The Halles

Les Halles, located in the heart of Paris, is a neighborhood that embodies the vibrant commercial history of the city, evolving from a central market to a modern shopping and cultural center. Its roots date back to the Middle Ages, when it was founded as the main food market in Paris, a lively hub of commercial and social activity that fueled the French capital for centuries. The Les Halles market was born in the 12th century, under the reign of Louis VI, who moved the market from the Île de la Cité district to a more spacious and strategic area. Over time, Les Halles became the focal point of the Parisian economy, attracting merchants, farmers, and customers from all over France. In the 19th century, the market underwent a significant transformation with the construction of cast iron and glass pavilions designed by Victor Baltard, an iconic example of industrial architecture that gave the market a sense of modernity and innovation. These pavilions, known as “the belly of Paris,” became symbols of the city and were immortalized in literature and art, such as in the famous novel “The Belly of Paris” by Émile Zola. Les Halles was not just a place of commercial exchange, but also a crossroads of cultures and social classes, a microcosm of Parisian life where stories of luxury and poverty, work and leisure intertwined. However, over the years, Les Halles began to show signs of decay. In 1969, the central market was moved to Rungis, on the outskirts of Paris, to meet the needs of a modern and more efficient food market. The decision to demolish the Baltard pavilions sparked controversy and nostalgia, marking the end of an era. The site of Les Halles was then transformed into a vast underground commercial and cultural complex, known as the Forum des Halles. Inaugurated in 1979, the Forum des Halles quickly became a meeting place for Parisians, with shops, cinemas, restaurants, and spaces for cultural events. However, the architecture and design of the Forum were not universally welcomed, with criticisms highlighting the lack of natural light and an unwelcoming atmosphere. In 2010, the complex underwent a major renovation project, which radically transformed the area. The new design, called “La Canopée,” is characterized by a wavy structure of glass and steel covering the Forum des Halles, allowing natural light to penetrate the underground spaces and creating a brighter and more pleasant environment. This architectural intervention brought Les Halles back to life, making it a modern and dynamic landmark in the heart of Paris. Today, Les Halles is a place where history and modernity meet in a fascinating balance. The neighborhood is home to a wide range of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, attracting millions of visitors each year. Among the main attractions is the nearby Centre Pompidou, a center of modern and contemporary art that is one of the main cultural hubs of Paris. The nearby church of Saint-Eustache, with its magnificent Gothic and Renaissance architecture, is also a point of interest for those visiting Les Halles. Les Halles is also an important transportation hub, thanks to the Châtelet-Les Halles station, one of the largest and busiest interchange nodes in the Parisian metro and railway network. This makes the neighborhood easily accessible from all parts of the city and helps to keep alive its tradition as a place of meeting and exchange.