A massive fire has destroyed the oldest covered food market in the French capital, Paris, authorities announced on Monday. The Marche Couvert des Enfants Rouges, a popular street food venue in the Marais district, has existed since 1615.
According to international media reports, the blaze caused extensive damage to the historic site. Firefighters were dispatched to the scene, but the intensity of the fire was such that large parts of the market were destroyed. The cause of the incident is currently under investigation.
The market, whose name translates to "Covered Market of the Red Children," was named after a nearby former orphanage whose children wore red uniforms. The location was not just a shopping center but a cultural and historical icon for the French capital.
With a history spanning over 400 years, the market had undergone many transformations. In recent decades, it had gained global fame for its diverse street food stalls, offering cuisines from around the world, from French and Italian to Moroccan and Japanese.
This historic venue was more than just a market; it was a viant social meeting point that embodied the multicultural spirit of modern Paris. Its destruction is considered a significant loss to the city's cultural heritage.
Currently, investigations are ongoing to determine the origin of the fire and assess the extent of the damage. Parisians and tourists have expressed their sorrow over the incident, hoping that this historic symbol of their city can be rebuilt in the future.
Source: International media
🌐