How to Spend a Day in the Marais
Where to shop, eat, and explore.
The Marais is one of the most popular Paris neighborhoods split between the 3rd and 4th arrondissements. It sits north of the Seine on the Right Bank overlooking Notre Dame.
To reach The Marais, you can take line 1 to Saint-Paul. This is one of the most direct lines that can be reached from multiple points in Paris. Rambuteau line 11 is excellent for exploring The Pompidou and Rue des Archives.
Where to Stay in The Marais
If I chose a hotel in the Marais, it would be Pavillon de la Reine. It is located in the heart of Place des Vosges. I recently stayed here in January, where I wrote my book, Paris Every Day. It was the perfect retreat during winter to soak up Paris and the surrounding neighborhood of the Marais.
Morning: Breakfast in the Marais
There are a few great spots to enjoy breakfast in the Marais just outside Pavillon de la Reine. Bregat is a beautiful bakery offering delicious pastries. For a sit-down breakfast with great people watching, try Carette just in Place des Vosges. To get an outside table, you must arrive early without a wait.
Explore Place des Vosges with a morning walk under the arcades. Later in the afternoon, you can return for a picnic or to soak up the sun on an empty bench.
Midday in The Marais: Shopping and Culture
The Marais is filled with fabulous shops where you can buy souvenirs for home or pick up a beautiful new Parisian piece to add to your wardrobe.
Stop by Merci for their home selection. Their cups, plates, and decor are all so cute! It is hard not to walk out without something.
Sézane has a smaller Marais shop that is best visited on a weekday. Across the street is Octobre, the men’s division, and one of my husband’s favorite stops on each trip. If you are traveling with a spouse, you can divide and conquer.
Sandro has a stock (outlet) location in the Marais that is always worth a visit. One year, I picked up a beautiful classic black wool coat here. The shop is on 26 Rue de Sévigné.
Rue des Francs Bourgeois, which leads from Rue de Vieille du Temple to Place des Vosges, has many shops.
Lunch in The Marais
Rue des Rosiers is a classic street in The Marais known for the falafel. L’as du Fallafel has always been a favorite by many and is worth trying. You can stand in line and take it to go which most people do. There is also a small dining space inside if you prefer to rest your feet on a cold or rainy day in Paris.
I personally love Miznon, which is just around the corner. Their pita sandwiches with tahini are delicious and I always have to stop here at least once on any trip.
Coffee in the Marais
Stroll around the Marais, exploring the neighborhood and everything it offers. There are so many great coffee shops. Boot is a classic coffee shop with an adorable exterior.
For matcha, I can’t stop dreaming about Yellow Tucan.
Afternoon in the Marais: Art and History
Discover the history of Paris at Musée Carnavalet. I also recently spent an afternoon at the National Archives and enjoyed the visit. For Picasso lovers, check out the Picasso Museum on Rue de Thorigny. It is filled with over 5,000 pieces spread across 22 rooms.
Evening in Paris: Apéro and Dinner
For great people-watching, don’t miss a favorite spot of mine, Au Petit Fer à Cheval. The space is small inside and out but worth stopping by. On warmer days, they will open the windows to extend the space. You can squeeze in at the zinc classic bar or a cozy table in front for a glass of Chablis or Rosé.
I have been a regular at Au Petit Fer à Cheval since 2013. If you want something to snack on before dinner, order a cheese plate to accompany your wine.
To book for dinner: Bistro des Tournelles is a small restaurant on Rue des Tournelles. The menu stays consistent throughout the year with a few seasonal changes. You will want to make a reservation here, as they are always booked and can’t accommodate walk-ins.
End the evening with a night stroll on the Seine. The Eiffel Tower sparkles every hour on the hour after sunset. It's a perfect way to end the evening.
Additional Tips for The Marais
Also, because The Marais is known as the Jewish quarter, shops may be closed on Friday and Saturday due to Shabbat. Sunday is a great time to visit, with restaurants and shops open. Monday is a quiet day of the week in Paris, and you may find spots closed on this day as well.
J'adore! This looks like the perfect vacation.
If I ever get a chance to escape the US for a bit, I will add Le Marais to my list of places to visit!