Le Marais

Le Marais or the Marais district is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Paris. But don’t let the word old confuse you, this is one of the most vibrant areas of the city, a melting pot of cultures where you can find museums, interesting shops, restaurants and LGBT bars.

It is located on the right bank of the Seine River and is characterized by its color and cultural offer.

In ancient times this area of Paris was a swampy area, hence its name “the marsh”.

After the construction of the famous Place des Vosges, the neighborhood began to attract the city’s noble class, who built the beautiful palaces and mansions that we can still see in the neighborhood. Later, during the French Revolution, the nobility was forced to leave their homes and these were occupied by merchants and artisans who adapted them to their lifestyle.

Today, the Place Des Vosges square (Place des Vosges) is still one of the most popular places in Le Marais to sit down and do some people watching.

About a 15-minute walk from Place Des Vosges is the Anne Frank Garden, where a graft of the chestnut tree that Anne Frank admired from her window in Amsterdam was planted.

What to see in the Marais

At number 6 Place des Vosges you can visit the House of Victor Hugo. And at Rue de Thorigny 5, you can visit the Picasso Museum in Paris.

You can also stop by the Carnavalet Museum , focused on telling the history of Paris since there is a record until today, you can find it at number 23, Rue de Sévigné.

Pass through the popular Rue des Rosiers and Rue des Écouffes , center of the former Jewish community in Paris, where today you find popular places to eat like the must-see shawarmas famous in Le Marais and pastrami sandwiches from Florence Kahn and Schwartz’s .

Also, to eat informally or buy fresh products, you can go to the Marché des Enfants Rouges market, the oldest covered food market in Paris.

For shopping , include a visit to the Rue des Francs-Bourgeois and Rue Vieille du Temple shopping streets.

Le Marais is also the most famous gay neighborhood in France . With bars and clubs to have fun every night of the week. Head over to Rue du Temple and Rue des Archives.

A neighborhood of Paris with many interesting mixes and contrasts what to see in Paris.

If this sounds interesting to you, you don’t want to miss out on staying in the area. For this we leave you our page of Hotels in Le Marais.