Secrets of the Marais District in Paris
The Marais district is one of the trendiest areas in Paris today. Stepping into this neighborhood feels like traveling back in time between the 16th and 18th centuries. With its royal squares, narrow streets, beautiful mansions, and estates, the Marais offers a charming glimpse of historical Paris. It’s also home to numerous small restaurants and bistros serving incredible coffee. In essence, the Marais is the heart of the city, a place that all Parisians flock to.
Romantic, festive, and fashionable, the Marais entices visitors with its cobbled streets, historic sites, and quaint shops. Located in the center of Paris, this former marshland—hence its name—has become a favorite spot for both locals and tourists. It’s a great place to relax and shop even on Sundays when most of Paris’s shops are closed! The Marais is truly a multifaceted and fascinating historic district.
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Architectural Gems of the Marais
Situated in the heart of Paris, the Marais owes its charm to its rich architecture and history.
Many private mansions built in the 16th-18th centuries, recognizable by their white stone and large carriage entrances, are emblematic of the district. Some of these buildings are even classified as historical monuments! Notable examples include the Hôtel de Soubise, Hôtel de Ville, and Hôtel de Salé, the latter housing the renowned Picasso Museum today.
The nearby City Hall (Hôtel de Ville) is a must-see for its grand architecture and hosts numerous events throughout the year. A short distance away, the romantic Place des Vosges, built during the Renaissance, is the oldest square in Paris. This charming green space surrounded by brick buildings has been home to many notable figures such as Victor Hugo, Madame de Sévigné, and Colette. Finally, the baroque Church of Saint-Louis-en-l’Île with its beautiful stained glass windows and a painting by Eugène Delacroix is another treasure of the Marais to explore.
On Rue François-Miron, you’ll find two timber-framed buildings often identified as the oldest houses in Paris, dating back to the 16th century. The oldest house in Paris is considered to be the house of Nicolas Flamel, built in 1407, also located in the Marais on Rue de Montmorency.
This charming, sometimes village-like district is often referred to as the Lower Marais, where you can truly immerse yourself in the heart of Parisian history!
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Art and the Marais
Whether you love contemporary art, 18th-century romanticism and classicism, or are keen to uncover Paris’s historical secrets, the museums in the Marais will meet all your artistic needs.
The striking Centre Pompidou, known for its monumental structure and original architecture with colorful pipes, houses the largest French collection of contemporary art. Take the opportunity to visit this place not only for the art but also for one of the most beautiful views of Paris!
The Musée Cognacq-Jay immerses visitors in an Enlightenment-era Parisian mansion with its art, sculptures, stamped furniture, and precious objects. On a parallel street, the Musée Carnavalet offers a journey through French Revolution memories and overall the history of Paris. At Victor Hugo’s House, curious visitors can admire the preserved apartments of the author of “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.” The Musée d’Art et d’Histoire du Judaïsme on Rue du Temple, located in the Hôtel de Saint-Aignan, is another interesting museum, as is the Picasso Museum, which features an extensive collection of the Spanish artist’s works alongside temporary exhibitions.
Art lovers or collectors of all styles can spend time in the numerous art galleries in the area, such as Galerie Perrotin, Thaddaeus Ropac, Daniel Templon, Karsten Greve, and Eric Dupont.
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Shopping in the Marais
For fashion enthusiasts, the Marais is undoubtedly one of the best shopping districts in Paris!
The BHV MARAIS department store, with its panoramic views of the Hôtel de Ville, is an iconic Parisian shopping landmark. Built in 1856, this department store is located in the heart of the historic district. It features displays of major clothing brands, home and design items, and food areas.
Around the Marais and on many of its streets, you’ll find a wide variety of shops. On Rue Vieille-du-Temple, Du Temple, and Rue Charlot, major brands like Uniqlo, COS, The Kooples, and Scotch & Soda are represented. For vintage lovers, the Marais is also a paradise for fashion enthusiasts!
Various concept stores have also settled in the Marais, such as Moustache for pets and their owners, Bring France Home for souvenirs made in France, and Fashion Front with its eco-friendly products.
You can also find luxury brands in the Marais, such as Karl Lagerfeld, Gucci, and John Galliano. Without a doubt, there is something for every budget in this district!
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Gourmet Delights in the Marais
At any time of the day, the Marais will satisfy all your gourmet desires!
For lunch or dinner, restaurants like Glou, l’Art de la Truffe, or Robert and Louise offer French cuisine with modern twists. Le Bel Canto, by the Seine, invites guests to a journey between opera melodies and gastronomy. The Marais also has several gourmet restaurants like L’Ambroisie on Place des Vosges, and classic Parisian brasseries like Bofinger, Petit Bofinger, Le Comptoir des Archives, and Les Philosophes. For quick bites or if you’re on the go, street food options include crêpes, noodles, and bagels! To taste the best falafel in Paris, head to one of the shops on Rue des Rosiers, like As du Fallafel, where small chickpea balls perfectly blend with fried eggplant, cheese, and other vegetables under delicious sauces. A true delight for the taste buds!
The Marais is also a dream district for sweet-toothed individuals. Bakeries with their delicacies and patisseries occupy a good portion of the streets. Renowned pastry chefs such as Yann Couvreur, Pierre Hermé, and Christophe Michalak have opened their shops in the Marais. For those craving sweets from other countries, Rue des Rosiers offers a variety of pastries like strudel, baklava, and even cheesecake.
When temperatures rise, passersby stop at ice cream parlors! Among the most popular in the area are Pozzetto, Amorino, and Grom. Treat yourself!
Relaxing in the Marais
Listen to jazz at 38’Rivoli, enjoy coffee on the roof of the Picasso Museum, have falafel on Rue des Rosiers, or take in the view at Perchoir. The Marais is a district where you can unwind after work or enjoy gatherings with friends!
As for bars, La Perle, Candelaria, and Le Progrès offer trendy and lively evenings! Many terraces in the district are favorites among Parisians and are immensely popular on sunny days. And honestly, even on non-sunny days, the terraces of the Marais are quite bustling. The area is also filled with dance bars and karaoke spots. In short, depending on your mood and choice, there’s entertainment for every taste!
During major Parisian events, whether it’s the Fête de la Musique or Nuit des Musées, the Marais often hosts cool and atmospheric parties.
LGBT and the Marais
Since the 1980s, the LGBT community has settled in the Marais. The district features bars, clubs, restaurants, and bookstores catering to the community. Today, it remains a vibrant part of the Marais, especially on Rue des Archives, Rue du Temple, Rue de la Verrerie, and Rue du Lombard.
Open Café or COX is perfect for an aperitif, while Raidd, Tango (The Chill Box), and the legendary Le Dépôt are ideal for a musical and dance-filled evening. Bar Bar’ouf is mostly reserved for women.
