Best things to do in Le Marais
May 27, 2025
Suites Parisiennes By Theodore
Visit a museum.
A longtime epicenter of arts and culture, the Marais is home to several of the city’s finest museums. At Musée Picasso, you’ll find a mind-boggling collection dedicated to the Spanish painter, all within the walls of a 17th-century mansion that’s a work of art in itself.
Another one of my favorite museums in the city is Musée Carnavalet, which showcases the history of Paris from the B.C. era to present day. Occupying two neighboring mansions, it’s a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture; inside, it’s filled with fascinating relics of the city’s past, like a collection of hanging signs and symbols that were once used in place of street numbers to indicate a business address. In warmer months, the elegant courtyard is a fabulous place to grab lunch.
Eat your way through Marché Couvert des Enfants Rouges.
Paris’ oldest food market dates back to 1615 and retains much of its old-school charm today. Wandering this densely packed labyrinth, you’ll be hit with a new smell every few feet: wafts of aromatic couscous, fresh flowers, and smoked ham are what make this bustling market such a joy on every visit. Among the ample stands, tried-and-true favorites include Le Traiteur Marocain for merguez-laden tagine and thick pita bread and famed sandwich shop Chez Alain Miam Miam (whose perennially long lines have prompted the opening of another shop around the corner on Rue Charlot). For a sit-down lunch, try to snag a seat at the tiny bar circling the open kitchen of Les Enfants du Marché, a beloved seafood-focused spot dishing up seasonal small plates alongside excellent natural wines from both popular and little-known producers.
The Marais’ fashionable history hinges on the early 17th-century construction of Place des Vosges, an elegant square of chestnut trees, burbling fountains, and grassy lawns, hemmed in by brick-red arcades that first drew the noble class to the neighborhood. Now a favorite picnic destination for Parisians and visitors alike, it’s a wonderful spot for people-watching with a warm baguette in hand. While you’re here, you might as well take the time to stroll through writer Victor Hugo’s house — now a museum that is full of magnificent artworks and free of charge. Afterward, duck under the square’s southwestern arch to discover the manicured gardens and Renaissance facade of Hôtel de Sully.
The French have mastered the art of dessert, and I’ve found the best way to honor their achievements is to familiarize myself with as much of their work as possible. Rarely do I go more than a day in Paris without indulging in some sort of sweet, whether a jewel-sized macaron, an éclair, or a plump and perfectly petite cream puff. For the former, head to Pierre Hermé, where flavors like Ispahan (rose, lychee, and raspberry) and Agra (praline and mild curry) will absolutely ruin you for the mediocre macarons peddled elsewhere in the city. L’Éclair de Génie boasts colorful, over-the-top creations — think caramelized apple éclairs flecked with gold leaf — while Popelini rolls out chic choux, or cream puffs, in an array of classic and seasonal flavors.
A longtime epicenter of arts and culture, the Marais is home to several of the city’s finest museums. At Musée Picasso, you’ll find a mind-boggling collection dedicated to the Spanish painter, all within the walls of a 17th-century mansion that’s a work of art in itself.
Another one of my favorite museums in the city is Musée Carnavalet, which showcases the history of Paris from the B.C. era to present day. Occupying two neighboring mansions, it’s a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture; inside, it’s filled with fascinating relics of the city’s past, like a collection of hanging signs and symbols that were once used in place of street numbers to indicate a business address. In warmer months, the elegant courtyard is a fabulous place to grab lunch.
The Centre Pompidou, Paris’ inside-out architectural marvel that’s home to the city’s prestigious modern and contemporary art museum, has bowled me over on every visit. There’s such a thrill in seeing Paris spread out before you as you ride the glass-enclosed escalators up to the top floor. Every season brings new exhibits — 2024 will see a spectacular retrospective of Hungarian artist Vera Molnár. The museum is set to close for a major five-year renovation in 2025, so I highly recommend going while you still can.
