Visiting le Marais in Paris is one of the highlights of a trip to Paris. Small winding streets, gorgeous old mansions, fabulous restaurants, cafés and coffee shops and the oldest and arguably most beautiful planned square in Paris. This le Marais guide will lead you to 27 best things to do in le Marais Paris.
Le Marais In Paris: Need To Know
Before heading off to the Marais district in Paris, it is helpful to know a few things.
- Le Marais is the French word for marsh and it is indeed true that le Marais was at one time in history marshlands.
- The 17th century and the 18th century were the glory years of le Marais in Paris. The Marais district became home to the French nobility who built mansions, known in French as “hôtel particulier.” The area is home to stunning mansions of historic architecture.
- The Marais has traditionally been the Jewish quarter in Paris and many of its streets are immersed in Jewish history. It is renowned for its kosher delis, and bakeries.
- Today the Marais district is full of chic upscale shops, trendy restaurants, and bars and is a mixture of many communities – Jewish, Asian and LBGTQ.
- Le Marais in Paris is in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements.
27 Best Things To Do In Le Marais Paris
1. Flâner In Le Marais Paris
This art of wandering and observing life (to flâner) is one of the very best things to do in Le Marais Paris. Allow yourself plenty of time to sit at a café, pop into some galleries, visit a museum and explore the narrow, cobblestone streets looking for different hôtels particuliers and browsing the boutiques.
On Sundays, many of the streets are closed to traffic making it a popular, yet perfect, time to visit le Marais.
Le Marais in Paris is far more than a list of things to do. These suggestions will get you started but turn left when everyone else is going right. The Marais district is full of places of interest and the ultimate neighbourhood to make your own Parisian discoveries.
2. Picnic At Place Des Vosges
Is Place des Vosges the most beautiful square in Paris? You be the judge!
Place des Vosges was Paris’s first planned square commissioned by Henri IV in 1605. Place Royale, as it was originally called, became home to Paris’s aristocracy. It was renamed Place des Vosges in 1793 as a tribute to the Vosges department in France which was the first to pay its taxes to the government.
Today Place des Vosges is one of the parks in Paris where you can sit on the grass (in many parks it is forbidden) making it the perfect place for a picnic. It is a gathering spot for families, sunbathers, artists and friends sitting on a bench enjoying the gurgling fountains. Be sure to wander the covered archways lined with galleries and shops. Sit at the café, Carette Paris, and enjoy a rich hot chocolate or Sunday morning brunch.
A visit to Place des Vosges is one of the top things to do in le Marais Paris! I find it so enchanting here, it’s listed in my article on the 45 most romantic places in Paris. Would you agree?
3. See Victor Hugo’s House
6 Place des Vosges, 75004 Paris
Victor Hugo, the famous poet and novelist, lived at #6 Place des Vosges. Today it is the only house in Place des Vosges open to the public. Wander through this museum, Hugo’s former residence, and see where Hugo wrote The Hunchback of Notre Dame and part of Les Miserables.
The upstairs windows provide a lovely view over Place des Vosges.
The Maison Victor Hugo is free and no reservation is required.
Things To Do In Le Marais Paris Tip: Stop by the recently opened Café Le Mulot at the Maison de Victor Hugo. Maison Mulot, a top patisserie in Saint Germain des Prés, is the “traiteur” for this new restaurant.
4. Admire The Hôtel De Sully
62 rue Saint-Antoine, 75004 Paris
Admiring the Hôtel de Sully is one of the essential things to do in le Marais Paris. It is an impressive example of architectural elegance and the wealth and splendour of the period in French history. This private mansion was first built by a gambler in 1624. After losing all his money, the Duc de Sully who was Henry IV’s chief minister bought it. Today, it houses the National Office of Historical Monuments and Sites, with an information centre and a fabulous bookshop inside
Wander through the stunning gardens and in the courtyard look for the relief sculptures of Earth, Wind, Fire and Water.
