The Marais is without doubt one of the most attention-grabbing neighborhoods in Paris, full of historical past, tradition, and hidden gems. However with its maze of slim streets, it’s straightforward to stroll proper previous a number of the greatest spots.
I like spending time right here. Whether or not it’s for wandering the slim streets, visiting the museums or simply to browse shops whereas admiring the combo of medieval, Renaissance, and fashionable influences. There’s all the time one thing new to find.
That can assist you profit from your go to, I’ve put collectively an inventory of 14 must-see highlights within the Marais. Count on historic landmarks, tucked-away passageways, or centuries-old squares, these are the locations that make this neighborhood so particular.
Salut, I’m Lena – journey planning knowledgeable and parisienne since 2006 🩷
The Marais has reinvented itself numerous occasions over the centuries, and that’s what makes it so fascinating. As soon as a swamp, it turned a royal hotspot within the Center Ages, stuffed with grand metropolis palaces. The French Revolution put an finish to that, and the realm was a hub for craftsmen and merchants.
Completely different communities have formed the Marais over time. The Jewish quarter round Rue des Rosiers has been right here because the Center Ages, Chinese language immigrants settled within the north in the course of the early twentieth century, and by the Eighties, it had turn out to be the middle of Paris’s LGBT+ scene.
It’s this fixed evolution that offers the Marais its distinctive vitality—historic, numerous, and all the time altering.
14 Important Issues to do in Le Marais
The Marais is a captivating mix of historical past and cultures, formed by aristocrats, Jewish communities, Chinese language settlers, and the LGBT+ scene. Its wealthy previous and numerous influences make it one among Paris’s most unusual and vibrant neighborhoods.
Each nook tells a narrative, making it a must-visit for anybody exploring town. So let’s dive into the must-visit spots within the Marais.
I’ve additionally hooked up a map as a neighbourhood information so that you can get a greater overview, serving to you navigate the most effective path to expertise all of it.
#1 Hôtel-de-Ville (Paris Metropolis Corridor)
Adress: Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, 75004 Paris
The Hôtel de Ville is the Metropolis Corridor of Paris and the location has hosted Paris’s authorities because the 14th century. Nevertheless, the present constructing is definitely alreaedy the third model.
The primary construction was torn down by Francis I, who discovered it unworthy of town. French kings of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries rebuilt it then into a shocking Renaissance-style palace. But it surely didn’t final: In the course of the Paris Commune it was burnt to the grounds in 1871.
What you see right now was rebuilt over 19 years. The surface is a near-perfect duplicate of the unique Renaissance design, however the inside? Utterly fashionable and designed within the nineteenth century.
In the event you’re not visiting throughout European Heritage Day, you may’t go inside, however there’s nonetheless lots to take pleasure in. The sq. usually hosts occasions and shortly even a city forest. They’re planting it on the time of writing.
#2 Memorial de la Shoah
Adress: 17 Rue Geoffroy l’Asnier, 75004 Paris
The Memorial de la Shoah Museum is devoted to preserving the reminiscence of Jewish life and persecution throughout World Battle II. Its reveals are divided into 5 sections.
Within the out of doors space, you’ll discover the Wall of Names, engraved with the names of roughly 76,000 French Jews who had been murdered in the course of the Holocaust. Inside, the crypt incorporates the ashes of victims who perished in focus camps, serving as a solemn place of reflection.
The Corridor of Index Playing cards highlights the bureaucratic equipment of the Vichy regime, exhibiting how Jews had been recognized and deported.
Extra reveals embody an intensive assortment of paperwork, pictures, and movies that illustrate Jewish life in France in the course of the Holocaust. The ultimate part honors the people who risked all the pieces to rescue and defend Jews.
The Memorial de la Shoah is an important museum to go to in Paris. Admission is free, making it accessible to everybody who needs to be taught and keep in mind.
Tip: Simply throughout the road, you may admire a number of the oldest half-timbered homes in Paris—a glimpse of town’s medieval previous.
#3 Saint-Paul Saint-Louis Church
Adress: 99 Rue Saint-Antoine, 75004 Paris
The Jesuit church of Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis is without doubt one of the Marais’s most placing landmarks—you may’t miss its grand dimension. Constructed almost 400 years in the past, it was the primary church in Paris to function Baroque structure and has welcomed many well-known figures over the centuries.
Inside, you’ll discover a baptismal font donated by Victor Hugo and, when not on mortgage, a portray by Eugène Delacroix. The church additionally boasts lovely stained glass home windows and complicated statues that make it effectively value stepping inside.
