Paris’s oldest covered food market gutted by major overnight fire

A devastating fire engulfed Paris's oldest covered food market, the Marché des Enfants Rouges, on the early hours of Monday, 12 October. The blaze erupted at approximately 4.15am in the historic Marais district. The fire swiftly destroyed the market's stalls and inflicted damage on a portion of its metal structure. Remarkably, firefighters managed to contain the flames, preventing further spread to adjacent buildings.

While one firefighter experienced a minor medical incident, no other casualties were reported. In shock, traders congregated outside the market, attempting to gauge the extent of the damage. Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire expressed that the origin of the fire remained unknown, stating that an investigation would be conducted. Authorities were inspecting neighboring structures for any structural harm, while the city sought temporary locations for affected businesses.

The market, which could remain shut for months, is expected to face significant challenges in its recovery. Established in 1615 under Louis XIII, the Marché des Enfants Rouges derives its name from a former orphanage where children donned red attire. Since 1982, the market has been recognized as a historic monument. Prior to the fire, it encompassed food shops, eateries, and florists, and held the fifth position in Food & Wine magazine's 2026 list of the world's premier food markets.