Fire destroys Paris's oldest covered food market, Marché des Enfants Rouges
A major fire in the early hours of Monday damaged Marché des Enfants Rouges, the oldest covered food market in Paris. The cause is unknown and the market may stay shut for months.
A major fire struck Paris's oldest covered food market, the Marché des Enfants Rouges, in the historic Marais district of the French capital in the early hours of Monday, 12 October. The blaze destroyed the market's stalls, and part of its metal structure collapsed. The market could remain closed for months.
How the fire unfolded
The fire broke out at around 4.15am. Firefighters kept it from spreading to neighbouring buildings. One firefighter had a minor medical episode, and no other casualties were reported. Traders, visibly distraught, gathered outside to assess the damage.
Investigation and next steps
Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire said the cause was not yet known and that an investigation would follow. Nearby buildings are being checked for structural damage, while the city is looking for temporary premises for the affected businesses.
A historic site
The market was founded in 1615 under Louis XIII. Its name comes from a former orphanage whose children wore red clothing. It has been listed as a historic monument since 1982. It housed food shops, restaurants and florists, and ranked fifth in Food & Wine magazine's 2026 list of the world's best food markets.
