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A marketplace was first established on the Right Bank of the Seine in a place then called Les Champeaux.

A larger market for meat, fruit and vegetables was at this time known to exist in the part of Paris which is now Les Halles.

The market is enlarged by King Philippe Auguste, who built shelters for the market traders near St-Eustache church. This date is generally accepted as the founding of Les Halles as the city’s market.

Twelve huge iron structures are built to house the market. Napoleon III declares that Les Halles is essential to Paris life.

Work begins on a modern wholesale market south of Paris, at Rungis.

The market is closed and moved to Rungis, partly to ease the traffic congestion that was by now too much for the centre of the city.

The old buildings are demolished and digging begins, to create for a time what is known as the trou des Halles (the hole of Les Halles).

As well as the shopping development, gardens are created and nearby buildings can be seen properly for the first time, including the church of St-Eustache.

The Forum des Halles opens and ensures that the area remains as busy as ever, although the goods for sale (high fashion, CDs, fast food) have changed considerably since the market’s early days.

Second phase of the Forum des Halles opens, creating the biggest collection of shops under one roof in Paris, though many will always lament the passing of the original market.