Plainpalais Flea Market (Marché aux puces)

The Plainpalais flea market is held on the Plaine de Plainpalais, a vast open esplanade in the south-west of central Geneva, Switzerland, and is one of the best-known weekly markets in the city. Stalls spread across the gravel square on Wednesdays and Saturdays from around 8:00AM to 5:00PM, selling antiques, secondhand books, vintage watches, jewellery, vinyl records, tableware, old postcards, tools, toys and general curios. Sellers range from professional dealers to households clearing attics, so quality and prices vary widely, and careful browsing can turn up real bargains as well as plenty of bric-a-brac. Bargaining is normal and expected, particularly later in the day, and cash helps since many stallholders do not take cards. On Tuesday, Friday and Sunday mornings the same square hosts a farmers' market with fresh produce, cheese, bread and flowers, which gives a different but equally local atmosphere. Visitors typically spend one to two hours circling the stalls and stopping for coffee at the cafes along the edges. The square is also a hub for skaters and street life, with the Uni Mail university buildings and the Cimetière des Rois nearby. Saturday morning is the busiest and liveliest time, while Wednesdays are quieter. Early arrival gives the best selection, and serious collectors turn up at opening. The market is held outdoors, so bad weather can reduce the number of stalls, and sun cover is limited in summer. Trams 12, 14, 15 and 18 stop at Plainpalais, right at the edge of the esplanade. It combines well with a visit to MAMCO, the Musée d'Ethnographie or the Cimetière des Rois, all within a short walk. Photographers will find colourful still-life scenes among the stalls, but should ask before photographing sellers directly.