Oldest covered food market in Paris destroyed in fire

A devastating blaze destroyed the French capital's oldest covered food market, the Enfants Rouges, in the early hours of Monday. The market, named after a 16th-century orphanage, was a cherished venue popular with locals and tourists alike.

Traders and residents said the destruction of the market had left them feeling 'orphaned' themselves. The market was founded in 1615 during the reign of Louis XIII and was the oldest covered market still in operation in Paris.

The Enfants Rouges was a buzzing hub for locals and tourists, offering fresh produce and specialties from around the world. It was ranked fifth worldwide for street food this year by the industry magazine Food & Wine.

The fire tore through the iconic covered market overnight, gutting its iron and glass roof and torching all 17 food stalls. Video footage on social media showed huge flames and billowing smoke rising above the venue.

Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire said the market had been 'completely destroyed'. He thanked firefighters who battled the blaze for over two hours for ensuring that it did not spread to surrounding buildings in the densely populated area.

There were no casualties aside from a firefighter who suffered 'minor injuries', Grégoire told reporters. The market's destruction has left shopkeepers feeling 'orphaned' and has raised concerns about the livelihoods of the traders who operated there.

The Enfants Rouges was a beloved institution in Paris, and its destruction has been met with sadness and shock. The market's history and significance make its loss all the more poignant.