Les Halles
Les Halles is the French name for a historic central market district and neighborhood in Paris.
The phrase is used to refer to the specific historic market district in Paris as well as the major transit hub located in that area.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, les halles translates to 'the halls', referring to the large market structures.
Did you know?
- The term les halles is central to the identity of the 'halleur', a specific type of Parisian market worker known for a loud and colorful way of speaking.
- The historic iron-and-glass pavilions were designed by Victor Baltard, whose architecture became so iconic that they were nicknamed 'Baltard's temples'.
- Émile Zola's novel 'Le Ventre de Paris' focuses on les halles, using the market as a metaphor for the greed and consumption of the whole city.
Examples in context
- On se retrouve aux Halles pour prendre un café?Shall we meet at Les Halles for a coffee?
- Les Halles est un quartier très animé.Les Halles is a very lively neighborhood.
