The Paris Art Market is "the place to go" on a Sunday. At the foot of Montparnasse Tower, this market is like an open-air gallery and has done much to restore the reputation of Montparnasse (14e) as a quartier for artists. Some 100 artists participate, including painters, sculptors, and photographers, even jewelers and hat makers. Head for the mall along the boulevard Edgar Quinet for the best work. Go any time on Sunday between 10am and 7:30pm (Métro: Montparnasse).

Outdoor markets are plentiful in Paris. Some of the better-known are the Marché Buci; the rue Mouffetard market, open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30am to 1pm and Tuesday to Saturday from 4 to 7pm (6e; Métro: Monge or Censier-Daubenton); and the rue Montorgueil market, behind the St-Eustache church, open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 7pm (1e; Métro: Les Halles). The trendiest market is Marché Biologique, along boulevard Raspail, a tree-lined stretch lying between rue de Rennes and rue du Cherche-Midi, 6e. It's open Sunday 8:30am to 6:30pm (Métro: Montparnasse). Even Parisian celebrities can be spotted shopping under brightly colored awnings among the stacks of organic dairy products, fish, seafood, and fresh fruits and vegetables. You can also eat here, perhaps lured to a vendor from Brittany making whole-grain crêpes or one selling algae bread. Nonfood items are also for sale. Do you own a doormat made from recycled tires? You could if you shop here.