5. Find The Cannonball
7 rue des Nonnains d’Hyères, 75004 Paris
Who would have thought that one of the fun things to do in le Marais Paris would be to search for a cannonball lodged in a façade? Stroll past the fabulous Hôtel de Sens with its turrets. Admire the fabulous building and search the front facade (near the left turret) for the black cannonball. It’s been lodged in the stone wall since the 28th of July 1830!
6. Take In The Picasso Museum
5 rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris
The Picasso Museum, the Musée National Picasso, in the Marais district is set in a stunning Parisian mansion, the Hôtel Salé. The strong collection of Pablo Picasso’s works makes it well worth a visit. But, the Hôtel Salé itself with its grand staircase and sumptuous details make it a priority for what to see in le Marais. Find out all the details on the Museum’s site.
Skip The Line with a Full-Day Priority Access ticket.
Read More: Love museums? Here is a top guide to 15 Museums in Paris. Get your Paris Museum Pass for 2,4 or 6 days here.
7. Find The Mascarons Watching You
One of the best things to do in le Marais Paris is to examine the mascarons at the top of the impressive doorways. When these private mansions were built, a mascaron (carved mask) was placed over the entranceway to protect the family from evil spirits. Often a fanciful face, sometimes a faun and other times a full-figured mascaron, they are always watching who goes by!
If you love intricate and decorative door knockers, le Marais in Paris is an excellent district to find them.
8. Catch The Views From The Pompidou Center
Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris
The Georges Pompidou Centre, with its funky, unique design, houses the National Museum of Modern Art, Europe’s largest collection of modern art. The permanent exhibitions at the Cente Pompidou showcase a diverse array of modern and contemporary art. The Centre Pompidou also hosts excellent temporary exhibitions. One of the best things to do in le Marais Paris is head straight to the top floor of the Pompidou Centre for magnificent views over the Paris rooftops, including Sacre Coeur and the Eiffel Tower.
Skip The Line with this ticket
Please note: The Pompidou Center is closing in 2025 for renovations that will last five years.
9. Find The Anne Frank Garden
14 impasse Berthaud, 75003 Paris
Close to the Georges Pompidou Center is the Anne Frank Garden. One of the hidden gems in the Marais Paris, it is tucked away down a narrow street. Once found, the Anne Frank Garden is a tranquil oasis and a lovely spot to relax and watch real Parisians. Families bring their children here to play, owners walk their dogs and others tend to the roses and fruit trees in the orchard. It is also a place to spend time reflecting on the victims of the Holocaust. Note the chestnut tree planted in Anne Frank’s memory and the bronze statues dedicated to survivors of the Holocaust.
10. Discover These Half-Timbered Houses
Rue de Braque is a quiet street lined with private mansions. Behind the facade at #5 is a half-timbered 17th-century house. Although these are private residences, it might be your lucky day to find the door open.
Take special note of the facades at #4,#6 and #8 on rue de Braque. You’ll see heads of sages and rams and lion muzzles decorating the panels of the carriage door. These date back to Louis XIV.
11. Observe Life In Square Georges Cain
8 rue Payenne, 75003 Paris
I first came across this lovely square during the first confinement in the Spring of 2020. The parks were all locked shut. I stood at the gates and knew that as soon as some sense of freedom was restored, I would choose to sit here.
One of the best things to do in le Marais Paris is to observe Parisian life in Square Georges Cain. Locals come and let their dogs socialize, others play chess on the tables provided, the bronze statue of the nude woman, L’Aurore, stands tall in the centre rose bed, and the Rossignol, an electronic bird, starts singing when the wind blows. It’s Paris at its authentic best.
Read More | 25 Key Travel Tips For Paris. Here are the best Paris experiences to have and where to find 43 hidden gems in Paris. Only have a short time in Paris? Try this One Day in Paris Itinerary. If you want to find the charms of secret Paris, find them in my eBook, Paris for the Curious Stroller.
