Shop At Paris’ Oldest Market: Marché des Enfants Rouges

There’s nothing more Parisian than weekends at the markets! 

One of the best things to do in Paris is a trip to an austere market where you can garner the freshest seafood at the poissonnerie, delicious cold cuts, colorful vegetables and vibrant flower stands.x

Marché des Enfants Rouges, located on 39 rue de Bretagne, is Paris’ oldest market and a must-go especially if you’re famished for a local lunch on the terrace or prepping for a picnic by La Seine.

The name means Market of the Red Children, takes after a 16th-century orphanage that existed in the same place. Red clothes for the children were symbols of donations from Christian charities. In 2000, the market was reopened after extensive renovation. Today, the wooden structure of the market is the remains from the original orphanage.

The food market includes cuisines from: Africa, Lebanon, Italy, Japan and France. After a trip to Marché des Enfants Rouges, you are also a few blocks away from chic boutiques in Le Marais. Our favorite food stall is the Moroccan cuisine where you can taste lovely coucous and savory tagine. Also, try a stack of oysters with white wine at one of the outdoor restaurants. It’s the perfect way to spend a delightful afternoon. This summer, we’re taking you inside the vintage gates for an exclusive tour of this gem.

Wendy Hung

CEO, FOUNDER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

As the founder of Jetset Times, Wendy is an avid traveler and fluent in five languages. When she's not traveling, Wendy calls Paris and Taipei home. Her favorite countries so far from her travels have been: Bhutan, Iran, and St. Bart's because they were all so different!

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