Secondhand shopping has firmly settled into Parisian habits over the past few years, driven by a generation drawn to more sustainable fashion and by the long-standing French tradition of hunting for treasures. The result: Paris now has a particularly dense vintage scene, from big by-the-kilo thrift shops to sharp little boutiques specializing in one specific decade. Le Marais and the Oberkampf neighborhood have the highest concentration of shops, but the best finds are often at the specialized markets, where dealers and individuals sell their finds directly.
Marché Paul-Bert-Serpette
Within the Saint-Ouen flea market, this section, well known for its twentieth-century furniture and art objects, also draws vintage fashion enthusiasts, with designer pieces and period accessories sold by professional dealers.
Antique dealers' finds
Vintage clothing, jewelry and accessories mingle with antique furniture on the flea market stalls, where every aisle holds its share of curiosities, from collector's pieces to more affordable finds.
The Canal Saint-Martin neighborhood
The streets around the canal and up to Oberkampf are home to a good share of the capital's independent thrift shops, somewhere between sharp specialty boutiques and more general secondhand stores.
Tips
Big chains like Guerrisol, Free'P'Star and Kilo Shop offer an abundant selection at low prices, sold by weight in some of them, while independent boutiques in Le Marais or Oberkampf curate a sharper selection at prices to match. Set aside some time: the best pieces turn up while digging, rarely in ten minutes flat. Marché Paul-Bert-Serpette only opens from Saturday to Monday, unlike most neighborhood thrift shops that stay open all week: it's worth checking the hours before making a special trip for vintage fashion.
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