Highlights of the Marais

Highlights of the Marais area of Paris include a park where locals head for relaxation, homes of the famous, a world-class museum, and high-end shopping. This area of Paris, which includes the 3rd and 4^th arrondissements of the city, was built on marshland (“marais” means marsh) in the 1100s. Here are some highlights of a day in the historic Marais.

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The Place des Vosges

The Place des Vosges is the oldest planned square in Paris. It’s a park lined by elegant red-brick buildings. Victor Hugo’s home is here and is open to the public. Families hang out here, locals come to exercise or study, and tourists marvel at the peacefulness.

The historical architecture

Enjoy the old buildings and streets, built at various times through the centuries. This area speaks of lives lived to the full here.

French cafes, of course!

Morning coffee, lunch, late afternoon drink – no problem finding the perfect café. The difficult part is choosing.

One excellent way to explore Paris is with a walking tour. I highly recommend Take Walks Paris!

The Sunday Market

We took the bus to the Bastille circle, got off, and found the street we wanted as a starting point to our adventure. I’m not good at directions, though, so we went the opposite way. We wandered along, enjoyed a breakfast of chocolate croissants in a local bakery, and then figured out our mistake and turned around. We came to a street jammed with large and small trucks and immediately found the Sunday Market on the other side of them. So by happy accident we blended with residents doing their weekly shopping.

The Jewish Quarter

The Marais has been home to a community of Jews since the 13th century. Sadly, this area is the site of terrorist attacks and of deportations. Memorials name some of the children deported during WWII.

The Goldenberg deli is the site of a 1982 terrorist attack that left six people dead and 21 injured. As recently as 2015, two of the perpetrators were found. This is a community that does not forget those it lost.

The tall synagogue survives.

The Marais also has museums and shops and restaurants. On a Sunday, the Marais is especially vibrant as the residents come out in droves to enjoy their free time. It’s a bustling place, full of history and life.

If you go to the Marais, I highly recommend lunch at La Terrasse Sainte-Catherine on Sainte Catherine Place. Locals filled the restaurant and it seemed everyone ordered a basket of French fries. So we did, too. I’m not a fry eater normally, but these are truly remarkable. And the salmon burger was delicious.

Where to stay in Paris

Paris offers hundreds of hotels. It’s sometimes overwhelming to start looking for a place to stay. Here are a few suggestions for lovely hotels near some of the sites mentioned. With the excellent Paris Metro system, you will be able to arrive wherever you like with just a little planning.

Near the Invalides: The Hotel de Varenne is exquisitely decorated and includes an inviting patio. You can walk from here to the Invalides as well as the Rodin Museum. (7th arrondissement)

Book your stay at the elegant Hotel de Varenne around the corner from the Rodin Museum.

Near the Pantheon: Hotel des Grand Hommes and (right next door) the Hotel les Dames du Pantheon. Both of these elegant hotels are across the street from the Pantheon. From my balcony room at the Grand Hommes I watched the sun rise on the iconic Pantheon. And you can walk down the street to Luxembourg Gardens. (5th arrondissement)

Book your stay at the Hotel des Grand Hommes and enjoy a view of the stately Pantheon out your window.

A gem in the Latin Quarter: Hotel Serotel Lutece is in the Latin Quarter, You can walk from here to the Pantheon, Notre Dame, and Sainte-Chapelle. Not only is this a comfortable, attractive hotel, but I also found the staff here to be extra helpful with directions and information. (5th arrondissement)

Book your stay at the cozy Hotel Serotel Lutece in a walkable neighborhood near metro stations, shops, and restaurants.

Central to wherever you want to go: Hotel Moliere, themed on the French poet, is a delightful hotel near the Louvre. It is surprisingly affordable for this pricey area. You can walk or take the Metro to any sites you would like to visit. (1st arrondissement)

Book your stay at Hotel Moliere near the Louvre and the lovely Tuileries Garden.

Consider a side trip to the D-Day Beaches and Normandy

History comes alive when you visit the D-Day Beaches in Normandy. Just a two-hour train ride or drive from Paris, the Normandy beaches offer battle sites and museums. Pay respects at the many somber cemeteries. Stay in charming Bayeux. Normandy makes a great side trip if you are going to Paris.

Book the elegant Hotel Churchill in Bayeux, the perfect base for exploring the D-Day Beaches.

Places to visit include Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, and Gold, Juno, and Sword Beaches. If you have time, include all 5 D-Day Beaches in your itinerary for an amazing overview of June 6, 1944 and Operation Overlord.

Book your train tickets with Rail Europe for easy and reliable service. 

Rail Europe partners with more than 230 train services such as SCNF, DB, and Swiss train lines. So, you can always find the transportation you need for your trip.

Renting a car in Europe? I can recommend renting with Auto Europe.

FOR MORE OF PARIS, HEAD TO THESE POSTS!

Reasons to Visit the Eiffel Tower

Tips for Your First Trip to Paris

Climbing Up Into the Eiffel Tower

Paris WWII Sites for History Lovers

A Few Hours in Paris

Exploring the Rodin Museum

5 Reasons to Visit Luxembourg Gardens

Paris Gardens to Enjoy

The D’Orsay Museum in Paris

A Walk in the Latin Quarter

Ageless Beauty at Sainte-Chapelle

The Invalides – Where Paris History Comes Alive

The Conciergerie – Marie Antoinette’s Prison

See more of Paris with a tour!

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