An Interior Designer's Sourcing Trip to Paris’ Saint Ouen Flea Market
- jenn5997
- Jul 16
- 3 min read
A Designer’s Guide to Sourcing Character, Craft, and Conversation Pieces in One of the World’s Best Design Destinations
As an interior designer, I’m always looking for pieces that bring soul into a space—the kind of objects that can’t be replicated or drop-shipped. When I’m sourcing for clients or inspiration, few places rival the layered charm of Paris’ Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen. Whether you have a full weekend or just a single day, this legendary flea market offers an unforgettable window into design history, craftsmanship, and eccentricity, and after a visit there last May, it’s become one of my favourite places to source one-of-a-kind details that make a project sing.
Here’s how I make the most of a design-focused day trip there, and a few vendor insights for fellow designers or curious aesthetes.
Arrive Early (and Bring a Game Plan)
The market is sprawling, made up of multiple covered and open-air areas, each with its own offering ranging from stalls selling raw materials to high end Art Deco galleries. Start at Marché Paul Bert and Serpette, the world's largest antique market with over 350 dealers–of which many deal antique furniture and smalls. This is where you'll find serious antiques, collectible lighting, and statement pieces; plenty of vintage Murano pendants, 1940s bronze pulls, and one-off pieces of Italian marble I still regret not shipping home.
If you’re on the hunt for:
Lighting: Look for Galerie Glustin (known for rare European fixtures and artful installations) or Galerie Artz–a renowned Art Deco vendor who has been at the market for over 20 years!
Cabinet Hardware & Fixtures: Dig through bins in the smaller stalls off the side alleys in Marché Vernaison, where I’ve found patinated brass knobs, hand-cut keys, and switch plates perfect for historic projects.
What I Look For as a Designer
I approach Saint-Ouen with both a design brief and a willingness to be surprised. I’m typically hunting for:
Character pieces: Think a sculptural ceramic table lamp or hand-carved armchair that anchors a corner of a room.
Functional beauty: Antique hooks and other hardware, lamp shades, mirrors, etc.— these are the finishing touches that bring depth to modern spaces.
Materials: Namely vintage textiles that inspire a finish palette or tie into a larger narrative.
Tips for Designers Sourcing for Clients
Know your sizes: Have your measurements on hand. Vintage furniture is beautiful but not always spatially forgiving.
Ask questions: Many vendors speak English and can share provenance, restoration info, or offer shipping help.
Photograph and tag: If you're not buying on the spot, take a photo of the piece with the stall number and note the vendor’s card or WhatsApp as many are open to post-trip purchases.
For the Just-Looking Crowd
Not sourcing for a project? It’s still worth it. Saint-Ouen is a living museum of European design across centuries. Pop into Marché Dauphine for books, artwork, and smaller pieces you can pack in a suitcase. Some favourite finds from past trips:
Bakelite bangles from the 1940s & 50s (I had to cut myself off from buying any more)
An assortment of beads that I plan to make into my own jewelry
A black tassel to fasten to a wall sconce
A set of two wall planters made from discarded metal from a navy yard
Where to Take a Break
Grab an espresso and browse the book selection at cafe and bookshop, Storyboard, or enjoy a niçoise salad and a glass of vino at Bistrot Des Rosiers, mere steps away from the market.
Whether I leave Paris with a full suitcase of finds or just a notebook full of ideas, I always leave feeling creatively recharged. If you’re a client curious about incorporating vintage or sourced pieces into your project, I’d love to chat! It’s one of the most rewarding ways to make a space truly yours.
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