12. Saunter Rue Des Rosiers
Sometimes I just take things at face value. I’d always accepted the name of rue des Rosiers without thinking. One day I stopped in my tracks. Rue des Rosiers. The Street of the Rosebushes.
Wandering rue des Rosiers is one of the best things to do in le Marais Paris. Rue des Rosiers, the heart of the Jewish community in Paris, is always lively. From the ever-present lineup at l’As de Fallafel, private courtyards full of Pierre de Ronsard roses, Jewish bakeries full of delicious cookies, and the plaque at #7 that acts as a memorial, rue des Rosiers is a “must-do” in the Marais Paris.
Amidst the independent shops and international boutiques, such as COS, find the indistinct entrance to the tucked-away garden, Jardin des Rosiers – Joseph Migneret. Make sure to note the memorial to the children under the age of five that were taken away never to return during one of the Nazi sweeps of Paris during WWII. Also worth noting is the large portion of the Philippe Auguste wall, the oldest city wall of Paris.
Right in the heart of Jewish Paris, you may want to consider taking a Jewish History Tour listed in one of 7 Unique Walking Tours of Paris.
13. Stand Before L’Hôtel De Ville De Paris
1 Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, 75004 Paris
Paris’s City Hall is the official office of the Mayor of Paris, currently Anne Hildago. Right in this very location, there has been a city government building since 1357. Of course, there have been many changes over time and the building was set afire during the Paris Commune in 1871. It is a location steeped in Parisian history. There was even a guillotine situated in the square.
One of the things to do in le Marais Paris in 2024 is to stand in the large square (parvis)before the Paris Hôtel de Ville and admire the Olympic rings. If you are in Paris in December, the Christmas market located here is charming.
14. Examine The Facade Of Nicolas Flamel’s House
51 rue de Montmorency, 75003 Paris
If you’re a Harry Potter fan then this is one of the best things to do in le Marais Paris. Does the name Nicolas Flamel ring a bell? Perhaps you already know that J.K. Rowling did not invent this character completely. Nicolas Flamel, born in 1330, was indeed a real person, an alchemist and a manuscript seller, experimenting with that elusive and magical elixir to obtain eternal life and change lead into gold.
He and his wife Dame Pernelle opened this inn in le Marais, Paris to welcome the homeless. It is the oldest inn (auberge) in Paris and a historic monument.
The facade is detailed and fun to examine. If you want the full experience, stay for a meal at the Auberge Nicolas Flamel.
15. Passage De l’Ancre
223 rue Saint-Martin, 75003 Paris
The Passage de l’Ancre (Passage of the Anchor) is a lovely hidden passageway in le Marais Paris. Enter to find vines and flowers, private residences, and a few stores and restaurants. It is here that you will find the only umbrella repair shop in Paris, Pep’s (unfortunately now out of business). The short passageway is a lovely, tranquil discovery.
16. Seek Out The Oldest Half-Timbered Houses In Le Marais
#11 and #13 rue François Miron, 75004 Paris
The Marais district, full of aristocratic private mansions, also has two ancient very tall, skinny half-timbered houses dating from the 14th century reminding us just how long le Marais Paris has been around! Are they the oldest in Paris? Some people say, “No.” Hard to say as they were renovated in the 1960s and the jury is out! Never mind. Crane your neck and marvel at their crookedness and the fact that they are still standing! Definitely one of the top things to do in le Marais Paris, especially for history lovers!
Le Marais Things To Do Nearby
Read More: From here you are super close to the Seine River and Ile Saint Louis, one of the oldest villages in Paris. Here are all the things to do on Ile Saint-Louis. As you head from le Marais, find le Peleton Café for a delicious coffee and pair it with one of the best Paris pastries, a Merveilleux de Fred.
Once on Ile Saint Louis, you are steps from Ile de la Cité filled with iconic Parisian landmarks. Here is my guide to the best of Ile de la Cité.
