Carreau du Temple, a former covered market
The Carreau du Temple is next to the Square du Temple, in the Quartier du Temple. This district of the historic Marais was developed on the site of the Enclos du Temple, the former fortified monastery of the Knights Templar.
The covered market, known as the Carreau du Temple, was built in 1811 on the site of the monastery’s keep. In 1863, the architect Jules Merindhol replaced the original market halls with the current iron, brick, and glass structure.
In 1904, the Carreau du Temple was chosen to host the first Foire de Paris (fair). After the Second World War, the market was converted into a secondhand clothing market, which at its peak, between the 1950s and 1970s, hosted approximately 1,000 vendors.
However, the market experienced a significant decline in the 1980s, with fewer than 400 vendors remaining at that time.
At one point, there were plans to demolish this magnificent building to make way for a parking lot. However, in 1982, the residents’ association mobilised and succeeded in having the building listed as a historical monument, thus saving it from demolition.
In 2001, the City of Paris launched a competition to select the best architectural project for its renovation and redevelopment. After reviewing 133 proposals, the Studio Milou project was chosen in 2007.
Carreau du Temple, a cultural venue
The metal structure was completely restored to its former glory. The Carreau du Temple reopened in 2003 as a multi-purpose cultural and exhibition centre, capable of accommodating up to 2,800 visitors simultaneously. The ground floor includes a 250-seat auditorium and 1,800 m² of modular spaces for various events. Upstairs, spaces are dedicated to trade and fashion shows, as well as corporate events. In the basement, visitors can enjoy a wide range of sports and cultural facilities, including a recording studio.
Directions: 3rd district – Rue Eugène Spuller
Metro: Temple on Line 3
Coordinates: Lat 48.864304 – Long 2.361835
