Le Marais is an area of Paris located astride the 3rd and the 4th arrondissement of Paris. It is one the most popular district of Paris with a mix of culture, history, fashion and arts.
A stroll through several centuries of History and Arts
Le Marais was formerly a marsh area inhabited as early as the 12th century by religious orders, among which the most famous was the Templar Order. In the 17th century, with the construction of the Place des Vosges, formerly called Place Royale, the Marais became the home of the Parisian Aristocracy. A century later, this area started to be abandoned in favour of the Faubourg St Germain and Faubourg St Honoré areas. The French Revolution definitely banned the rich landlords and transformed Le Marais into a craftmen’s area.
Nowadays Le Marais is the last area that really kept the identity it had before Haussmann’s great public works. It kept its small streets, its architectural character and private mansions which give this area its special charm. Strolling in Le Marais is a pure moment of architectural contemplation. The Hotel de Sully for example, is one of the most beautiful buildings of Paris and was ordered directly by the king Henri IV in the 16th century.
Numerous museums are present in the area, the most famous one being the Carnavalet museum, an art gallery which focuses on Parisian history from the French Revolution until today. Another popular museum is the Picasso museum, dedicated the work and personal collection of the famous Spanish artist in the beautiful Hotel Salé.
The house of Victor Hugo located Place des Vosges, is also to be seen if you are a fan of the French writer of Les Miserables. The house-museum dedicated to Victor Hugo’s life was formerly his private apartment between 1832 and 1848. It shows personal aspects of his life like his relationships with the 2 women Adèle Foucher and Juliette Drouet.
The “Place des Vosges” is by the way one of the most beautiful square of Paris and the oldest one. And to seize the day in a luxurious and discrete way, spend a night at the “Pavillon de la Reine” another 16th century private mansion now transformed into a refined Spa hotel.
Meet the new Paris designers
Le Marais has become a stronghold in the fashion world. Many of the new talented fashion designers have taken up residence in this trendy area of Paris. Famous fashion brands can be found like “Vanessa Bruno” and her iconic bag, or “Merci” the concept store on Boulevard Beaumarchais selling clothes known by celebrities, also a place to soak up the local Parisian atmosphere with friends, drinking a cup of coffee at the cosy café.
Another distinctive feature of Le Marais is its artistic side. Various famous art galleries are located in the area. Daniel Templon, a French gallery owner and art seller has one of the most famous modern art gallery of France located 30, rue Beaubourg, in the heart of the Marais. Another major player of the contemporary art market in France, Yvon Lambert, has a gallery in the Marais, 108 rue Vieille du Temple.
Do not eat, relish
Another important point about Le Marais is Gastronomy. Whether it is for fine cuisine, a tea room or an unusual foodie experience, the place has something to satisfy your needs. L’Ambroisie for instance, a 3 Michelin stars restaurant located on the “Place des Vosges”, or the tea house “Mariages Frères” located rue du Bourg Tibourg with a hidden tea museum at the first floor are the kind of places to experience . La “Maison Plisson”, a French gastronomical delicatessen located boulevard Beaumarchais, welcome you with a variety of high quality products. The “Marché des Enfants Rouges” is also a must do place in the Marais. It is a covered market built in the 17th century, it offers a variety of high quality French products that will delight you. And just close to it, one of the best cheese shop of Paris can welcome you for special wine and cheese tasting presented by a cheese master in a typical 17th century Parisian cellar.
If Paris is in your travel plans, what better way to learn about the city then with a local.
Paris-Toujours is a travel planning agency based in Paris and run by a Paris specialist that creates authentic and high-end experiences of the City of Lights, including Le Marais district.
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anna
July 3, 2016 at 8:00 amI 100% agree with the whole do not eat, instead relish! The food, the sights, the vibe..that is what makes Paris so beautiful.
Carmen Edelson
July 3, 2016 at 9:29 amSome of the best food we have eaten in Paris is in Le Marais, but besides the food you can’t beat the ambience.
Laura Lynch
July 3, 2016 at 2:35 pmWell, I definitely have just found a new neighborhood to visit in Paris next time. I haven’t yet been to Le Marais. It sounds like just what you expect from a Paris neighborhood. All of those food experiences sound great. I love tea rooms, especially.
Carmen Edelson
July 3, 2016 at 4:57 pmIt’s a wonderful part of town, and definitely a must if you visit Paris.
Laura @ Sometime Traveller
July 3, 2016 at 2:39 pmI love the Marais, especially the Place des Vosges. Such great shopping too!
Carmen Edelson
July 3, 2016 at 5:04 pmMy favorite restaurant in Place des Vosges is The Place Royale. The tuna tartare is to die for.
Travelog with Jem
July 3, 2016 at 2:47 pmNext time I visit Paris, I’ll make sure I will take time to see Le Marais to get a better feel of the local life.
