Update: For the 2010 edition read: The Paquis fleamarket 2010 in danger
Geneva, Switzerland – The mother of all neighborhood flea markets is back, or better said, never went away. That’s right, we are talking about the Paquis flea market. Previously in New To Geneva? Me Too, we mentioned the famous Fetes de Rues, also known as the La Ville est a Vous and how this year these parties did not include the ever so big and notorious Paquis event.
The Paquis flea market will be taking place after all on 19 and 20 September but not under the City banner of La Ville est a vous but under the name: La Rue est a vous.
According to the organizers, the Paquis community center, 20 thousand people are expected to attend this mega party and flea market in the City of Geneva. La Rue est a Vous is the predecessor of La Ville est a Vous and so each year they throw their own party, thus its notable absence in the promotional flyers distributed by the City.
In Paquis, “the street belongs to you,” while “the City belongs to you” in all of the other neighborhoods.
Semantics apart, the Paquis fetes have been taking place since 1992 and the organizing committee obtained recognition as an official organization in 2003.
The fetes in Paquis have been characterized by loads of music, theater and other performing arts as well as children’s activities.
Those wanting to set up a stand can do so by showing up early and setting up within the established boundaries. The rules are the same: you cannot sell food unless you register to take a health department two-hour class; no more than two identical items for sale; and only non-professionals are authorized to sell (ie no caravans of fake Rolex vendors).
Of course there are exceptions to the rule but you will need to contact the organization directly for further information.
See you at Paquis!
**
Stay in the know, follow Geneva Living on Facebook, Twitter, RSS, by e-mail; or through GenevaLunch News on Facebook.
GenevaLunch, 16 September 2009.
Filed under: On the cheap, Shopping
Tags: just news, new to Geneva
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.





























September 16th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
Love flea markets all around the world. They were actually founded in France.
September 17th, 2009 at 9:14 am
Thanks for your comment! If I ever move back to the US I will sure look up all garage sales in my neighborhood through your website. Great idea!
October 31st, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Can you let me know the timings and whether the market operates in December. Thanks
November 8th, 2009 at 10:07 pm
Sorry Erach for the delay in responding. T
he Paquis flea market operates only once a year, usually in September. If you are interested in selling, check out the flea market in Nyon. However, if you are looking to buy, there are many alternatives. Find them under the “unusual shopping” category in this blog.
Best,
L
August 15th, 2010 at 12:32 am
hi,
just wondering when is The annual Paquis flea market in 2010?
September 2nd, 2010 at 2:10 pm
Dear Faria,
I am so sorry to respond this late but I just saw your comment.
This weekend 3 September there is a flea-market in Jonction (you can read all about it here) and the Paquis flea-market will take place on 18 and 19 September. GenevaLiving will be publishing all about it next week.
Thanks for reading,
Laila
September 3rd, 2010 at 4:51 pm
Comments