Marais Bretagne

About
The Area

Covering Paris’ central 3rd and 4th arrondissements, the Marais is the oldest neighborhood in the city, where medieval roads and architecture now contain designer boutiques, intimate museums, hip cafés, and hidden gardens. Just down the street from the Hôtel de Ville city hall, the Pompidou museum exhibits a wonderful range of modern art on four, expansive floors. In the center of the Marais, thanks to its historic Jewish heritage, you’ll find take-away and sit-down falafel restaurants and delis aplenty, including the world-famous L’As du Falafel, the newer Miznon, and ever-popular Sacha Finkelsztajn deli. Pick up a sweet treat from Pierre Hermé, Café Pouchkine, or L’Éclair de Génie and enjoy it in the calm sunshine of Place des Vosges, the oldest square in Paris, or escape the crowds at the hidden Rosiers-Joseph Migneret garden. History buffs will appreciate the Musée Carnavalet, a history museum dedicated to the city of Paris, as well as the fascinating Musée des Archives, both troves of rare documents and artifacts. The recently renovated Picasso museum and the hunting museum, Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, are fantastic options as well. Head towards metro St-Paul to rummage through the most unique antique and vintage shops in the area. Much of the Marais’ popular and varied nightlife scene caters to Paris’ gay population, but there is undoubtedly something to please everyone. The North Marais, toward Place de la République, is where you’ll find the delicious marché des Enfants Rouge and nearby cultural event center, Carreau du Temple, surrounded by a number of Paris’ trendiest cafés and clandestine cocktail bars.