Welcome to Le Marais, my favorite neighborhood in Paris and perhaps in the world. Here, between medieval alleys and Renaissance palaces, you’ll find the perfect combination of fascinating history and contemporary Parisian chic. I’ve prepared the ultimate guide to help you “live” the neighborhood, not just visit it – from recommendations for great value hotels, to luxurious apartments, to walking tours that will reveal the hidden secrets of the place.
Recommended hotels in Marais: My picks
The Marais spans the 3rd and 4th arrondissements. I have compiled for you the hotels that I personally like the most, the ones that provide the perfect balance between location, atmosphere, and price:
My personal recommendation
Which accommodation is right for you?
One short question, and I'll filter for you from the accommodations I've already checked and written about on the site what's suitable for the vacation you're planning.
Just a moment, I'll go through my recommendations and look for what suits you...
Want to check out more hotels?
I have prepared detailed and focused lists for each part of the district, so that you can find exactly what suits you.
Feel at home: recommended apartments in Marais
On my last visit (2023) I stayed at Audi Apartments, and it was a great experience. Here are some options for well-equipped apartments in great locations that will make you feel like a true Parisian:
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Apartment for 6 in Saint Croix
A spacious and well-designed apartment for large families near the Hotel de Ville . Close to the metro and all the best restaurants in the district.
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Apartment for 4 in Saint Croix
In the same building as the large apartment (great for groups and friends). Renovated, cozy and bright in the heart of the pulsating Mara.
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Apartment for 4 near Pompidou
Strategic location opposite the Pompidou Center. Perfect for a family with two children, very close to the Rambuteau metro.
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Studio near Pompidou
An excellent solution for a couple who wants to be in the center of things at a reasonable price (in the same building as the previous apartment). Small but awesome!
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The apartment in the north of the Marais
Located between the lively market of Rue Bretagne and Place de la République, an opportunity to experience Parisian life in the city's most chic district.
More recommended apartments
Don't miss the charming Opalin apartment on Rue Turenne.
The Mara: Questions, Answers and Tourist Information
Where exactly is the Mara?
How much time should you spend on a visit?
How to get to the Marais (metro and bus)?
bus: Lines 38, 69, 72 and 74 get right to the heart of the matter.
Is this an expensive area?
Where is the Jewish Quarter?
Places you simply cannot miss
The Marais is an open-air museum. Here are the places that make my heart beat faster every time:
Carnaval Museum
My favorite museum in Paris (and admission is free!). It tells the history of the city in a fascinating way inside two Renaissance palaces with hidden, spectacular gardens.
Hotel de Soleil
A magnificent private palace from the 17th century. Beyond the architecture, these walls have heard quite a few secrets about betrayals, loves, and historical dramas.
Hotel de Soubise
Home to the National Archives, the Rococo-style “Princess Room” is one of the most beautiful, delicate, and romantic spaces you’ll see in all of Paris.
Picasso Museum
Housed in the impressive “Salty Palace” (Hôtel Salé). A must for any art lover, with the largest collection of the Spanish genius’s works.
Place de Vosges
The beautiful old square in Paris. Perfect symmetry, warm red bricks, and an ideal place for a sunny afternoon picnic.
Chancellor d'Orleans
A real architectural detective story. A palace that was destroyed, hidden in boxes for decades, and recently restored in all its magnificent glory.
How to travel in the Marais? Tours and routes
You can simply "get lost" in the alleys, but to truly understand what you're seeing, it's worth using the routes I've prepared or joining a professional guided tour:
🚩 Recommended guided tours in the Marais
Here you can find a series of recommended tours in the Marais from Get Your Guide:
Looking for a Hebrew-speaking guide? Check out the list of recommended guides in Paris.
🗺️ Independent itineraries (my recommendations)
The Mara for Beginners
First time here? This is the classic and perfect route that goes through all the biggest and most important hits.
Western Mara
A hidden, less touristy gem. A chic, surprising, and local trail in the developing Arts et Métiers area.
Turenne Street
The street that many tourists accidentally miss. Amazing galleries, Parisian design and excellent restaurants all along the way.
Culinary trip
A depraved tour of the best patisseries and finest chocolate shops in the district. Come hungry, it will be sweet!
Following Victor Hugo
Travel where the great French writer lived and wrote (including an exciting visit to his house on Vosges Square).
Madame de Savignier
The first gossip girl of Paris . A rich historical route following the glorious 17th century of the district.
