After years of admiring French antiques from afar, my girlfriend and I finally made our way to Paris this March to experience the legendary Foire de Chatou and other Parisian antique markets. We set out with a mission: to find special pieces for our homes while experiencing the authentic charm of French antiquing at the Paris antique fair. What followed was a beautiful mix of discovery, connection, and the thrill of finding those perfect pieces that tell a story. If you’re planning your own antique hunting adventure in Paris, this guide covers Foire de Chatou and the two other markets you absolutely shouldn’t miss.
Paris Antique Fair Calendar: When to Plan A Visit to Foire de Chatou
3-4 DAYS
Best time to visit Foire de Chatou – the market takes place twice annually (March and September), with dates announced on the Foire de Chatou website. The other markets mentioned in this guide are year-round.
Getting around Paris antique markets – metro, occasional Uber when carrying purchases.
Currency – euros (while some vendors accept cards, having cash is essential for negotiating at Paris flea markets).
Photos from left to right: Antique furniture at Foire de Chatou; kitchenware finds at Foire de Chatou, vintage prints and lithographs at Foire de Chatou; Antique Louis Philippe mirrors at Saint-Ouen.
Where to Stay for Foire de Chatou & Paris Antique Shopping
We chose Montmartre as our home base, which was charming and close to the Puces de Saint-Ouen. However, if I returned with the priority of antique shopping at Foire de Chatou, I’d stay near the Arc de Triomphe for more direct metro access.
Best Hotels & Stays Near Foire de Chatou
Miss Fuller – $$ – a quaint hotel featuring unique art deco rooms and a cozy breakfast terrace. A quick walk (4 minutes) from the metro to get to Foire de Chatou.
Norman Paris Hotel – $$ – this contemporary hotel offers clean, minimalist rooms and a short (6 minute) walk to the metro stop for the Foire de Chatou.
Château des Fleurs – $$$ – this floral-themed luxury boutique hotel combines elegant accommodations with stunning garden views, plus a spa and renowned in-house restaurant specializing in seasonal cuisine. It’s within walking distance (8 minutes) of the metro stop to Chatou.
Maison Iéna (Apartments) – $$$ – these stylish self-catering apartments provide the perfect home base with full kitchens, spacious living areas, and designer furnishings just a short metro ride from Chatou (11 minute walk to the metro stop). Ideal for longer stays or families.
Dreamy Montmartre at dusk.
Views from Le Royal Monceau Hotel in Paris.
Best Hotel Recommendations in Paris
If antique shopping is just a portion of your trip and you want to prioritize your stay (or the location), here are some of my recommendations. My favorite areas of Paris to stay in are le Marais (great for shopping), near a park or green space (like the Jardin du Luxembourg or Places des Vosges), and Montmartre (great for couples and for evening walks with views).
Hôtel Le Relais Montmartre – $$ – a charming boutique hotel with quintessential Parisian character in Montmartre, featuring cozy rooms with classic French decor and a friendly neighborhood atmosphere. The boutique hideaway property of Hôtel Particulier Montmartre is also nearby and features spectacular city views and a secret garden.
The Hoxton Paris – $$$ – this trendy boutique hotel occupies a stunning 18th-century residence with a striking glass-roofed courtyard and stylishly designed rooms that blend Parisian elegance with East London cool, featuring parquet floors, brass fixtures, and vintage-inspired furnishings.
Hotel Madeleine De Senlis – $$$ – completely renovated in 2024, this charming boutique hotel is perfectly situated next to the Jardin du Luxembourg and the ‘Emily in Paris’ square. For another option nearby, check out Hotel le Petit Paris.
Le Pavillon de la Reine – $$$$ – a stunning, ivy-covered family-run property with a 17th-century façade located across from the Places des Vosges in le Marais, offering discreet luxury with a private courtyard garden and intimate spa. Also in le Marais: Le Grand Mazarin with confectionary colored rooms and indoor pool, and Maison Proust, a literary-inspired gem with sumptuously decorated rooms and a luxurious hammam spa.
Chateau Voltaire – $$$$ – next to Jardin des Tuileries, this prestigious hotel combines classic Parisian elegance with modern luxury amenities and unbeatable garden access, offering spacious suites with marble bathrooms and Butler service.
