, Brie de Meaux cheese at the organic market of Batignolles and local specialities at the market on Place des Fêtes. Every arrondissement and each town has a market that promises all sorts of culinary discoveries from the surrounding area or more exotic places.

You almost certainly have childhood memories of markets you visited at home or on holiday. Everyone can remember trying a piece of cheese or a few nuts offered by the stallholder, or biting into a crusty French stick fresh from the oven at the bakery stall.

Markets are great for a family outing, but also offer children an opportunity to understand what’s behind the food in their plate. Between the farm produce and seasonal fruit and veg, a day at the market can teach them a lot about the different foods.

More than 80 markets can be found in the arrondissements and towns of Paris Region. Everyone has a favourite market, either because it happens to be on their metro line, or because they know they’ll find exactly what they’re looking for. The region’s historic markets, indoor markets, organic markets and street markets all have their share of surprises.

There’s nothing more pleasant than strolling round an outdoor market in summer. The products are even more tempting in the sun. Its rays make the skin of fruit and vegetables shine and its warmth brings out those intoxicating aromas. For a taste of this enjoyable experience, head for the market of Montorgueil. Installed entirely on the streets, this is one of the most pleasant markets in the entire Île-de-France region. Fancy a stroll into history? Head for Maubert market. The first known market in Paris, it was first set up in the 5th century on the Île de la Cité, before moving to Place Maubert a few centuries later. Feel like a nice long early-morning walk? Opt for Daumesnil market, the longest market in Paris, with tempting stalls extending for more than 1,380 metres.

Weather not brilliant? Threatening to rain? Then cheer yourself up by visiting an indoor market. In the 3rd arrondissement of Paris, the marché des enfants rouges is a must-see. It is Paris’ oldest indoor market and probably even the oldest in France. The lovely Saint-Didier indoor market has a friendly atmosphere and really pampers its customers from the 16th arrondissement and beyond. To get pork products and all the latest gossip from the 10th arrondissement, head for Saint-Martin indoor market, deemed to be the most popular in Paris. Still haven’t found what you’re looking for? Saint-Quentin is Paris’ biggest indoor market. It stays open all day long and is sure to satisfy your every demand.

Do you make a point of sticking to local sources? Because Paris Region has plenty of markets where the stallholders are all local producers. On the outskirts of Paris, the Halle Aubervilliers organic market is living proof that you can treat yourself without overspending. For your Sunday roast, pop to the Raspail organic market for a free-range chicken and other farm produce or handicraft creations. The Batignolles organic market in the 17th arrondissement is a feel-good place where you’ll enjoy filling your basket. There’s always a warm and friendly family atmosphere here.

Paris Region is a unique cultural melting pot with a culinary diversity to match! This variety can be appreciated at the markets, where you’ll find a fabulous mix of local flavours and exotic aromas. Just a short metro ride from Paris, the market of Saint-Denis is a feast for the eyes as well as your tastebuds. Right by the cathedral, it offers its array of exotic sweet and savoury delights. This is also one of the biggest markets of Île-de-France.

Let’s face it, walking round the market is good for your health, but it’s also a chance to find some real bargains. Barbès market in the 18th arrondissement is reputed to be one of the cheapest in Paris Region. If you don’t like crowds or aren’t sure about the weather, take refuge at the *Aligre market in the Beauvau market building. Half-indoor and half-outdoor, it has items to suit every budget and opens every day except Monday.

Spending the day in Versailles? Take this opportunity for an early-morning walk at the deliciously sophisticated Notre-Dame market, located just a stone’s throw from the bric-a-brac traders’ district.

Bastille, Batignolles or Edgar Quinet, check out the top 10 markets of the Paris Region.