Le Marché d’Aligre: Immerse Yourself Into The Local Scene

**On Sundays, Le Marché d’Aligre in 12^th arrondissement is a lively market where people gather not only to sell and buy fruits and vegetables but also to socialize and meet people.**

Until my trip to Paris, I thought of traveling as tirelessly walking around and visiting famous landmarks and monuments, nothing a local would perceive as special. This time I focused on resting, taking deep breaths and absorbing all there is to being a local. For me, this meant lots of picnics and lying out in the sun.

On Sundays, Le Marché d’Aligre in 12^th arrondissement is a lively market where people gather not only to sell and buy fruits and vegetables but also to socialize and meet people. My friend and I decided to explore the market, to buy food so that we can go to a park to have a picnic. At Marché d’Aligre, there were many people stocking up the week’s worth of fresh meat, beautifully colored vegetables and fruits. Stallholders shouted and yelled for customers’ attention and offered fruits to taste. Everything was unbelievably cheap and fresh. A singer with her bird, was singing and entertaining locals right in the middle of the market. We bought peaches, cherries, a melon and chicken then headed for the park in 12^th arrondissement.

We decided to go to Jardin de Reuilly, which is one of the biggest parks in 12^th arrondissement. It offers free sparkling water since the fountain is housed in a former garden shed, anyone can drink water as long as you have your own cup. After filling up my water bottle, and entered the park where quite a few small families were already enjoying the day. Parents enjoying the sun, while children played catch, running around. After an hour, more families walked into the park until it was difficult finding a place to sit.

I, too, was able to enjoy what the French enjoyed: meeting people, fresh fruits and vegetables, accompanied by beautiful weather. After all, traveling does not always mean endlessly touring. It’s also about taking a break and getting a chance to see what you are immersing yourself into.

Article written by Sarah Cho.