A remarkable historic district where everyone will find something to enjoy. What makes it special is its beautiful architecture, as it consists mainly of Renaissance palaces of the rich nobility, formerly known as hôtels particuliers.
Among the palaces, it is worth mentioning the hôtel de Sens (1 rue du Figuier) with its beautiful geometric garden, Le Village Saint Paul with its palaces, shops and art galleries, the hôtel Lamoignon on Rue Pavée, which was the first paved street in Paris, the hôtel de Sully, which you can reach by a passageway from Rue Saint Antonie or from Place des Vosges and see its beautiful courtyard.
A very popular spot is just the Place des Vosges, which is the oldest square in Paris, where you'll feel rather like you're in a castle.
You'll definitely come across a number of beautiful churches here, as well as the Tournelles Synagogue. This is actually where the Jewish community settled in the late 19th century and their area is called Pletzl. You will still find many Jewish shops and delicatessens here today.
The whole district is also famous for its many art galleries and museums, which are mostly small in scale. Le Marais is not only a historic place, but since the 1980s it has also been a hub for the LGBT community. In fact, almost half of these Parisian businesses are located here.
Accommodation
The Le Marais district is one of the quieter places, despite being right in the historic centre of Paris. It accommodates lovers of Renaissance architecture and better quality hotels at affordable prices from 130 eur per night upwards.
How to get there
Located on the right bank of the Seine River, the district is basically bounded by the Pompidou Museum on one side and the Bastille Square with its canal on the other. Since the district is not very big, you can run through it in about 45 minutes if you don't stop anywhere.
The main metro stations in the middle of Le Marais are:
- Saint-Paul - line 1
- Bastille - lines 1, 5, 8
- Chemin Vert - line 8
- Rambuteau - line 11
What to see around
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