Not far from the Marais is Place de la Bastille and the trendy 11th arrondissement. Read about what to see and do in the 11th.
17. Eat At Marché Des Enfants Rouges
39 rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris
One of the essential things to do in le Marais Paris is to visit the Marché des Enfants Rouges, the oldest covered market in Paris. Located in the haut Marais on the bustling rue de Bretagne, it is one of the few Paris markets that has tables, some communal, making it a great place to have lunch (déjeuner) or dinner.
I lived right beside Marché des Enfants Rouges for four months and can assure you that it is a bustling covered market. Buy fresh fruit, vegetables, and regional French cheeses or enjoy a take-out meal from one of the stalls. Italian, Moroccan, French and Chez Alain Miam Miam will make it hard to decide where to start!
Maybe you’ll receive some advice on love and life as I did at the Marché des Enfants Rouges. Are you game to try the Gluten-Free cornet vegetarian at Chez Alain? Gluten-Free in Paris describes where to find it.
Read More: From the Marché des Enfants Rouges, you are only a short (15 min) walk to Canal Saint-Martin. Here is all you need to know about Canal-Saint-Martin and all the restaurants in the area.
18. Open Doorways In Le Marais Paris
There is a way to get behind those massive, intricate, gorgeous doorways of Paris. If there are offices behind, during the weekdays just push the button and you will have access to the courtyard. Sometimes, you have to ask a resident who is leaving and other times the doorway may just be open.
Be curious. Be observant and you may discover a lovely courtyard that the not-so-observant traveller strolls right by.
Read More | Have you ever considered going to the Paris Catacombs? Find out 25 interesting facts and you’ll be adding it to your Paris Bucket List!
19. Stroll Through The Garden Of The National Archives
60 rue des Francs Bourgeois, 75003 Paris
One of the most beautiful things to see in le Marais is the stunning Hôtel de Soubise. It’s worth popping by to admire its gorgeous courtyard. Walk right to the back of the courtyard and turn right! There you will find the loveliest of gardens with private little alcoves for sitting. It’s a very romantic and quiet garden!
Things To Do In Le Marais Paris Tip: Entering the National Archives is free. It is the State Museum of French History and holds thousands of historical documents. In the museum, certain documents are on display. Will you see the last letter of Marie Antoinette or the founding paperwork for Sainte-Chapelle?
20. Inhale The Wisteria In The Spring
rue de Fourcy, near the métro station Saint Paul
What to do in le Marais in the springtime? Search out the wisteria heralding the beginning of spring. The best wisteria to see in le Marais is on rue de Fourcy in April. The delicate scent of flowering wisteria fills the air. It’s worth making a detour to see the violet blooms!
Read More: Gorgeous cherry trees bloom in the spring in this garden. Here’s why spring is the best season to visit Paris. This article will help you find the best spring blossoms in Paris.
If you are not too distracted by the wisteria, pop into the Maison Européenne de la Photographie at 5 rue de Fourcy.
21. Gaze Into The Dome At Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis Church
99 rue Saint-Antoine, 75004 Paris
The first time, I was dragged through the bright red doors of Eglise Saint-Louis-Saint-Paul after a very long day of walking through Paris. My friend wanted to listen to the Stabat Mater concert that was already underway. The candles, magical voices, strains of music and the glorious dome under which it was unfolding will never be forgotten.
You can’t see the 195-foot (59 metre) dome from the facade of the beautiful three-tiered front of the church. Step inside to fully appreciate the dome, the first of its kind in Paris. It is like a well of light shining over the altar.
Eglise Saint-Louis-Saint-Paul was commissioned by Louis XIII and completed by 1641. Though many artefacts were stolen from the church during the Revolution, some important works were spared. The most impressive is Delacroix’s Christ in the Garden of Olives (1827).
What To See In Le Marais Tip: In 2023, Christ in the Garden of the Olives is hanging to the left of the altar. Sometimes this masterpiece is on loan.
