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.
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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:
Cour des Vosges
A particularly luxurious hotel located right in the heart of Place des Vosges. The rooms are designed like small noble houses with a view of the wonderful square. A historic and romantic experience that is worth every euro for special occasions.
Solly Hotel Paris
Formerly Little Palace. 4-star hotel in a quiet location near Center PompidouCharming Art Deco design, cozy rooms and a professional staff that will do everything to make you feel at home.
Paris France
Excellent Jewish-owned hotel in a classic stone building near Republic Square. Great value for money, immaculately clean, and strategically located for those who enjoy the northern Marais.
Hotel du Plat d'Etain
Very popular with Israelis (and rightly so). Located on a quiet street between the Marais and the Republic. Modern, air-conditioned and well-decorated rooms at a completely fair price.
Nice Hotel
A hotel with soul and unique vintage design in the heart of Rue Rivoli. The location is perfect, the service is warm and the price is pocket-friendly – a place that feels like the Paris of old.
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:
Apartment for 6 in Saint Croix
Spacious and well-designed apartment for large families near Hotel de VilleClose to the metro and all the best restaurants in the neighborhood.
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.
Apartment for 4 near Pompidou
Strategic location opposite the Pompidou Center. Perfect for a family with two children, very close to the Rambuteau metro.
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!
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 apartment. Opaline The charming one on Turenne Street.
The Mara: Questions, Answers and Tourist Information
Where exactly is the Mara?
The Marais covers the 3rd and 4th arrondissements (excluding Île Saint-Louis). The boundaries of the area are: north: Republic Square. South: The Seine River. East: Bastille Square. West: Pompidou Center.
How much time should you spend on a visit?
The minimum is one full day (see the “Hamare for Beginners” itinerary below). If you really want to soak up the atmosphere, I recommend 2-3 days of leisurely wandering and soaking up the atmosphere.
How to get to the Marais (metro and bus)?
Metro: Line 1 (Hôtel de ville, Saint Pol, Bastille) to the southern Marais. Line 11 or 3 to the northern Marais (Arts Et Metiers, République).
bus: Lines 38, 69, 72 and 74 get right to the heart of the matter.
Is this an expensive area?
The Marais has undergone serious gentrification. It is relatively expensive, but still less than Saint-Germain. For those looking for cheaper options – try the northern area near the Republique or the eastern area bordering the 11th arrondissement.
Where is the Jewish Quarter?
The beating heart is Rue des Rosiers and the surrounding streets (Rue des Ecouffes). Don't miss the famous synagogue at 10 rue Pavée designed by Hector Guimard.
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.
The Marais has a history of about 1,000 years – from a stale swamp to magnificent palaces. To give your visit a different depth, I highly recommend reading The fascinating history of the Mara Before you arrive.
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
Jewish history
A fascinating and exciting tour following the Jewish community, hidden synagogues, and historical Jewish life in “Pletzel.”
Culinary tour
A must for every foodie. Tastings of chocolates, pastries, and cheeses at the most prestigious and prestigious establishments in the Marais district.
The best of the Mara
A small, intimate group walking tour of the hidden corners, inner courtyards, and juiciest stories of the neighborhood.
Looking for a Hebrew-speaking guide? Enter To 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 great writers lived and wrote France (Including an exciting visit to his home on Place de la Vosges).
Madame de Savignier
The first gossip girl of ParisA rich historical route following the district's glorious 17th century.
