If there's one neighborhood in Paris that everyone is sure they know by heart, it's undoubtedly this one. The Mara neighborhood (Le Marais). This picturesque neighborhood, consisting of the 3rd and 4th arrondissements of Paris, is perhaps one of the best-known, most visited, and most beloved neighborhoods in the City of Lights.
Who among us hasn't wandered the narrow alleys, admired the boutique windows, or stopped for a quick rest on the lawns of the majestic Place des Vosges? But the truth is (and this remains between us, yes?), that very few tourists who visit there manage to discover anything beyond the main attractions and the well-trodden paths of the neighborhood. Most of us only scratch the surface of one of the most culturally rich areas in France.
This is exactly why I created my new lecture series – The Secrets of the Mara.
In this series of lectures, we will go on a virtual “walk” through the streets of the Marais. We will peel back the familiar layers, discover secret places and hidden courtyards, and alongside them – fascinating historical and human stories about places you have most likely visited before, only you never knew what drama was unfolding right under your nose.
Because the Marais is packed with so much history, art, and French charm, I quickly realized that one lecture simply wouldn’t be enough to cover it all. So, I created a series of 3 in-depth lectures, each focusing on a completely different part of the neighborhood:
Lecture 1: From the Roots to the Jewish Quarter 🕍
In this lecture, we will delve into the fascinating history of the Marais, as historical knowledge is absolutely the basis for discovering all the secrets and intrigues hidden in this neighborhood. Immediately afterwards, we will begin to walk through the central Marais, packed with palaces and ancient mansions, and we will end our route in the city's famous Jewish quarter (the Plazl) – where the aromas of bakeries and falafel mingle with stories from the turn of the century.
Lecture 2: The Magic of the Southern Mara 🥐
In this meeting, we will begin our virtual “trip” exactly where we ended the previous one. This time, we will head south, towards the Seine River. We will discover the magical, intimate, and more peaceful places of the southern part of the Marais (the ones that usually require a pair of skilled local eyes to spot in the crowd).
Lecture 3: The Mara for Advanced Students 🎨
This is a lecture for “advanced” people, a real treat for those who already think they’ve seen it all. Here we’ll walk through the northern part of the Marais, along Toren Street The elegant, and to the western border of the neighborhood in the Pompidou Center area. These are two places that most tourists simply don’t get to in depth, because there are no “huge attractions” there (except for the Pompidou Center itself, of course). But it is precisely there that breathtaking stories are hidden that every Paris lover would be happy to hear and discover.
How can I listen to this lecture series?
I am happy to tell you that I will be giving these lectures on the following dates:
- 29.7.2026 Wednesday at 18:30 PM – Lecture 1: From the Roots to the Jewish Quarter
- 05.8.2026 Wednesday at 18:30 – Lecture 2: The Magic of the Southern Mara
- 12.8.2026 Wednesday at 18:30 PM – Lecture 3: The Mara for Advanced Learners
It is very important: Those who order tickets for the lectures receive the recordings of each of them, so that they can watch them at their leisure (if they are unable to attend the lectures themselves).
For information about lecture prices and registration, please click here.
Would you like to invite me to give a lecture to you?
With great pleasure! You are welcome to contact me directly to book a closed lecture (for institutions, home groups, or special events) via WhatsApp at the number 054-7100035, or send me an email at info@francophilesanonymes.comI promise to answer as soon as possible (unless I'm in the middle of a bite of fresh baguette).
Want to register for lectures open to the general public?
You are welcome to subscribe to my mailing list. Right hereAs soon as I start a new lecture for the general public, you will be the first to hear about it and have the opportunity to purchase tickets before everyone else.
So prepare your glass of wine, relax in an armchair, and come stroll with me through the Marais like you've never strolled before. See you!