Practical Information
Address
This neighbourhood is situated between the 3rd and 4th districts. Eastern border: boulevard Beaumarchais, western border: rue du Temple, northern border: rue de Bretagne.Easy Access
Metro: stations Saint-Paul, Hôtel de Ville, Rambuteau and Arts et Métiers (lines 1, 3, 11).Links
Current Events and Actualities
Capturing the Model : 300 RODIN drawings (Exhibitions)
Du 18/11/2011 au 01/04/2012Everyone is familiar with Rodin's sculptures, but what of his drawings? This exhibition at the Rodin Museum in Paris presents over 300 drawings from the last thirty years of the artist's life. In fact, in the latter part of his life, drawing became the ar
DEGAS AND NUDE - EXHIBITION (Exhibitions)
Du 13/03/2012 au 01/07/2012This is the first major exhibition to be devoted to Edgar Degas (1834-1917) in Paris since the 1988 retrospective at the Grand Palais. Degas and the nude ties in with the Musée d'Orsay's ambition to publicise the latest teachings on the great masters of
Touristic areas
Le Marais
At the beginning, it was just a vast swamp (that is the meaning of the name – marécage – marais). It became habitable in the 13th century when the ground drained and became suitable for cultivation and convents were established.
The « Place Royale » was achieved in 1612 but its name was changed later to ‘Place des Vosges’. It offers the most prestigious image of this district. « Le Marais » became then a very fashionable place and many luxurious mansions were built, and cultural receptions organised. After Louis XIII, the district was neglected and it was only a few decades ago that a total refurbishment was decided.
From being popular, this district has became more and more middle-class. For these last years, it is also well known as a ‘gay friendly’ district. It still keeps its historical and architectural treasures and offers many picturesque places to visit.
In the middle of this district are the remains of the old Jewish quarter, one of the most enjoyable areas in Le Marais. Falafels snack shops, old boutiques ornamented with Hebrew inscriptions, kosher shops… You can still feel the last century atmosphere when the Ashkenazi community fled from Russia and Poland to escape the pogroms, and later, the Nazi persecutions.
Another place that you should not miss is the “Place des Vosges” which offers a faultless architecture: forty mansions built over arcades aligned in a perfect square of 108 metres long, with a great harmony and refinement.
Timhotel’s tips and suggestions:
Among the magnificent mansions in Le Marais, you can visit the « Hôtel de Sully ». It is a prestigious house dating from 1624 displaying a pure Renaissance style. It was built for Maximilien de Béthune, Duke of Sully and minister of Henri IV. This is where Frears’ film movie ‘Liaisons dangereuses’ with Michelle Pfeiffer and John Malkovitch was shot.
The Picasso museum is also situated in this historic district. A 17th century hotel houses a collection of some 203 paintings, 191 sculptures, 85 ceramics, and over 3000 drawings, engravings, and manuscripts. Besides this rich collection, you will be able to discover works by Cézanne and Matisse.
Shopping in Paris on Sundays: Besides its historical interest, Le Marais is alsoa good area for those who love to shop. Most shops are open on Sundays.