Cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, bustling markets and life-changing falafel…oh-la-la, Paris’ most fashionable district Le Marais has it all.
Rich in history, this trendy district was traditionally the Jewish Quarter of Paris. Today, the Marais boasts one of the largest Jewish communities in France and is the centre of the LBGTQ+ scene, as well as being home to the most stylish Parisians.
There’s countless galleries, museums, cafes and clothing stores, from high-end boutiques to quirky vintage stores and everything in between. Here’s the very best things to do at the junction of the 3rd and 4th arrondissement in Paris.
Saunter Through Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac
Image credit: Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac | Instagram
Bitten by the art bug at the Louvre? Head to Austrian gallerist Thaddaeus Ropac’s eponymous gallery for a big dose of ever-changing contemporary artwork. Founded in 1983, Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac showcases both emerging and established contemporary artists from across the globe. The minimalist interiors and stark white walls act as a blank canvas for the vibrant art work of Andy Warhol, Alex Katz, Antony Gormley and more. Just a hop, skip and a jump from Hermés and Chanel, this stunning space is well worth a visit.
Trawl Through The Racks At La Boutique de Cara
Forget about fast-fashion in France. Off Rue de Turenne in the Marais lies La Boutique de Cara, a carefully curated and elevated consignment boutique full of second-hand treasures from throughout the decades. Vintage Celine handbags, Ganni boots, Prada sunglasses, Chanel shirts and seemingly countless one-of-a-kind vintage finds at a fraction of their new cost, without a single well-worn 2019 H&M top in sight.
Feel Like Pablo At The Musée Picasso Paris
Image credit: Musee Picasso | Instagram
Art aficionados, put this on to the top of your list. Sitting pretty in a 17th century Parisian mansion, Hôtel Salé is an incredible Picasso Museum. With a grand symmetrical facade, central Baroque staircase and recently revamped rooms, this single-artist museum oozes opulence before you even get to the exhibition. As well as being home to the world’s most extensive Picasso collection, it’s the addition of pieces from Picasso’s personal archive that will give you a glimpse into his artistic evolution. Tip: refuel with a post-Picasso café au lait at the museum’s rooftop cafe.
Picnic At Place Des Vosges
This charming square is a little pocket of Parisian paradise. Think grand arched walkways, red-brick buildings, lime trees, trickling fountains, skilled musicians busking and blooming flower beds separated by gravel paths. Stroll through the immaculately manicured grounds before finding a patch of grass to sit, sip and snack the French way—throw down a blanket, crack open a bottle of wine and tear off a chunk from a fresh baguette.
Graze And Gaze At Marché Des Enfants Rouges
Image credit: Marché des Enfants Rouges | Website
The myriad of bikes with baguettes precariously hanging out of the baskets out the front of Paris’ oldest market will let you know you’re in the right spot. Since 1615, the fully-covered Marché des Enfants Rouges food market has been providing local Pariasans with fresh produce, flowers, small goods and more. Always buzzing and bustling, you’ll find a staggering number of vendors, food stalls and restaurants offering goods from across the globe. Pro tip: this is the place to grab some cheese, cured meats and wine to take to a nearby park and live out your picnic in Paris fantasy.
Visit The Maison de Victor Hugo
If the name Victor Hugo doesn’t ring any bells, then Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame surely will. Victor Hugo is the author behind both classics, and his preserved apartment (where he wrote these two literary masterpieces) has been turned into a museum dedicated to his life. Be inspired by his original manuscripts, personal belongings and original furniture of the era.
Chow Down On Some Falafel
Image credit: L'As du Fallafel | Instagram
Thanks to the culinary traditions of the Jewish community, the falafel in the Marais is amongst the best in the world. Cheap, filling and unbelievably tasty, these deep-fried chickpea balls are an obvious choice for a traveler on the go, but which falafel reigns supreme? There’s a long-standing rivalry between two much-loved falafel joints, L’As Du Falafel and Mi-Va-Mi. Both claim to have the best falafel in France, if not the world. In an effort to not upset either of these institutions, we’d recommend trying both of the top contenders and decide for yourself. Bon appetit.
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