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The best antique shops in Paris
Updated by Molli, 18/12/2019
One of the most interesting things to do when you travel to France is to find the best antique shops in Paris. French history – during which a lot of events happened in Paris – can be relived by taking a look at the ancient items that are sold in many shops and in various markets in Paris.
First up, I’ll be filling you in on what kind of antiques you can find in Paris. Then, I’ll break down all of the practical information you need to know about each shop.
Read on and find out where to find the best antique shops in Paris!
Vintage travel gear seller at the Marché Dauphine, Paris by Jorge Royan – WikiCommons
The challenge is to avoid bad deals and to discover rare artistic pieces. As a Parisian student, I do not usually frequent these kind of shops, but I sometimes accompany some friends who are passionate about antiques. I watch them barter with shop owners, and I try to learn from them. If you like investing in beautiful objects that already had a life before becoming yours, this article is made for you.
Antique shops
The district of antique dealers including some of the best antique shops in Paris is located on the left bank, in the seventh district, in front of the Musée du Louvre. Unless you are an expert and an antique dealer yourself, the quai Voltaire is full of shops but they may intimidate you with their luxury and the prices of their items. You also have Carré Rive Gauche, located at 16 rue des Saints-Pères, that has very high standards items. The same can be said of the Louvre des Antiquaires, located at 2 Place du Palais Royal, where very expensive works of art are sold.
Louvre des Antiquaires, Paris by xiquinhosilva – WikiCommons
In village Saint Paul, in the fourth district of Paris, a lot of studios and shops sell old furniture, especially during the weekend, which is the most lively time. But, if you are coming from a distant country, you will not travel easily with a chair or an ancient table on an airplane. In Au Petit Bonheur la Chance, located at 13 rue Saint-Paul, have a look at their vintage notebooks and old toys: these can be souvenirs from Paris which will be easier to transport!
Check the flea markets for the best deals
To a tourist in Paris and amateurs of ancient items, I would recommend that you remain aware of the times and places of Parisian brocantes, small and temporary flea markets that take place in the streets.
The most famous flea markets are in the close suburbs of Paris, such as the Puces de Vanves, the Puces de Montreuil, and the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen. The markets only occur on weekends. From Friday to Sunday, you will find a lot of shops selling not only vintage trinkets, clothes and furniture, but also works of art.
Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen by Paris-Sharing – Flickr
Improvised flea markets, the vide-greniers
Treasures found at a vide-grenier in Paris – WikiCommons
Occasionally, some small markets are organized in Paris streets by amateurs who want to empty their attics. In French we call them the vide-greniers. In English, think yard sale, garage sale, or estate sale! By going to some vide-greniers, you can have good surprises by keeping your eyes peeled. I sometimes find interesting bargains for vintage clothes in these places. The vide-greniers are also a nice way to meet local people who are usually open to negotiate the prices of their goods with you!
Practical information for the best antique shops in Paris
Antiques in a shop in Paris by Jorge Royan – WikiCommons
I’ve already told you a few of the neighborhoods and suburbs where you can find the best antiques in the city, but I want to also give you all of the practical information that you’ll need to check them out for yourselves:
Carré Rive Gauche
I used to live just next door to this shop, and I couldn’t help but spend some time looking in the window as I made my way home. Their pieces are very impressive, and are quite high end.
Address: 16 Rue des Saints-Pères, 75007 Paris
Opening hours: Every day except Sunday 10am-7pm
Metro station: Saint-Germain-des-Prés / Rue du Bac
The Louvre des Antiquaires
If you’re in the market for some high end works of art, you’ve come to the right place. Maybe you just visited the Louvre Museum, and now you’re inspired to bring some beautiful pieces of art into your own home! Here you’ll find over 250 unique pieces to choose from.
Address: 2 Place du Palais Royal, 75001 Paris
Opening hours: Every day except Monday 11am-7pm
Metro Station: Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre
Au Petit Bonheur la Chance
If you want to bring back a unique souvenir to remember Paris by, you’ve found the right place. The focus here is old objects that were once used in French schools, and I once picked up a great vintage cahier (notebook) that I still use today!
Address: 13 Rue Saint-Paul, 75004 Paris
Opening hours: Every day except Sunday 11am-1pm, 2pm-3:30pm
Metro station: Saint Paul / Pont Marie
Practical information for the flea markets you can’t miss
You can find some really interesting and unique pieces at the various flea markets within and around Paris. The prices here are a lot less expensive than the antique stores that you may find in the center of the city, and you can also find vintage clothing, handbags and even vintage cameras!
Puces de Vanves
The Puces de Vanves is located within Paris in the 14th arrondissement. I once picked up a handful of vintage sweaters, an old film camera and an antique painting here – all for under 20 euros!
Address: The Puces de Vanves takes up 2 avenues in the 14th arrondissement: Avenue Marc Sangnier and Avenue Georges Lafenestre, 75015, Paris
Opening hours: Every Saturday and Sunday 7am-2pm
Metro station: Porte de Vanves
Puces de Montreuil
This is another flea market that is located within the limits of Paris, in the 20th arrondissement. It’s called the Puces de Montreil, as the 20th arrondissement is just next door to the Parisian suburb of the same name! This should be your go-to if you’re in the market for fairly priced vintage clothing.
Address: 2 Square de la Gascogne, 75020 Paris
Opening hours: Every Saturday, Sunday and Monday 7am-7:30pm
Metro station: Porte de Montreuil / Robespierre
Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen
The Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen is perhaps the most famous flea market in the Paris area. It is located just outside of Paris (don’t worry, it’s still accessible by public transportation!) and is absolutely massive! There is so much to see here that you’ll want to spend the entire day wandering through the stalls.
Address: Rue des Rosiers, 93400 Saint-Ouen
Opening hours: Saturday and Sunday 10am-6pm, Monday 11am-5pm
Metro station: Porte de Clignancourt / Porte de Saint-Ouen
You now know where to find the best antique shops in Paris! I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this article and that it has been useful! Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need further information about anything. You will love experiencing antique shops, flea markets and vide-greniers, where you will be able to find marvellous antique treasures!
See you soon in Paris!
