Paris Guide
The Marais
Located on the Right Bank, just west of the Bastille, the Marais is one of the most seductive areas of central Paris, perfect for idle wandering. Largely untouched by Baron Haussmann and modern development, it preserves its magnificent Renaissance hôtels particuliers (mansions) and enchanting narrow streets, and is one of the most desirable areas to live in.
The quarter is now known for its exclusivity, sophistication and artsy leanings, and for being the neighbourhood of choice for gay Parisians. Renovated hôtels particuliers, with their intimate courtyards and sumptuous architectural detail, have become chic flats, boutiques and offices; some also provide splendid settings for a number of excellent museums, not least among them the Musée Picasso, the free Musée Carnavalet history museum and the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire du Judaïsme.
The main artery running through the Marais, dividing it roughly north and south, is the busy rue de Rivoli and its continuation to the Bastille, rue St-Antoine. South of this line is the quartier St-Paul-St-Gervais, with its antique shops and atmospheric backstreets. To the north are most of the museums, place des Vosges, and the quartier du Temple.
The Marais is one of the few areas of the city where most shops, cafés and restaurants remain open on a Sunday (usually 2–6pm) – many Parisians come here for brunch and spend the afternoon browsing the shops and strolling around place des Vosges. The main métro stops for the area are M° Hotel de Ville and, a little further east, M° St-Paul.