The Marais covers the 3rd and 4th arrondissements (also known as the upper and lower Marais ). It takes its name from the marshes on which it was built. From the 17th century onwards, it became a favourite haunt of the upper middle classes, who set up their private mansions here. To this day, it is one of the few Parisian districts to have remained relatively intact during Hausmann’s 19th-century renovations and reorganisation of Paris, and it still retains its historic character. With its friendly, small-town atmosphere, it attracts communities (notably Jewish and gay) as well as a whole host of trendy art gallery-goers. In this article, you’ll find a few tips on how to explore the district in an original way, brighten up your taste buds and enjoy some fun family activities in the Marais!
A morning out with the family…
First of all, to get your day off to a good start at breakfast, don’t deny yourself the luxury of some delicate viennoiseries from Yann Couvreur. He is Paris’s rising pastry chef with artistic recipes. His elegant shop is dedicated to the fox (from the Roule-Galette fable!). The prices are high: over €2 for a pain au chocolat and between €4 and €7 for an ephemeral pastry. But the refinement is unequalled… It would be a shame not to return at snack time to try its exceptional Paris-Brest or its raspberry tarragon tartlet.
At 23 bis rue des Rosiers.
Walk down to the Seine through the narrow streets to discover three of the oldest houses in Paris. They are located at the junction of rue des Barres and Grenier-sur-l’eau. Built in medieval times, they feature exposed beams known as ‘colombages’.
Then, from 10.30am during school holidays (2pm the rest of the year), head off to the incredible Musée de la Magie et des Automates. Discover its extraordinary collection of marvellous machines with surprising optical effects, and its fairground atmosphere. The visit always ends with a delightful interactive magic show. Dare to join the magician on stage?
At 11 rue Saint-Paul.
To satisfy the whole team, opt for an exotic lunch in an authentic American-style diner. Breakfast in America was founded by an American from Connecticut who moved to Paris in the early 2000s. Its warm, retro 50s decor and 100% rock playlist will win you over as much as the typical menu: superb pancakes – as if you were there -, burgers, tortillas and milkshakes (served in generous proportions)!
At 4 rue Malher 75004.
Afternoon with the family…
From 11am, visit the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature. This old-fashioned palace, suspended out of time and playing on its kitschy quirkiness, will amaze young and old alike. However, the museum is worth a visit not so much for its temporary exhibitions (of contemporary artists who are often politicised and eco-committed), but for the unusual nature of its permanent collections. The tour encourages curiosity and playfulness. So don’t hesitate to open all the drawers in the armoury to discover countless models of antique rifles, just like the doors of the diorama cabinets! Take a look at the bizarre animal-shaped terrine jars! Enter the map and trophy room, populated by exotic stuffed animals, a colonial heritage that is both frightening and impressive! It’s a great way to have fun and discover new things with the whole family in the Marais!
At 62 rue des Archives.
It’s probably time to relax in the shade of the chestnut trees on the Place des Vosges. The oldest monumental square in Paris, and emblematic of the 17th-century style, it was built on the initiative of King Henri IV between 1605 and 1612. It established the district as the epicentre of Parisian life during the Renaissance.Take advantage of the shade of the arcades or the coolness of the grass to relax and admire the architecture, with its thirty-six symmetrical pavilions of red brick and dressed stone surrounded by arcades.
A snack break for the whole family…
Then, to recharge your batteries at snack time, let yourself be tempted by a sweet from Princess Crêpe. In this adorable little Japanese hostess house-style crêperie, the waitresses in lolita kawaii welcomes you. A single ticket to Harajuku for all anime and manga fans.
3 rue des Ecouffes.
Then, you can wonder in the small pedestrian streets and stumble across the picturesque second-hand shops. The Marais district is traditionally linked to the clothing industry, and has retained its special relationship with the textile industry. Here are just a few of the names that have made their mark:
- the thriving Free’p’star with its four shops at 52 and 61 rue de la Verrerie, 20 rue de Rivoli and 66 rue Saint Antoine;
- Vintage Désir (better known by the name still visible on its listed façade, Coiffeur) at 32 rue des Rosiers;
- Come on Eileen at 40 rue de Rivoli…
A family dinner…
So, who’s the family dining at tonight in the Marais? Chez Marianne! To awaken your taste buds to the typical flavours of Mediterranean and Eastern European cuisine. This historically Jewish district is packed with shops serving falafel and traditional Yiddish pastries. Indeed, you won’t find a better chakchouka (pan-fried tomato and peppers, North African cousin of ratatouille, served with a fried egg) or chawarma (Arab kebab). And for dessert, white cheese cake (also called Kaesekuchen, very different from cheesecake, it’s a white cheese soufflé with a hint of lemon, very light). Or a poppy seed roll (with a filling of poppy seeds swollen in vanilla milk).
2 Rue des Hospitalières Saint-Gervais.
Enjoy your visit!
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