A Gastronomic Tour of Rungis

Judging by the seedy state of Les Halles today, it’s easy to forget that what is now an underground mall was once Paris’ central market. As the city modernized and expanded throughout the 20th century, Les Halles struggled to handle the growing traffic and the market was moved to the town of Rungis outside of the city in 1969.

Today, Rungis remains the largest wholesale food market in the world. Located just seven kilometers outside Paris near the Orly Airport, Rungis spans 232 hectares and employs 12,000 workers through the 1,200 wholesalers, producers, and companies that do business on its property. A mind-boggling 1.5 million tons of food products pass through Rungis every year.

It’s difficult to comprehend the sheer volume of business being done without a visit. While the commute is easy from Paris along the RER or A6 and A86, it will likely require some serious caffeine to get there at its busiest hours, between 1 and 7am, when the wholesale markets are in full swing.

Rungis serves as the marketplace for France’s breadbasket, but also as a major trade hub for the rest of Europe with an ideal location for easy transportation. There is an emphasis on fresh seasonal produce, but it also imports food products that can’t be found in France.

Whether it’s the asparagus from Montreuil or the Pata Negra from Spain, chances are last night’s dinner stopped by Rungis on the way from the farm to your table. A trip to its markets should be a priority for any visitor or Parisian hoping to understand where their food comes from.

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by Trafton Kenney
Gloobbi Travel

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