Ever wonder where Parisians truly shop? Here at Marché de La Chapelle you find a vibrant slice of Parisian life. Also known as Marché de l’Olive this covered market teems with history and delicious goods.
The Marché de La Chapelle stands in the 18th arrondissement. It is a testament to Parisian market culture. Imagine this area centuries ago. The Lendit fair stretched from Saint-Denis to La Chapelle. This medieval fair gave its name to “la Mercade”. The name “la Mercade” comes from the Latin “marcadus”. It also indirectly named Rue Marcadet.
In the 19th century this area was very different. The market was bordered by several streets. These streets included Rue du Bon-Puits. Today it is known as Rue de Torcy. It extended to the corner of the Église Saint-Denys de la Chapelle. The southern boundary was Route de la Tournelle. Today that is Rue Riquet. Rue des Vertus or Rue Pajol marked the west. The east was defined by Route Nationale. Now this is Rue de la Chapelle.
Before the French Revolution a man named Chéradame moved a market here. It was originally in the plain of Sablons. This became known as the “marché aux vaches grasses de la Chapelle”. By 1811 it was one of only four authorized markets in Paris.
Later in 1821 regulations formalized the market. A market for “vaches laitières et aux vaches grasses” was allowed every Tuesday. It was held at Maison Jamet. There was also a “marché aux porcs vivants”. This took place every Thursday on the main square.
By 1837 it was commonly called “marché de la Chapelle Saint-Denis”. It specialized in cows calves and bulls. A straw and fodder market appeared when the main market was closed.
The Marché de La Chapelle faded in importance. The Villette livestock market outcompeted it. In 1860 La Chapelle was annexed to Paris. The market disappeared as predicted. Streets like Rue du Canada replaced it.
Despite requests to reopen it in 1880 it remained closed. However in 1858 food merchants moved under a hall here. These merchants had been displaced from Rue Doudeauville.
Between 1883 and 1885 Auguste-Joseph Magne built the covered building we see today. Following World War I it became a food market. The Marché de La Chapelle has been renovated twice since World War II. These renovations occurred in 1958 and 2010.
The market runs north-south. Rue de Torcy borders it to the north. Rue de la Martinique is to the east. Rue de la Guadeloupe is to the south. Rue de l’Olive is on the west. The 1958 restoration respected the Baltard style. The Marché de La Chapelle has been a registered historical monument since 1982.
The 2010 renovations strengthened the structure. They replaced roof and facade panels. The interior was redesigned to be welcoming and attractive. All entrances were glazed.
Today twenty businesses thrive here at Marché de La Chapelle. You can find an African caterer and a traditional grocery store. There is also a florist and several butchers. The market also offers cheese and Moroccan food. You can buy Italian products too. There are grocers selling Portuguese and organic goods. You can also find tea rooms and fishmongers.
The Marché de La Chapelle embodies Parisian market culture. It provides essential neighborhood service. It is open Tuesday to Sunday. The Marché de La Chapelle is more than just a market. It’s a community hub. It’s a place where history and daily life blend seamlessly. Take a moment to savor the atmosphere. Imagine the centuries of commerce. Enjoy the tastes and smells of this authentic Parisian gem.