The Very Best Things to Do in the Marais District of Paris

The very best things to do in the Marais District of Paris. You could spend several days in the Le Marais neighborhood of Paris and not see everything. Before we left on our trip, I did my usual research and found a lot of information on this charming and fashionable neighborhood. The articles were 20 things to do, 10 places to eat, 30 things to see, and so on and so on.  

But knowing I didn’t have days to spend in one neighborhood, they weren’t very helpful. So one late morning I set out to see what I could find and enjoy for the afternoon and evening – which is how I boiled it down to a manageable list of my favorite picks for things to do and a very fun place to eat.

Why is it called the Marais?

During the 14th century, the Le Marais District was swamp land created by the dead arm of the Seine River. It was originally developed for gardening, and only later was it further developed to include all the historically and architecturally important buildings that today make Le Marais one of the more trendy neighborhoods in Paris.

Where is the Marais located?

The Marais is spread over the 3rd and 4th Arrondissements and is located on the Right Bank of the River Seine. Today, you’ll find bakeries, art museums, department stores, famous as well as boutique hotels, and casual and fine dining. As I made my way through the Marais, I couldn’t help but notice how the area was full of both locals and tourists.

What’s the best way to get to the Marais?

Since there are multiple metro stations, we opted for that. But you can also easily get there by bus, taxi or Uber.

Here are my very favorite things to see and do in the Marais

I could go on all afternoon about each of these things and why I enjoyed them so much. But instead, I’m going to let the photos tell the stories here in no particular order.

Visit Musée Picasso

Lovely streets, shops & cafes throughout The Marais

Le Enfants Rouges

Maison Fleurus

Merci Paris

I stop in at least one time during every trip to Paris. On this trip, I stopped twice. I find it inspiring and a place where I get so many creative ideas. I also love their outdoor cafe. Not only is the food fun and delicious but it’s a great place for people-watching too!

When I get back, look for an entire post about why I like Merci so much.

Motorcycles & Bike Shops

I don’t know why, but during this particular visit, I noticed so many motorcycle and bike shops. I’m not in the market for either one, but I couldn’t resist snapping a few photos.

Hotel Deville

Centre Pompidou

I walked by Centre Pompidou several times during my last visit but didn’t stop in. There is a museum and an exhibition hall along with a French restaurant on the top floor. However, I only had a few minutes so we decided to ride the escalator up to the top floor and take in views of Paris from above. It’s well worth a few minutes of your time – even if that is all you do here.

Saint Jacques Tower (Tour Saint Jacque)

I had read somewhere that you ride the elevator to the top floor and get a spectacular 360-degree view of Paris. But on the day we visited, it was closed. And since it was just a few steps away from Centre Pompidou, we had just seen a very similar view. However, there was a small, shady park surrounnding the tower which was a nice break from the sun and heat. There were also some public restrooms – which are not easy to find when exploring any big city.

Marché des Enfants-Rouges

I have always enjoy open-air fresh markets. And while planning this trip I kept seeing photos of Marché des Enfants Rouges and decided I needed to see it – given that is the oldest covered market in Paris dating all the way back to 1628.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marché_des_Enfants_Rouges

While exploring the area I also noticed many other stores and boutiques with the name “Rouges” in it. With a little research I discovered the name of the market “Marché des Enfants Rouges” directly translated means “The Market of the Red Children”, which refers to the nearby “Hospice Des Enfants-Rouges” where the orphans were clothed in red, the color of charity.

You may also enjoy this post:

Your Guide to the Best Shops in Paris