The Best Walking Route Through le Marais (with a map)


 

Updated by Vanessa M. in August 2023.

Out if all the neighborhoods in Paris, le Marais is probably the ultimate one to explore by foot.

Many of the streets are cobblestone and tightly knit; one looses the impact of them when venturing through by car. Not to mention the collective architecture and attractions that nestle between the streets.

In Parisian terms, le Marais is the trendiest district in the city center. It’s a hub for fashion, for food and for the LGBTQ+ community within the French capital.

Since le Marais is quite small, there’s no real wrong or right way to walk through the area. All roads tend to lead to the same main attractions eventually, and even going the wrong way never results in more than a five minute detour.

Nevertheless, here is exactly how I would give someone their first tour of le Marais by foot; and the unmissable attractions to make time for along the way. The following can usually be done in under 4 hours or less — it’s a small neighborhood, as I said.

Click here for Maps of Paris you need to easily find your way and visit the city

Start: Arts et Métiers Metro Station in le Marais

The district is le Marais is bordered on both the east and western boundaries by multiple metro stations through which to arrive into the area.

I like to start in the north of le Marais and work my way south toward the Seine, and I find the metro stops on the western boundary the best places from which to enter. The Arts et Métiers is the easiest one to use coming from the rest of the city as it serves multiple lines.

From here you’ll be in prime position to start making your way through the neighborhood without missing out on anything significant. Additionally, a number of Paris free guided walking tours commence in this vicinity, ensuring you get the maximum exposure to the area.

Passage de l’Ancre in le Marais

From the metro stop begin by walking directly south down the main road until you get to number 223 rue St-Martin. This is the best way to enter into the historic Anchor’s Passage.

The passage is one of the oldest in Paris, and also one of the greenest. Throughout the city you’ll find secret passageways just like this through which one can take a dreamy, city-removed stroll between the homes.

This particular one is green, colorful and almost enchanted. It’s a short walk and a welcoming introduction to the less touristic part of le Marais community.

Explore more about the area on our Le Marais free tour.

Passage de l’Ancre – by Poulpy – Wikimedia Commons

Marché des Enfants Rouges in le Marais

From the passage you’ll then cut right through the neighborhood, west to east, until you come to the famous Marché des Enfants Rouges.

This is the oldest covered market in Paris and has been part of le Marais since 1628. Locals come here to do their weekly groceries, but passers by find great enjoyment in the many food options and fresh fruit displays.

Pick up a bag of cherries or strawberries to much on for the rest of your walk through the district. Note that the market is only open between Tuesday and Saturday, so give this point a skip if your walking on Mondays or Sundays.

Marché des Enfants Rouges – by besopha – Wikimedia Commons

Merci in le Marais

Merci sits on the eastern boundary of le Marais and isn’t a far journey from the market.

I wouldn’t call this an unmissable attraction within the district, but it is worth seeing since you’re so close by!

Merci is a co-op store with many facets to it. As you walk in you’ll find yourself in a massive cafe/library hybrid with the concept being to read any of the thousands of books while you dine.

Make your way through the back and you’ll get to the rest of the Merci co-op; a design collective featuring interiors and fashion on multiple levels under a beautiful glass ceiling.

This spot has the power to rope one in for hours upon hours, without even realizing it! Be sensitive to time here if you want to see the rest of the walking route before the end of the day! You’ve been warned!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Saturday: 10am to 7:30pm
ADDRESS: 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais, 75003 Paris, France
METRO STATION: Richard Lenoir

Musée National Picasso in le Marais

Only about two blocks from Merci sits the iconic Picasso Museum of Paris. This is one of the most sought after attractions within the Marais neighborhood, brining hundreds of visitors each day.

The museum features a well curated collection of Picasso originals, as well as a wide range of sketches and process drawings.

It’s a relatively small museum and can be done sufficiently in under an hour. Entrance will set you back €12.50; pricy, but then again it’s Picasso! Visit on the first Sunday of every month and entrance is absolutely free!

Musée National Picasso – by Kippelboy – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Tuesday TO Sunday: 9:30am to 6pm
ADDRESS: 5 Rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris, France
METRO STATION: Chemin Vert

L’As du Fallafel in le Marais

Beaming south from Picasso, we head through to the most famous road in le Marais: the Rue des Rosiers.

