The Paris Le Marais Travel Guide (3rd Arrondissement and 4th Arrondissement)
le marais Paris
An Overview of Paris’ Le Marais Neighborhood
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Best things to do in The Marais
Best museums, gardens and churches in Le Marais
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where to shop in le marais
The best shopping streets and boutiques in Le Marais Paris
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where to eat in le marais
A list of our favorite restaurants, cafes, bakeries and coffee shops in Paris’ Le Marais Neighborhood
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where to stay in le marais
The Hotels in Le Marais Paris
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paris’ “le marais” neighrborhood
Parisian Arrondissements
The city of Paris is made up of 20 arrondissements. Those arrondissements sit within a circular perimeter and spiral out in numerical order from the center of the city to the edge of this perimeter.
Each arrondissement acts like a mini city within Paris and has its own mayor and town hall. As such, the personality of the arrondissements can vary greatly from one to the next.
Le Marais: 3rd (3ème) Arrondissement & 4th (4ème) Arrondissement of Paris
The “Le Marais” neighborhood of Paris is a trendy, hip area where people of all ages enjoy exploring, drinking coffee, shopping and socializing.
Where the 6th arrondissement of Paris is more curated, chic and at times luxurious, Le Marais is a bit more rough around the edges, more raw, edgy and “cool.”
Le Marais crosses two arrondissements on the right bank of Paris, the 3rd arrondissement and the 4th arrondissement. The area is made up of smaller streets (much smaller than those you would find on the left bank) that give the area a village-like atmosphere.
The small streets of Le Marais are crammed full of every shop, restaurant or museum you could imagine, and you can easily (in fact you will) get lost in the labyrinth that is Le Marais. I still got a little disoriented every time I wandered into Le Marais, even after living in Paris for three years.
The remainder of this post will highlight all of the best and many of our favorite things to do and see in Le Marais. We lived for one year on Île Saint-Louis (just across from Le Marais) and spent many days wandering through the streets of the 3rd and 4th arrondissements.
Some things included in this Le Marais guide are touristic and some things are not. The great thing about Le Marais is it really isn’t full of “top sights to check off” and is instead meant to be wandered through and explored at your own pace with your own interests in mind.
Best things to do in le marais
To start your explorations of Le Marais, I would recommend having a destination (or a few) in mind to guide your aimless wanderings. Le Marais has a few major sights and museums, as well as being home to the Jewish Quarter and Le Village Saint-Paul, which are all listed below.
jewish quarter
Le Marais is also popularly known as the Jewish Quarter, as it was in the past Paris’ Jewish Quarter.
In the Jewish Quarter today you will find many kosher restaurants, famous falafal and other Jewish cuisine to explore. The most popular spot to find everything is in or around Rue des Rosiers.
For an easy and relaxing lunch in the Jewish Quarter, you can try falafel from the famous L’As du Fallafel (there will be a line), or grab a delicious stuffed pita from our much preferred Miznon (which has indoor seating) and eat either at the hidden park off Rue de Rosiers: Jardin des Rosier’s Joseph Migneret.
place des vosges
Place des Vosges is one of the few green spaces you will find in Le Marais. Although it is one of few, it is one of the prettiest gardens to visit in Paris and is definitely worth strolling through during your Le Marais explorations.
Place des Vosges is a square garden, surrounded by a square of brick buildings in the center of the 4th arrondissement. Within the square garden of Place des Vosges are four symmetrical fountains surrounded by grass.
Unlike many other gardens and green spaces in Paris, you can actually sit on the grass in Place des Vosges, making it a favorite spot for locals of Le Marais or tourists wanting to picnic or read a book.
Within the buildings surrounding Place des Vosges, you will find cafes, coffee shops, art galleries and bakeries, all great for grabbing a bite to eat or slowly wander through during your Le Marais explorations.
If you are traveling to Paris with a baby, within the Place des Vosges garden is a sandbox area, and the entire garden is blocked from cars making it a unique space in Paris where babies can run freely.
