What to do in Le Marais? If you ask me, this historic Parisian neighbourhood is where I always find myself wandering—no matter how many times I visit. After 11 trips to Paris (and counting), Le Marais remains one of my favourite areas, effortlessly blending old-world charm with a lively, hip energy.
It’s the kind of place where you can lose track of time, weaving through narrow streets, stepping into centuries-old courtyards, and discovering hidden gems at every turn. If you truly want to experience Paris beyond the postcard views, Le Marais is where to do it. Let me share what to see and do.
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Le Marais: A Neighbourhood That Feels Like a Village
Le Marais, which means “The Marsh” in French, wasn’t always the sought-after neighbourhood it is today. Once a swampy area along the Right Bank of the Seine, it was drained and developed in the Middle Ages. By the 17th century, it became the aristocratic heart of Paris, with grand mansions—many of which still stand today, now home to museums, boutiques, and cafés.
Located in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, Le Marais stretches from the Seine up toward République, bordered by the busy Rue de Rivoli and the elegant Place des Vosges. It has a timeless feel—where medieval alleyways lead to trendy concept stores, historic Jewish bakeries sit beside hip cafés, and Parisians linger in sun-dappled squares.
That’s what makes Le Marais worth visiting. It has the charm of old Paris with modern, hip energy—cobblestone streets, hidden courtyards, independent boutiques, and a mix of Jewish heritage, LGBTQ+ culture, and contemporary art. It’s a place to wander without a plan, easily making it one of my favourite Parisian escapes.
What to Do in Le Marais
1. Eat a Falafel at L’As du Fallafel
No visit to Le Marais is complete without a stop at this legendary falafel shop. The line moves fast, and trust me, it’s worth the wait. But, if the line is too long for your liking any of the fallafels along Rue des Rosiers are equally as good.
2. Browse the Boutiques on Rue Vieille du Temple
This lively street is a mix of high-end fashion, independent designers, and concept stores. Even if I don’t buy anything, I love window shopping here.
3. Explore the Art Galleries
Le Marais is an art lover’s district, and the galleries along this street have everything from contemporary works to classic pieces. Some of the best areas to check out can be found on Rue de Thorigny and Places des Vosges, and the pop-up galleries along Rue Vieille du Temple, Rue de Turenne, and Rue Charlot.
The Centre Pompidou is a must-visit, instantly recognizable by its bold primary colours and exposed pipes and air ducts, making it one of the most iconic spots for art lovers.
4. Sip Coffee at a Café Terrace
I always take a break at one of the many cafés—Griffon, Café Fika, or Maison Pralus—even as a tea drinker I love the cafe culture, perfect for people-watching.
5. Wander Through Hidden Courtyards
One of my favourite things to do in Le Marais is step through open doorways and discover quiet courtyards filled with greenery and history. One of the larger ones that used to be filled with antique shops (although there are fewer with every visit) can be found at Village Saint-Paul.
6. Visit a Concept Store Like Merci
Part boutique, part bookstore, part café—Merci is a must for anyone who loves design and unique finds. And, how can you not love the bright red Fiat parked out front?
7. Enjoy an Apéro at a Wine Bar
Frenchie Bar à Vins and La Belle Hortense are two great spots for a glass of wine and small plates in a cozy, romantic setting. Or, on a fair weathered evening, I’ve been known to go to the top of the BHV department store to Le Perchoir, a terrace bar with views of the Eiffel Tower.
8. Get Lost in the Side Streets
The winding, cobblestone streets of Le Marais are made for aimless wandering—a practice the French call flâneur. Victor Hugo once said he found inspiration for his books “by chance, in the streets of Paris,” and I get it. Some of the most beautiful streets are hidden in this neighbourhood, waiting to be discovered.
Walking here isn’t about getting somewhere—it’s about soaking up the details, from gorgeous doors to tucked-away courtyards, and letting the city reveal itself at its own pace.
I’ll share a couple of my favourite streets and walking routes with you.
- Rue des Tournelles – Walk through the arcade of Place des Vosges and turn right on Rue de Turenee. Next, take a left on Rue Parc Royal to Rue Payenee which meets up again with Rue des Tournelles.
- Rue Charlot – Walk along it and its connecting streets of Rue de Poitou and from Rue Debelleyme to Rue Vieille du Temple to Rue du Perche.
9. Visit an Interesting Museum
Le Marais is a dream for museum lovers, with everything from art and history to science and literature. Here are the ones I recommend and visit often:
- Musée des Archives Nationales – Housed in the Hôtel de Soubise, this museum features fascinating historical documents, including the original Declaration of the Rights of Man.
- Maison de Victor Hugo – Located in Place des Vosges, this small museum is set in the apartment where the famous writer lived. It offers a glimpse into his life, with original manuscripts and personal artifacts.
- Musée Carnavalet – Dedicated to the history of Paris, this museum is housed in two beautiful mansions and showcases everything from medieval artifacts to 19th-century Parisian shop signs.
