Marché des Enfants Rouges

Marché des Enfants Rouges, or the Market of the Red Children, is the oldest covered market in Paris and offers history, fresh produce, prepared foods, sit-down eateries and ethnic offerings. It dates to the year 1615 and the reign of Louis XIII and inherited its name from an orphanage nearby that was known for dressing its charges in red.

Here, you can discover and explore food from just about anywhere in the world, from locally-sourced, fresh produce to delicacies from the Mediterranean, North Africa, China, Japan and many other areas. It's a vibrant, colourful place where the wafting scents are as brilliant as the colours and energy.

Marché des Enfants Rouges - one of the highlights of 5 Best Food and Flea Markets in Paris and 10 Best Food Markets in Paris (Read all about Paris here)

photo by besopha (CC BY 2.0) modified

History of the Marché des Enfants Rouges

The Marché des Enfants Rouges was called the Petit Marché du Marais when it was established in 1615. It's still located in the same place, just a 10-minute drive north of the city centre in the Haut Marais. The market ran uninterrupted for over 300 years and became a listed historic landmark in 1982.

In the 1990s, it closed and sat neglected for a brief time before locals came together to revitalise the location, and then it quickly re-opened. It's still there today to bring a sense of vibrant history and colour to the neighbourhood.

photo by Evan Bench (CC BY 2.0) modified

Good things to know about the Marché des Enfants Rouges

The Marché des Enfants Rouges is vibrant and lively, but it can also be crowded during peak times, so be prepared to exercise patience and deal with lots of people. Though it's all flat and paved, making it easy to navigate for those with mobility issues, the counters may be a bit high for wheelchair access, and the crowds can sometimes present problems.

Because of the crowds, it's also probably a good idea to leave your furry 4-legged friends at home, though service dogs will be welcome. Overall, it's a family-friendly place to spend an afternoon soaking up the flavour of Paris.

Location: 39 rue de Bretagne, Paris 03, France

Open: Tuesday–Saturday from 8.30 am to 7.30 pm, Sunday from 8.30 am to 2 pm (closed on Mondays)

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