So, the story goes that this market started with resellers and servants trying to get cash for threwn away clothes of their bourgeoisie masters (or victims). THe upper crust threw away these clothes because they were chock full of fleas. And god knows what else.

This market has been active for a couple hundred years, and the variety of high gradde crap is waiting for you here. It is a full afternoon of wandering to even scratch the surface. Full English and French battle uniforms from the 1800’s, gorgeous art deco jewelry, gently used vintage cookery and tableware, and some mid-century modern pieces that nearly made me poop my pants. And don’t even get me started about the vintage clothing store (Les Nuits de Satin) I found in the market…I’m talking under garments from the late 1800’s, flapper dresses, shoes circa 1910, and a couture Balenciaga or three. How many dresses could I buy for, say, a kidney?

I already know I would make a much better rich person than most rich people. I could easily outfit my pied a terre in Paris with one visit to this market. But first, I need the pied a terre and then the euros. Please see tip jar at left.

creepy dolls abound at the market

vintage typeset

To visit the market Puces de St-Ouen:

Take the 4 Metro all the way to Port Clignancourt
head north on blvd. Michelet, can’t miss it
Mon, Sat, Sun 9ish am to 6 pm