Discover the Fabulous Markets of Paris

Paris is known for being one of the most romantic and exciting cities on Earth, with world-class museums, a fascinating history, breath taking attractions like the Eiffel Tower and some of the best restaurants you will ever eat in. However, sometimes it is the simpler things that bring the magic of the city to life, including the markets that you will find throughout Paris.

Here is a quick guide to some of the best markets that you may want to visit after you have arrived on your Charles de Gaulle airport shuttle service.

1. Marché Bastille

This excellent food market is one of the largest anywhere in the city. It should be high on your list to check out once you have arrived at your accommodation on your Charles de Gaulle airport shuttle. It is held twice weekly and is an eclectic wonder of noise, smells and colour. You'll find some of the best local produce in Paris here, including cheese, fish and vegetables. On Saturdays you will also be able to browse handmade crafts such as bags, paintings and jewellery.

2. Marché des Enfants Rouges

This food market is held on the site of what used to be an orphanage in the 16th century. It has now been converted into a deluxe market that is very atmospheric - as a result it is popular with tourists. You'll find cuisine from all over the world on sale, making it the ideal place to pick up a quick and tasty meal.

3. Marché Raspail

This is an organic market where you will find some of the best organic produce in Paris. You may pass by here on your Charles de Gaulle airport shuttle ride, so be sure to take note of the locations and return to explore. It is held every Sunday, and although it is a bit pricey and can get busy it's well worth a visit.

4. Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen

There are also some excellent flea markets in Paris, and this is one of the biggest and best of the lot. This market is absolutely huge, covering seven hectares of space and attracting thousands of traders. It is held every weekend and is a tourist attraction in its own right. Not only will you find stalls selling all kinds of items, but there are also restaurants so you can stop off for a bite to eat if you need a rest.

5. Marché aux Timbres

If you want to check out something a bit different, take a trip to this stamp market. It is held three times a week on the Champs Elysées, and you will be able to watch the eager collectors browse the stalls for a bargain. Even if you don't collect stamps, it's certainly fun to visit.

Discover the Markets of Paris

Once you settle in to your accommodation after arriving on your Charles de Gaulle airport shuttle you'll be spoilt for things to do. You can often learn a lot about a city by visiting its markets, so as well as spending some time seeing all of the most important sites in Paris, try to escape into a few of the markets. They are atmospheric, fun to explore and you could even pick yourself up a bargain to take home with you.

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct. If you’re looking for a Charles de Gaulle airport shuttle, Shuttle Direct provide pre-booked shuttles to major destinations all over Europe. Wherever you travel, we can make sure that you don’t miss your car on your holiday abroad.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.