A fire has destroyed the historic Marché des Enfants Rouges, Paris’ oldest covered food market, in France, in the early hours of Monday, leaving the popular tourist destination in ruins.
According to CNN, Ariel Weil, the mayor of Central Paris, confirmed the extent of the damage, saying the market had been “totally destroyed.”
The fire reportedly broke out at about 3am local time on Monday, October 12, in the Marais district of the French capital.
Firefighters continued working to extinguish the smouldering remains several hours after the blaze started.
The cause of the fire had not been established as of the time of reporting.
Established in 1615 during the reign of King Louis XIII, the market is one of Paris’ historic landmarks and has long attracted tourists and residents with its food stalls and dining options.
Its name, which translates to “Market of the Red Children,” was derived from a nearby orphanage whose children wore red clothing.
The destruction of the centuries-old market marks a major loss for the Marais district, an area known for its historic architecture and cultural attractions.
