Macron’s presidency began with a fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Many devout French people saw it as a grim omen. Now, near the end of his term, another landmark has been hit by fire.
The Marché des Enfants Rouges, the city’s oldest covered food market, founded in 1615, has been almost completely destroyed by fire.
Around 150 firefighters and 50 pieces of equipment were deployed to tackle the blaze at the historic building in central Paris.
“The fire has been brought under control, but the market has been completely destroyed,” said Ariel Weil, mayor of central Paris. According to him, firefighters managed to stop the flames from spreading to nearby buildings.
The Marché des Enfants Rouges was founded in 1615, during the reign of Louis XIII. It was considered the oldest continuously operating covered food market in Paris. Both local residents and tourists were regular visitors.
In the 1990s, the market nearly faced demolition to make way for a car park. It is listed as a historic monument, and local residents managed to save it at the time. Yesterday, the market burned down. Our times have proved merciless toward France’s cultural heritage.
