Exploring the Marais District in Paris
Paris, the capital of France, is the city of rich past, stunning architecture and exciting culture. One of the most quaint neighborhoods in Paris is the Marais district. In the middle of the town, in the Marais you will find the perfect mix of history, art, fashion and bars. We are going to nose-dive into this article to get to know better the Marais district and to uncover some of its secrets.
1. Location and History
The Riviere district of Marais Mare / Squares of Marais / Bastille is located in the 3rd and 4th districts of Paris, at the east of the Seine. It is situated over an area of approximately 2.5 kilometers and is within an easy reach by public transport. It is named after the fact that this district once was a marshy one and dates all the way back to the medieval times.
1.1 Architectural Highlights
The Marais is known for its beautiful architecture, which is the history of the area. It lodges many amazingly preserved structures from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The design has a blend of Renaissance, Gothic and Classical designs.
One of the marvellous architectural sights in the Marais is the Hotel de Ville (City Hall), a beautiful Renaissance styled building and the administrative capital of Paris. Other must-see landmarks are the Place des Vosges, the oldest planned public square in Paris, famous for its redbrick townhouses and lovely gardens.
2. Cultural and Artistic Hub
The Marais area is famous for being rich in art scene and cultural diversity. It features many galleries of art, museums, and fashion boutiques. The area draws art lovers internationally to modern art exhibitions, graffiti, and unique museums.
2.1 Museums and Galleries
The Marais neighborhood hosts a number of museums and galleries that satisfy a range of interests. Some of the must see art institution is:
Musée Picasso: Devoted to the works of the famous artist Pablo Picasso.
Musée Carnavalet: Chronicles the history of Paris through its artworks and artifacts.
Musée Cognacq-Jay: Displays an impressive collection of 18th-century artworks and decorative
arts.
2.2 Fashion and Shopping
It is a shopper’s and lover of fashion paradise! The district is home to boutiques of the latest fashion trends, vintage shops and top designers. Rue des Francs-Bourgeois is one of the major shopping street of the Marais which proposes you a large choice of fashion in diverse style and budget.
3. Culinary Delights
No trip to the Marais area would be exhaustive without trying the local cuisine. Alter area is well-known for its gastronomy- scene with a mix of classic French food and cuisines coming from abroad.
3.1 Traditional French Cuisine
Tourists can eat traditional French food at the many bistros and restaurants around the Marais. From delicious croissants and sweet pastries to succulent escargot and coq au vin there is something for every taste buds.
3.2 Food Markets
There are also several food markets in the Marais where you can sample a variety of regional products, cheeses, meats and specialty foods. A visit to The Marché des Enfants Rouges, one of the first covered markets in Paris and also the oldest covered market, is a must for anyone with a taste of food.
4. Vibrant Nightlife
With the sun down, the Marais pulls on its big nights. The district has a multitude of bars, discs and live music bars to suit every kind of taste. From numerous whiskey restaurants to popular night clubs, something for everybody.
Also a party vibe to be enjoyed is Rue de la Roquette in the Marais, which is full of lively bars and clubs. Le Comptoir Général, un lieu uncommon pouvant se définir en bar, galerie et concept store, vaut une visite pour son atmosphère ine Trist.
5. Practical Tips for Exploring the Marais
Before going to the Marais district, take these tips into consideration:
- Come in comfortable shoes, as the best way to discover the Marais is on foot.
- Better visit during weekdays as the district gets full on weekends.
- Beware of a visit to the Marais in the morning or late afternoon for a more chill ambiente.
- Make use of the convenient public transport like metro lines and buses for accessing the district.
- Research beforehand so you can place the Brasília Bus in the places, landmarks, museums in the encalmenses, shopping.
With its mix of history, culture and lively spirit, the Marais district is a destination that is hard to forget for tourist visitors. Discover its narrow streets, enjoy its gastronomic specialties, live its abundant of historic charm of this charming Parisian district. Prepare for your trip to the Marais and you will understand why this neighborhood has become so beloved by the locals and tourists alike.
Table of Contents