This is the main strip known as the Jewish Quarter in le Marais and is famous for its many kosher restaurants, bakeries, souvenir stores and synagogues. Definitely pick up a croissant or two from one of the bakeries on this strip while you can!

On this road sits the L’As du Fallafel shop. A falafel sandwich store so good that even Lenny Karvitz has gone ahead and endorsed them. Grab a sandwich to go and head to the next stop on our route where you can sit and enjoy it.

L’As du Fallafel – by Plot Spoiler – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Sunday TO Friday: 11am to 12am
ADDRESS: 32-34 Rue des Rosiers, 75004 Paris, France
METRO STATION: Hôtel de Ville

Place des Vosges in le Marais

The Place des Vosges is le Marais’ own public square. It’s a beautiful green space comprised of four quadrants, each with fountains and grass on which to laze about.

This is a vibrant spot in the summer, both by day and by night. Find a quiet patch and settle in with your takeaways for a few minutes. A well deserved time of refreshment between the district walk.

The Place des Vosges is another attraction that is on the eastern boundary of the neighborhood. Directly to the right of it is the Bastille neighborhood, and to the left is the rest of le Marais.

Place des Vosges – by AlNo – Wikimedia Commons

Le Village Saint-Paul in le Marais

The Village Saint-Paul often goes unnoticed by quick foot travelers through le Marais.

It’s a tucked away enclave that seems to be stuck in time compared to the rest of the modernity of this district.

It is the antique corner of le Marais, and throughout the cobblestone streets you’ll find a number of antique retailers, art galleries and quaint little eateries. It’s a lovely escape from the very tourist filled streets of the rest of the neighborhood.

Spend some time browsing the Parisian antiques and consider sitting for a few minutes in one of the coffee shops. Whether you’re walking in summer of winter, these will be a welcome space in which to enjoy a hot or cold beverage before venturing onward.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Wednesday TO Monday: 11am to 7pm
ADDRESS: Rue Saint-Paul, 75004 Paris, France
METRO STATION: Pont-Marie

Maison Européenne de la Photographie in le Marais

There are many, many significant photographic galleries situated around Paris. This one calls le Marais home, and can be explores at length in under an hour.

The exhibitions within the Maison Européenne de la Photographie are ever changing. They focus primarily on exposing contemporary works in photography and support up and coming French artists wherever possible.

The gallery is in the southernmost part of le Marais, not far from the Seine. This marks the second last stop on our walk through this district. If you were to make this your last stop, the Pont Marie is on the same road as the gallery, just further south. It will take you out of le Marais and onto the Notre Dame island, where you can see the cathedral in the flesh.

Maison Européenne de la Photographie – by Maison Européenne de la Photographie – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Wednesday TO Sunday: 10am to 8pm
ADDRESS: 5/7 Rue de Fourcy, 75004 Paris, France
METRO STATION: Saint-Paul

End: Rue des Barres in le Marais

Finally we finish with a short stroll west into the Rue des Barres quarter.

This is one of the oldest streets in the district and represents the medieval elements of le Marais that live on to this day. The quarter is filled with timbered houses, old medieval churches and old stone walls.

Rue des Barres – by Mbzt – Wikimedia Commons

To end off your le Marais walk, spend some time in the L’Ebouillanté restaurant within the medieval quarter; either for a refreshment or light snack. The outdoor terrace puts you in prime position to experience the Rue des Barres in its authenticity.

Again, the Pont Louis Philippe is a short walk south from here and will take you onto the Notre Dame island as well. This is where le Marais comes to an end — and you’ve walked it all!

Read more on The 15 Most Beautiful Covered Passages in Paris (with a Map)

5 Best Restaurants in Le Marais

Are you looking for a place to eat in the Le Marais district? This stylish district in Paris never runs out of curious visitors eager to explore the area’s less-seen-than-told splendor.

There’s so much to see and do, from art museums to eccentric boutiques and cafes, the lovely Place des Vosges, and several other ancient landmarks surrounding the picturesque neighborhood. While the numerous tourism opportunities are intriguing, the district’s robust gastronomic culture cannot be overlooked.

The restaurants in Le Marais are as diverse as the area’s attractions delivering everything from traditional French fare to Italian and Middle Eastern delicacies. Here are some of them to try while here.

