Contactez-nous

+33 6 35 36 45 58
Prévoir une visite

Enfants Rouges market fire (Paris 3rd): what we know

Valeur Immo Paris > Blog > Neighborhoods > Enfants Rouges market fire (Paris 3rd): what we know

Enfants Rouges market fire (Paris 3rd): what we know

By Nicolas Borge, founder of Valeur Immo Paris · Article updated as news develops · Last updated: 13 October 2026

In the night from Sunday 11 to Monday 12 October 2026, a fire destroyed the Marché des Enfants Rouges, at 39 rue de Bretagne, in the Haut-Marais. It is the oldest covered food market in Paris. For many residents, it is as much a part of the neighbourhood as Place des Vosges. This article takes stock of what is known, and we will update it as information comes in.

What we know as of 13 October 2026

  • The fire broke out during the night, around 3 a.m. according to several media outlets, and was brought under control in about two hours. Around 150 firefighters and some fifty vehicles were deployed. Access was only possible on foot.
  • The damage: about 1,000 m² of the market hall were destroyed, and all the stalls burned. Neighbouring buildings were slightly affected, but secured.
  • Casualties: no victims were reported. One firefighter was slightly affected by smoke.
  • The traders: 17 businesses are affected, according to Ariel Weil, mayor of Paris Centre.
  • The cause is unknown at this stage. According to one media outlet, the Paris public prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation, which we have not been able to confirm with an official source.
  • The market remains closed until further notice.

What the authorities have announced

  • Emmanuel Grégoire, mayor of Paris, said the City would work on a temporary relocation of the traders to another site, so they can resume trading as soon as possible. No location or timetable has been announced so far.
  • Ariel Weil promised to rebuild the market. No deadline was given.
  • Serge Papin, minister in charge of SMEs and Tourism, said on X that the State would stand alongside the City of Paris to help with the reconstruction.

A place steeped in history

The market was founded in the 17th century (1615 according to AFP) and listed as a historic monument in 1982. Its name comes from the former Enfants-Rouges hospice, where orphans were dressed in red, the colour of charity. Founding dates vary depending on the source.

What about the neighbourhood?

The market sits on the edge of the Haut-Marais, an area we follow closely (see our pages Haut-Marais and selling an apartment in the Marais, and our price barometer, in French). It is too early to measure any effect on neighbourhood life or on prices. Sales show up in the DVF database with a lag of several months, and we have no data on the subject. We will avoid any hasty conclusion and take stock when the facts allow.

Frequently asked questions about the Enfants Rouges market fire

What happened at the Marché des Enfants Rouges?

A fire broke out in the night of 11 to 12 October 2026 and destroyed the market hall, about 1,000 m². There are no serious casualties: one firefighter was slightly affected by smoke.

Where is the Marché des Enfants Rouges?

At 39 rue de Bretagne, in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris, on the edge of the Haut-Marais.

When will the market reopen?

No date has been announced. The market is closed until further notice. The City mentions a temporary relocation of the traders to another site and a reconstruction, with no location or deadline so far.

How many traders are affected?

17 businesses are affected, according to Ariel Weil, mayor of Paris Centre.

What caused the fire?

It is unknown at this stage.

Update log

  • 13 October 2026: first version, based on information published on 12 and 13 October.

Sources (in French)