Le Marais
Paris, Île-de-France, 75003
French luminaries such as Victor Hugo, Voltaire, and Molière all lived in Le Marais, and the lively neighborhood remains a hub of art, fashion, and culture. Established in the 12th century, it’s one of the oldest districts in Paris, with boutiques, art galleries, and museums lining the narrow medieval lanes and picturesque squares flanked by elegant Renaissance-style buildings. The district is also home to the historic Jewish Quarter and a thriving LGBTQ+ scene.
The Basics
The best way to explore Le Marais is on foot; a walking tour or bike tour will take in the highlights, from the main square of Place des Vosges to the Pletzl, or the Jewish Quarter, of Rue des Rosiers. Alternatively, visit as part of a Paris tour that also neighborhoods such as Montmartre, the Latin Quarter, and Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Things to Know Before You Go
Wear comfy shoes—the district is full of cobblestone lanes and steps.
Free Wi-Fi hotspots are located around Le Marais.
Many shops and restaurants in Le Marais are open on Sundays, but it’s worth checking ahead.
How to Get There
Le Marais is located in Paris’ 3rd and 4th arrondissements on the Right Bank of the Seine River. Situated just across from the Ile de la Cité, the neighborhood is also a short walk from Notre Dame Cathedral. The closest Metro stations are Hôtel de Ville (Lines 1 and 11), Chemin Vert (Line 8), and Saint-Paul (Line 1).
When to Get There
Le Marais is a lively place any day of the week, but many museums are closed on Mondays. The quietest time for shopping and sightseeing is on weekday mornings (many shops don’t open until 9am or 10am, so don’t arrive too early), but the neighborhood is most atmospheric at night, when the bars and restaurants are filled.
Museums and Monuments of Le Marais
While art lovers come to Le Marais to admire bold street art and visit the Picasso Museum, other points of interest include the Maison Européenne de la Photographie, the Musée Cognacq-Jay, and the Le Centre Pompidou in the neighboring Beaubourg district. Also worth a visit is the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature (hunting museum), the Musée Carnavalet (city history museum), the Maison de Victor Hugo, and the Musée des Arts and Métiers.
Ways to explore
The best way to explore Le Marais is on foot. Join a walking tour or bike tour to see the highlights, including Place des Vosges, the Hôtel de Ville, and the Jewish Quarter around Rue des Rosiers. Follow in the footsteps of the Marais’ most famous former residents at the Maison de Victor Hugo and Picasso Museum; explore the Marché des Enfants Rouges, Paris’ oldest covered market; or take a tasting tour of the neighborhood’s renowned bakeries, patisseries, and chocolatiers. You can also tour Le Marais’ LGBTQ+ sights or glimpse the Marais quarter on a Seine River cruise.
Accessibility
Many attractions are accessible, but the narrow, cobbled streets can restrict access for wheelchair users. Saint-Paul, Hôtel de Ville, and République Metro stations are all accessible.
Age limits
None
What to pack
Camera, photo ID (a legal requirement in France), reusable water bottle
What to wear
Flat, comfortable shoes (this quarter has lots of cobblestones), light layers
Not allowed
Le Marais might be a foodie hot spot, but avoid eating on the go if you don’t want to look like a tourist—Parisians always take the time to sit and enjoy their food.
Amenities
Wide selection of accommodation and restaurants, several banks and ATMs, public restrooms, drinking water fountains, free Wi-Fi hotspots
Address
Le Marais is located in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements of Paris and stretches from the Seine riverfront to Place de la République, bordered by Rue du Renard and Boulevard Beaumarchais. It is easily accessible on foot within central Paris and by public transport.
Driving
Driving in central Paris is best left to the locals, especially in Le Marais, where the tight streets and heavy traffic make it challenging even for experienced drivers. Take a taxi or book a rideshare instead.
Public transportation
Take the Paris Metro to Saint-Paul (1) for Place des Vosges and the Jewish Quarter; Hôtel de Ville (1, 11) or Pont Marie (7) for the Seine riverfront; or République (3, 5, 8, 9, 11) for the northern section.
Best times to visit
Many shops, museums, and galleries don’t open their doors until 10am or later; the district’s liveliest in the afternoon and early evening. The nightlife starts to pick up around 10pm.
Best days to visit
Come midweek to explore the district without the weekend crowds or on Friday and Saturday nights for the best nightlife. Many of the quarter’s museums are closed on Mondays.
Best months to visit
June is a lively time to visit, as locals make the most of the good weather, and you can enjoy several open-air events.
Special events
The district takes part in citywide events such as Paris Pride (mid-June), Music Day (June 21), European Heritage Days (September), and Paris Fashion Week (spring and fall).
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!