We’ve been waiting for this moment all winter with bated breath…it’s finally time for outdoor markets in Paris! The birds are singing and Parisians all over the city are sighing with relief as we no longer have to brace ourselves for the bitter cold every time we walk out the door!
Now, everyone WANTS to be outside. It’s fresh and green and vibrant, and there’s something so alluring about cobbled squares full of local vendors and endless tables laden with rainbows of produce.
In the heart of Paris, this is a very special time to familiarize yourself with the bustling outdoor street markets. And because I can’t contain my own excitement about it, I’ve got some insider tips that’ll make your outdoor market shopping experience a breeze! Oh and if you’ve been needing an excuse to get outside for some fresh air, this is it!
There are SO many amazing markets of Paris, including the aligre market, the covered beauvau market, the marché raspail, the marché aux puces, the marché des enfants rouges, the marché bastille…I mean, the list goes on. You can’t go wrong. You might stumble across some market streets when you’re not even looking. Just think of it as a happy accident!
Portrait of Camille of Baker Street Society
First things first, let’s talk about timing. You know what they say, the early bird gets the baguette…or something like that.
If you want to beat the crowds and snag the freshest produce, aim to hit the market in the morning. French people, and Parisians in particular, attend the markets as a way of life. Many people actually go every single day. Of course, people also go to supermarkets and normal grocery stores, but there are plenty of more traditional French people who do their shopping per meal rather than stocking up for the week. This might seem like a lot of work when you could just go to the grocery store, pick up a bunch of stuff and call it good.
But the benefit to visiting the outdoor market every day is that you can establish a rapport with the vendors AND you can create your meals based on the availability and quality of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Then, you basically never compromise for sub-par tomatoes when it’s not tomato season, or bland fruit in the middle of winter. You can just enjoy the produce as it comes into season, like they used to do back in the day!
I’m not saying you have to live this way. If you work a full-time job and have a big family you need to feed, the grocery store will definitely be your best friend. But if you have some time on your hands or you’re just visiting Paris for a little while, this can be a fun change to your normal routines. And you might end up having memorable conversations with some of the vendors and fellow shoppers. Why not try it out? Even just for a few days.
Okay, let’s get back to my original point…
French people know that the options will dwindle as the day goes on, so they make it a point to arrive early. The end of the market selection is very limited. I’ve been living in France for years now, but it didn’t take me long to figure this out. The same principle applies to boulangeries. Parisians who are on top of it buy their baguettes and fresh bread in the morning. If you wait until evening, the bakery might be out of stock of whatever you’re looking for, or if they do have it, the quality will be whatever other people didn’t want. So, if you like la crème de la crème, get to the market early! That way, you can also avoid feeling rushed or stressed.
Plus, there’s something magical about strolling through the stalls as the city wakes up around you. It’s one of the best ways to start the day, without a doubt!
Now, onto the golden rule of market shopping: bring cash. While some vendors might accept cards, many prefer good old-fashioned euros. Honestly, euros are pretty easy to use and feel way more practical than American change. The 1 and 2 euro coins are SO handy, so I’d come prepared with some of those in your pocket.
Also, it’s easier to haggle and negotiate prices when you’re waving physical bills around.
Every now and then, haggling is part of the market experience and vendors might even expect a bit of back-and-forth. Just remember to keep it friendly and respectful – nobody likes a pushy tourist. I’d recommend watching a couple other shoppers purchase their produce just to get an idea of the transaction before stepping up yourself. If you’re feeling intimidated by the whole process, this can be a great way to prepare yourself for what to expect.
That being said, there are many markets with fixed prices on signs for each item. I would NOT try to negotiate prices right off the bat. Only do this if you see other shoppers doing it and it seems natural. You want to be careful not to insult any vendors by making them think their produce is not high quality. And frankly, the prices of outdoor markets are usually WAY more affordable than your average farmer’s markets or saturday mornings market vendors in the United States. This is one of the best things about market culture in Europe! You can actually find a wide selection of nice produce for reasonable prices (and sometimes free tastings)!
Next up, let’s talk about bags. Sure, you could lug around that clunky backpack all day, but why not channel your inner Parisian and bring a chic tote instead? Not only will you look more chic and less touristy, but you’ll also be doing your part to reduce waste by saying “non” to plastic bags. I also think tote bags are just hardier than a paper bag for for lugging home fresh fruit, fresh fish, or olive oil for your own moveable feast. No matter what, be sure to bring your own bag.
One of my favorite baskets from Sézane (click on the photo for link):
If it’s dry and warm out, you could even invest in a basket for your produce! Your vegetables will be very happy to have a chance to breathe and this way you can also avoid bruising your fruit. I’ve seen a lot of people carrying around cloth net bags for their fruit and veggies, which is also a great option! It’s less bulky than a basket and cuter than a backpack. Obviously, the net bags do have holes in them, so be careful with smaller items like garlic gloves and fresh herbs. You don’t want to lose any tiny ingredients…those are always the most precious!
Now, let’s get down to the good stuff – the food! Whether you’re a cheese connoisseur, a pastry aficionado, a lover of fresh fruits, or just a sucker for fresh flowers, Paris markets have got you covered.
But here’s the secret ingredient: don’t be afraid to try something new. Go on, sample that strange-looking cheese or exotic fruit – you might just discover your new favorite snack.
I remember trying garlic-buttered escargot for the first time at a little outdoor market in Annecy! This is a memory that will stay with me forever.
Most markets have a large variety of wares to choose from. You might even find art vendors, honey stalls, fabric and textile tables, or jewelry makers. I recommend taking your time with it. Let yourself peruse, even if you’re not planning to buy vintage postcards, Moroccan pottery, or hand-knitted wool socks. I think it’s just a fun way to engage with people outside and see what sorts of things are being sold in the streets. The tradition of selling wares outside is deeply entrenched in the culture of France.
Oh and if you need guidance when it comes to food, WE’VE got you covered too! I’m just going to link a few relevant blogs below:
So, you’ve picked up all the fancy cheeses offered at the market…and now you want to put together the perfect cheese board? Read everything you need to know about how to build a gourmet cheese board HERE
If you’re also interested in checking out some indoor markets in Paris, we have a wonderfully helpful blog HERE
Need some tips and tricks for how to order pastries in French? Check out our blog HERE
Oh, and don’t forget to engage with the vendors! Some of these folks are local farmers and are passionate about their products and love sharing their knowledge with curious customers. Ask questions, get recommendations, and maybe even pick up a few French phrases along the way. They would probably get great joy out of discussing the source of ingredients for their own produce.
Last but not least, embrace the chaos. Paris markets can be a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and smells, but that’s all part of the charm. A french food market is the perfect place to soak it all in, embrace the hustle and bustle, and remember to snap a few Instagram-worthy pics along the way. If you don’t get time to see it all by the end of the day, you’ll just have to plan your next visit!
And that brings us to the end of your crash course in conquering the Parisian outdoor market scene like a pro.
May your shopping bags (or baskets) be filled with delicious treasures, fresh produce, and unforgettable memories. Bon appétit!
You can book an indoor or outdoor portrait session with us at Katie Donnelly Photography while you’re in Paris! Click HERE to book.
