The Saint-Ouen flea market is the largest flea market in the world. Currently, it counts millions of visitors per year and is one of the best tourist places in France. What are its assets and where does it get its name? Find out in this article the details about it.
What is a flea market?
A flea market is a special place that offers flea markets and second-hand goods. It is an open-air market where second-hand and second-hand items are displayed on the floor or on the garage sale stalls. At its creation, there were no food vendors in these markets but over time they began to appear.
The term "flea markets" has been used for more than a hundred years. It comes from the fact that old clothes and worn-out items may contain these pests. The term quickly spread and is now very common.
What is special about the Saint-Ouen flea market?
The Saint-Ouen flea market was founded in 1885. It was known for its space, which is very large with an area similar to a neighbourhood. In fact, it covers 7 hectares and has around 2000 merchants. As such, it is considered to be the largest flea market in the world. Saint-Ouen's Pucier Streets receive more than 5 million visitors a year. With the advances in technology, it is currently possible to find out more information online on the official Saint-Ouen flea market website, if you would like to find out more about a particular item.
The flea market is divided into three categories: clothing markets, flea markets or antique markets and professional shops. There are about fifteen markets that are open to the public on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.
Visit the Saint-Ouen flea market: an essential tourist activity
For several years now, the Saint-Ouen flea market has been classified AVAP or Aire de mise en valeur de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine, thanks to its international reputation as the largest flea market for antiques and second-hand goods. In 2016, it was classified as France's 5th largest tourist site. Among the millions of visitors per year, there are mostly foreigners, tourists and even celebrities.
Although originally flea markets were only dedicated to second-hand goods and did not feature food products, over time they have become more and more popular. Indeed, there are more and more restaurants in the streets of the flea market.
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