No trip is complete without bribing / forcing the husband to trawl around a market or two. And this is no exception as I get very over excited by the idea of a proper French flea market (blame Escape to the Chateau!)
The most famous flea market in Paris is the one at Porte de Clignancourt, officially called Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, but known to everyone as Les Puces (The Fleas).
It covers seven hectares and is the largest antique market in the world, receiving between 120,000 to 180,000 visitors each weekend.
Battle your way through the initial rows of cheap plastic tourist tat and mass produced junk that circle the old flea market to the heart of the original old market and you’ll be rewarded with a treasure trove of the old, retro, unique and down right odd.
Mountains of glittering beads tempt me like a magpie while terrifying old dolls stare blankly from every stall and box.
Les Puces is a mix of street and floor stalls, old established antiques shops, pop ups and undercover markets.
There are actually around 15 different markets that collectively make up Les Puces. Some specialise in expensive antiques, others have old fabrics and buttons.
One market is a colourful explosion of street art and knock off clothing!
While the covered markets and actual shops are interesting, my favourite part is the actual street markets where goods are piled up on the floor and on walls.
As well as the fascinating things for sale, the walls themselves provide an outdoor gallery to enjoy.
A visit to Les Puces is a highlight for rummage fiends and knick knack lovers. Just keep a close eye on wallets, purses and other valuables as it is a pick pocket haven.