Paris’ oldest food market dates back to 1615 and retains much of its old-school charm today. Wandering this densely packed labyrinth, you’ll be hit with a new smell every few feet: wafts of aromatic couscous, fresh flowers, and smoked ham are what make this bustling market such a joy on every visit. Among the ample stands, tried-and-true favorites include Le Traiteur Marocain for merguez-laden tagine and thick pita bread and famed sandwich shop Chez Alain Miam Miam (whose perennially long lines have prompted the opening of another shop around the corner on Rue Charlot). For a sit-down lunch, try to snag a seat at the tiny bar circling the open kitchen of Les Enfants du Marché, a beloved seafood-focused spot dishing up seasonal small plates alongside excellent natural wines from both popular and little-known producers.
Visit Place des Vosges.
The Marais’ fashionable history hinges on the early 17th-century construction of Place des Vosges, an elegant square of chestnut trees, burbling fountains, and grassy lawns, hemmed in by brick-red arcades that first drew the noble class to the neighborhood. Now a favorite picnic destination for Parisians and visitors alike, it’s a wonderful spot for people-watching with a warm baguette in hand. While you’re here, you might as well take the time to stroll through writer Victor Hugo’s house — now a museum that is full of magnificent artworks and free of charge. Afterward, duck under the square’s southwestern arch to discover the manicured gardens and Renaissance facade of Hôtel de Sully.
Indulge your sweet tooth.
The French have mastered the art of dessert, and I’ve found the best way to honor their achievements is to familiarize myself with as much of their work as possible. Rarely do I go more than a day in Paris without indulging in some sort of sweet, whether a jewel-sized macaron, an éclair, or a plump and perfectly petite cream puff. For the former, head to Pierre Hermé, where flavors like Ispahan (rose, lychee, and raspberry) and Agra (praline and mild curry) will absolutely ruin you for the mediocre macarons peddled elsewhere in the city. L’Éclair de Génie boasts colorful, over-the-top creations — think caramelized apple éclairs flecked with gold leaf — while Popelini rolls out chic choux, or cream puffs, in an array of classic and seasonal flavors.
Wander down Rue des Rosiers.
Once the epicenter of Paris’ Jewish quarter, the picturesque Rue des Rosiers is now best known as the home of L’As du Fallafel, a popular (and delicious) falafel spot. Down the road, international clothing shops have largely crowded out the former abundance of kosher delicatessens, bakeries, and butchers, with the few remaining drawing eager crowds with their latkes, pastrami sandwiches, and baked goods — La Boutique Jaune de Sacha Finkelsztajn is a beloved mainstay, easily recognizable with its cheery yellow facade. On the corner of Rue des Rosiers and Rue des Ecouffes sits Florence Kahn, a Yiddish bakery and historic landmark with an unmissable blue mosaic facade that’s been helmed by Finkelsztajn’s protégée since 1988.
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Le Mary Celeste Oysters, natural wine, bay windows opening onto a bustling side street in the summer — what more could you ask of an always-busy corner bar that’s open until 2 a.m.? Perennially crowded with hip locals and visitors vying for seats around the wooden bar, Le Mary Celeste is one of my favorite places to both kick off and end my nights. Café La Perle There may not be a better place for people-watching than Café La Perle, on Rue Vieille du Temple. Parisians flock here for all sorts of reasons, but the only two in my book are for a 14-euro carafe of rosé and to try flirting in French with the well-dressed crowds that spill out onto the sidewalk on summer evenings. Little Red Door You’d be forgiven for walking right past the eponymous little red door that’s set back from the street on Rue Charlot, were it not for the queue of English speakers lined up outside this world-famous speakeasy. On the list of the World’s 50 Best Bars, Little Red Door serves up “farm-to-glass” cocktails alongside a beautifully photographed menu that profiles the producers behind each essential ingredient. Walk-ins can be tricky, particularly on weekends. The