Le Marais District

The 4th Arrondissement Of Paris: Le Marais.

When most people think about Paris, historical & gigantic buildings, large streets, great distances and lots of people come to mind … right after “the city of love” of course. It’s a fact that Paris is not like other cities – not only because of abnormal sizes of pretty much everything. But, size isn’t everything; Paris has so much more to offer than world famous paintings and shopping streets.

In no other arrondissement but the Marais can you find art galleries, trendy boutiques, designer hotels, funky cafés and bars off the tourist track. Plus it’s also the hub of Paris’s gay community (radiating out from Rue Vieille du Temple, along the Rue St-Croix de la Bretonnerie to Rue du Temple); and – though fading – the Jewish life. You could easily spend your entire visit to Paris in this neighbourhood, because there is that much to do, see and feel…

Restaurant tip.

• Minh Chau (10, Rue de la Verrerie, 75006 Paris): Cute little Vietnamese restaurant with specialities for a good price – also for a take-away. Be sure to save your seat, because numbers are limited!
• Le Dindon en Laisse (18 Rue Beautreillis, 75004 Paris): Reasonable prices lovely restaurant in the centre of Marais with the best duck breast in honey sauce!

Sights.

• The famous Centre Pompidou: The city’s leading modern art museum with an awesome book store where one can get lost for hours.
• Musée Picasso: A must-stop for fans, because Picasso painted some of his best work in Paris.
• Hôtel de Ville: An impressive building, housing the city’s local administration, which is especially breathtaking at night.
  
• Notre Dame: This cathedral is among the largest and most well-known churches in the world. It’s a highlight for each tourist and should be visited both during the day and at night.
  

Hotel Tip.

• Unless you’re staying in an apartment (which we did this time), Hôtel Duo (1 Rue du Temple, 75004 Paris) is a great little designer hotel right in the centre of Marais, where we stayed during our first visit to Paris.

So now go ahead and lose yourself in this neighbourhood. Explore the tiny streets, grab a falafel sandwich or simply just people-watch in a café…