Ariel WeilEmmanuel GrégoireJacques ChiracBrigade des Sapeurs-Pompiers de Paris

Fire destroys historic Marché des Enfants Rouges in Paris, leaving 400-year-old food market in ruins; about 20 merchants lose stalls

A fire engulfed the historic Marché des Enfants Rouges in Paris early Monday, destroying vendor stalls and leaving about 20 merchants without their businesses. The market, founded in 1615, was a significant piece of local history and was designated a historic monument in 1982.

Fox News Fox News14 October 2026 · 00:55 UTC
Media in this story
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Marché des Enfants Rouges, the oldest covered market in Paris, was devastated by a fire early Monday, Oct. 12, leaving approximately 20 merchants without stalls. The blaze erupted around 3 a.m., with 150 firefighters deployed to control the flames, which took several hours to extinguish.124

According to Ariel Weil, the mayor of central Paris, the market is now in ruins. He stated, "Fire brought under control but market totally devastated. Avoid the area around Rue de Bretagne." The Brigade des Sapeurs-Pompiers de Paris reported that 9 hoses, including 2 high-powered ones, were necessary to manage the disaster.3

Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire expressed gratitude to the firefighters and confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the fire's cause. He also assured that efforts would be made to find temporary locations for the affected businesses, stating, "We will find temporary locations for the businesses so that all their activities can be maintained."5

Founded in 1615 during the reign of King Louis XIII, the market was designated a historic monument in 1982. It faced threats of demolition in the 1990s when plans were proposed to replace it with a parking lot and community facilities, highlighting its significance in local history.

Key Insight
“Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire said 150 firefighters were mobilized and expressed gratitude, while an investigation into the cause is underway. Ariel Weil, mayor of central Paris, said the fire was brought under control but the market was totally devastated, and temporary locations will be found for the businesses.”
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Fox NewsFox News
“Marché des Enfants Rouges, the oldest covered in Paris, was engulfed in flames in the early hours of Monday, Oct. 12, destroying vendor stalls and a piece of local history.”
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EARLIER IN THE STORY:
Fire destroys historic Marché des Enfants Rouges in Paris; no casualties reported as investigation into cause continues
LIGA.netLIGA.net
Fire destroys historic Marché des Enfants Rouges in Paris; no casualties reported as investigation into cause continues

On the night of October 12, a fire broke out at the Marché des Enfants Rouges market in Paris, destroying the historic building.

400-Year-Old MarketFrench Capital FireHistoric Market Destroyed
2026-10-13
TL;DR by CuriousCats.ai
  • On the night of October 12, a fire broke out at the Marché des Enfants Rouges market in Paris, destroying the historic building.
  • According to preliminary reports, there were no casualties, and the circumstances and causes of the fire are currently under investigation.
  • No serious injuries were reported, and investigators are still determining the cause of the fire.
  • Authorities have promised to relocate vendors and rebuild the site, though a 400-year-old venue cannot be replaced.
  • The market had been ranked fifth in the world for street food this year and was called the coolest market in France by The Guardian.
  • The loss will affect not only the vendors and traders but the entire neighbourhood.
Fire completely destroys Paris's oldest covered food market, Enfants Rouges; Mayor Grégoire says market “completely destroyed” as traders mourn
France 24
Fire completely destroys Paris's oldest covered food market, Enfants Rouges; Mayor Grégoire says market “completely destroyed” as traders mourn

A devastating fire destroyed the Enfants Rouges, Paris's oldest covered food market, gutting its iron and glass roof and torching all 17 food stalls.

Enfants RougesHistoric Market DestroyedMarais Fire
2026-10-12
TL;DR by CuriousCats.ai
  • Enfants Rouges was founded in 1615 during the reign of Louis XIII, making it the oldest covered market still in operation in Paris.
  • The fire broke out at 3am on Monday, but the fire brigade did not receive a call until over an hour later.
  • More than 150 firefighters and dozens of vehicles were mobilised to battle the blaze, which took over two hours to control.
  • The blaze gutted the iron and glass roof and torched all 17 food stalls.
  • Paris Mayor Grégoire toured the site and said the market had been “completely destroyed”.
  • Traders and residents expressed shock and grief, with some saying they felt “orphaned”.
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