bar also offers a 70-euro cocktail tasting menu, which can be booked in advance. Best Restaurants Patios of restaurants Leopoldine Bauer/Travel + Leisure Les Enfants du Marché Hidden among the fruit vendors and fragrant food stalls of Le Marché des Enfants Rouges, you’ll find a gastronomic mirage of sorts: Less than a dozen stools circle a counter where dishes are plated with Michelin-level precision, and wines flow from noon onward. Local produce and fresh seafood rule the menu at Les Enfants du Marché, with recent delights including tuna crudo from the south nestled alongside scallops from the north and pears from Normandy — la belle France on a plate. Breizh Café Savory Brittany-style buckwheat galettes are loaded with aged Comte, Basque chorizo, and onions caramelized in cider at this iconic crêperie. Breizh Café, whose most charming outpost in Paris remains this sun-soaked corner of the Marais, is my first stop on almost every trip. The warm, wooden space feels like a homecoming. Bistrot des Tournelles When it comes to classic bistro fare, few places do it as warmly and wonderfully as Bistrot des Tournelles. The menu is straightforward and superbly French: homemade foie gras, crunchy little gem salad with mustard dressing, and steak au poivre are highlights, plus a crackling crème brûlée. Carbonis This trendy Italian spot may actually be too sexy for its own good. Sure, the staff and clientele at Carboni's are universally gorgeous, but it’s the pasta dishes that are almost unbearably seductive. Cacio e pepe is topped with a "Tampopo"-worthy marinated egg yolk, while striped squid ink spaghetti is served with cream foam and melted raclette. After dinner, dip downstairs for a negroni and live music at Bar Sotto. Chez Janou When you settle into your red leather booth at Chez Janou, once you’ve taken in the posters dedicated to French filmmaker Marcel Pagnol and the platters of Provençal dishes going around, you’ll soon spot wide-eyed diners clapping in delight as waiters dollop chocolate mousse onto their plates again and again. It’s unlimited, and — along with the decor and extensive pastis selection — the real reason for coming here.
Merci I’ve never left Merci without un petit plaisir — a little treat — to take home. The three-story concept store is a souvenir mecca, with branded candles and lighters (adorable and affordable) most often taking up space in my suitcase. Anyone in need of retail therapy will find it here, among the brightly colored geometric side tables, matte ceramic tableware, and overwhelming selection of très Parisienne white button-downs. A Lot of Wine Looking to pick up wine for a picnic along the Seine? A Lot of Wine, which, as its name suggests, stocks quite an impressive array of bottles in its small space, is the place to go. Biodynamic bottles from Alsace sit beside aged rarities from the Jura, all of which are well-priced. Most notably, the staff will gladly talk through any questions you may have. On my last visit, I watched in envy as a family tucked into heaps of cheese and finely sliced charcuterie during a private tasting they’d arranged in the stone cellar. BHV Kitty-corner to the breathtaking, block-spanning Hôtel de Ville (Paris’ City Hall), the BHV lures shoppers seeking everything from hardware supplies to Hermès. It’s sort of an upscale Home Depot-meets-Bloomingdales, topped off with Le Perchoir, a trendy rooftop bar offering views of the Eiffel Tower during the summer season. Empreintes Remember what I said about window licking? It’s a favorite pastime of mine at Empreintes, an airy, multilevel concept store that feels markedly under the radar compared to Merci. Founded by the French federation of craft professionals, it’s a gallery-like space that’s brimming with hundreds of exceptional handmade goods — think statement jewelry, sculptural pendant lamps, and enough ceramics to merit buying an extra suitcase. Vintage Shops With kilo shops and thrift stores littering every other block of the Marais, it could take une éternité to track down a silk Chanel set or an oversized Isabel Marant coat — if you didn’t know to stop by Nice Piece, that is. The shop was long a gate-kept secret of Parisian It girls but is now a celebrity hot spot drawing the likes of Kim Kardashian and Janelle Monáe.