Two more, if you have an interest in art then visit Musée National Picasso which holds an extensive collection of Picasso’s works in a stunning 17th-century hôtel particulier and Musée des Arts et Métiers is one of the most underrated museums in Paris, this one is all about science, technology, and inventions.
10. Marché des Enfants Rouges
Paris’s oldest covered market, dating back to 1615, is tucked away behind an unassuming entrance on Rue de Bretagne. Inside, it’s a lively mix of fresh produce, specialty food stalls, and international cuisine. Whether I’m craving a Moroccan tagine, Japanese bento, or just a great cheese plate, this market never disappoints. It’s also a fantastic place to grab lunch and soak up the local energy.
What to See in Le Marais
1. Place des Vosges
Paris’s oldest planned square is one of my favourite spots to slow down. The red brick buildings, manicured gardens, and shaded walkways make it perfect for people-watching or relaxing with a book.
Stay, as I did, in the elegant 17th-century Le Pavillon de la Reine luxury hotel that sits on this square.
2. Hôtel de Sully
Tucked behind Place des Vosges, this 17th-century mansion has a stunning courtyard that feels like stepping back in time. It’s also the gateway to a secret passage leading into the square.
3. Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis Church
This 17th-century church blends Baroque and classical styles. I always pop in for a moment of quiet, especially on a busy afternoon.
4. The Pletzl (Historic Jewish Quarter) The Jewish Quarter
Along Rue des Rosiers and its surrounding streets, the Jewish quarter is filled with history—synagogues, bookshops, and memorial plaques that tell the story of this deeply rooted community. I always like to pop into the bakeries serving traditional Ashkenazi and Sephardic treats.
5. Hôtel de Ville
Paris’s city hall is an architectural gem. While you can’t tour the inside, its grand architecture makes it a sight worth stopping for, especially when it’s beautifully lit at night.
6. Tour Saint-Jacques
This 16th-century Gothic tower is all that remains of the Church of Saint-Jacques-la-Boucherie, lost to the French Revolution. It stands along Rue de Rivoli and is more of a landmark that I often use as a shortcut to get to Le Marais.
7. Half-Timbered Houses
It’s rare to see medieval architecture in Paris, but Le Marais is home to some of the oldest half-timbered houses in the city. Found on Rue François Miron, Rue des Barres and Rue de Braque these buildings date back to the 14th century and offer a glimpse of what Paris looked like centuries ago. I always stop to admire their exposed wooden beams and slanted façades—it’s like stepping into a different era.
8. Flamel House (Maison de Nicolas Flamel)
This isn’t just any old house—it’s the oldest stone house in Paris, built in 1407 by Nicolas Flamel, a historical figure often linked to alchemy and the philosopher’s stone. Today, it houses a small restaurant, but the carved inscriptions on the façade hint at its mysterious past. It’s a fascinating stop, especially for history lovers.
9. Gardens and Squares
Le Marais might be a busy district, but it’s also full of small green spaces perfect for a quiet escape. I have many favourites, but let me share a couple.
- Jardin des Rosiers-Joseph-Migneret – A hidden garden just off Rue des Rosiers, offering a hidden spot among historic townhouses.
- Square Georges Cain – this round garden with a bronze statue of a woman in the middle of a rose bed is a favourite among the locals, especially with dogs.
- Jardin Anne-Frank – A small, secluded garden dedicated to Anne Frank, tucked behind a quiet courtyard near the Centre Pompidou.
One of the Best Things to Do in Le Marais is EAT! Best Restaurants in Le Marais Paris
What makes this area so sought after is the dining! The Marais neighbourhood has no shortage of great dining and for all budgets. Every time I visit Paris, I try another new eatery, here’s a roundup of some of the best places that I’ve tried.
- Crêperie Breizh: you can’t go wrong with one of their savoury Breton galettes and buckwheat crêpes (and yes, they have multiple locations in Paris)
- Cafe Louis Philippe: any restaurant that has been around since 1810 you know is worth dining at! Snag a terrace table as the views are pretty incredible of Île Saint-Louis, or go upstairs for a view of the Notre Dame
- Robert et Louise: an unassuming bistro with red gingham curtains, mismatched tables and chairs, and copper pots hanging from shelves (you get the picture, right?) serving classic French dishes, it’s adorable and delicious
- Eately: the familiar and much-loved Italian specialty store/eatery can be found in Le Marais. Choose from multiple market counters based on your craving, visit the largest wine cellar in Paris and shop from all the imported products from Italy
- Big Love: anything on the mostly vegetarian menu of pasta and pizza is delicious, along with the cool vibe of this tiny restaurant
- Les Philosophes: when I’m in the mood for a quintessential Parisian brasserie, this is my go-to spot offering all the French classics in one of the best locations, especially for busy people watching from the terrace
Final Thoughts
There’s always something new to discover in the Marais neighbourhood. Looking to stay in Le Marais? It’s where I did, and I couldn’t recommend it more.
For more insights into other Paris neighbourhoods, check out my guides on Saint-Germain in the 6th arrondissement and Île Saint-Louis, a hidden gem in the 4th arrondissement.
