If you’re in Paris on the first Sunday of the month and wondering what to do, you’re in luck, as we know the very best way to spend a Sunday in Paris: antiquing with local experts at the biggest antiques market in the world!
Source Sunday – the best way to spend Sunday in Paris
You know before you get there that you’re close to something special. It starts with a murmur and builds to a lively hum the nearer you get to the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen in the 18th arrondissement of Paris. This is no ordinary market. It stretches across seven hectares (753,474 square feet) and weaves together more than 3000 boutiques, stalls and showrooms that line a labyrinth of lanes and alleys. And it doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned collector, looking for a little something to take home as a reminder of your French sojourn, or in search of a slice of authentic Parisian life, there’s something to delight everyone here – especially when you visit with someone who really knows their way around the market and antiques.
Tour of the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen
The best way to discover this world-famous antiques market is to take a small group (2-8 people) guided tour with a local expert guide. Paris-born Aline Bachelier and British Susie McLaren of La Source Tours, who run guided antique and lifestyle tours of Paris and Provence, offer a truly unique and exclusive way to discover the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen. They are no ordinary guides. With years of experience in consulting and dealing in the high-end antique market, and in interior design – they love to share their expertise with guests, and their enthusiasm makes them the perfect hosts.
Whether you’re there to discover this truly unique and authentic part of Paris or looking for treasure to take home this is an outstanding day-long tour. And if there is something special that you seek at the market, they’ll help you source the perfect items, whether it’s a piece of chateau chic, a rusty 18th century key that once opened a door to a castle long gone, an haute couture frock, Belle Epoque dress jewellery, an opulent Louis XVI armchair upholstered in faded silk, or a solid oak farmhouse table that could tell tales of centuries of family meals and life.
It doesn’t matter if you don’t speak French, Aline will help you negotiate the price and make sure that you don’t pay more than necessary, she can help reassure you the item is genuine vintage or antique (not a copy), and can also help organise shipping if you need to send something back home that won’t fit in your case.
The market is so huge you could spend a week here and not see it all, so knowing what part of the market suits you best and are the most fascinating is essential – and no one knows it better than Aline who worked at the market for more than 30 years, “it is my second home” she laughs. She can lead you to a stall for the perfect champagne coupes from the Roaring Twenties, or Art Deco lighting the stall holder keeps in the back of his store!
Antiquing tour of Paris with experts
Aline and Susie’s knowledge of the market, antiques, and interior design is second to none, and they have many friends and exclusive contacts there. You’ll learn about the market, of its origins in the 19th century when rag pickers roamed the outskirts of Paris, salvaging items discarded by the city’s wealthier residents. These early traders set up makeshift pitches beyond the city’s gates to avoid taxes, creating a bustling, slightly chaotic gathering of goods and characters. Over time, the flea market attracted antique dealers and developed into 17 different specialised areas. It’s long been a magnet for those who seek French style from Picasso to Hemingway, and it’s a major attraction in its own right, with restaurants and cafés dotted along the lanes.
You’ll start your full-day tour with breakfast in a café at the market, then head out to meet trusted dealers and colourful characters as you wander the different areas. You’ll discover the history of antiques and iconic French style as Aline and Susie reveal the stories of the market, of the pieces you see, and the people you meet. You’ll have a delicious lunch with wine (lunch and breakfast included in the tour), and then carry on your exploration in the afternoon.
The Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen is more than just a shopping destination, more than an antiques market; it’s part of the heritage of Paris and France. Whether you leave with a priceless antique, a vintage postcard, or a head full of memories, this is an extraordinary tour of authentic Paris.
Find out more and book your place sourceantiquesfrance.com
