The Marché des Enfants Rouges traces its origins to 1615, when it first opened as a covered food market in Paris. Over the years it became known as the oldest such market still operating in the city, its stalls were under a covering that had welcomed generations of shoppers and vendors.
Between Sunday night and Monday morning on 20 May 2024, a fire broke out at the market. Emergency services received the alert at 4:15 a.m., prompting an immediate response. By the time firefighters arrived, the blaze had already engulfed the market.
Lieutenant‑Colonel Pierre de Bouvier led the operation. He reported that the market’s structure and every stall were consumed by the flames. One firefighter experienced a minor medical issue during the effort, but no other casualties were recorded.
One firefighter experienced a minor medical issue during the effort, but no other casualties were recorded.
When the fire was finally brought under control, little remained of the historic market. As Bouvier put it, “Le marché a été totalement détruit, il ne reste plus rien du marché couvert, tous les étalages ont brûlé.” The site now lies vacant where the covered aisles once bustled with life.