Choose the dates and travelers
Edit
Close
Choose your dates
Please press the Enter or Space key to open the calendar and navigate with the arrows or press the Tab key to then type the start and end dates using the format: Y-M-d / Y-M-d, for example: 2025-8-16 / 2025-8-17
Street scene in the Marais district of Paris, featuring classic facades and everyday Parisian life.

Le Marais

The Marais district
Place des Vosges, 75004 Paris
    Close from Metro 1, Metro 5, Metro 7, Metro 8

The Marais is one of the oldest districts in Paris, with cobbled streets, hôtels particuliers (former aristocratic residences), hidden gardens, museums, art galleries and a rich mix of cultures. Once a swampy area (hence the name), this historic district in central Paris has evolved over the centuries from aristocratic to popular, and now to highly sought-after, chic and cosmopolitan.

The Marais district is famous for its Place des Vosges, Musée Picasso, Victor Hugo's house, Hôtel de Sully, art galleries and designer boutiques.

An exceptional historical and cultural heritage

The Marais is a romantic, trendy, intellectual and lively neighborhood, perfect for a stroll with no specific agenda.

Architectural treasures around every corner

The Marais is a veritable open-air museum for lovers of architecture and history. When you stay in this district, you’ll wake up every morning surrounded by historic gems:

  • Place des Vosges, the oldest royal square in Paris, with its symmetrical red-brick pavilions and elegant arcades
  • 17th-century mansions such as Hôtel de Sully and Hôtel Salé (now home to the Picasso Museum)
  • Nicolas Flamel’s house, considered the oldest in Paris (1407)
  • Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis church, a Baroque masterpiece built by the Jesuits
  • Medieval remains and half-timbered houses that recall the Paris of yesteryear

This exceptional concentration of historic monuments alone justifies the Marais’ nickname of “Old Paris”.

An incomparable cultural offering

For art and culture lovers, the Marais is a veritable paradise. The district is home to some of the capital’s most important museums:

  • Center Pompidou, the temple of modern and contemporary art, with its revolutionary facade
  • Musée Picasso, home to the world’s largest collection of works by the Spanish artist
  • The recently renovated Musée Carnavalet, dedicated to the history of Paris
  • Victor Hugo’s House, on the Place des Vosges
  • Musée Cognacq-Jay, a showcase for 18th-century art

In addition to these institutions, the Marais is home to a number of contemporary art galleries that have earned it an international reputation. Cultural events take place throughout the year, offering visitors a rich and varied program.

A lifestyle of shopping, gastronomy and nightlife

A shopping paradise for every style

The Marais has established itself as one of the most popular shopping districts in Paris. Unlike the Champs-Élysées or the Grand Boulevards, it offers a more authentic and diverse experience. You’ll find:

  • Independent designer boutiques where you can find one-of-a-kind pieces
  • Innovative concept stores combining fashion, design and art
  • BHV Marais, a flagship department store
  • Le Village Saint-Paul, a haven for antique and second-hand dealers
  • Vintage thrift stores for lovers of retro fashion
  • Marché des Enfants Rouges, the oldest covered market in Paris

Particularly renowned for men’s fashion and avant-garde creations, the Marais has also become a mecca for design and crafts. Stores here are generally open on Sundays, unlike in other Parisian districts, which is a bonus for travelers.

Gastronomy and gourmet pleasures

The Marais is a true paradise for gourmets. Its cultural diversity is reflected in its exceptionally varied culinary offering. From fine dining to street food, the district caters for all palates and budgets.
Among the culinary specialties not to be missed:

  • Falafels on rue des Rosiers, emblematic of the historic Jewish quarter
  • Traditional Yiddish pastries such as strudel and rugelach
  • Creations by great pastry chefs such as Pierre Hermé and Yann Couvreur

Among the addresses that have made the Marais’ gastronomic reputation are Robert et Louise with its wood-fired meats, Glou for its contemporary bistro cuisine, Les Philosophes for its typically Parisian ambience, and L’Art de la Truffe for lovers of refined flavors.

A lively and inclusive nightlife

When the sun goes down, the Marais reveals another facet of its personality. The district is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and historic LGBTQI scene. From trendy bars to confidential clubs, the offer is rich and varied:

  • La Perle, an emblematic café-bar frequented by Parisians
  • Candelaria, a Mexican taqueria with a speakeasy in the back
  • Le Perchoir, a rooftop offering a breathtaking view of Paris
  • Numerous LGBTQI+ establishments contribute to the district’s inclusive reputation

This festive, open atmosphere contributes to the charm of the Marais, making it a popular place for travelers in search of authenticity and conviviality.

The Marais: diving into the heart of the Parisian soul

A strategic central location

Nestled between the Seine, Place de la République and Bastille, the Marais enjoys a privileged geographical location. This central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Paris. The main tourist attractions are within easy reach on foot or in just a few minutes by metro. Notre-Dame, the Louvre, the Champs-Élysées or the Eiffel Tower – everything is within easy reach from this district.
The public transport network serves the Marais perfectly, with several metro stations (Saint-Paul, Hôtel de Ville, Arts et Métiers, Temple) and numerous bus routes. For walking enthusiasts, the district itself is ideal for discovering on foot, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in its unique atmosphere.

Incomparable authentic charm

What sets the Marais apart from other Parisian districts is its preserved village atmosphere in the heart of the capital. Unlike other areas that underwent the great Haussmannian works of the 19th century, the Marais has preserved its medieval and Renaissance layout, offering visitors a journey back in time.
The narrow, winding streets are home to a diverse, cosmopolitan population that contributes to the district’s distinctive energy. Artists, families, students and entrepreneurs rub shoulders, creating an atmosphere that’s both dynamic and welcoming. The Marais remains lively at all hours, offering a safe environment for all types of travelers.