The 10 best food markets in Paris

This historic market takes its name from the 16th-century orphanage that used to occupy the site; the red of the children’s clothes indicated they had been donated by Christian charities. Although the orphanage closed before the revolution, the imposing wooden edifice survived and was reopened as a deluxe food market in 2000 after extensive campaigning from locals. Now something of a tourist hotspot, the market also boasts a handful of first-rate restaurants. 

One of the oldest markets in Paris, the Marché d’Aligre survived the turbulence of 1789 and 1871, and continues to ply its second-hand clothes, bric-à-brac and cheap food as if the city around it hasn’t changed one bit. Your experience of the market depends largely on where you go: the top of the street is where to head for seasonal fruit and veg (€1-€3/kg), while a detour through the covered Beauvau market will take you through the pricier fishmongers’ and butchers’ stalls. Don’t miss the motley collection of books, African masks and other trinkets that line the stands in the main yard.

Fresh aromas, vivid colours, buzzing crowds – a mere stroll among the stands of the Batignolles food market is enough to invigorate the senses (and get seriously hungry). Fruit and veg have pride of place, but the 50-odd stalls run the gamut from pâtés and cold meats to bath soaps, makeup and essential oils, with a particularly enticing sideline in fine wines. As with its rival Brancusi, this market also keeps things authentic, providing a rare forum for the consumer to meet the producer. 

The Marché Bastille’s food stalls sprawl up the Boulevard Richard-Lenoir twice a week, with more produce than most hypermarkets – it’s a particularly great source of local cheeses, free range chicken and high-quality fish. The photo-worthy piles of fruit, veg, saucisses, olives and so on are interspersed with stalls offering African batiks, cheap jewellery and bags, but that doesn’t detract from the overall sense of bountiful goodness.

Found between the Bon Marché and the Luxembourg Gardens (perfect for a picnic), the market on Boulevard Raspail is full of life (and very bougie). This is where a number of Paris’s elite go shopping, from actors to Michelin-starred chefs. Head to the fully organic market on Sundays to check out its niche stalls; it kicks off strong with GaletteMan and his deliciously melty potato and cheese galettes at the market entrance. A bit further in, the soup stand serves ladlefuls that will make you love winter (try the lentil soup, our favourite). And don’t leave without grabbing a beautiful bouquet from Véronique's flower stall. This spot is guaranteed to make you feel Parisian. 

Open every day bar Monday, the Saint-Quentin market is our go-to spot for a chat on rainy days (and any other day if you feel like it). With large tables set up at the front and centre of the hall, it’s perfect for gathering with friends for a platter of oysters and a good glass of white wine (the aperitif kicks off early here), or an excellent mafé (or veggie bowl) at a competitive price from Oh Africa! And don’t leave empty-handed; make sure to stop by Vitis Vinifera, where Grégory Langevin, a former sommelier from Bristol, will offer expert advice.