Paris' Must-See Food Markets Slideshow

London plane trees dot the boulevard along Raspail Open-Air Market, which is open on most days. Raspails Sunday market has a much different feel, with different vendors and a focus on organic goods. Be sure to seek out the stall selling galette de pomme de terre (potato pancakes), which are made fresh on the griddle on Sundays at the market.
Vegetables and fruits are the main foodstuffs sold at Raspail, but fish, meats, and cheeses are also on offer. Dont miss Maison Nouri for nuts, olives, and tapenades. The market also sells cashmere sweaters, scarves, straw hats, baskets, and housewares.

Near a cluster of museums, the Palais de Tokyo, Muse dArt Moderne de la Ville de Paris, and the Muse Galliera, President Wilson is a tarp-covered market with stands flanked on both sides brimming with every sort of fruit, vegetable, cheese, and meat. Vendors also sell a variety of prepared foods, including crepes from Crperie Bretonne in one of Paris poshest neighborhoods. Non-food items for sale include jewelry, clothing, and handbags.

Located along a winding, cobblestone street of quaint storefronts and cafs, Rue Mouffetard is historic and atmospheric with remarkable architecture and a history that goes back more than 400 years. The stalls sell every food type imaginable and the adjacent cafs are a recommended place to stop and have a glass of wine after perusing Rue Mouffetards wares.

March Aligre is combination of a market street, a covered market, and a flea market. The pace is quicker at this colorful market that is a bit grittier than others. The food-only March Aligre caters to Paris Arab community and sells cheese, meats, and produce.

A motley crew of Parisian society congregates at Bastille Open-Air food Market, from the rich to the poor. The Bastille Open-Air Food Market, which runs down Boulevard Richard Lenoir, has 200 sellers and a carousel, among other delights. Fresh herbs, fish, and cheese are just some of the offerings. Be sure to spend a few moments admiring Bar & Harengs, which sells 30 types of marinated herrings. Non-food treats include clothing, soaps, jewelry, CDs, and African sculptures.

Enfants Rouges Covered Food Market is Paris oldest covered market. Williams points out that it might not be the prettiest market, but it has wonderful ethnic foods like Moroccan and Lebanese specialties. Enfants Rouges Covered Food Market is very social, with lots of eateries Williams recommends the wine bar tucked away in the corner and some stores on the side that sell non-food items which are worth a visit.

In the heart of the Left Bank, Place Monge Open Air Market has about 40 vendors which sell produce, meat, fish, cheese, olives, nuts, and dried fruits, with several stalls specializing in organic produce. Place Monge Open Air Market also has a range of ethnic cuisines represented, like Lebanese and North African.

Far from touristy, Barbes Open-Air Food Market caters to Paris Muslim and African communities. The food-centric markets emphasis is on vegetables, fruits, spices, and herbs common in African and Arab countries. At the ends of the market are stalls selling clothing and fabric.

Grenelle Open-Air Food Market is a market that few tourists seek out, but below the train tracks of La Motte-Picquet Grenelle is a lively market teeming with produce, housewares, jewelry, and clothing.

Near several tourist attractions, including the Eiffel Tower, Rue Cler Market Street is a spirited, easily accessible market that is favored by tourists and locals alike. The markets vendors are interspersed with interesting stores and cafs.

1. Markets are open year-round, rain or shine. Most markets are open just a couple of days a week.

2. Arrive early, by 9 a.m., to get the best selection. The markets are at their best before noon and get swarmed around lunchtime. Most markets close by mid-afternoon.

3. Most markets have many of the same basics, but each market reflects its neighborhood with different ethnic foods emphasized.

4. At Parisian markets you get to pick exactly what you want and the quantity you want. Williams advises not to touch the produce unless you know that is OK at that stand. Look around and see if other people are doing it. Some stands allow that and some don't.

5. Look around for lines, which are not always obvious. Look for places with lines to indicate vendors that are popular. Use the time in line to watch what other people are buying to see whats in season and what is popular from that stand. Once it is your turn, you're expected to know what you want.

6. Prices will differ from market to market. There are set prices, so there is no bartering. At the end of the market day, vendors are eager to sell things for a good price. While the best deals are at the end, the selection wont be as good. Bring cash.

7. Travelers do not need to be fluent to have a good experience at the market, but Williams says courtesies matter. She recommends learning three things: bonjour, merci, au revoir. "Anybody who does not say them is considered rude," said Williams. "Practice those words. Even if you don't say them perfectly, say them."