Saint Ouen flea market

Restructuring, upgrading, refurbishment and thermal improvement of the Paul-Bert Serpette flea market

DESIGN TEAM

AUDAT KRAUSS ( © PAA Architectes) / Bet Cotec

Photography © Nicolas Mathéus et Christian Baraja

CLIENT

Serpaul
BUDGET

nc
SIZE

Program 1 : 7 500 m2, Program 2 : 230 m2
LOCATION

Saint Ouen (93)
STATUS

2014 - 2024

These markets, true institutions of Parisian heritage, attract seasoned collectors and casual visitors alike, all in search of unique finds. However, over time, their appeal had gradually waned. Faced with evolving consumer habits and growing competition from alternative sales channels, it became essential to revitalize these spaces without compromising their deeply rooted identity.

The rehabilitation and restructuring of these atypical commercial spaces became an ambitious, large-scale project, carefully planned to unfold over several years under complex conditions — all while keeping the site operational.

This technical challenge required meticulous coordination to balance the continuation of daily activities with the demands of ongoing construction.

One of the primary challenges of this transformation lay in managing the heterogeneity of the stalls. Rather than viewing this diversity as a constraint, the project embraced it as a strength, highlighting the richness of this micro-urbanity where each stand tells its own story. This architectural patchwork, a reflection of the varied backgrounds of antique dealers and second-hand sellers, plays a vital role in defining the identity of the space.

In the covered Serpette market — renowned for its intimate atmosphere and high-quality art objects — the existing architectural layout was meticulously preserved. Yet, targeted improvements were made to breathe new life into the space. Display windows were redesigned to better showcase the items, signage was streamlined to improve navigation for visitors, and the lighting was reworked to create a warmer, more immersive environment, enhancing the textures and details of the unique pieces on display.

The Paul-Bert market, on the other hand, embraces its eclectic spirit. Its pavilions, each distinct from the next, reflect the variety of styles and eras represented by the dealers. This architectural diversity was harnessed as a defining asset. Some facades were simply cleaned and refreshed, restoring their original charm, while others underwent complete restoration — including traditional timber framing, a testament to the market’s history. At the same time, contemporary design elements were integrated, fostering a dialogue between tradition and modernity.

Far from being a purely cosmetic endeavor, this rehabilitation also significantly improved the markets’ functionality. Pathways were redesigned to streamline visitor flow, communal spaces were created to encourage social interactions and leisurely breaks, and technical infrastructure was upgraded to enhance comfort for both vendors and customers.

Today, the Paul-Bert and Serpette markets present themselves in a new light, successfully preserving their soul and authenticity while embracing modern expectations. More accessible, welcoming, and functional, they continue to thrive as lively hubs where art enthusiasts, weekend treasure hunters, and curious visitors from around the world converge. This successful transformation demonstrates that it is indeed possible to blend heritage preservation with commercial dynamism while respecting the singular spirit that has long made the Saint-Ouen flea markets legendary.