The Best Things To Do in Le Marais Paris

Some of the best things to do in Le Marais — which includes parts of the 3rd and 4th arrondissements — are actually free.

And, of course, some are not.

I stayed in this neighborhood on my recent visit to Paris so I had the chance to explore it a bit.

However, I didn’t get to do all that I wanted in Le Marais because I wanted to experience some other spots in Paris such as my favorite museum — Musée d’Orsay — and the Pantheon (which I love!).

I know I missed some treasures of this beautiful district.

But I want to share with you some of my favorite places in Le Marais as well as a few of the things I missed — and will definitely get to on my next visit to Paris.

You know the routine.

Let’s start with the where.

 

Le Marais: Location and History

This Parisian neighborhood spreads across parts of the 3rd and 4th arrondissements on the Right Bank.

Le Marais actually means “the marsh” which it was at one time.

It was during the mid 1200’s that this area began to grow.

Religious buildings were built here then the royal folks followed creating palaces and mansions.

It was quite the fashionable neighborhood through the mid-1700’s.

Then the French Revolution happened.

And Le Marais began to decline.

But the Jewish people of Paris moved in and made into a bustling commercial center up until WWII.

Well, we know what happened during WWII.

After the war, Le Marais became a working class district.

But in the mid-1960’s the French government decided that the buildings needed to be protected as there are some gorgeous ones here.

So this wonderful piece of Paris began its rise to being hip, trendy and fashionable again.

 

Best things to do in Le Marais

Place des Vosges

Visiting Place des Vosges is definitely one of the best things to do in Le Marais.

And it was at the top of my list for my stay in this trendy neighborhood.

I’m always a fan of parks as they are great for people watching!

No place is better for seeing locals go about their daily lives.

What I didn’t realize — until I got there on a chilly Saturday afternoon — is that it was originally Place Royale and is the oldest planned square.

Buildings surround the park itself.

It was all built by Henri IV from 1605 to 1612.

The intriguing aspect to these buildings is that the fronts of the houses were all built to the same design.

This was new to the era.

I really love this park and the buildings.

I would love to return when the flowers are in bloom and I could sit with a baguette and some cheese!

 

Picasso Museum

The Picasso Museum was not on my list because his art is not really my thing.

But for Picasso fans, a visit to Pablo’s museum is one of the best things to do in Le Marais.

Located at 5 Rue de Thorigny, the Picasso Museum sits about at the center of this neighborhood.

And the museum is not far from where the artist lived and worked.

The museum opened in 1975 and has been updated with it officially being inaugurated in 1985.

There are loads of works by Picasso — paintings, sculptures, prints and engravings — as well as works by other artists that he collected.

It costs €14 to visit this incredible museum.

 

Maison Européenne de la Photographie

I ran out of time to visit this House of European Photography.

As a photographer, this is an epic fail on my part.

The Maison Européenne de la Photographie houses an exhibition center, a large library, an auditorium, and a video viewing facility with a large selection of films.

The Atelier de Restauration et de Conservation des Photographies de la Ville de Paris, or ARCP works out of this building as well.

This society has worked to preserve the photographic heritage of Paris, France and even helps other countries and cities do the same.

There are always an array of exhibitions at the House of European Photography.

It costs just €10 to visit.

I have to visit this gallery on my next trip to Paris.

Because for a photographer this is one of the best things to do in Le Marais.

 

Marché des Enfants Rouges

Spending time at a food market anywhere in Europe is always a good idea.

So shopping at Marché des Enfants Rouges is one of the best things to do in Le Marais for sure.

This covered market is located in the Haut Marais — the Upper Marais.

And it’s here that you can find fresh cheese, veggies, fruit, meat and seafood as well as fresh cut flowers.

There are also places to eat at Marché des Enfantes Rouges.

I went early on a Saturday morning so the cafes and bistros weren’t open yet.

But the seafood spot was busy with locals — always a good sign!

I bought some delicious cheese and some tasty veggies and fruit.

This is a must for your time in Le Marais.

 

Maison de Victor Hugo

If you are a fan of Les Misérables or the Hunchback of Notre Dame, then one of best things to do in Le Marais is to visit Victor Hugo’s house.

This small museum — which was the apartment Hugo rented from 1832 to 1848 — is located at Place des Vosges so it makes a wonderful add on to your time at the park.

The apartment is laid out so you take a journey through his life.

You’ll get to know Victor Hugo and better understand his writing from his furniture, objects and works of art that belonged to him or that he created himself.

And even better?

The museum is free.

 

Hotel de Ville

This is some City Hall!

Yup.

This is the home of the administrative offices of the City of Paris.

Construction began in 1533 but wasn’t complete until 1628.

The square in front of it often hosts concerts or other public events.

And at Christmas there is often an ice skating rink.

In the early days of Hotel de Ville the square was where public executions took place.

Yikes!

When I visited in January 2020, there was a carousel in front and yes, a band playing some music — despite the winter cold.

My regret is that I didn’t go in and wander about.

