Paris's markets , like its shops, are grand spectacles. Mouthwatering arrays of food from half the countries of the globe, captivating in colour, shape and smell, assail the senses in even the drabbest parts of town. In addition, there are street markets of secondhand goods (the flea markets, or marchés aux puces ), clothes and textiles , flowers , birds , books and stamps . Though all have semi-official opening and closing hours, many begin business in advance and drag on till dusk.