Located in the very north of the Marais arrondissement, Marche Enfants des Rouges isn't only the oldest covered market in Paris (built under the rule of Louis XIII around 1615), bus one of the most colorful, too. First of all, it has an unusual name literally meaning the Market of the Red Children. It's been discovered that it comes from a nearby 17th century orphanage where children had red uniforms. Secondly, due to its remote location, it is difficult to coma across it just by chance, and therefore it is still one of the less touristy markets in Paris. There is a smallish iron gate leading into it and usually a bicycle or two resting against it. Typically to most markets, its main area is covered, but the nearby courtyard houses several eateries much loved by locals. They feature an eclectic mixture of styles - plastic, wooden and Moroccan style tables and chairs with no two items being exactly the same. But then again - it only adds to the charm of this place. Moreover, you can get yummy food at bargain prices! No wonder that during lunch hours it's packed full and you can hardly make your way through it. The market itself offers a very international produce - from fresh goodies from French countryside to Moroccan tagines, freshly baked bread and much more. The whole place exudes such a diversity of aromas that one feels full from a walk alone there, without even tasting anything.
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