Maison de Victor Hugo
In the buildings surrounding the green space of Place des Vosges is the museum of famous French author, Victor Hugo (author of The Hunchback of Notre-Dame and Les Misérables). Hugo lived in this house for 16 years and the museum is free to enter.
Picasso Museum
The Le Marais neighborhood of Paris is home to the Picasso museum which sits in the 3rd Arrodissement. The Picasso Museum is a museum dedicated entirely to the works of Pablo Picasso, in a stunning “hotel de ville” building.
The Picasso museum is one of the best museums to visit in Paris, of course if you love the work of Pablo Picasso, or if you’re looking for a good rainy day activity while in Le Marais.
Churches in Le Marais
One of the wonderful things about Paris and France is that for the most part churches are free to enter, and within Le Marais there are a couple of beautiful churches worth discovering.
Église Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis: Near Places des Vosges and standing proudly over rue Saint-Antoine is Église Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis. Église Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis boasts both a beautiful facade and interior and is free to enter.
Eglise Saint-Nicholas-des-Champs: In Paris’ 3rd arrondissement, located near the Arts et Metiers metro stop is Eglise Saint-Nicholas-des-Champs. Built 1420–1480, it is another wonderful church within Paris that will wow you with its architecture and grandeur.
Le Village Saint-Paul
Still pretty under the radar among tourists is the quaint Le Village Saint-Paul in Le Marais. It is located in the 4th arrondissement in between the river and rue (insert road name here) and is tucked away from any main streets.
Le Village Saint-Paul is a cluster of courtyards with businesses and restaurants, where you can grab a quiet bite to eat in this sleepy little hidden gem.
While living on Ile Saint-Louis, we loved to walk over the Le Village Saint-Paul and grab a bite to eat from the small restaurant La Petite Maison Dans La Cour.
Jardin de l’Hôtel de Sens
A curated little garden sits in front of Hôtel de Sens near the Seine at the edge of the Marais, maintained season by season and often boasting beautiful flowers. There are benches in the garden and this is a wonderful spot to take a little break if your legs need a rest after all the walking and exploring.
Other Museums in Le Marais
If you’re staying in Le Marais, or live in Paris and are looking to explore other museums in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements of Paris, below are a few other museums worth checking out in Le Marais.
MEP - Maison Europeenne de la Photographie: A photography museum located in a private mansion in Le Marais. Open from Wednesday to Sunday.
Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature: A private museum of hunting and nature in the 3rd arrondissement.
Musée Carnavalet Histoire de Paris: A museum dedicated to the history of Paris, spread across two private mansions. Free to enter.
Musée des Arts et Métiers: A science and technology museum housing 80,000 objects and 15,000 drawings.
Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature
Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature
where to shop in the marais
If you love shopping in teeny little stores and finding unique French gifts, clothing, perfume, shoes, books and more, then head to Le Marais.
Le Marais is densely populated with French boutique after French boutique, as well as some larger chain stores tucked away behind the narrow streets of Le Marais.
The best way to shop Le Marais would be to wander down the main thoroughfares and branch off into the tiny little streets. This way you can pop into whatever shop suits your fancy. Below are a few of the main shopping streets in Le Marais:
Rue de Temple: Runs from Republique to Hotel de Ville, through the heart of Le Marais and lined with French shop after French shop. A good place to start in Le Marais (and wander off to the side streets when something catches your eye).
Rue Vieille du Temple: Runs from Rue de Rivoli up to the Archives intersection, past the gardens of the Picasso museum and lined with boutiques, restaurants and coffee.
Rue des Francs-Bourgeois: A street that cuts between Rue de Temple and Place des Vosges, lined with perfumeries, museums and chain clothing stores.
Restaurant Le Saint Gervais on Rue Vieille du Temple
ANEÏ Tea Room on Rue de Temple
Best Boutiques and Stores in Le Marais
It would actually be impossible for me to list every boutique in Le Marais - it is just do dense and there are so many! Basically any store you’re interested in visiting in Paris (maybe apart from high-end stores), likely has a location in Le Marais as this is a very popular shopping neighborhood in Paris.