La Réserve Paris – $$$$ – the ultimate Parisian stay: an elegant 19th century mansion-turned-hotel off the Champs-Elysees. La Réserve offers spacious rooms, each decorated in its own style, and exceptional service, complete with a two-Michelin-starred restaurant.
Read post: The Complete Paris Travel Guide
Foire de Chatou: Paris’s Premier Seasonal Antique Market
If you can only visit one Parisian antique market, make it this one. The Foire de Chatou happens just twice a year (March and September) on the Île des Impressionnistes, a small island in the Seine just outside Paris. It was the highlight of our antiquing adventure and well worth planning your trip around.
What makes this market special is the exceptional quality, variety, and fair pricing of items from specialized vendors. You’ll find everything from 18th-century furniture to vintage French kitchenware, artwork, antique Louis Philippe mirrors, and more. Unlike permanent markets, there’s a sense of excitement and discovery that comes with the temporary nature of Chatou. We spent an entire day and returned again during the weekend.
Foire de Chatou Highlights
- Discovering a collection of French herbarium pages from the 1880s.
- Incredible vintage kitchenware and French silverware from specialized vendors.
- The food section featuring traditional French regional specialties – perfect for a lunch break.
Insider Tips for Foire de Chatou Shoppers
- Negotiation tips: Expect 10-20% discounts, with better rates when purchasing multiple items. If you’re buying several pieces, vendors may offer 15-25% off without prompting.
- What you’ll find: French kitchenware, artwork, mirrors, French provincial furniture, vintage silverware, and regional ceramics from specialized vendors who deeply understand their niche.
- Many vendors rotate stock throughout the fair’s run, so new treasures appear daily.
- If you see something you love, don’t hesitate – it’s likely not to be there the next day.
- Vendors are generally open to negotiations, especially if purchasing multiple items.
- March and September Foire de Chatou events typically feature different seasonal merchandise.
How to Get to Chatou from Paris
The Foire de Chatou is located on Île des Impressionnistes, a picturesque island on the Seine River outside central Paris.
By Public Transport: Take RER line A toward Saint-Germain-en-Laye, exit at Rueil-Malmaison station, then either take bus #258 to “Foire de Chatou” stop or enjoy a 15-minute walk to the fairgrounds. Allow 35-45 minutes total travel time from central Paris.
By Taxi/Uber: Expect to pay €35-45 from central Paris. Show your driver “Foire de Chatou, Île des Impressionnistes” for the exact location.
Parking: Limited paid parking (€5/day) is available on-site. Arrive before 10am on weekends to secure a spot.
Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen: The World’s Largest Antique Market
This legendary market complex in northern Paris is the largest antique market in the world. Located at Porte de Clignancourt, Saint-Ouen is a maze of covered alleys and interconnected markets, each with its own character. It’s permanent and open year-round (primarily Saturday through Monday), making it a reliable destination for antique lovers anytime. Important note: when approaching from central Paris, you’ll first encounter rows of stalls selling contemporary items and tourist souvenirs. Push past this section to reach the authentic antique markets – this is where the real treasures begin.
Saint-Ouen Market Highlights
- Meeting an incredible mirror vendor we discovered down an unassuming alleyway, whose warehouse was stacked floor-to-ceiling with antique Louis Philippe mirrors.
- Watching a restoration expert demonstrate how they rebuild and gild antique mirror frames using traditional techniques and materials.
- The covered market streets that create a magical, almost time-travel atmosphere.
Insider Tips for Saint-Ouen Paris Flea Market
- Negotiation tips: This is the most established market with the least flexibility on negotiating. You’ll find 5-10% is the typical discount range, but higher-end dealers may not negotiate at all on certain pieces.
- What you’ll find: High-end showstopping pieces including Louis Phillipe mirrors, large furniture, designer mid-century items, antique lighting fixtures, fine art, and specialized decorative categories for serious collectors with larger budgets.
- Come prepared to spend several hours (or a full day) as the market is enormous. Make sure to avoid the tourist-trap stalls leading up to the real market.
- Getting there: Take Metro line 4 to Porte de Clignancourt, then follow signs (or the crowds) to Marché aux Puces.
Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves: Paris’s Most Affordable Flea Market
For a more accessible and less overwhelming experience, Porte de Vanves in southern Paris offers a charming weekend market (Saturday and Sunday mornings) that feels like a true local discovery. This open-air market spans several blocks and offers a wide variety of items at more approachable prices. It’s less specialized than the other markets, creating a treasure-hunt atmosphere where unexpected finds await.
Porte de Vanves Highlights
- Arriving just after opening time (7am) and watching the market come alive as vendors unpacked their wares.
- Finding the most beautiful french tapestry and a collection of beautiful antique picture frames.
- The eclectic mix of items – vintage books, artwork, jewelry, small decorative objects, and the occasional furniture piece.
Insider Tips for Porte de Vanves
- Negotiation tips: this is the most flexible market. You’ll find 20-30% discounts are not uncommon, especially in the last hours before closing when vendors are packing up.
- What you’ll find: affordable smaller treasures including vintage books, prints, jewelry, decorative objects, and occasional underpriced gems perfect for collectors with limited luggage space.
- Early arrival is essential – the best pieces go quickly, often to dealers who shop here to resell elsewhere.
- This market wraps up early (around 1pm), so don’t plan for an afternoon visit.
- Getting there: Take Metro line 13 to Porte de Vanves station and follow the activity to the market streets
Paris Antique Markets Hours & Days of Operation
Prioritize your visit based on which market fits your needs best. We planned our weekend trip around the spring edition of the Foire de Chatou, so our itinerary was as follows: Full day at Foire de Chatou on opening day (Friday). The following day (Saturday), hit Porte de Vanves in the morning, and then Puces de Saint-Ouen in the afternoon. On the final day (Sunday) we re-visited the Foire de Chatou followed by Puces de Saint-Ouen to purchase additional items.
Foire de Chatou Paris Antique Fair (Spring and Fall Dates)
Île des Impressionnistes, Chatou
Twice yearly: March and September, typically runs for 10-12 days
Hours: 10am-7pm daily
Best time to visit: Any day is good, but opening day offers first pick. Vendors rotate stock throughout the fair, so new treasures appear daily.
Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen (Paris’s Largest Flea Market)
Porte de Clignancourt, 93400 Saint-Ouen
Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 10am-6pm, Monday 11am-5pm (times vary by individual market section)
Best time to visit: Saturday through Monday, with Monday being slightly less crowded, though offering fewer open stalls.
Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves (Weekend Flea Market)
Avenue Marc Sangnier and Avenue Georges Lafenestre, 75014 Paris
Saturday-Sunday, 7am-1pm
Best time to visit: Arrive before 8am for the best selection. This market wraps up early, so don’t plan for an afternoon visit.
Where to Eat Near Paris Antique Markets
Restaurants Near Foire de Chatou
Restaurant Maison Fournaise – A beautiful riverfront restaurant a short walk from the market where we enjoyed a leisurely lunch after antique hunting. The terrace overlooks the Seine and offers the perfect place to rest your feet. Reservations recommended.
Market Food at Chatou – The fair itself features excellent food vendors offering regional specialties from across France. We sat down for lunch at one of the stalls, and you can find incredible cheeses, charcuterie, and crêpes for a quick bite.
Lunch views from Restaurant Maison Fournaise.
Restaurant Maison Fournaise is an institution and beloved by locals.
Restaurants Near Puces de Saint-Ouen
Banlieusard.e Café – A charming spot near the market entrance with excellent coffee and light bites. Perfect for refueling mid-shopping.
Le Paul Bert – A classic French bistro just steps from the market that serves traditional fare beloved by dealers and shoppers alike.
Restaurants Near Porte de Vanves
Food options nearby this market are quite limited, and we found it best to shop in the morning and then head elsewhere for lunch. The market wraps up by early afternoon anyway.
How to Ship Antiques from France to USA
Getting your treasures home safely is an important part of the Paris antique shopping experience. Here are the best options:
For small to medium items:
- Carry-On Items: Small treasures like jewelry, silverware, or small frames can be carefully wrapped in clothes in your carry-on.
- Checked Luggage: For medium-sized items, consider bringing a packable duffel bag or buying an inexpensive suitcase in Paris to fill with your finds. Pack your clothes in your original checked bag, and carry on the new suitcase with your fragile treasures.
