Could you tell me about the street markets in Paris?

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Rillifane

There are street markets in each of the 20 arrondissements on certain days of the week with a rotating formula from one arrondissement to the other.

The markets are not self serve so ask for what you want rather than picking it out yourself. Of course, you may indicate that you want a specifc piece of fruit (for example).

It is perfectly okay to buy just one apple or ask for a small portion of cheese or whatever. In France people are particularly insistent on freshness and buying in small quantities every day rather than buying in bulk for the week is still the rule.

Pointing is quite good enough and a minimum of language is required.

One tricky thing if you're pointing and using fingers to indicate quantity. If you're an American you indicate "two" by holding up your index finger and your middle finger. This is a rude gesture in many places in Europe. Indicate two by extending your thumb and index finger instead.

When at the market or when entering a shop always begin by, at a minimum, saying "Bonjour Monsieur" (or Madam as appropriate). Try working "s'il vous plait" into your gestures when ordering and finsih off the transaction with "merci" and a pleasant "bonne journee" as you leave.

NB: contrary to what certain halfwits claim, you will not be overcharged because you are not a French speaker.

In fact, prices are, by law, prominently posted so only a total moron could actually be overcharged in any case.

marijir

one lively market (certainly not the cheapest, though!) is the one down rue Mouffetard (5th arrdt) almost everyday. close by is the Place Monge (that's also the name of the metro station), where the market stands on wednesday, friday and sunday.
I haven't been in a long time to the marchÃ© d'Aligre, but it used to be a lot of fun (rue d'Aligre, near the Ledru Rollin or Gare de Lyon metro stations). It's everyday except monday, but more fun and colorful on weekends...

Cabal

Well, since Rilifane covered the markets so well I'll take the boulangerie.

You say 'bonjour' when you enter one.

You can point of course, choosing what you want. Rule of thumb is, on one side you have cakes, on the other pastries like croissant and such and bread. You can order half a bread by the way.

Do not be surprised if they wrap your order in a paper only, this is usual in France, plastic bags are not automatically used. If you want one you will have to ask, politely of course. If this is for just a pastry you might have to insist.

Prices are prominently displayed and inclusive of all taxes. You put your money on the small cash tray on the counter, this is so that there can be no complaint that some coin disappeared in the hand to hand handover. You will get your change back the same way.

You say 'merci' when they hand you your pastry and 'au revoir' when you leave.

stephen z

yes.
I'll get back 2 u soon (busy)

tuppenybitz

I didn't go to the market when i was there,but found Paris to be the most dirtiest disgusting city Ive ever been to.The people are rude and hygiene didn't appear to be of high importance.
Good luck and be careful,when they find your not french they will try to charge you the earth for things

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