Paris flea market and its history

Most Russians hate flea markets, and this is understandable - in these markets they sell various old things and often a flea market is associated with squalor and poverty.

True, not all markets are the same, there are those where they are sold exclusively collectibles, antiques and even pieces of real art. Similar markets can be visited in Moscow, St. Petersburg and, of course, in Paris.

In addition, people are cultivating every day, comprehending science, history, appreciating art, and some begin to love vintage things, accessories and therefore look at flea markets differently, because in such places you can buy very interesting things.

One of the oldest markets in Paris is Saint Ouen. The first sellers in Saint Ouen were the so-called chiffoniers. This labor activity is translated into Russian as junk workers. The Chiffoniers were one place higher in the French table of ranks than the scavengers. This situation fully explains the disdainful attitude that some people still have in the 21st century.

But sometimes the junk-dealers were romantically called lunar catchers (pecheurs de la lune). This name stuck with the junk dealers due to the fact that many of them often went out to their search fishery in the evenings and wandered around at night by the moon. The wealthy and wealthy owners of shops, restaurants, tenement houses took out the trash from the establishments, and the junk sellers tried to find among all the trash, what could bring income.

Flea market history
It is believed that in this place the trade in collectibles and antiques began in the 17th century, but it took the form of an organized market only at the end of the 19th century.

After the war of 1870, junk dealers and collectors finally took a fancy to Sant Ouen and established a market there. In 1885, the authorities of Sant Ouen, for security reasons, obliged merchants to officially register their places of sale on the market, and with this, it began to transform from a chaotic meeting of merchants into a civilized market for second-hand goods.

At the same time, people's attitudes towards the junk business and the flea market began to change. More and more Parisians start to visit the market on weekends to take long walks along the shopping arcade and maybe buy something.

At the beginning of the 20th century, there is a real surge in the popularity of the flea market. In 1905-1914, merchants began to buy up places for shops in the vicinity, to supply electricity and water to them, the market was more and more cultivated.

The following years have a beneficial effect on the development of the market - in addition to retail stores, cafes and restaurants are opening there, and gypsy artists become regular guests and entertain the audience with their vocal talents. The market is becoming a real landmark in Paris and a kind of Mecca for antique dealers.

Today it is the world's largest flea market, spread over 7 hectares, with over 2,000 stands and antique shops. A walk through the market allows you to feel the spirit of the history of Paris and all of Europe, and in addition, you can buy many interesting things here.