Finding a Feature story at a Flea Market in France

by: Kaitlyn McAvoy

Flea markets are scattered throughout Paris, but the one at Puces St. Ouen, located north of the city, is among the most famous and biggest.

A fan of flea markets, who regularly visits them in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs, I decided that I couldn’t miss the opportunity to visit one while in Paris last week. And since I was taking the time to travel to it and check it out, I thought it would be fitting to do a feature story on the outdoor market.

Despite having to walk around in the freezing temperatures that froze my toes and fingers, I really enjoyed the market filled with vendors selling antiques, fabrics and jewelry.

However, I did encounter some problems when it came to producing a feature story out of the experience…

Finding Sources in a Foreign Country

Before we departed for France, our class was told almost everyone in Paris speaks English, and we wouldn’t have a problem finding people to talk to.

Not true.

I found it difficult to find sources at the flea market. When I asked: “Tu parlez Anglais?” many times the answer was “No.”

And when I did find a source, though they were chatty, their English was not always clear.

Personal Interest

Like I said before, I am a fan on flea markets. I am drawn to old, used crap.

St. Ouen has over two thousand vendors, so needless to say, at first I was overwhelmed and at times more concerned with seeing everything then working on a story. I wasted a lot of time walking around doing personal shopping.

There is a Future Feature Here

Despite the challenges, I did end up finding sources who spoke English and did take good notes that will become a feature story, a good one I hope. One that is full of vivid detail and captures the feel of the flea market that has become such a part of French culture.