After Île de la Cité, the Châtelet-Les Halles district, dating back to the 12th century, is the oldest in Paris. In the past, it was even surrounded by wooden fortifications! It was Napoleon III who had the first Forum des Halles built by the architect Baltard in 1850. Strolling around the surrounding streets, you can guess the professions formerly practiced in the area from the street names: Rue du Lard, Rue de la Poterie, Rue de la Ferronnerie, Rue de la Grande Truanderie, Rue de la Lingerie, Rue des Déchargeurs, etc.