1. Au Bourguignon du Marais 

This stylish, modern Marais cafe and wine bar serves traditional food as well as exceptional Burgundies by the glass and bottle. Food is served nonstop from midday to 11 p.m. Burgundian favorites like jambon persillé (ham in parsley aspic jelly), escargots, and boeuf bourguignon (red wine-braised beef) are always available.

Photo by Maria Orlova from Pexels

A cèpe-mushroom velouté with poached oysters is a more recent addition, however, fancier meals are often less successful. The soul of this restaurant may also be found in the superb wine list, which is entirely composed of Burgundy wines.

The Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru 2008 “Les Champs Gains” Jacques Bavard or The Hautes Côtes de Nuit 2009 Jayer-Gilles are only two examples from a continually changing list of high-quality wines.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday: 12 to 10 pm
ADDRESS: 52 Rue François Miron, 75004 Paris, France
METRO STATION: Saint-Paul (Le Marais)

2.  Candelaria

This secret gem should be on the after-dark agenda of anyone who enjoys real Mexican cuisine and agave-based drinks. Upon entering, guests find themselves in a taqueria-style eatery (bright barstools against an all-white backdrop), possibly pausing for tacos filled with shredded pork and black beans before entering the elegant bar through a rear door.

Image by VinaConstanze from Pixabay

The Mexican Sunday Brunch is not to be missed! Make your way through this little Marais bistro all the way to the rear door. You’ll find yourself in a tequila-centric bar! Friendly service is provided, as are powerful cocktails such as ‘La Guepe Verte’ (agave nectar with jalapeo and a cucumber wedge).

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday to FRIDAY: 5 pm to 2 am/Saturday to Sunday: 12 pm to 2 am
ADDRESS: 52 Rue de Saintonge, 75003 Paris, France
METRO STATION: Filles du Calvaire

3. Miznon

Miznon is an excellent choice for lone eaters looking for a good supper with minimal bother. It can become rather crowded sometimes though so bring some patience with you when you want to order, but their pita sandwiches and other delicacies are well worth the wait!

Click here for the Best Brunch Spots in the Marais

Photo by Jonathan Reynaga from Pexels

When you walk in, you’ll notice the hectic buzz and welcoming atmosphere. The décor is modest, with few decorations aside from the old stone walls and the boxes of fruits and vegetables lying about. Everything on the always-changing menu is fresh and delicious.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Sunday to Thursday: 12 to 11 pm/Friday: 12 to 4 pm
ADDRESS: 22 Rue des Ecouffes, 75004 Paris, France
METRO STATION: Hôtel de Ville

4. BigLove

BigLove is part of the Big Mamma franchise, a group of Italian restaurants that took Paris by storm with their authentic pizzas and pasta dishes a few years ago. The entire staff is Italian, and the atmosphere is hip and laid back. This particular establishment makes its pizza with unique wheat flour imported from Sicily.

Photo by Nicola Barts from Pexels

Aside from the pizza, I recommend the pasta with gambas. Ninety percent of their cuisine is vegetarian, so this is also a good alternative for vegetarians. Brunch enthusiasts will appreciate the large French toast or the fluffy pancakes.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Wednesday: 12 to 2:30 pm  6:45 to 10:45 pm/Thursday to Friday: 12 to 2:30 pm, 6:45 to 11 pm/Saturday: 11 am to 3 pm,6:45 t0 11 pm/Sunday: 11 am to 3 pm,6:45 to 10:45 pm
ADDRESS: 30 Rue Debelleyme, 75003 Paris, France
METRO STATION: Filles du Calvaire

5. Le Colimaçon

Le Colimaçon is a beautiful French restaurant in Paris’ famous Marais district. The rustic charm and modest ambiance of the establishment make it suitable for a romantic evening or an intimate dinner with friends.

Traditional French food with a modern touch, such as escargots served in pastry shells, stuffed rabbit leg with mushrooms and foie gras, and entrecôte steak, is on the menu. The wine list is comprehensive, with a stunning red from Provence standing out.

Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

Cocktails and desserts are also offered, with the lava cake being a must-try. The personnel is competent and polite, and they provide outstanding service to consumers all year. This place is a top-tier fine dining establishment in Paris that would impress any foodie searching for a wonderful and private dining experience.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday: 6:30 to 11 pm/ Sunday: 12:30 to 3 pm, 6:30 to 11 pm
ADDRESS: 44 Rue Vieille-du-Temple, 75004 Paris, France
METRO STATION: Saint-Paul (Le Marais)

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