A Peek Inside the Rungis Flower Market

paris france bridge river view sandra sigman

I’ve been to many wholesale flowers markets over the years, but nothing has impressed me more than the Pavillon des Fleurs (hall of flowers) in the famous Marché Rungis (Rungis Market).

Located just a short distance from Paris by car, Rungis is considered one of the largest wholesale markets in the world. In addition to cut flowers and horticulture, the other halls are filled with fresh produce, meat, cheese, and other gourmet foods. All trades from florists to butchers, and even bakers, shop there to get ‘ingredients’ for their businesses.

rungis france parisian flower market sandra sigman

The market is only available to retailers with proper credentials necessary to get in. So, when I stopped by last June, I just had to take pictures to share! It’s always such a treat to see the abundance of blooms. I feel the photos don’t do it justice, but I did my best to get a few glimpses for you.

As I strolled down the many aisles, I was in wonder of the colors surrounding me. Think: tall rows of buckets filled with peonies, nestled next to garden roses in the prettiest colors. The sheer volume and variety of flowers were remarkable.

pink peony flower stems flower market rungis paris sandra sigman

pink roses purple roses in buckets rungis paris flower market sandra sigman

Most markets in the USA only have a sampling of flowers with a small color palette available. In the Parisian markets, you get unique choices and one-of-a-kind species that are not usually available to most florists.

green moss plants flower market rungis paris france sanddra sigman

I even went to a flower stall where the only thing they sell is foliage. Most of the branches were as tall as me! When I asked the vendor where they would be used, he replied “for the grand palaces and hotels.” I can only imagine how the fleuristes (florists) carry them through hotels for setup and design. It must be quite a site to see!

sandra sigman paris france rungis flower tree market

Thank you for following along on my flower tour of Rungis. It’s truly a special place that I wanted to share.

I’m lucky to have had the opportunity to visit on a few occasions. If you would like to experience it as well, you can participate in a guided tour (which I’ve heard can start as early as 5:00 am!). Get information about the tours here:

rungis tours

A bientôt,
Sandra