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The open markets in Paris have been in existence since the Middle Ages and are a necessity for Parisians. There are over 70 in Paris and they have become almost a fixed monument in Paris. Many of the stall owners drive hundreds of miles to come to the market with their food and wares, even from Italy. It's worth the trip as Parisians have been coming to these markets to buy their food and household items since the 1500's.
If you live in Paris, it's here that you go to find freshly picked fruit and vegetables, fresh fish from Brittany and Normandy, meat, flowers, farmhouses cheeses, breads and much more. Food controls are very strict in France and you can be assured of their quality and cleanliness of preparation.
Farmers, bakers, fisherman and the other merchants come to the markets from all over France to sell at these markets and become well known for their specialties. The Parisians have been buying from the same merchants for decades and it's fun to listen to their repartee' with favorite merchants.
It's truly a delight to visit these markets, whether to wander the aisles and savor the sights and smells, or to buy the ingredients for dinner that night. You don't have to be a gourmet cook or spend hours slaving over the stove, as many vendors sell fully prepared dishes, from pate's to roasted chickens. To fall in love with Paris, you should experience life here as the Parisians and visit some of these markets. On the following pages, we describe a few of them, along with their opening times and directions so you can enjoy discovering them as well.
We have focused on the markets which are accessible from the 7th arrondissement, on the Left Bank near the Eiffel Tower. There are several wonderful quartiers in Paris but this is one of our favorites because there are four open markets which you can walk to, including the famous rue Cler pedestrian market street.
SCHEDULES:
Rue Cler: Open weekdays, all day Saturday and Sunday mornings. Many of the stores are closed on Mondays.
Saxe-Breteuil Market: Thursday and Saturday from 7am to 2:30 pm
Marche de Grenelle: Wednesday and Sunday from 7 am to 2:30 pm
Marche Ave President Wilson: Wednesday and Saturdays: 7am to 2:30 pm
We recommend that you go early in the morning as they do become crowded with Parisians doing their weekly shopping. You will enjoy browsing or shopping for food and tasty dishes for a gourmet picnic or to prepare a feast for dinner. Each market is lively and different, making it an adventure to explore all of them.
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