Saint Ouen flea market — Attraction in Saint-Denis

It was my first time visiting, and if I had just wandered around for 30 minutes, I would have been very disappointed and given it a zero-star review. But, as the saying goes, “the more you know, the more you see.” After studying the map and learning about the area, I realised there are real hidden gems – and the market experience can be divided into two parts.

First, trusting Google or blog reviews can lead to mistakes. The market isn’t fully open on weekdays, and Saturday is the key day to visit. Although it says it opens at 10am, the antiques and vintage stalls don’t really start setting up until after 11am. This is partly because it takes time for people to walk in from the entrance and reach the main area. Realistically, many stalls don’t fully open until around 11:30am.

Also, because most people enter from the nearby tube station, the market’s outer edge and entrance are filled with obvious fake designer clothes, bags, and typical market-style clothing and shoes that could be sold anywhere. The arcade shown in some photos can be found by searching its name on Google Maps – and behind the market, that path is actually a shortcut to where you’ll find the true antiques and...

Really disappointing. I love yard sales and flea markets and was really excited to visit Saint Ouen. I should have known by the concierge's reaction when I told him I wanted to go there. He told me to not be there after dark and to keep a hold on my purse. And yes, it was super sketchy in the area. Near there, there are tons of beggars and people trying to sell you ear pods. There's a bunch of tents that I guess try to make you think that's the market. The real market was not very large and nearly every booth had very similar things. A lot of shiny things, breakable things, and furniture. Not what I envisioned. Eye-catching, but nothing I was tempted to buy. We stopped at a nearby place that had lots of indoor stalls on two floors, but it still didn't have much that was very exciting. Later, when I went to Montmartre, I found the atmosphere I was hoping for in Saint Ouen. I would definitely recommend...

The Saint-Ouen Flea Market is a treasure trove for vintage lovers, collectors, and anyone who enjoys browsing unique finds. I visited both Marché Dauphine and Marché Vernaison, and each had its own charm.

Marché Dauphine is more structured, with a mix of antiques, vintage fashion, books, and even vinyl records—great for leisurely browsing and discovering gems in a slightly more curated atmosphere. It feels a bit like a gallery in parts.

Marché Vernaison, on the other hand, feels more like a maze of hidden treasures. It has a real vintage soul, with smaller stalls packed with everything from mid-century furniture to quirky collectibles. It’s easy to get lost in the best way.

Both markets are worth a visit, especially if you’re looking for something truly one-of-a-kind. Just bring comfy shoes, patience, and a curious eye—you never know what...