Portraits of Belleville: The Marché

Every Tuesday and Friday morning, the extra-wide median of the Boulevard de Belleville welcomes a raucous, teeming market. The two rows of stalls - and the crush of shoppers packed in between them - extend as far as the eye can see.

Your body is pressed on all sides as you move at a snail's pace, but at least you have plenty of time to ogle the incredible quantity of foods, fabrics, and flowers.


Your ears are assailed by the cries of marchands hawking their wares. And then your ears are soothed by the pleasant songs many of the marchands sing as an alternative technique to entice customers.

Still, in the midst of this overwhelming experience, it's surprisingly easy to find a moment of calm and comfort. All it takes is one friendly face.