Flea market bargains

It won’t come cheap but, if you’ve the budget, you’ll find designer vintage clothing and jewellery stores throughout all the various markets. Be especially sure to try Serpette and Paul Bert, where some of the biggest specialists have shops.

They may not fetch much at Sotheby’s, but you can find charming works of art to add character to your walls back home. Find Marché Vernaison, 99 rue des Rosiers, and get lost wandering amongst the winding alleyways, rifling through cases of pretty paintings.

Unearth real treasures – from gilded Louis XV chairs to stunning, upholstered chaise longues. Head to the right-hand side of Marché Biron to try your luck with dealers who trade Empire-style furniture.

Make your home an Instagram dream on a budget by heading to the L'Entrepot area, which has been known to sell genuine marble table tops you can use for clever DIY once back on home soil.

You’ll also find gorgeous tableware, fine china tea and dinner sets and really good value silver plate cutlery that will really smarten up your table settings.

It may not be an antique you can display on your mantelpiece, but bargain-hunting is hungry work, and it can be nice to dine on something other than overpriced hotdogs from a rickety stand.

Seek out Chez Louisette on Avenue Michelet for delicious cuisine served in a 60s atmosphere . Accompanied by live singing of old French classics, tip the singers with change left over from your bargaining.