Yeah, all the guidebooks and web sites say "go here!"
Hmm.
If you were between 20-35 years old and lived in Paris and didn't have a ton of $ but had some and wanted to buy a few pieces of cool furniture to make your apartment look interesting, or if you want to spend the day with friends thrifting clothes or records or other things, cool.
But otherwise, it's not all that.
Firstly, the block of stands you encounter when you first get off the #4 purple line is NOT technically the Puces. It's people selling knock-off sneakers and merch. You must travel further in (refer to the posted map on the main street) to find the good sections (Paul Bert, Biron, Dauphine, Serpette, etc.).
Sure, it somewhat interesting for a few hours and gives you a different view of Paris than the touristy spots and yes, it has an interesting history (it's more than 100 years old), but I wouldn't go back unless I was a local. read more