Highlighted below are some shops worth discovering in Le Marais, if you haven’t yet discovered them in other parts of Paris.
Clothing and Accessories in Le Marais
Sézane: A women’s clothing store that started in Paris and offers beautiful French clothing.
Octobre: The brother store of the Sézane family, offering men Paris-designed clothing and accessories.
Rive Droite: Paris-designed cross-body bags and accessories.
Altermundi: A sustainability focused gift and clothing store, selling everything from kitchen items to men and women’s clothing.
Bada Bunta: Handmade fabrics, home linens and decor from India.
Nilaï Paris: Unique and affordable jewelry, gifts and clothing.
Veja: Sneakers produced in Brazil and Portugal with a cool storefront in Le Marais.
Bobbies: Paris-designed men’s and women’s shoes.
Soeur: Paris-based women’s clothing brand.
Jonak: Paris designed women’s shoe store.
Balibaris: Paris-based modern men’s clothing store.
Nature & Découvertes: An outdoor and discovery store, selling clothing, hiking items, baby goods and anything nature and discovery! A great spot to shop for Christmas gifts in Le Marais.
Where to Shop for Baby Products in Le Marais
BHV: Located on Rue de Rivoli, BHV is a multi-story department store, selling all things Paris and French, including home decor, clothing, jewelry, shoes, perfume and baby products.
Fleux: A French home-decor and lifestyle store, Fleux has a baby/kid focused location in Le Marais.
Mandorla Palace: A small baby and children’s boutique located in the 4th arrondissement.
Petit Bateau: There are Petit Bateau locations all over Paris and you can find a few locations in Le Marais.
Where to Buy Perfume in Le Marais
Officine Universelle Buly: If you’re in search of a Parisian perfume or simply love a good step back in time experience, you can find both at the Officine Universelle Buly located in the 6th arrondissement, near the river on 6 rue Bonaparte. The interior is inspired by the original store and features wooden pharmacy cabinets full of soaps, perfumes and the like, bottled up in classic and timeless packaging. Walking through the doors of Officine Universelle Buly feels as though you’ve stepped into a French movie scene and is worth enjoying the interior even if you don’t plan to purchase anything.
Diptyque: Diptyque is a French perfume brand offering unique and refreshing fragrances in a timeless and modern way. I personally wear a Diptyque perfume, the fragrance of a hotel and our first travels to the Provence region of France. Diptyque was a fan favorite among visitors we hosted searching out a French perfume, and after taking guests to many perfume shops in Le Marais, they all ended up purchasing their French perfume from Diptyque.
Fragonard Parfumeur: Another iconic French perfume brand is Fragonard, offering fragrances inspired by French destinations and with all fragrances manufactured in the South of France. The Fragonard location in Le Marais also sells their beautiful home decor, clothing and lifestyle items.
Where to Buy Home Decor in Le Marais
Merci Paris: Located in the 3eme arrondissement (111 bd Beaumarchais, 75003 Paris), Merci Paris is a combination of French clothing, home decor and home goods.
Sostrene Grene: A Danish chain, Sostrene Grene has a handful of locations in Paris, with one of those locations in the 4th arrondissement on Rue de Rivoli. Sostrene Grene is an affordable place for shopping home decor and crafting items in Paris.
Fleux: A Paris home-decor and lifestyle store, you can purchase furniture, interior goods and anything and everything for your Parisian apartment or home here.
Muji: A Japanese home decor store with a location in Le Marais (a helpful place for organizing your Parisian apartment if you live in Paris).
Best Bookstores in Le Marais
Smith & Son (English bookstore): Located in the Jewish Quarter of Le Marais, Smith & Son has a small format English bookstore with options for adults and children. This location also has a unique selection of English magasines.
Librairie Yvon Lambert: An art focused bookstore in Le Marais, selling art books, catalogues and posters.
