In 1137, the former marshland in the suburbs of Paris became the Champeaux market by order of King Louis VI. This market has grown continuously and has become the largest market in the city. In 1854, the architect Victor Baltar designed new buildings for indoor markets made of metal and glass (Les Halles). Emil Zola called the market "the womb of Paris." Until the 1960s, life in the quarter was in full swing, without stopping day or night. But due to sanitary and transport problems, the buildings of markets were demolished in 1972. The empty place was dedicated to a large city park, but President Georges Pompidou opposed this project. He feared that thousands of hippies would settle in central park. The mayor of Paris, Jacques Chirac, and the future President completed the project. Today the place is a park with alleys and playgrounds, as well as an underground commercial center “Forum de Al” (Le Forum des Halles) of four levels, a pool with a tropical greenhouse, cinemas, a children's library, and a music conservatory school. On the lower level beneath the Forum, there is the RER Châtelet - Les Halles railway station - the largest underground station in the world.
This amazing walk through the city streets will show us the way Parisians see Paris. Luxurious passages that were once considered luxury boutiques gave way to the Champs Elysees, but retained the charm. The city of the time of the King of the Sun - Louis the fourteenth will show us the famous Bursa and feed us with the most unusual street food. The era of magnificent baroque will end on Victory Square with a monument similar to the Bronze Horseman and a modern film about the small victories of boys and men. Moving to another part of the city through the most famous culinary store and elegant music school will show you the way Parisians love Paris. We will find ourselves in the Paris quarter Les Halles and we will understand why Emil Zola called this part of the city the Womb of Paris. Next, we will find a completely stunning center of Pompidou and the Stravinsky Fountain, which are likely to cause a lot of controversy in relation to contemporary art. Well, in conclusion, we look at the most pleasant interior design store and end our journey in the Jewish quarter of Marais. Paris, as Parisians see it.
