Marche aux Puces!

Ahh! The legendary Flea markets of Paris! How I wish I was rising early in the morning, grabbing a cafe, scurrying off to the marche to haggle and unearth some gems, stopping only for a crepe in the afternoon. I can almost see the man making the crepes in his little Black hat right now!

I have many fond memories of shopping with my mother in the flea markets of Paris. I remember being very little and complaining that everything was dirty, that I was cold, & I was tired (what they must have thought of me). Little did I know that I would grow to love these excursions with my Mom & they would become for me, some of my most cherished memories with her.

I myself only shop and bring home what little trinkets I can fit in my bags, my Mom, however, would ship crates back to the States as she was a designer. I never learned the ropes to get through customs and shipping it all home but I imagine it is a lot of Red tape! It's a good thing I never did learn, because I would own more chairs than my little home could hold!

One of my favorite markets is Les Puces de Saint-Ouen. Located just outside the city limits since 1885, this is the largest flea market in the world (over 17 acres), it is divided into 13 specialized markets and has over 2,000 individual dealers. I do believe that anything you can dream of wanting you can find here, you just have to dig! I recommend taking cash, some water, comfortable clothes & shoes, an empty shopping bag, plenty of time, and your best girlfriends. I always try to get there early (I am not a morning person) but I find that there is never a shortage of wares! There is something for everybody here. It is said that over 200,000 people come through here every weekend! WOW!

Another favorite of mine is Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves This is a must for anybody who enjoys Flea market shopping! This market has been around since the 1800's. I love it here. I have found some of the most amazing textiles here. This market has about 350 stalls & is open every single weekend, rain or shine, holidays, etc.

I have often wondered how the term Flea Market was born and after doing some research I have found the following theories as none can be authenticated,

The first, proposes that the term originated with the Marche aux Puces earning its name from the critter-infested goods it was rumored to sell.

The second alleges that the term was coined at a time when the slums and alleys of Paris were demolished and replaced by new construction. The dealers in second-hand goods who lived and worked in these old neighborhoods were forced to flee. The merchants' new gathering place was referred to as the "flee market," which later became "flea market." Hmmm, I'm not too sure about this one, I think I like the first description better.

The final theory associates the term with New York City's 18th century Fly Market. Apparently, the Dutch name for the market was vlie, which means valley but is pronounced "flea."

Well, I'll take my chances on bringing home some new pals (les puces) if it means getting my hands on some fabulous antique and vintage goods! I know a good exterminator!

Since I cannot be in Paris right now (please give me a moment to weep), I suppose I will go to the fantastic Rose Bowl Flea Market tomorrow morning! Yippee! It comes around once a month and I am so fortunate to live nearby, I'll keep you posted with any finds I might uncover there in the morning! It is not Paris but it will have to do for now.

I am by no means any kind of expert in the Flea Market field and if you are interested in this topic an incredibly fantastic source would be Claudia at

The Paris Apartment as well as her blog. I dream of one day going on a shopping trip in Paris with her and her group! Enjoy!

Bisou Mon Amis!

All photos courtesy of Flickr