The Neighborhood

Le Marais is a historic neighborhood in the center of Paris, housing some of the city’s oldest buildings. For many centuries, the Marais was a favorite residence for French nobility, particularly around the Place des Vosges. In the late 19th century and 20th century up until World War II, the Marais was a center of Jewish life in the capital. Today, the Marais’s rue des Rosiers still plays an important role in the Jewish community of Paris. The Marais has also become a major center for the gay community. The narrow cobblestoned streets are lined with art galleries, fashion houses, boutiques and restaurants, both traditional and trendy.

The Marais is made up of the 3rd and 4th arrondissements. We’re in the 4th arrondissement, in walking distance to so many of Paris’s famous sites.

Place des Vosges

I’ve put together a couple of half-day walking tour itineraries, including restaurant suggestions, for the 4th and 3rd arrondissements:

 

Sites in the Marais include:

  • Place des Vosges, including the home of Victor Hugo
  • The rue des Rosiers and the historic Jewish quarter
  • The Pompidou Center
  • Hôtel de Sully
  • Hôtel de Sens
  • The Cognacq-Jay Museum
  • The Picasso Museum
  • The National Archives
  • The Carnavalet Museum
  • The European Photography Museum
  • The Hôtel de Ville
  • The Memorial of the Shoah
  • The Museum of Jewish Art and History
  • The Museum of the Hunt and Nature
  • The Agoudas Hakehilos Synagogue
  • The Nicolas Flamel and François Miron historic (old!) houses
  • …and that is just the start!

I invite you to view a slideshow of additional photos of the neighborhood. And for additional information on and some history of the Marais, see the article I wrote for the Overseas Retirement Letter.

**ReservationsTo inquire about availability and pricing, please contact me at parisweekender@gmail.com!**

Place des Vosges

Rue des Rosiers