Carmen Edelson
July 3, 2016 at 5:06 pmYou could easily spend your entire visit to Paris in this neighborhood, there is so much to do.
Rea
July 3, 2016 at 3:18 pmI have heard so many fantastic things about Paris and still haven’t been there! Looks like Le Marais has a lot to offer. I would definitely be interested in visiting Picasso’s museum. And, of course, have a glass of a classy French wine while observing the people 🙂
Carmen Edelson
July 3, 2016 at 5:00 pmWe’ve been to Picasso’s museum in Le Marais and the artwork is incredible. He was so talented and creative. The area has a few other art galleries that are worth seeing as well.
Rebecca
July 3, 2016 at 6:48 pmPAris has so much culture and history. I would love to visit the Picasso Museum and the Victor Hugo house. The cheese shop looks like a must-do!
Carmen Edelson
July 4, 2016 at 6:57 pmThe museum houses the largest collection of Picasso’s masterpieces anywhere in the world, along with his own personal art collection.
melody pittman
July 3, 2016 at 8:31 pmYou know I have never been to Paris. The Place des Vosges looks gorgeous and a wonderful place to visit. Guess I need to get in gear and add this biggie. 😉
Carmen Edelson
July 4, 2016 at 10:16 amYou need to go to Paris. I guarantee you will have an amazing time when you do go.
John
July 3, 2016 at 11:54 pmI definitely recommend the Carnavalet Museum – very interesting and well laid out. I wasn’t aware that fashion designers had moved into the area, but it doesn’t surprise me. It is one of the classier areas of the city.
Carmen Edelson
July 4, 2016 at 10:22 amI agree the Carnavalet Museum is a must see. It’s one of my favorite museums in Paris. It boast many beautiful rooms of French history.
Mar Pages
July 4, 2016 at 12:14 amLove the red car! Paris is gorgeous. The Pavillon de la Reine sounds like a perfect place for a spa stay.
Carmen Edelson
July 4, 2016 at 7:25 pmThe Pavillon de la Reine is the perfect hotel to relax and indulge in a spa stay.
Anita Hendrieka
July 4, 2016 at 3:59 amI never knew about this sidfe of town! I will have to come here next time I’m in Paris because it looks beautiful <3 Great read!
Carmen Edelson
July 5, 2016 at 6:03 pmWe came across the area in one of our trips to Paris, and very time we go back we make sure to visit.
Elisa
July 4, 2016 at 3:48 pmNice post Carmen! It’s months since my last stroll around Le Marais, you made me want to pay a little visit to le Marché des Enfants Rouges!
Carmen Edelson
July 5, 2016 at 6:07 pmWe enjoy strolling up and down the aisles of Le Marché des Enfants Rouges and buying fresh fruit, and veggies when we are there.
Jennifer Melroy
July 4, 2016 at 3:51 pmI would love to just explore this area of town. The streets look like they have a lot of hidden secrets just waiting to be discovered.
Carmen Edelson
July 6, 2016 at 3:07 pmIt’s a area that I don’t mind getting lost in, because like you said every corner has a hidden gem to discover.
Tom
July 4, 2016 at 5:45 pmI never knew about this part of Paris! Looks like an interesting place to visit!
Carmen Edelson
July 6, 2016 at 4:41 pmI found out about it several years ago when my husband took me to a restaurant in the neighborhood. We go back every time we visit Paris.
Alex
July 4, 2016 at 6:07 pmSounds like a great neighborhood of Paris to explore. Would love to visit the Picasso Museum, the Hugo house, and try some of that delicious food.
Carmen Edelson
July 6, 2016 at 4:41 pmI’ve been to most places in the neighborhood but find a few new ones each time we visit.
Meg Jerrard
July 4, 2016 at 7:43 pmThanks for the overview Carmen – I’m starting to research about the different neighborhoods we should spend time in when in Paris and Le Marais sounds like it’s where everything is at! Would love to get to the Picasso Museum in particular 🙂
Carmen Edelson
July 6, 2016 at 4:43 pmThe Picasso museum was one of my favorite places to visit in Le Marais. Some of his personal artwork that is displayed was fascinating to see.
Lauren Meshkin @BonVoyageLauren
July 4, 2016 at 10:56 pmParis is one of my favorite cities! Thanks for the great suggestions 🙂
Carmen Edelson
July 6, 2016 at 4:44 pmIt’s one my favorite places to visit as well. My husband lived in Paris for many years, and knows all the areas quite well.
Sher
July 6, 2016 at 1:55 pmah i LOVE the marais. there are just too many cute trendy boutiques there now and it’s so charming.
Sher
www.shershegoes.com
Carmen Edelson
July 6, 2016 at 4:46 pmI’m looking forward to returning soon, and go shopping for some new clothes. 🙂