Marché des Enfants-Rouges: the Borough Market of Paris

Love Borough Market in London?

In London, Borough Market in Southwark is often described as the city's oldest food market: the London Museum traces food trading in Southwark back to the 11th century, and the market has been on its current site since 1756. People go as much to eat on the spot as to shop between the stalls.

Paris has its own, more intimate version: the Marché des Enfants-Rouges. Founded in 1615, it is the oldest covered market in the city. Its name comes from a former orphanage nearby, whose children were dressed in red.

What should you eat at Marché des Enfants-Rouges?

The market mixes produce stalls, florists and, above all, counters where you sit elbow to elbow: food from around the world, from Moroccan to Japanese, depending on the stalls of the moment. Walk round first, then choose and sit at the shared tables. At weekends, arrive before 12.30 pm: seats go fast.

When should you go?

The market is open Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays; on Sundays it closes earlier, in the early afternoon. Exact daily hours are published on the City of Paris website. For a quiet lunch, go on a weekday.

What else is nearby?

Stroll up rue de Bretagne, then head down to the historic Marais and Place des Vosges: our walk is in Discover Paris. For this week's outings see This week in Paris, and for dinner near the hotel, our gourmet addresses.