Tip: After visiting, wander over to the Village Saint-Paul subsequent to the church. On Rue Charlemagne, simply throughout the road, you’ll spot the oldest remaining part of the Parisian metropolis wall—a hidden gem within the Marais.
#4 Hôtel de Sens
Adress: 7 Rue des Nonnains d’Hyères, 75004 Paris
The Hôtel de Sens is without doubt one of the Marais’s most spectacular metropolis palaces, with a historical past as grand as its structure. Initially constructed for the Archbishop of Sens, it later turned dwelling to King Charles of France.
After the French Revolution, the palace handed into personal arms and was used as a workshop. Ultimately, it was bought by town, declared a historic monument, and now homes the Forney Artwork Library.
The constructing itself appears like a fairytale fortress, with its turrets and Gothic particulars. Don’t miss the small backyard—it’s a peaceable public park, excellent for a quiet break within the coronary heart of town.
#5 Place des Vosges
Adress: Place des Vosges, 75004 Paris
Place des Vosges is without doubt one of the most charming squares in Paris, recognized for its symmetry and magnificence. Constructed within the early seventeenth century beneath King Henry IV, it was the primary deliberate sq. within the metropolis and has stayed remarkably well-preserved.
Surrounded by matching red-brick buildings with slate roofs and arcades, the sq. has a peaceable backyard at its middle, full with fountains and neatly trimmed lawns. It’s a quiet spot to loosen up within the coronary heart of the Marais.
Tip: In your approach, take a fast detour to the close by Hôtel de Sully. Its courtyard and small backyard are pretty and value a glance.
#6 Maison Victor Hugo
Adress: 6 Place des Vosges, 75004 Paris
The Place des Vosges has had its share of notable residents, together with Victor Hugo, who lived at No. 6 for 16 years.
Throughout his time right here, the enduring French author penned elements of Les Misérables.
Right now, his former residence is a museum devoted to his life and work, providing a glimpse into the world of one among France’s best literary figures.
Admission to the museum is free.
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Adress: 23 Rue de Sévigné, 75003 Paris
The Musée Carnavalet is not only one of many greatest (free) museums in Paris—it’s additionally your likelihood to step inside one of many hôtels particuliers constructed by the French aristocracy earlier than the Revolution, when the Marais was THE place to be for the nobles and royals.
This beautiful museum takes you on a journey by means of town’s historical past, from its historic origins and Roman occasions to the Center Ages, Renaissance, French Revolution, and fashionable period.
You probably have the time so as to add it to your agenda, I like to recommend doing so. It’s positively among the finest issues to do within the Marais, particularly if you’re eager on understanding Paris’ historical past.
The gathering is huge and engaging, with hundreds of things, artifacts, and work that convey Paris’s previous to life.
From prehistoric instruments and Roman stays to ornate furnishings, guillotine earrings, and beautiful Belle Époque artwork, each exhibit tells a narrative in regards to the metropolis’s growth.
#8 Picasso Museum
Adress: 5 Rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris
The Picasso Museum is one other gem housed in one of many elegant metropolis palaces that make the Marais so distinctive. Positioned within the Hôtel Salé, it showcases over 5,000 works by Picasso, alongside numerous private gadgets that supply perception into the Spanish painter’s life.
The story behind the museum’s creation is simply as fascinating because the artwork itself. For the reason that Nineteen Sixties, France has allowed taxes to be paid in artwork beneath distinctive circumstances—if the items are thought-about important to the nation’s cultural heritage.
Picasso’s daughter used this legislation to settle the inheritance tax together with her father’s works, giving France a unprecedented assortment.
Enjoyable reality: Picasso was as soon as a severe suspect within the theft of the Mona Lisa. (Spoiler: he didn’t do it.)
#9 Rue des Rosiers – Pletzl
The Rue des Rosiers is the middle of Jewish tradition within the Marais. Within the neighborhood referred to as Pletzl, you may take pleasure in extremely scrumptious meals, from tasty falafel to babka, sandwiches, and glorious pastries. A cease you shouldn’t miss in your itinerary once you go to Paris.
My tip: Go to the realm on weekdays. Many locations are closed on Saturday because of the Sabbath, which tends to be very crowded on Sundays.
Marais in Paris Tip: Take a Gourmand Tour by means of the Marais.
