Marché Aux Puces

Marché Aux Puces in English means 'flea market' and is actually where the term originated. Towards the end of the 19th century Parisians would head to the North side of the city to sell anything they wanted to. Hence, old household items, sometimes with actual fleas 'puces', were sold and traded at the market place, which has grown to international fame. 

Les Puces is actually a collection of streets and markets that break off into disorganized alleys of jumbled stalls and vendor booths. Us early birds were actually dismayed to discover that the stalls and stores actually opened later than it's American counter-parts (even with thorough planning). I guess the French style of taking things slow and easy also applies to running antique markets. 

In all honesty, the Les Puces were a bit of a disappointment. Unless your an interior designer, with clients with deep pockets, there's not much for an individual tourist. Our luggage was already crammed full with other goods for the trip home and the knock-off clothing market on the parameter of the antique section was sketchy and dirty. I am still happy to say we went and have the frame of knowledge of what was there. My advice when visiting, unless your in the market for a crystal chandelier, stay closer to the center of the city.