Le Marais, located in the heart of the French capital, is a must-see district for anyone wishing to discover historic Paris. This guide offers a rich itinerary of visits, exhibitions and outings to explore this unique part of the French capital.
Discover the history and heritage of Le Marais
A walk steeped in history
Le Marais, located in the 4th arrondissement of Paris, is the city’s historic district, offering a unique atmosphere with its cobbled streets and private mansions. A stroll through its streets takes you back through the centuries, between medieval and Renaissance architecture.
Historic monuments not to be missed
A stroll through the streets of Le Marais plunges you into French history. This district of Paris’s 4th arrondissement is brimming with emblematic sites and historic monuments not to be missed during your visit:
– Place des Vosges: The oldest royal square in Paris, lined with elegant arcades and symmetrical red-brick buildings.
– L’Hôtel de Ville: This majestic building has been the seat of Paris city hall since 1357.
– Église Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis: A 17th-century Baroque masterpiece on rue Saint-Antoine.
– The Musée Carnavalet is home to a hidden garden representative of the “French garden”. Here you can relax over a cup of coffee.
Immerse yourself in the culture, art and museums of le Marais district
Must-see museums
Le Marais is home to some of Paris’s most renowned museums, perfect for cultural activities with children or friends:
– Maison de Victor Hugo: Located on the Place des Vosges, this house traces the life and work of the famous writer.
– Center Pompidou: A veritable temple of modern and contemporary art, the Centre Georges Pompidou regularly presents captivating exhibitions. For 2025, don’t miss the exhibition on Suzanne Valadon, scheduled from January 15 to May 26.
For a unique artistic experience, don’t hesitate to buy your tickets in advance for the Centre Pompidou’s temporary exhibitions, such as the one dedicated to the new generation of Chinese artists, scheduled to run until February 3, 2025.
– The Musée Picasso: Located in the heart of the 3rd arrondissement, the Musée Picasso is a landmark of le Marais district. Housed in the Hôtel Salé, a magnificent 17th-century building, it boasts the world’s largest collection of works by Pablo Picasso.
For the best possible visit, we recommend reserving your tickets in advance.
– Musée Carnavalet: Once a private mansion, this museum devoted to the history of Paris is a must-see. Recently renovated, it offers a fascinating journey through the centuries.
Art galleries worth a visit
Le Marais abounds in contemporary art galleries such as Galerie Perrotin and Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac. These venues showcase both renowned and emerging artists.
The best places to eat and drink in le Marais
After a day of sightseeing, take advantage of the many cafés and restaurants in the area.
Exceptional restaurants in the capital
– Boubalé: Located in the Hôtel Le Grand Mazarin, this restaurant revisits Eastern European cuisine with a contemporary twist.
– Le Colimaçon: A cosy address offering traditional French cuisine revisited.
– Matka: A unique Polish gastronomic experience.
Trendy bars and cosy cafés
– Le Bar du Boubalé: With its warm and stylish decor, this inviting space is perfect for watching the world go by and enjoying lively conversations long into the night.
– La Candelaria: A speakeasy hidden behind a Mexican taqueria.
– La Belle Hortense: A literary bar combining fine wines and books.
– The Cambridge Public House: Ranked among the world’s best bars for its creative cocktails.
Shopping in le Marais
Luxury and designer boutiques
Le Marais is a fashion lover’s paradise, with names like Isabel Marant and A.P.C., as well as concept stores like Merci and Fleux.
Thrift and concept stores
For unique finds, explore thrift stores like Free’P’Star or vintage boutiques around rue des Rosiers.
You can also shop at Librairie Galiglani or Maria de la Orden.
Ideas for an unforgettable stay in le Marais
Guided tours, immersive experiences and local markets
Join themed guided tours to discover the secrets of the district or explore its local markets like the Marché des Enfants Rouges, the oldest covered market in Paris.
Stroll through le Marais’ picturesque alleyways, enjoy a gourmet coffee break on sunny terraces or in the district’s many hidden gardens.
Take a stroll along “Rue des Barres”, a pretty street in the centre between the church of Saint-Gervais-et-Saint-Protais and the tiny Square Couperin, one of the oldest in le Marais district of Paris, and don’t forget to visit the famous Rue du Temple.
Le Grand Mazarin: a luxurious experience in the heart of le Marais
An ideal location for exploring le Marais
Located on the corner of rue de la Verrerie and rue des Archives, opposite Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, Le Grand Mazarin is a 5-star hotel that embodies the spirit of le Marais district.
The exclusive services and elegance of this 5-star hotel
This establishment offers a unique Parisian experience with:
- A restaurant, Boubalé, offering Mediterranean cuisine from Levant
- A distinctive bar, Le Bar du Boubalé, Featuring a bold cocktail menu, where the outside world fades into the background.
- An exceptional wellness area with a surprising pool and excellent service
- A concierge service that can help you book tickets for your outings and visits to the capital’s various venues, as well as show you the best route to get there.
Travelers particularly appreciate the ideal location, elegant decor and attentive service.
Visiting le Marais in Paris is an adventure rich in discovery. Whether you’re looking for cultural outings, historical walks or simply a charming café, le Marais offers a multitude of activities to cater to everyone. With its museums, hidden gardens and unique boutiques, this emblematic district of Paris promises an unforgettable experience, whether you’re visiting for a few days or planning a longer stay at a luxury hotel like Le Grand Mazarin.
