The next time you’re in Paris, Le Marais is one neighborhood you should have on your must-visit list during your trip.
What is Le Marais?
The word marais in French means swamp or wetlands (marsh.) This area was once marshy, but in the 12th century was drained and converted to farmland. Then much later in the 17th century, it became a chic neighborhood for nobility. During the 18th century, it fell from popularity but was considered an upscale neighborhood.
The Paris Jewish population picked up the slack and moved in, creating a thriving Jewish culture there. The neighborhood was known as the Pletzl (little place). Even today, you can wander the Rue Rosier and taste specialties from Jewish bakeries or marvel at jewelry from Jewish shops. And not surprisingly, you’ll also find several Kosher restaurants and a historic synagogue. The synagogue at 10 Rue Pavé bears the beautiful Art Nouveau style popular at the turn of the 19th century. Architect Hector Guimard specialized in this style and is also behind the Art Nouveau of many Paris metro station signs.
Le Marais underwent a renewal in the 1960s. Now, it’s a popular neighborhood to visit, shop, eat, and enjoy. It offers many boutiques, great restaurants, and pubs. Le Marais is home to a large gay community as well as a significant Chinese presence.
Signs of a Noble Past
In Le Marais, you can see many examples of its noble past in the fine manor homes called “hôtel particulier”, or private mansion. Most of these were transformed into museums and other official buildings. It’s worthwhile to stop and admire the architecture and imagine the lifestyles of the wealthy in the 16th and 17th centuries.
- Hôtel d’Albret: 31 rue de Franc Bourgeois. Built in the 16th century, the building currently is used as the center for cultural affairs. Open to the public for visits.
- Hotel de Sens: a 16th-century home that now houses the Forney Art Library.
Hotel de Sens
- Hôtel de Sully: 62 rue Saint Antoine. Built in the 17th century, it houses the Centre des Monuments Nationaux.
- Hôtel de Beauvais: This impressive French Baroque structure at 68 rue Francois Miron was built in the 17th century. It now contains the administrative court of appeals for Paris.
- Hôtel de Saint Aignan now houses The Museum of Jewish Art and History. It is the largest French museum of Jewish art and history in the country. The building is from the 17th century and is located at 71 rue du Temple in the 3rd
Hôtel de Guénégaud: 60 rue des Archives, 3rd district. Built in 1651 for the king’s secretary, it now houses a museum of hunting and nature, Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature.
Where is it?
The Marais neighborhood lies in 3rd and 4th districts of Paris, along with many other interesting sights, such as the Hotel de Ville, the Pompidou Center, and Ile de Saint Louis. That makes it easy to hit several cool spots in the same day. This area lies on the right bank of the Seine River.
To get there, you can take the metro line 1 to St. Paul, cross the Rue Rivoli, and enter the area by the Rue Pavée.
Another way to get there is again on the line 1 at Bastille. From Place de la Bastille, walk north along Boulevard Beaumarchais. On your left, turn on Rue du Pas de la Mule. Walk a bit and you’ll see the lovely Place des Vosges.
What to do there
- Wander the streets like Rue du Pas de la Mule, Rue de Franc Bourgeois, Rue Rosiers, Rue Pavée…and just get lost there!
- Stop in the many pubs, restaurants, and trendy clothing shops.
- Sample Jewish restaurants on Rue Rosier. You may see a line down the street at one of the felafel shops. (hint: it’s worth the wait!)
- Place des Vosges: you won’t want to miss this lovely square of dignified manor homes encircling a square park complete with
shade trees and fountains. Along the arcades are restaurants, shops, and art galleries. You can visit Victor Hugo’s house, now a museum dedicated to his life and work. You might be fortunate enough to take in a pop-up classical concert in one of the arched arcades.
- Musee Carnavalet at 23 Rue de Sévignée is a free museum on the history of Paris. It’s located inside two former hôtels particuliers. Lovely historic mansions, in other words.
- European Photography Museum, or Maison Européenne de la Photographie (Near St. Paul metro) at 5/7 Rue de Fourcy in the 4th Perfect for photography buffs or anyone who loves this art form.
- Beautiful 17th-century mansions of the historic elite (see previous list.)
- Musée Picasso in the 3rd district at 5, rue de Thorigny. It’s located in the Hôtel Salé. Opens at 9:30 am. See paintings, drawings, sculptures, prints, ceramics…5000 pieces in all.
- Food tours, history tours, walking tours… there are many great ways to see Le Marais!
- Enjoy one or several of the many art galleries, including the famous Galerie Perrotin, featuring contemporary art.
Le Marais contains many more treasures to visit, but the best plan is to wander, enjoy, eat, and discover. This list will get you started!
Many more Paris sights, facts, and tips in Magical Paris: Over 100 Things to Do Across Paris.