La Mouette Rieuse: A multi-story bookstore in Le Marais selling mostly French books (a small selection of English books), greeting cards and other gift items.
where to eat in the marais
The Marais is one of our favorite places to grab a bite to eat in Paris, as the neighborhood is bursting with cuisine from every culinary genre you could imagine. We especially love visiting the Jewish quarter on Sundays after church and have frequented many of the restaurants listed below.
Best coffee in Le Marais
It seems like every corner of the Marais has its own coffee shop, and it also seems like every week a new shop is opening. Some of my favorite Parisian coffee shops are found in the Marais, so many I could write an entire roundup just of these Le Marais coffee shops!
Here are the coffee shops in Le Marais I frequented or enjoy. You can find more details in our Paris coffee shop guide.
Recto Verso: 6 Rue Portefoin, Paris 75003
Noir Coffee Shop: 9 Rue des Blancs Manteaux, 75004 Paris, France
Fika Cafe: 11 rue Payenne 75003 Paris
La Pelaton Cafe: 17 Rue du Pont Louis-Philippe 75004 Paris
Safe Urban Concept: 11 rue Commines - 75003 Paris
Partisan Cafe: 36 rue de Turbigo, 75003 Paris
Cafe Nuances: 51 Rue des Francs Bourgeois, 75004 Paris, France
Cafe Berry: 10 Rue Chapon, 75003 Paris, France
Boot Cafe: 19 rue du Pont aux Choux, 75003 Paris
Laïzé Sainte-Avoye: 62 Rue du Temple, 75003 Paris, France
The Coffee: 40 Rue des Gravilliers, 75003 Paris, France
Sevenly Heart: 55 Rue des Archives, 75003 Paris, France
Huddle Coffee: 61 Rue Notre Dame de Nazareth, 75003 Paris
Artesano: 3 Rue Saint-Paul, 75004 Paris, France
Yellow Tucan Coffee: 20 Rue des Tournelles, 75004 Paris, France
Causeries Paris: 19 Rue du Parc Royal, 75003 Paris, France
WHITE Coffee: 56 Rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris, France
MERLO CAFFÈ: 57 Rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris, France
Laïzé Sainte-Avoye
Recto Verso
Noir Coffee Shop Le Marais
Sevenly Heart
where to get dinner in le marais
Le Colimaçon: Small format French dining experience in the heart of the Marais.
Robert et Louise: A cozy, French dining experience to enjoy steak, duck and all the French classics.
Chez Mademoiselle: A traditional, small format French dining experience with a simple menu of entrees, plates and desserts.
Au Bourguignon du Marais: A classic French cafe experience.
Bouillon République: Bouillon is a chain of Parisian restaurants, serving affordable, classic French cuisine in an atmospheric setting.
Tavline: Small format French dining experience in the heart of the Marais.
where to get lunch or cheap eats in le marais
Le Marais is a great area of Paris to grab a quick and affordable lunch. Where some areas of Paris might only offer overpriced cafes or higher end cuisine, the Marais is a neighborhood dotted with quick and easy bites. Below is a list of our favorite cheap eats in Le Marais.
Janet by Homer: Sandwich shop in Le Marais with diner style bar seating.
Alfi: Sandwich shop in the Jewish quarter offering deli style sandwiches like their delicious beef pastrami.
PNY Burger: A burger and fries joint in the heart of Le Marais. Nothing fancy.
Mezz’amour: A Turkish restaurant selling mezze and Mediterranean meals - great for a quick and cheap lunch.
Eataly: An Italian supermarket, the Eataly location in Le Marais has a couple of restaurants inside that are great for a quick lunch or easy dinner.
Kuma: An affordable spot for Japanese curries and rice bowls.
Fika: Part of the Institut Suedois, this little Swedish cafe is the perfect spot to cozy up with a delicious cup of coffee and or a light Swedish lunch.
Season Marais: An easy brunch spot with pancakes, bowls and good coffee.