22. Visit The Musée Carnavalet
23 rue de Sévigné, 75003 Paris
Reopening in 2021 after a very long renovation project, the Musée Carnavalet is a gem of a museum to visit. Dedicated to the history of Paris, the Carnavalet Museum is one of my favourite museums in Paris. It is set in two stunning neighbouring mansions with a lovely courtyard where you can sip a coffee. Check out their site for current exhibitions.
Things To Do In le Marais Paris Tip: The Carnavalet Museum is free! Why not just pop in for an hour and see the antique shop signs or the vestiges of Roman Paris?
23. Find The King Philippe Auguste Wall
If you like history, this is one of the best things to see in le Marais Paris. Behind the Eglise Saint-Louis-Saint-Paul and beside the high school, Lycée Charlemagne is the largest remaining section of the Philippe Auguste wall that surrounded Paris and defined its borders in the 12th century. Yes, that’s right! This wall hails from 1190, making it one of the oldest things to see in le Marais.
The stone wall had 77 semi-cylindrical towers and was 15 metres (49 feet) high. A quarter of one of the towers, the Montgomery Tower, can be seen today.
24. Browse The Boutiques and Art Galleries In Le Marais Paris
Oh là là ! One of the most fun things to do in le Marais Paris is browse the boutiques! Le Marais is full of boutiques and small art galleries. It is also home to many international chain stores such as Uniqlo, Cos and H and M. Look for French brands such as Sandro, Maje, and Comptoir des Cotonniers. Allow yourself time to explore and enter the smaller shops on a whim. What will you bring home from le Marais?
Iva, who lives in the Marais, lists her favourites in this post.
What are the best Streets In Le Marais For Shopping? The best shopping in the Marais is found You’ll find lots of shopping choices on rue des Francs Bourgeois, rue Vieille-du-Temple, and rue de Rivoli (including the BHV department store). Rue de Bretagne is a great foodie street. The Merci Concept store and Bensimon concept stores are very popular.
25. Be Sprayed By The Stravinsky Fountain
rue Brisemiche, 75004 Paris
Right next to the Centre Pompidou is the colourful and captivating Stravinsky Fountain. Created in 1983 by sculptors Jean Tinguely and Niki de Saint Phalle the fountain, made up of 16 separate sculptures, is a tribute to renowned Russian composer Igor Stravinsky. After 18 months of restoration work when there was not a drop of water in the fountain, the Stravinsky Fountain reopened in November 2023. Take some time and enjoy watching the water jets in this playful and avant-garde fountain.
26. Admire The Tour Saint-Jacques
This magnificent Flamboyant Gothic tower stands like a beacon in the heart of Paris, all alone. The Tour Saint-Jacques is all that remains of the 16th-century Church of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie. It once served as a stop for pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Stand in the picturesque square and admire the tower’s intricate stone carvings. Feeling energetic? Why not take the guided tour and climb the 300 steps for a marvellous view over Paris?
27. Have A Glass Of Wine In A Bookstore
31 rue Vieille du Temple, 75003 Paris
One of the unique things to do in le Marais Paris is to sip a glass of wine at La Belle Hortense, a quaint, tiny bookstore and wine bar. La Belle Hortense is the perfect place to sip some fine wine recommended by the “barman” and browse through some books. It’s the ideal spot for a rest after walking all day in le Marais or to meet friends for a lively discussion!
What To Do In Le Marais Paris: Events
March 24, 2024, marks the historic return of a contest that first started in 1914. The “course des garçons de café” or the Café Waiters’ Race, is being held for the first time since 2011. The waiters wear a white shirt, dark trousers and an apron and carry a tray with a croissant, a coffee, and a glass of water through the streets of the Marais. Seriously this has to be one of the most amusing things to do in le Marais Paris in 2024! If you are in Paris in March, mark it on your calendar!