It is free to visit.

 

Eat and Drink at Vingt Vins d’Art

This little bistro has a strong local vibe to it.

It’s tucked down a quiet lane on Rue de Jouy away from the busy streets.

The menu is limited, but delicious.

I had some tasty and very warming soup.

Vingt Vins d’Art has an intriguing wine list with some organic wines in the mix.

And the service was very good!

Be sure to stop by this neighborhood bistro as it’s one of the best things to do in Le Marais to get that local vibe.

 

Eat at Le Colimaçon

I had my birthday dinner at Le Colimaçon on my recent trip to Paris.

What a treat!

The atmosphere, the meal and the overall experience was fabulous.

Now, this is a small restaurant so reservations are a must.

Located at 44 Rue Vieille du Temple, you’ll be surprised at what’s behind the door.

I had a lovely champagne and a crispy goat cheese as a starter.

Then I had scallops for the main dish along with a recommended white wine (which I cannot remember).

While I was tempted to have dessert, I decided another glass of champagne was in order.

Do eat at Le Colimaçon as it really is one of the best things to do in Le Marais.

They are only open for dinner except on Sundays when they are open for lunch.

 

Buy some wine at Vinosfera Wine Shop

I wanted to get a bottle of wine to go with the food I bought at the Marché des Enfantes Rouges.

Vinosfera was just down the street from my hotel.

And it sounded wonderful from the website.

So I popped in and found a couple of English speaking guys to help me choose a reasonably priced bottle of French wine — a lovely red from the Rhone.

The staff is very knowledgeable and the selection is quite good without being overwhelming.

If you are in Paris with a group, you may want to see about a wine tasting in the cellar.

Just hit up their website for a quote.

One of the best things to do in Le Marais is to shop for French wine.

And Vinosfera is the place!

 

Wander the streets

Le Marais is made for wandering.

What am I saying?

All of Paris is!

But, Le Marais is a treasure trove of little surprises.

Just tuck down a quiet lane and you’ll find a fascinating building, a quaint shop or a charming bistro.

You’ll see locals and tourists alike, going about their day.

There are wonderful spots to stop for something to eat in or grab a bite to take away.

Yes, there are trendy, hip shops, but you’ll also find quirky ones.

Wandering the little lanes is really the best thing to do in Le Marais — and it’s free!

PS Take lots of pics!

 

Shop for and taste some gourmet chocolate

There are definitely some lovely chocolate shops in Le Marais.

So stopping in, tasting and then buying some gourmet chocolate — for you or for a loved one back home — is one of the best things do in Le Marais.

Try Petite Manufacture Michel Cluizel or Edwart Chocolatier Marais.

I bought chocolates from both.

Michel Cluizel has some delicious chocolate covered cookies and some very tasty hot chocolate.

Edwart has some of the most interesting chocolates you’ll come across.

The young lady who was working let me try a few.

It was difficult to decide!

There are more chocolate shops in Le Marais.

Try them all!

 

Stay at Hôtel Marais Paris Caron de Beaumarchais

For me, staying in accommodation that is clean, affordable, safe and in a good location is key.

I’m not talking about anything luxurious or fancy.

But I do like a hotel or guesthouse that has something special or unique to it.

And Hôtel Marais Paris Caron de Beaumarchais is just that.

For Le Marais — which can be expensive — Caron de Beaumarchais is reasonably priced.

Rooms are not large, but this is Paris.

The location is fab as it’s easy to walk around Le Marais and you can get to other parts of Paris by foot.

The rooms facing the street, which is what I had, might get a bit noisy with the windows open.

But for a winter stay, Caron de Beaumarchais is perfect.

One of the best things about this boutique hotel is the attentive staff.

I spent my birthday in Paris on my recent trip and the man working the desk that morning remembered, and wished me a Happy Birthday.

He said he hoped he was first in wishing me a Happy Birthday which I thought was sweet.

The staff arranged my reservation at Le Colimaçon and my early morning taxi ride to the airport the day I departed.

I highly recommend Hôtel Marais Paris Caron de Beaumarchais for your stay in Le Marais.

 

Final thoughts

I thoroughly enjoyed staying in and exploring Le Marais.

And I would recommend this neighborhood to anyone wanting to stay on the Right Bank.

It’s close to the River Seine so it’s easy to also reach some of the sites on the Left Bank.

There are a plethora of places to eat and drink — even some amazing take away places.

You have a fabulous market for fresh food.

And there are some amazing sites and museums in the neighborhood.

Oh, and plenty of shops of all kinds for you shoppers!

 

 

Please note that Wander Your Way does not recommend travel at this time due to the current global health situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, many destinations and attractions found on this website will not be operating although some places are slowly opening up. Please stay up to date using official sources like the WHO and CDC. I do plan to continue to write about incredible destinations and to offer tips on travel to Europe, so that you will find some solace in these posts — so you dream about travel and learn about travel. This way when we can all travel again, you’ll be ready to go! For now, stay home and stay safe!

 

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