#10 Jardin des Archives Nationwide
Adress: 60 Rue des Francs Bourgeois, 75003 Paris
The museum itself would possibly really feel a bit area of interest, with its everlasting assortment of presidency paperwork. However even when that’s not your factor, the courtyard is value a fast cease.
For one, it’s a surprisingly peaceable spot in the course of the all the time busy Marais with benches all alongside the arcades. Good for a break or savour that piece of pastry that you simply absolutely purchased in your tour.
And for much more tranquility, cross the courtyard till the museums entrance and switch proper. Right here you’ll discover a small, barely overgrown park. It’s the sort of hidden gem you’d by no means count on to encounter on this a part of Paris
#11 Anne Frank Backyard
Adress: 14 Deadlock Berthaud, 75003 Paris
This little park is so well-hidden within the Marais that it took me a number of tries to trace it down. It’s tucked away within the courtyard of the previous metropolis palace Saint-Aignan, now dwelling to the Museum of Jewish Artwork and Historical past.
In spring and summer season, the backyard is beautiful—a sea of blossoms bursting with hydrangeas, azaleas, roses, magnolias, and cherry blossoms. There’s even a chestnut tree, identical to the one Anne Frank described from her window.
You’ll discover the doorway by means of a slim alley close to the Rambuteau metro station, proper throughout from the Centre Pompidou. It’s a quiet little escape that’s effectively well worth the search.
#12 Nicolas Flamel’s Home
Adress: 49 Rue de Montmorency, 75003 Paris
Does the identify Nicolas Flamel ring a bell? In the event you’ve learn Harry Potter and the Thinker’s Stone, it in all probability does. Legend has it that Flamel found the Thinker’s Stone and achieved immortality.
The true Nicolas Flamel, although, wasn’t only a legendary determine—he was a well known scribe, manuscript-seller, and probably certainly an alchemist. He lived proper right here in Paris, and his home nonetheless stands right now.
In-built 1407, it’s the oldest home within the metropolis. You’ll be able to spot it at 51 Rue de Montmorency.
For a peek inside, you’ll want a reservation—it’s now dwelling to a Michelin-starred restaurant. In the event you’re up for a splurge, it’s a fairly unforgettable strategy to expertise historical past.
And for extra Nicolas Flamel myths: He identify pops up as effectively once you go to the Tour de Saint-Jacques!
#13 Passage de l’Ancre
Adress: 223 Rue Saint-Martin, 75003 Paris
This charming little passage is simply 50 meters lengthy, so it’s not an absolute must-see, nevertheless it’s value a detour in the event you’re close by. Lined with greenery and splashes of colour, it’s a surprisingly cheerful and peaceable spot tucked away from the bustle.
Uncover extra passages and cute streets in Paris:
#14 Marché des Enfants Rouges
Adress: 39 Rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris
The Marché des Enfants Rouges within the northern Marais is Paris’s oldest lined market and a favourite for good cause. Open every day besides Mondays, it’s not only a market—the fairly small market presents quite a lot of meals stalls the place you may eat sur place.
From Moroccan tagines, sea meals to contemporary French crepes, there’s one thing for everybody.
In the event you can’t discover a seat, don’t stress. The encompassing streets are full of wonderful eating places and cafés to strive as a substitute. And if you wish to get take out, there’s a park simply throughout the road to take a break and revel in your treats.
This spot is as a lot in regards to the full of life ambiance because the meals, so it’s value a cease in the event you’re close by.
Le Marais – Map and Self-Guided-Tour
To make exploring the Marais straightforward, I’ve put collectively a map with all of the highlights and a self-guided strolling tour. It’ll take you thru the most effective spots, landmarks and museums.
Simply comply with the route at your personal tempo and see why this neighborhood is so particular.
Wrapping Up: The Better of the Marais
The Marais is a neighborhood stuffed with historical past, tradition, and surprises. From grand metropolis palaces to hidden gardens and historic squares, every spot tells a narrative.
Whether or not it’s centuries-old landmarks, quiet passageways, or surprising particulars, these 14 highlights present why the Marais is without doubt one of the most attention-grabbing areas in Paris.
Seize the map and self-guided tour and begin exploring. Have enjoyable!
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FAQ Marais in Paris
The place is the Jewish quarter in Paris?
The Jewish quarter in Paris is within the Marais and is positioned just about within the middle. The Jewish quarter can be known as Pletzl.
Which arrondissement is the Marais?
The Marais spans the third and 4th arrondissements in Paris.
The place does the identify Marais come from?
“Marais” means “swamp” in French, and accordingly, the realm was a marshland within the northern a part of town.