Where To Stay In Le Marais Paris
Where to Stay In Le Marais Paris
Le Marais Hotels: This boutique hotel is built on the site of a 17th-century convent, and this small luxury hotel is right by Place des Vosges. Read my article on 11 Best Boutique Hotels in the Marais.
Le Marais apartments: This stylish apartment sleeps up to 6 people right in the heart of le Marais. This one-bedroom apartment is in the perfect location for exploring le Marais.
Looking for the ultimate splurge on this trip to Paris? 21 Hotels with Eiffel Tower views.
Looking for affordable hotels in Paris? Try this curated list of 13 best affordable hotels.
Where To Eat In Le Marais Paris
After spending lots of time in le Marais, here are 21 best restaurants in le Marais Paris that I would happily return to again and again.
FAQ’s Le Marais Paris
Where is le Marais Paris?
Le Marais is a historic district in the 3rd and 4th arrondissments of Paris on the Right Bank of the Seine River.
Is le Marais Paris a good place to stay?
Yes, le Marais is a fantastic place to stay. Its central location, rich history, and vibrant atmosphere make it a top choice as a place to stay in Paris. Staying in the Marais also puts you within walking distance of many of Paris’s top attractions including the Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Centre Pompidou.
Is le Marais Paris worth visiting?
Absolutely! There are so many great things to do in le Marais Paris. This area is a beautiful blend of old-world charm and contemporary vibrancy. Winding streets, hidden gardens, historic architecture, fun boutiques, and the most beautiful square in all of Paris make the Marais totally worth visiting.
What is the prettiest street in le Marais Paris?
With so many winding and cobblestone streets, le Marais in Paris has plenty of charming streets. Rue des Rosiers is one of the streets not to be missed. It is lively, pretty, has a hidden garden, and many buildings wth historic architectural details. Spending time on rue des Rosiers is one of the best things to do in le Marais Paris.
How do I spend a day in le Marais Paris?
Start your day in le Marais Paris with breakfast at Carette in Place des Vosges. From there, head to the Hotel de Sully and continue exploring the historic monuments in le Marais. You may want to visit the amazing Carnavalet Museum. After lunch at a charming French café why not head down rue des Rosiers and rue des Francs-Bourgeois for some boutique shopping. I highly recommend allowing time to wander to discover the unexpected. Head on over to the Pompidou Centre for an exhibition and great views over Paris. Be sure to stop by the Stravinsky Fountain. Find a nice cosy bistro for dinner and then end the day with a stroll along the Seine.
These are some of the best things to do in le Marais Paris. Every time I return there is a new discovery. I hope you enjoy le Marais Paris as much as I do. Let me know what you love about it!
Until next time,
Trip Planning
Planning Tips For Your Trip to Paris
Book your airline tickets with my favourite platform, Skyscanner.
Book a transfer from Charles de Gaulle or Orly airport with Welcome Pick Ups.
Reserve a car (not for Paris) but for a road trip in France
Reserve train tickets for further travels in Europe with Trainline (my go-to)
Guided Tours and Tickets for Paris
Le Marais Paris: Try this walking tour of le Marais or get right to the good stuff – a cheese, wine and delicacies tour.
This one-hour Seine cruise is unforgettable but so is the evening Seine cruise. It’s a hard choice!
This skip-the-line admission to the Arc de Triomphe Rooftop or the timed entry to the Louvre and reserved access to the Musée d’Orsay can maximize your time.
Get to the top of the Eiffel Tower with direct access to the summit by elevator.
A day trip to Versailles with access to the Palace and Gardens with an audio guide is always a good idea.
Guides To Paris
Now that you know all the best things to do in le Marais Paris, here are some of my guides to Paris:
- the Paris arrondissements to help you plan the best trip ever. Included are all the best things to do in each area.
- Saint-Germain des Prés
- Montmartre
- The Latin Quarter
- La Butte aux Cailles
- Canal Saint-Martin.
Travelling to Paris alone? This article on navigating Paris alone is full of tips and tricks for the solo traveller.
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