Historic tour and discovery district Beaubourg Les Halles in Paris

Historical Exploration of Beaubourg and Les Halles in Paris

Located in the heart of Paris, Les Halles is a significant complex on Boulevard de Sébastopol, in the 1st arrondissement. Originally a wholesale market for fresh food products, Les Halles was transformed in the 1970s into a space comprising a garden of more than four hectares, the Jardin des Halles, a large underground shopping center, the Forum des Halles, and various leisure spaces including about twenty cinema rooms and a swimming pool. Beneath this complex lies the RER station Châtelet-Les Halles, considered the largest underground station in the world, serving all areas of the Île-de-France region.

The history of Les Halles de Paris dates back to the 12th century. In 1137, King Louis VI moved two markets to a place named Les Champeaux, located in the center of Paris, and ordered the construction of a large hall. In 1183, Philippe Auguste enriched the site by acquiring the Saint-Lazare fair and transferring it to the site of the central market. After acquiring land from the bishopric of Paris, the market expanded to textiles, footwear, and haberdashery items. Philippe Auguste undertook the construction of the first halls for weavers and drapers, and in the 13th century, Saint Louis added three new halls.

In the 16th century, François I ordered a major reconstruction of Les Halles, putting vacant plots up for sale by decree on September 20, 1543, and requiring buyers to replace existing structures with houses and manors. Covered arcaded galleries were erected, centered around a market for essential goods, known as the pillars of Les Halles, which were later demolished for the construction of the Baltard pavilions. In 1763, Nicolas Le Camus de Mézières built the grain hall, and between 1780 and 1789, the space of Les Halles was doubled by transforming the Cemetery of the Innocents into a market for flowers, vegetables, and fruits.

Reorganization of district Beaubourg Les Halles in Paris

At the beginning of the 19th century, a reorganization of Paris’s covered markets was initiated by Napoleon I, who envisioned the creation of a central market located between the grain hall and the Innocents’ market. Due to hygiene and traffic problems caused by the development of Les Halles, an architectural competition was launched in 1848. Victor Baltard won this competition with his innovative project of twelve pavilions separated by an open-air central street. The works led to the completion of ten pavilions in 1870, and the last two were finished in 1936.

A major change occurred in 1969 when the Les Halles market was moved to Rungis and La Villette, marking the end of an era for the historical center of Paris. In 1971, the demolition of six pavilions east of Baltard Street made way for the construction of a shopping center and the RER station. The Jardin des Halles was then inaugurated in 1974, on the site of the former international trade center.

In 2004, the Paris City Hall launched a major project for the complete renovation of the Les Halles district. This ambitious redevelopment project included the modernization of existing infrastructures and the enhancement of public space. Work began in 2010 and resulted in the significant transformation of the site, notably with the creation of the Canopée des Halles, a new cultural and commercial space inaugurated in 2016, becoming a new architectural landmark and a nerve center for residents and visitors of Paris.

Shuttle from Beaubourg and Les Halles in Paris to Parisian Airports

Located centrally, Beaubourg and Les Halles are 20 km from Orly Airport and 28.2 km from Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport. Utilize our private shuttle service for a seamless transfer. Despite the availability of taxis and public transport like the RER and metro, their challenges during busy hours and with heavy luggage make our direct shuttle service a more relaxed and efficient alternative. Our service ensures you avoid the higher costs and complexities of public transport, providing a smooth start to your visit. Choose our luxury car option for the utmost comfort and convenience, making your arrival in Paris as stress-free as possible.