Le Marais is the lively and modern district of Paris: the place to be. Centered around the Halles market and Pompidou center, also called Beaubourg Modern Art Museum, the Marais offers many art galleries, cafés, shops and lovely streets perfect to wander through this mixed neighborhood. On the eastern side, you will discover beautiful private mansions, some transformed into art galleries, the Jewish quarter with delicious restaurants.

The Pompidou center is the French equivalent to MoMA. The modern and controverted building is a blend of glass, colors and pipes, it offers a magnificent view of the city from its top.

On the side of the Pompidou center, on Igor Stravinsky square, colorful and harmonious fountains, full of kids playing into the water in summer, is a delight for the eyes. They were designed by the famous Niki St Phalle and Jean Tinguely.

In summertime, there is always some street art going on in this area. 

Beaubourg modern art museum in paris

Beaubourg Modern Art Museum esplanade


The numerous designers of the Marais are known for their avant-garde collections. While strolling the great shops of Le Marais district, you might find some hidden jewels you may be tempted to bring back home.

Les Halles have always been the main food market in Paris: it became a very bad neighborhood in the 90’s and was entirely renovated very lately. The new roof architecture is quite controversial – we let you judge of it. For cheaper shopping, you may head to rue de Saint Denis.

For some nice food shopping, we advise you to go to rue Montorgueil (Sentier metro stop).

rue montorgueil terrace paris

Food shopping or nice terraces, rue Montorgueil


Le Marais district stretches East to the Bastille square and on the way, you should not miss the gorgeous and unique architecture of Place des Voges.

Historically, Le Marais is Paris Jewish district and Rue des Rosiers remains the heart of it with its synagogue and typical restaurants: the most famous is l’As du Fallafel for which you may have to be patient to be served as it is a very busy place. For a nice snack, in a quieter ambiance, you may enjoy a tea & cake at Le Loir dans la Théière.

Art lovers will also enjoy the renovated Picasso Museum and its 4600 artworks.

Eventually, Paris City Hall is along Le Marais district south-west border: this is an impressive monument which you should stop for a minute and look at. Next to it, shopping lovers will enjoy the BHV (Bazar de l’Hotel de Ville). This is a Grand Magasin like Printemps or Galleries Lafayette but we like it better for its Eiffel architecture and the little less tourist crowds than in the Boulevard Haussman’s grands magasins.

BHV grand magasin in le marais paris

BHV Grand Magasin couple and Paris City Hall on the right

Our Travelers’ Reviews

Lynne & Jeff
In 2013 I had 2 big reasons to plan a trip to France: a new grand baby boy in Avignon, and I wanted to surprise my husband with a trip to Normandy. He absolutely loves anything and everything he can find to read or watch that is related to WWII. So, I started exploring online for a custom tour designer that could put together a great itinerary for …
Robert
Everything you need and things you didn’t know you needed. Emilie is very kind, a good soul. And don’t you want the people who handle your holidays to radiate happiness? A happy itinerary = a lovely journey!
Bonnie
A wonderful trip through Provence and the Riviera planned and organized by Emilie. Stayed in lovely B&Bs and had enough scheduled activities and free time. Emilie provided lots of options of things to do and a complete package for the traveler. Would highly recommend!

Our Travelers’ Photos

Cynthia & Roger
from the US
in Monet's House and Gardens in Giverny
Jane
from the US
Canoeing down the Dordogne river
Pam & Rick
From the US
Tasting some oysters and white wine in the Basque Country
Alexis, Stefanie and Paul...with Emilie & Family
from the US
At the B&B in the Loire Valley
Kathy & Bill
From the US
Biking in Burgundy for a day - near Chateau de la Rochepot
Gary, Barbara, Lori and Ron
from the US
After a cooking class in Provence
Ruth & Mary-Ann
From the US
In front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
Steffi & Jeff
in Chenonceau castle....romantic !
Linda
From Australia
Celebrating her 40th birthday in the Loire Valley
Joe
From the US
Digging & Finding a truffle in Provence
Our guide with Jean's team
In the quicksands in Mont Saint Michel bay
Sally & Mike
From the US
With their hosts in the Loire Valley