Today’s motto is “Rise and shine and be trendy!”
A stroll in the trendy Marais district in Paris
“A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of Life.” These words by Thomas Jefferson from over two centuries ago are still relevant today. And if I had to choose just one district of the French capital, the Marais neighbourhood would probably be it. So, guess where we’re going today? Right. To one of the trendiest districts in Paris. This is quite a good change compared to the remote past when this area was swampy (Marais means ‘marsh’).
A literary cultural district: from Hugo to Proust
The starting point of our tour is Place des Vosges. Built at the beginning of the 17th century, it’s the oldest square in Paris. Redbrick buildings with blue slate roofs overlook a lovely green area (ideal to relax). One of these mansions was home to Victor Hugo, known around the world as the author of ‘Les Misérables‘. For those who loved this novel (or maybe the film), I suggest a visit. Then, from the oldest square, we walk towards the oldest of the municipal museums: Musée Carnavalet. The city’s history unfolds before your eyes as you move through one hundred rooms or so. Some of them recreate the interiors of famous Parisians’ houses, like Marcel Proust’s bedroom.
Le Marais in Paris: a district for every taste
But men don’t live by ‘culture’ alone. So, let’s have a break and savour the multi-ethnic cuisine proposed by the many restaurants in the district. And, of course, in the city’s old Jewish neighbourhood you can taste exquisite Israeli-style falafel sandwiches. Two of the most popular places to get this speciality to stay or to go are Chez Marianne and L’As du Fallafel, both on rue des Rosiers. If you ask for a takeaway, you can eat it in one of the secret gardens of Le Marais: Jardin Francs-Bourgeois-Rosiers. An easy-to-miss entrance is on the same street, at number 10. Moreover, it is close to one of my favourite ice-cream parlours: Une glace à Paris. But if you find yourself in need of a chocolate fix, within a few minutes you’ll reach your destination: the chocolatier Jean-Paul Hévin store.
Le Marché des Enfants Rouges: the oldest covered market
The first part of our walk is coming to an end with a ‘yummy’ suggestion, especially for those who like local markets: Le Marché des Enfants Rouges. Established in 1615, the oldest covered market in Paris takes its name (Enfants Rouges means ‘Red Children’) from the orphanage that formerly occupied the site. Nowadays, its food stalls serve an impressive selection of international cuisine: Moroccan couscous, Japanese bento boxes, Lebanese sandwiches and naturally French galettes. Bon appétit!
Watch our recommended video on the food tour in Le Marais district
(Source: Spain revealed)
Read the second part of our tour: Contemporary art tour in Marais
Looking for must-sees near Paris? You may be interested in Monet’s garden in Giverny
