Enjoy these things to do in Le Marais for an unforgettable Paris break

At the heart of Le Marais lies Place des Vosges, Paris’s oldest planned square, commissioned by Henri IV in the early 17th century. The red-brick façades, uniform arcades and perfectly manicured central garden are the epitome of classical French elegance. Enjoy an early morning coffee amongst locals or head here around lunchtime when Parisians spread blankets on the grass for impromptu picnics. Beneath the arcades, you will find chic art galleries, antique dealers and Victor Hugo’s house, where the famed author once lived. Come here to watch the world go by and soak up the atmosphere before heading out to discover all the things to do in Le Marais. 

Since you are in the neighbourhood, why not discover where Victor Hugo lived from 1832 to 1848? The apartment, now a museum, traces his life through manuscripts, drawings and other personal objects, offering an intimate glimpse into the life of the man behind Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. Admire the Chinese-inspired living room designed by Hugo himself, step inside the study where he wrote and look out across the arcade at one of Paris’s most iconic views. It is an experience not to miss when in the Marais.

One of the classic things to do in Le Marais is to dive deep into its Jewish quarter. Le Marais has long since been home to Paris’s Jewish community and Rue des Rosiers is at its heart. This street is lined with kosher bakeries and delis that tempt passersby with their golden challah, sweet rugelach and smoked salmon sandwiches. For a quintessential Le Marais experience, follow the smell of freshly baked falafel and join the queue outside L’As de Fallafel, the cult hotspot loved by locals, tourists and celebrities alike. History buffs should carve out time to visit the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire du Judaïsme, a museum that traces Jewish life in Europe from the Middle Ages to the present day with a particular emphasis on France. It's the perfect way to set the scene when staying in Le Marais, Paris.

When in Rome, or should we say Paris, there is nothing more iconic than enjoying a freshly brewed, strong black coffee on the terrace of one of its city cafés. Luckily, the Le Marais area of Paris is full of great places to stop and watch the world go by. From tiny espresso bars, elegant salons de thé and brasseries where you can while away an afternoon with a coffee and a croissant, café culture is alive and kicking in this corner of the city. 

Need to recharge your batteries between visiting the Le Marais museums? Or simply want to experience a slice of local life at its best? The Marché des Enfants Rouge is the place to go. The name, translating as red children, comes from the red-clad children who lived at the orphanage next door. And, while this is the oldest food market in Paris, dating back to 1615, today it is a vibrant hub for all kinds of food sellers.

It is best to get her just before lunchtime to be able to explore the narrow aisles full of brightly coloured food and heady aromas. At lunch, it is a mad rush as Paris’s creative crowd descends to lunch on Middle Eastern bites, tapas and other exotic gastronomic offerings. It is a nice break from the traditional French dining scene. Don’t fancy dining inside the market? Pack your food to go and head back to Place des Vosges for a picnic.

Le Marais has reinvented itself as one of Paris’s most stylish shopping districts. Here you can find independent designers, vintage specialists and concept stores that blur the line between gallery and shop. The best shops in Le Marais can be found along the pedestrianised Rue des Francs-Bourgeois, which gets very busy, especially on Sundays. Other noteworthy streets for shopping in Le Marais are Rue des Archives and Rue du Temple where shoppers can browse the latest fashion for men and women. Whether you are after a lazy afternoon of window shopping or have come with an empty suitcase ready to fill with chic French labels and international names, this corner of Paris is one that fashionistas and design enthusiasts should bookmark.

Just around the corner from Le Marai’s main shopping street lies the Musée Carnavelet, a haven for history buffs. Founded in 1866 (and officially opening in 1880) by Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann, the man credited with modernising Paris in the 19th century, this museum is an ode to the city of Paris. It is the first museum dedicated to documenting the city’s history and it is like stepping into a time capsule. 

Paintings, artefacts, shop signs and personal mementoes create an intimate portrait of everyday life across the centuries. Notable items include Émile Zola’s watch, a royal crib donated by Empress Eugénie and a campaign kit of Napoleon I. The museum spans across two stately mansions, the second added in 1989 with 600,000 items on display and leafy courtyards offering quiet respite between chapters of history.

Situated in the grand Hôtel Salé, the Musée Picasso houses the world’s largest public collection of artworks by Pablo Picasso. From early sketches and blue-period portraits to monumental sculptures and late, exuberant canvases, the collection reveals the full arc of his creativity. This is a must-visit for any Picasso fan since the museum holds a trove of notebooks, photographs and personal archives that illuminate Picasso's process and inspiration behind some of his greatest works. Pay attention to their website, as there are often temporary exhibitions and lively cultural events which add a new perspective on one of the world’s most famous artists. Also, it is worth noting that on the first Sunday of the month, it is possible to gain free entry if you fall into the required categories.

Paris is a city of art and culture and one unmissable stop on your Le Marais area list is the Centre Pompidou. Its iconic building was designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers and is considered to be a 20th-century icon, instantly recognisable for its exterior escalators and coloured tubing. Home to the National Museum of Modern Art, visitors can enjoy browsing its 20th and 21st century art collections, which span chronologically over two sections.

The first being the modern period dating from 1905-1960, which showcases the works of Matisse, Picasso and other important names of the era. The second is the contemporary period, dating from 1960 to the present day, with names like Andy Warhol and Anish Kapoor enticing visitors through the doors. Just like its counterpart in Málaga, in addition to the permanent collections, temporary exhibitions take place on the top floor. 

If you are looking for more Le Marais attractions, one not to miss is the stunning Baroque church, Temple du Marais. Amid the boutiques and bustle of Rue Saint-Antoine, the Temple du Marais offers a moment of serene pause. Designed by François Mansart in the 17th century, it was once a convent chapel before being turned into a Protestant church in 1801, after the French Revolution. Its circular plan, crowned by a soaring dome, creates a majestic feeling of harmony and light. Inside, it feels worlds away from the city’s lively streets. The church has seen many world events, including the World Wars, when the crypt was used for shelter and the organ was used to hide Jews. It is not to be missed when looking for things to do in Le Marais.

After enjoying the best of Le Marais by day, it is time to enjoy the flamboyance and fun of this neighbourhood at night. This area attracts a young, fun and creative crowd and since Le Marais has been considered the gay district in Paris since the 1980s, it is also LGBTQ friendly. Start your evening around Rue Vieille du Temple, which is always buzzing with bars and cafés with a welcoming and eclectic atmosphere. Choose from gastro bars, fancy cocktail bars and late-night haunts with intimate jazz shows and live music till the early hours. Later on in the night, revellers will find plenty of clubs and dance floors. The spirit is inclusive, joyous and distinctly Parisian.