Les Halles

LesHalles,
originally uploaded by cvraman.

Of a rare architectural harmony, this fashionable area is bordered by private mansions dating from the 16th to the 18th century, quaint passages and medieval streets. Once a marsh filled area, many monks and knights moved here after the 13th century, but it was only at the beginning of the 17th century that it became a centre of elegance and festivities.
Now it is an area composed of beautiful private mansions, now museums or libraries, and elegant buildings set around paved courtyards.
Chatelet and Les Halles are full of life day and night. The square and nearby Place du Chatelet are bordered by cafes, nightclubs and restaurants. The glass-domed Forum des Halles houses a good selection of shops.
The Pompidou Center is famed for its architectural design. To the East lies the busy Place de la Republique which remains lively both day and night, with a good variety of brasseries and restaurants. The narrow rue des Francs-Bourgeois is ideal for window-shopping. There is a wonderful array of home interior shops, designer boutiques and galleries standing alongside elegant Renaissance-style houses.