Guided Tour of Le Marais

What to expect

The notoriety of Le Marais is well established. Highly appreciated by Parisian bobos, the gay community, the Jewish community, as well as tourists, it is one of the most historically rich neighborhoods in Paris. Located on the right bank of the Seine, it stretches between Rue Beaubourg on the west side, Place de la Bastille on the east side, Place de la République to the north, and the Seine to the south. From the Centre Pompidou to the charming Place des Vosges, from typical small restaurants to upscale fashion boutiques, alternately lively and historical, Le Marais with its dual identity continues to fascinate.

Guided Walking Tour

Your guide will meet you at the Saint-Paul metro exit and take you around the Hôtel de Sens and the remnants of the ancient wall of Philippe Auguste. From Saint Paul Church, you will then reach the famous Place des Vosges, where you will hear numerous anecdotes, including those about Hôtel de Sully.

Duration of the tour: 1h30
Meeting point: Saint-Paul metro exit.
Wearing comfortable shoes is highly recommended.
In case of adverse weather conditions making the tour impossible, it may be rescheduled.

An Upscale Neighborhood Formerly Deserted

In the 12th century, religious orders settled in the marshy area just above the Seine. The area, prone to regular Seine floods, was long overlooked by the wealthiest populations who preferred the Saint-Honoré and Saint-Germain suburbs. However, the creation of the Royal Square in the 17th century (now renamed Place des Vosges) attracted the bourgeois elite of Tout-Paris, only to be deserted again a century later, replaced by industrious artisans. In the 19th century, the Jewish community settled around Rue des Rosiers.

Today, the uniqueness and beauty of this neighborhood largely stem from its escape from the massive Haussmannization of Paris in the 19th century. The area has retained its charming winding streets and period hotels.

The 20th century also left magnificent traces in Le Marais. The Centre Pompidou adds a different facet to the neighborhood. Imposing, metallic, and colorful, this museum of modern art is interesting to visit, if only for the incredible view of Paris rooftops it offers on the sixth floor. The center's square is one of the favorite gathering places for cartoonists, art automatons, and street singers entertaining passersby. Just a stone's throw away on Rue Brisemiche, the Stravinsky Fountain and its astonishing multicolored water-spouting machines attract children seeking freshness on hot days.

Le Marais with Two Faces

A lively hub of the gay community, filled with trendy restaurants, bars, shops, and bookstores, Le Marais's atmosphere is both festive and refined. Rue des Rosiers is a perfect example of the duality that defines this neighborhood. As the main artery of the old Jewish quarter, it embodies everything Jewish culture offers: falafel stands, synagogues, Ashkenazi bookstores, kosher shops, and enticing pastry shops. Vibrant and full of life, the area has managed to retain its popular character but must contend with the onslaught of high-end fashion stores that are settling in, somewhat breaking its picturesque charm.

Finally, the Place des Vosges is the last must-visit in Le Marais. The perfect architectural harmony of the square is enhanced by the 36 pavilions with blue roofs and red bricks that surround it. At number 6, the house where Victor Hugo lived between 1832 and 1848 is open to visitors.

Photos

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