Westfield Forum des Halles is a multi-level underground shopping center in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, covered by a wavy roof called La Canopée. It holds international chains such as Zara, H&M, Mango, Muji and Nike, plus a cinema, a food court and restaurants. It sits directly on the Châtelet-Les Halles metro and RER station, and the Louvre is about a half mile away on foot. Come for a wide choice of mid-market fashion in one place, then use the park above and the streets around it for a quieter break.
From the market of Paris to an underground mall
The land under the Forum des Halles was the main marketplace of Paris for centuries. A central meat and vegetable market stood here from the medieval period, and Emile Zola once called the area the belly of Paris.
The market was demolished, and in the 1970s the site became an underground shopping center. The building was a labyrinth of passages from the start, built below street level around what was already one of the busiest transport points in the city.
La Canopée and the 2016 makeover
In 2016 a large wavy roof, known as La Canopée, was added over the complex. The renovation gave the mall a new look under a curved glass ceiling, and the shopping levels still step down below ground.
The refresh changed how people use the place. It is now somewhere to spend time as well as shop, and it draws a very large number of visitors, with nearly 40 million a year counted for the center, which makes it one of the most visited shopping centers in France.
Shops, food and entertainment
The shop mix leans toward casual fashion and sportswear, aimed at a young clientele. Along with Zara, H&M, Mango, Nike, GAP, Pull&Bear and Pimkie you will find Muji, Superdry, Desigual, Aldo, Swatch and Rituals. Celio is one of the French names in the lineup.
For food there is a food court, and restaurants that range from Italian cooking and Japanese concepts to familiar chains such as McDonald's and KFC. The mall also has a cinema, arcade games and a grocery store. A help desk and restrooms are on site, and the building has changing tables.
Payment by debit card, credit card and mobile NFC is available in the stores.
Getting there and getting around
Châtelet-Les Halles is among the biggest and busiest metro stations in Paris, and the mall is built into it. Metro and RER lines meet here, and the station can be reached on Line 11. The Louvre is about a half mile from the mall, and the Centre Pompidou is close by.
The mall has an accessible entrance, a lift, an accessible restroom and accessible parking. There is a paid car park and paid street parking, but with the heavy traffic in the area, the metro or RER is the easier way in.
What is around the Forum
Two of the longest shopping streets in Paris, Rue de Rivoli and Rue de Montorgueil, are near the mall. Rue Saint-Denis and Rue Étienne-Marcel are quieter, with independent fashion and thrift stores.
The Forum des Images is part of the complex. It runs creative programs for teenagers aged 12 to 18, including gaming, coding, design, music, cinema and digital arts.
FAQ
Where is Westfield Forum des Halles?
It is at 101 Porte Berger, in the 1st arrondissement of Paris. It is built into the Châtelet-Les Halles metro and RER station.
Is Forum des Halles open on Sundays?
Yes, it is open seven days a week. Sunday closing is slightly earlier than on other days, so check the opening hours on the page.
Can you park at Forum des Halles?
There is a paid car park and paid street parking. Traffic around the mall is heavy and parking is expensive, so most visitors come by metro or RER.
How long do you need at Forum des Halles?
Plan on one to three hours for shopping and a meal. You can spend longer if you add the cinema or the park above the mall.
Is Forum des Halles wheelchair accessible?
Yes. It has a wheelchair accessible entrance, an accessible lift, an accessible restroom and accessible parking.
