Market Visit – President Wilson Market in Paris
President Wilson Market (Marche Ave du President Wilson), the largest open-air market in Paris, is located in a wealthy residential area in the 16th arrondissement.
Many blocks long, this quintessential French market is recognized for the quality of its products as well as its discriminating shoppers. When the authoritative chef and baker, David Lebovitz (who lives in Paris, and is a prominent blogger and author of six books) had it on his list of favorites, we thought we should take a look.
A quick digression: There are so many markets in Paris that online lists are usually organized by arrondissement. These include both street markets that are permanent and temporary ones like President Wilson Market, called a Marché Volant (literally, a flying market). Temporary markets generally come together several times a week as vendors pull up with their white trucks early in the morning and set up stalls for shoppers. From the perspective of a bystander, the work entailed in set-up and takedown alone is daunting.
At the President Wilson Market, there are multiple stands with a wide array of prepared foods, cheese, produce, fish, breads and pastries, olives, dried fruits and flowers as well as some less interesting dry goods. Many of the products had signage that made them easier for us to identify and translate afterwards.
First-timers may want to walk up and down the market before they buy (although you may have to battle crowds) because multiple stands sell many of the same products. One of the most unique produce vendors comes from a long line of maraîchers (market gardeners). Joel Thiebault, is known for his heirloom tomatoes, which are among the most sought after by many Michelin-starred chefs.
Here is a glimpse of some of the lovely stands that typify the President Wilson Market:
IF YOU GO
- The President Woodrow Wilson Market (Marche Ave du President Wilson) is located on Woodrow Wilson Boulevard between Rue Debrousse and Place d’Iéna. By train, it sits near Metro Line 9, between the Alma-Marceua and Iéna stations.
- Some refer to this market as the “Marche du Pont de Alma.”
- The market is open between 7AM-2:30PM on Wednesdays and 7AM-3PM on Saturdays. It’s only a stone’s throw from the Hotel Shangri-La Paris and the Trocadero.
Other photos and stories about public markets on MoreTimeToTravel.com
- Market Visit – Mercado 23 in Cancun
- Public markets offer a taste of a city and its culture
- Tips for visiting public markets
- Market Visit – Coquimbo Fish Market in Chile
- Great markets travel writers love to visit
This post made me nostalgic for France. I used to shop at the open market twice a week. It smelled so incredible, fresh apricots, peaches, flowers, etc.
I can certainly understand your nostalgia, Alexandra. It seems like everyone in France can take advantage of pulic markets. In my region in the US, farmers markets can only be afforded by the wealthy.
This market looks very inviting. I especially liked the fish pictures. I haven’t seen much fish in open air markets in North America.
I was surprised at the large number of fishmongers (poissonniers). Everything looked so fresh and appealing~
That looks wonderful! We are fortunate in Lexington, Kentucky to have several local farmers markets and it’s one of my favorite things about summer starting. Nothing like fresh tomatoes and corn in the summer!
Tomatoes are one of my farmer’s markets favorites, too, Jan!
OMG! i would go crazy at the President Wilson Market. It looks incredible. Thanks for sharing it.
What a mouth-watering post! Between the duck in puff pastry and the perfect Pinneaux a Encornets, I’d spend a fortune at President Woodrow Wilson Market. I’ve never been to the 16th arrondissement but it sure sounds worth visiting
Aren’t the differences in markets striking?
The farmers markets in Utah are so basic in comparison to your delightful story and photos. I found it interesting that so much is raw and fresh, but then there’s the duck in puff pastry! I recently ate at a French style restaurant and the duck was lost in the sauce.
I’m going to Europe in a few weeks and I think I’ll find the open air markets are the gems a tourist should visit.
No matter what arrondissement you find yourself in, you’ll have your choice. Be sure to check out the online lists~
Great! Now I have another reason to revisit Paris – like I really needed one 😉 I don’t think I’ve ever been in this area of the city so I must check it out. LOVE your photos!
Glad to have added fuel to the fire!
What yummy photos! My fave to buy is the olives.
I’ll pass your compliments on to the photographer:-)
Nothing I like more than a French marche and we’ve not been to this one. I’ll be referring to this post when we get back to Paris. Most interesting post – thanks Irene!
I love to photograph markets, and this post clearly tells why 🙂
Wonderful photos. Wonderful descriptions. This market is on my list!
Thanks
mmmm, raspberries!
Thanks Irene! I love open air markets and I fell in love with several in Amsterdam recently. My trips to Paris never offered me a Parisian outdoor market experience, so now I know where to find it! Everything in the photos looks so pristine… Suzette, trysomethingfun.com
gotta love it! France (and apparently, Paris) is la piece de la resistance! thank you for the visuals and the commentary.
Irene, your photos practically jump off the page—and I wish they had because now I’m starving!
If only pictures of food satiated our appetites…
Irene, I love a French market. You can go and get ready made foods or all the fresh ingredients to cook a gourmet meal. Oh, and everyone should grab a handful of a variety of the mini-saucissons….so delicious…well, except for the goat!
Didn’t they look yummy!
Fabulous pics! And thanks for the nostalgic reminder of my long ago days going to school (with my 2 young daughters) in France. I love markets the world over (and we have some doozies here in Ecuador!). But I do believe France has the most delectable of all!
So glad you enjoyed the pictures. They don’t even do it justice!
I adore Paris markets, and this is one I’ve not been to. On the list for next time!
Glad I could expand your repertoire, Jo! Paris is a place that makes you always think about “next time.”
Wonderful market for me to put on the list for next Paris visit! I visited a few markets, including Marché Maubert, one of the oldest in Paris. Not only are there so many wonderful foods, flowers and other treasures, but I get that “living like a local” feeling while I’m browsing around.
Does it tempt you to “live like a local”? I often feel that way when we are someplace beautiful.
Oh Irene-you had me at the scallops. They look like beautiful pieces of jewelry! Given the opportunity, I would shop there everyday, how could you not cook an amazing meal after being inspired by all those fresh ingredients.
Wish the market was around MY corner:-)