Brief reminder of Part 1 (without mistake ) : It was in the 5th century that the first sketches of a Parisian market were drawn in the Île de la Cité, then moved to the Place de Grčve. In 1854, the architect BALTARD ' s project presented 12 pavilions clad in a metal framework and large glass walls. The buildings were interconnected by covered walkways. They were installed in 1869. With the ever-increasing volume of traffic, these covered market halls were becoming congested and even unhealthy. In 1959, the town of Rungis was chosen as the site for the future International Market. After 5 years of work, the move was scheduled to take place between 27 February and the reopenning on 3 March 1969. This was the ' biggest move of the century ' . As soon as each of the markets closed, the wholesaler were organised to move. Florists were the first to move to Rungis. To salute this first departure, a brass band set up on the church forcourt played military marches and the latest hits. Many people danced or pranced around the pyramides of vegetable crates, to dispel the heavy atmosphere of nostalgia. Forty-eight removal companies were involved because everything had to be reinstalled for the inauguration of Rungis on 3 and 4 March 1969. This grandiose operation involved 30000, people, 1000, companies, 5000, tonnes of goods and 1500, lorries. The army was requisitioned to oversee this huge project, which disruted all Parisian traffic for a few days. A real city within a city is taking shape. On the opening day, more than 30 bars, tobaconists and brasseries, 5 petrol stations, a SNCF railway station, a medical and social centre, a police station and even a hairdresser ' s salon stood in the market. After this transfer, everyone quickly resumed their activities in a universe that seem grandiose. Rungis Market now ofers the widest range of fresh produce in the world in a single space. It guaranties professionals unrivalled quality and expertise. Veterinary services oversee the market, carrying out checks on food hygiene, traceability and complaince with regulations. It has become the largest market in the world. |