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  3. Marais District, Paris

Marais District, Paris

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Dwaraka
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Overview

The Marais, a trendy city with a village feel built on marshland. A romantic place with historic spots and cobblestone streets. Good for a leisurely stroll and best for spending some valuable time and shopping. Once an aristocratic district, no wonder- famous for its old world charm, cobblestone streets, tranquil gardens, a vibrant Jewish community and hidden courtyards. A must-visit to this festive place can give you a beautiful picture of how Paris looked 200, 400 or even 600 years ago. Let’s plan your Marais visit in your Paris tour itinerary. 

About the Marais

  • Marais is a historic district with magnificent architecture including 17th century private mansions built with white freestones. Among the houses, some are listed monuments now. 
  • The Marais is a district rich in culture. Contemporary art, romanticism, classicism and more. The place has a lot for cultural enthusiasts.
  • Marais is one of the best places in Paris for shopaholics. As a paradise for vintage shopping, there are plenty of shops selling pre-loved clothing, eco-friendly clothing and a lot of luxury brands. 
  • For a foodie, Marais has something for your taste at any time. You can enjoy traditional French cuisine with some Opera arias.
  • If you want to have a drink with your friends listening to live Jazz, Marais has places for that too. 
  • The district is a LGBT-friendly place with many gay and lesbian spaces and shops. You can find many LGBT-friendly bars, restaurants and book shops in Marais.

Location: 3rd and 4th arrondissement, Paris.

Best time to visit: June-September.

How to reach Marais district?

By Metro: You can take Metro Lines 1, 8 and 11 to reach Le Marais.

By bus: Take bus lines 17, 29 or 96 to reach Marais.

Things to see in Marais district

  • Musee Picasso

This elegant mansion holds the largest collection of Pablo Picasso in the world. The museum houses the paintings, sculptures, love letters, photography and  poetry of the artist.

  • Place de Vosges

The oldest and most beautiful square in Paris, surrounded by lush green gardens, courtyards and red brick facades. This square, filled with museums, art galleries, pubs, restaurants and cafes, is one of the most popular hangout locations of the city due to its lively vibe.

  • Maison de Victor Hugo

The place is a historic landmark where the famous French writer Victor Hugo lived once. All the artefacts and interiors from the author’s life are kept carefully there. 

  • Pompidou centre

The centre is the icon of 20th century architecture. The place houses the largest collection of contemporary and modern art in France.

  • Musee Cognacq-Jay

The museum exhibits a variety of spectacular artworks, furniture, sculptures and precious treasures from different parts of the world.

  • Hotel de Ville

Hotel de Ville is a magnificent Paris City Hall which serves as a hub of municipal activities and hosts concerts and events.

  • Rue des Rosiers

This is a famous Jewish quarter packed with delis, bakeries, bookstores and Middle Eastern restaurants. 

  • Musee d’Art et d'Histoire du Judaisme

An ode to the Jewish community, the museum holds items of worship and artworks related to Judaism. 

  • Church of Saint Paul and Saint Louis

The church is a Baroque-styled structure dedicated to Saint Paul and Saint Louis. This church is famous for its marvellous architecture containing several artworks dating back to the time of the French Revolution.  

  • The House of European Photography

This is one of the most important museums of photography in Europe which  is housed in one of the fabulous mansions in Marais district.

Things to know before you visit Marais

  • The Marais is best explored on foot, as many of its narrow streets and hidden gems are inaccessible to vehicles. Wear comfortable shoes to make your exploration more enjoyable.
  • If possible, plan your visit to the Marais on a weekday. The area tends to be more crowded during weekends, so visiting on a quieter day will allow you to explore with more ease.

Conclusion

Isn’t it interesting to be in a place which makes you feel like you are 200 or 400 years behind the present? Marais district of Paris is such a place where you can feel both the rush of Parisian life and the calmness of a small village. If you are a person travelling to Paris, never miss the Marais from your itinerary. Pickyourtrail can help you customise your Paris itinerary according to your choice and makes a perfect Paris tour package for your next trip. A romantic day, a family time or whatever your need is, Paris has something for you. Why should you have to wait now? Plan your dream journey with Pickyourtrail!

FAQ about Marias
Marais is one of the most popular quarters in Paris which is famous for old-world charm, narrow cobblestone streets, hidden courtyards, tranquil gardens and vibrant Jewish community. 
The Marais is enjoyable to visit year-round. However, the neighbourhood can be crowded, especially during weekends and peak tourist seasons. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting on weekdays or during less busy periods. 
The Marais hosts various events and festivals throughout the year. Some notable events include the Marais Art Weekend, which showcases contemporary art, and the Fête de la Musique, a citywide music festival held every June. 
Yes, exploring the Marais on foot is highly recommended. The neighbourhood's narrow streets and hidden courtyards are best discovered by walking. Just ensure you wear comfortable shoes, as there will be plenty of walking involved. 
Yes, the Marais is family-friendly. While some areas may be more lively or cater to adult-oriented activities, there are also family-friendly attractions, parks, and cafes where you can enjoy time with your family. 
Marais District Paris Tour Packages
Get in touch?We’ll start with some questions and get you to the right place.
Dwaraka
Sumeet
Sunil
10000+ itineraries curated and counting
Dwaraka
Sumeet
Sunil
10000+ itineraries curated and counting
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