Clasico Argentino: Argentine empanadas - easy, affordable, no reservations needed.
Hello You - Marais: A healthy, breakfast and lunch spot to grab sandwiches, smoothies, juices and bowls.
Miznon: Stuffed pitas with indoor seating.
Bocamexa: Fast and affordable Mexican burritos and bowls.
Best boulangeries in le marais
Regardless of where you are in Paris, you will find good bread in the form of boulangeries. The boulangeries are often found on street corners and there is normally one within a few steps of wherever you find yourself. This is true in the 6th arrondissement of Paris as well, and below are a few of our frequented boulangeries:
Sain Boulangerie
Tranche Marais - Boulangerie
Boulangerie BO&MIE Hôtel de Ville
Pastries & Desserts in the marais
Similar to bread, regardless of where you are in Paris you are surrounded by delicious patisseries and sweet treats. You can often buy pastries from a boulangerie, but below are a few additional spots to grab a few famous Parisian delicacies.
Aux Merveilleux de Fred: Our favorite dessert in Paris. Order the mini caramel meringue or the chocolate chip brioche. The location in Le Marais is near the river.
Pierre Hermé: My preferred French macaron. I always describe Ladurée as sweeter and more artificial tasting, whereas Pierre Hermé has more natural tasting flavors that are less sweet. There is a Pierre Hermé location in Le Marais on Rue Ste-Croix de la Bretonnerie.
Carette: Carette is a famous French cafe, long popular with tourists, and their location on the edge of Place des Vosges in Le Marais is a great spot to grab a Parisian hot chocolate on a rainy or cold day.
Babka Zana: Located on the edge of Place des Vosges, a great bakery to grab a babka from before heading to picnic in the park.
Meert: I first tried a Meert waffle on our weekend trip to Lille, and it was love at first bite. I was happily surprised to discover there is a Meert location in Le Marais, and this little box of sugary goodness is worth the price.
REŸS - Glaces Eternelles: A delicious gelato shop with unique flavors.
Onisuko: Premium mochis, located near Place des Vosges.
where to stay in the marais
Is Le Marais a good place to stay in Paris?
If you’re looking to be in the heart of all the action, then Le Marais is a great neighborhood to stay in Paris. Staying in Le Marais might not be as quiet or peaceful as other neighborhoods in Paris, but staying in Le Marais means you’ll be steps from amazing food, atmospheric coffee and some of the best shopping in Paris.
If you do choose Le Marais as your homebase during your stay in Paris, the below hand-picked list of hotels in Le Marais all have ideal locations, good reviews and wonderful aesthetics.
What We Love: Maison Saintonge’s location in the heart of the Marais, its intimate 22-room capacity and its playful South-Western France interior design (including an onsite confectionary).
*this image is from the hotel’s website and is not my own
What We Love: For Hotel Suzie Blue’s location in the heart of Le Marais, its textured interior design and its adorable onsite coffee shop.
*this image is from the hotel’s website and is not my own
What we Love: Le Pavillon de la Reine’s luxury hotel accommodations just steps from Place de Vosges and beautiful onsite courtyard and spa.
*this image is from the hotel’s website and is not my own
What we love: Experimental Marais’ five-star luxury hotel experience in the heart of Le Maris on Rue de Temple
*this image is from the hotel’s website and is not my own
What we love: Hôtel National Des Arts et Métiers location in the 3rd arrondissement, just on the edge of Le Marais, offering refined accommodations and a rooftop with views of Paris.
What we love: 9Confidentiel’s location in the heart of the Marais near Rue de Rivoli and the Seine, it’s quirky and colorful interiors and its rooms with views of Paris.
QUESTIONS
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If you’re exploring more of Paris, be sure to check out the complete guide to Paris, our roundup of boutique hotels in Paris, and where we like to sip coffee in Paris. You can also find guides to the best day trips from Paris, if you want to visit Château De Fontainebleau, Château De Chantilly, or Monet’s Home and Gardens in Giverny.
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