Things to do in the Marais district

The capital’s greatest secrets are hidden here in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris. The Carnavalet Museum is the oldest museum in the city of Paris and also one of the most important in France, with some 625,000 works. Admission is free to this collection of archives that will help you understand how Paris has been shaped by centuries of history.

Located in two sumptuous private mansions dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, the Museum of Hunting and Nature decodes the evolution of humans’ relationship to nature from one era to another. Ancient mouldings, hunting weapons, contemporary sculptures and more, in a world to be discovered from many angles through the museum’s permanent displays and temporary exhibitions.

The Marais district tells the story of the Jewish community at two museums, the Shoah Memorial and the Museum of Jewish Art and History. The latter is less well known, despite housing the world’s third-largest collection on this topic. It offers both an artistic and a cultural angle on the evolution of Judaism, not only in France but also beyond the borders.

The greatest accounts of our history, from one century to another, have taken over the Soubise and Rohan mansions. You’ll find them near Rue Vieille-du-Temple, to see some valuable French archives with your own eyes. Among them are the Testament of Napoleon, the Constitution of the 5th Republic and the very last letter written by Marie-Antoinette. Admission is free to this regularly updated exhibition.

Visit the Salé Mansion which houses the world’s largest art collection devoted to Picasso. Here, the cubism master is exhibited in all his facets, from paintings and engravings to sculptures and ceramics. Need a sugar hit between visits? Pop to the Café sur le Toit, on the 1st floor of this beautiful 17th-century mansion.

Since 2013, Lafayette Anticipations has occupied the 2,300 m² interior of a former industrial building. This space for creation is committed to promoting the arts in every form: design, music, the performing arts and much more, all through an inclusive approach that aims to break down the barriers between us.

For 16 years, one of the leading lights of French literature lived on the 2nd floor of a private mansion on Place des Vosges. His name was Victor Hugo. It was here that he wrote some of the pages of Les Misérables and Ruy Blas. The site continues to pay him homage through personal collections and pieces created in his honour. A chance to visit an apartment from another era.

From the church of Saint-Paul to Place des Vosges, by way of the Hôtel de Ville (city hall), the Marais is a window shopping hotspot. Wander from one boutique to another to discover the latest trends in interior decoration, designer goods and much more, for children and adults alike. There’s something for everyone.

Shakespeare has come to the Marais… or at least his books have. Near Place des Vosges, plunge into anglophone culture among the shelves of the oh so British Smith & Son bookshop. Located on Rue des Rosiers, this is the establishment’s second Parisian address, since it first opened at the Louvre in 1903.

The Marais’ must-visit concept store has been coming up with new gems since 2009. Spread across 1,500 m², this larger-than-life loft space features decorative, designer and fashion items in a refreshingly modern and harmonious mix. Much more than just a shopping spree, Merci offers an opportunity to familiarise yourself with emerging creators, through its temporary exhibitions and numerous partnerships.

For a taste of the Dolce Vita just a stone’s throw from BHV Marais, welcome to Eataly. You’ll be spoilt for choice in this 3,000 m² space where you can dine on the premises or visit the gigantic grocery shop. To complete the picture, this place even organises cookery classes. Here’s your chance to perfect your pizza-making skills.

When it comes to gastronomy, the Maison Plisson is an institution in the Marais district and the whole Paris Region. Its products are selected from local sources and prepared and packaged on the premises, much to the delight of fans of good food. When the sun shines over Paris, take a seat on the terrace to feast your eyes as well as your taste buds.

Another historic monument of the Marais district is the Enfants Rouges market, the oldest indoor market in Paris. It owes its name (which literally means ‘market of the red children’) to the orphanage that once stood next to it, where the orphans wore red uniforms. While sightseeing, stop off to walk between its stalls and enjoy a bite to eat. Bento, couscous or an organic salad, which homemade dish will you choose?

The warmth of Mexico can be found in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris! This spicy venue in the Marais district was one of the first speakeasy bars to open in Paris. They serve delicious carnitas that you can wash down with a margarita. Nowadays, the venue is an open secret, but you’ll still take delight in savouring a signature cocktail, far from the hustle and bustle of Paris.

The Marais district conceals at its heart one of the best cocktail bars in the world. Brick walls, jazz band, subdued light… the atmosphere is as intimate as it gets. Here they do a whole range of sophisticated beverages, but also masterclasses to learn the art of mixology inside out.

The Mutinerie in the 3rd arrondissement has livened up the Rue Saint-Martin since 2012. This feminist bar in the Marais has become one of the district’s main queer haunts. Here you can enjoy concerts, yoga and self-defence classes, drag shows and a host of other brazenly inclusive activities.

Near the Enfants Rouges market, the Carreau du Temple is rewriting the history of the Marais district. Created by the Knights Templar of Jerusalem, this steel giant has housed a pilgrimage venue, a market hall and even tennis courts! Its story could have come to an end in 1982, had the people of Paris not rallied to save it. Today, as a show venue, bar and sports facility, the Carreau du Temple is as multi-faceted as the district in which it stands.

Since 2016, the MAIF Social Club has been a resolute supporter of insertion and solidarity. How? Through an activist programme that is free and open to all, adults and children alike. This includes creative workshops, debates, coworking facilities and eating areas where you can set the world to rights. A historic venue with a few stories to tell that encourages people to reach out to one another.