- Postal Shipping: La Poste offers international shipping for smaller packages. Costs vary by weight and destination, but expect to pay €40-80 for a small box to the USA.
For furniture and large items:
- Vendor Shipping: Many dealers will ship items for you, especially at Saint-Ouen. There are often shipping companies at the markets as well. Always ask for quotes from multiple vendors, as prices vary dramatically.
- Luggage Services: Services like SendMyBag will pick up your suitcase from your hotel or rental property and ship it to your home address. I actually used them to ship multiple suitcases back to the U.S. when I relocated from Amsterdam. Click my link here for 5% off.
- Furniture Crating: For larger items like furniture, you’ll need a professional shipping service that crates the items for ocean transport. This can get incredibly pricey, so expect to spend a few thousand euros and wait 4-6 weeks for delivery.
Antiques stacked high at Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen.
Figuring out how to bring back all my French kitchenware (in my suitcase!).
Our Favorite Antique Finds from Paris
My most treasured discoveries were a beautiful French tapestry I found at the Portes de Vanves, the Louis Philippe mirrors we found at Saint-Ouen, and the collection of herbarium pages from the 1880s featuring meticulously preserved French wildflowers from the Foire de Chatou.
My friend’s home now showcases her favorite finds – a moody oil painting of French éclairs and desserts that now hangs in her kitchen, adding the perfect Parisian touch to her cooking space. Her daughter’s room features an intricate antique brass butterfly dish we found at Vanves.
If I could offer just one piece of advice: if something speaks to you, buy it. While it helps to have a wish list, the most meaningful finds are often the unexpected treasures that grab you in the moment.
For future trips, I’d love to plan an antique-focused visit to Normandy or Provence. I’ve heard great things about both for flea markets, affordable antique shops and great finds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak French at Paris antique markets?
Having Google Translate on your phone and learning a few key French phrases goes a long way – especially when negotiating. Vendors appreciate even minimal efforts to speak their language, and this often translates to better prices.
Can I negotiate at Paris antique markets?
Based on the market, time of day, and amount of purchases, it’s not out of the question to negotiate 10-20% off the list price. Have your offer or counter-offer ready in French: “Accepteriez-vous [your price]?” Late-day purchases often have more negotiation flexibility since vendors prefer not to pack items away. Always maintain a friendly, respectful tone and respect their final price.
Do Paris antique markets accept credit cards?
I highly recommend pulling out euros from an ATM before arriving at the markets. ATMs are often a long walk away or have lines (particularly at Foire de Chatou). While some vendors accept credit cards, euros provides more negotiating leverage. Saint-Ouen vendors and some vendors at Foire de Chatou are more likely to accept cards, but I found that Porte de Vanves was mainly cash only.
Which Paris antique market is best for quality French antiques at fair prices?
Choose Foire de Chatou if you’re looking for quality French antiques at fair prices and plan to visit during March or September. Check the Foire de Chatou website for their annual dates if you’re planning your trip around antiquing.
Which Paris antique market should I visit for furniture shopping?
Choose Saint-Ouen if you want the complete Paris flea market experience, are shopping for furniture, or have multiple days to explore. It’s best for the biggest variety of antique shopping regardless of season since it offers the widest selection of high-end French furniture and decorative items.
Which Paris antique market is best for finding deals?
Choose Porte de Vanves if you want an authentic local experience, are shopping on a budget, or prefer a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s ideal for weekend treasure hunters looking for smaller items, and there are definitely bargains to be found.
Where can I find antique jewelry from fashion houses in Paris markets?
Saint-Ouen, particularly the Marché Serpette and Marché Biron sections, offers the best selection of fine vintage jewelry from French fashion houses like Chanel, Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent. Look for specialized dealers who can verify authenticity and provide documentation. For more affordable costume jewelry from these brands, Porte de Vanves occasionally has unexpected finds at much lower prices.
Where can I find antique mirrors in Paris markets?
Foire de Chatou is exceptional for antique Louis Philippe mirrors, but they often sell out quickly. At Saint-Ouen you’ll find a variety of shops with antique mirrors, so the selection is larger but prices are a bit higher. Porte de Vanves occasionally has smaller mirrors and is worth checking for unexpected bargains.