The Luxembourg Gardens - Written by Les Suites Parisiennes de Theodore Situated on the edge of the Saint Germain des Prés district and the Latin Quarter, the Luxembourg Gardens, home to the French Senate, have a unique atmosphere where the water laps at the leaves of the chestnut trees, children marvel at the idea of seeing their miniature boat float on the water of the large basin and the calm of the Fontaine Médicis reigns. As you stroll through the garden, you'll discover numerous artistic sculptures and statues of historical figures, giving the park a cultural touch. The statue of Queen Marie de Médicis in the centre of the garden is particularly emblematic. The Luxembourg Gardens regularly host outdoor art exhibitions, concerts, cultural events and seasonal activities, meaning there's always something new to discover on your visit. Over the 25 hectares of the Luxembourg Gardens, there are plenty of activities for children, including puppets, merry-go-rounds and slides. It's a great place to spend some quality time with the family, take a romantic stroll (especially on Valentine's Day) and enjoy the beautiful St Germain des Prés district. Pont des ArtsThe Pont des Arts was built in 1804 to link the Institut de France and the Palais du Louvre. Its name comes from the Palais des Arts, the name given to the Louvre museum during the Second Empire. Located in the St Germain des Prés district, just a few minutes' walk from our hotel, the bridge crosses the Seine and offers a fantastic view of the Pont neuf and the Ile de la Cité. Between 2008 and 2014, the bridge became a symbol of love. Tourists used to hang padlocks from the bridge's railings to symbolise their love. Now a tradition in the St Germain des Prés district, the padlocks had to be removed because they were too heavy. Ile St Louis Have you heard of one of the most beautiful places in the world, well in Paris? Île Saint-Louis is a small island on the Seine River, right in the heart of Paris and very close to the St Germain des Prés district. A historic residential island, it is home to a host of shops and businesses with admirable facades overlooking the Seine. The best way to admire this beautiful architecture is to stroll along the rue Saint-Louis-en-l'Ile and the quai de Béthune. Alternatively, you can climb aboard a barge to see the island from the water!
Le Bon Marché - Written by Les Suites Parisiennes de Theodore The Saint-Germain des Prés district is the essence of Parisian shopping and luxury boutiques... In the image of a Paris of the last few centuries where everything moves, changes and is invented, Le Bon Marché is an absolute benchmark of French refinement for fashion, furniture and its famous ‘Grande Epicerie’. All the top brands and boutiques, including Kenzo, Sézane, Sandro, Alexander Mcqueen, Jimmy Choo, Chanel and Dior, are to be found at Le Bon Marché. It's worth noting that every year, as Christmas approaches, the windows of this splendid shop are decked out with the most beautiful decorations, leaving no visitor indifferent. The streets of Saint Germain des Prés: Sèvres Babylone and Rue du Bac Around the Le Bon Marché department stores', a stroll through the streets of the St Germain des Prés district is all it takes to make your shopping experience a success. The St Germain des Prés district is not only an area for art and culture, but also for shopping, where many brands such as Isabel Marant, Minelli and Lacoste are based. A taste experience in the Ladurée boutique When you're nearing the end of your stay, don't hesitate to visit the Ladurée boutique. Ladurée in the 6th arrondissement is like stepping into a gourmet fairytale! The delicate, elegant atmosphere transports visitors into a world of sweet delights. The brightly coloured, exquisitely flavoured macaroons are a symphony for the taste buds, and the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked pastries envelops you from the moment you walk through the door. Let yourself be seduced by Parisian elegance and delight your senses with pastry creations that are veritable edible works of art. La Maison Mulot, for gourmets The second address is Maison Mulot. Situated in the heart of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, it has been a benchmark for excellence in French cuisine for many years, whether in pastry, bakery or catering. Maison Mulot has succeeded in adding a touch of modernity while preserving the classics, such as the unmissable macaroons, croissants and the signature pastry, Amarilys. What's more, new products are regularly created to match the seasons and festivities, such as Valentine's Day, Easter and, of course, Christmas.
Brasserie Les 2 Magots - Written by Les Suites Parisiennes de Theodore In the heart of the 6th arrondissement, in the Saint Germain des Prés district, the brasserie Les 2 Magots offers traditional French cuisine in a bright, picturesque setting. The legendary brasserie has been closing at 1am since 1885, taking advantage of the charm and atmosphere of the St Germain des Prés district to offer you great food to eat in or take away. Brasserie Lipp In the heart of the Saint-Germain des Prés district, Brasserie Lipp offers French specialities French specialities and homemade dishes in a setting full of French charm. The brasserie is open until late at night. So you can enjoy the unforgettable atmosphere of the St Germain des Prés district in the 6th arrondissement of Paris. Le Pré aux Clercs A visit to Le Pré aux Clercs is a must! This restaurant has an extensive menu to suit every taste: cocotte egg with salmon and dill, Auvergne pâté, Caesar salad, fillet of sea bream with a virgin sauce flavoured with yuzu lemon, duck breast with pepper, roast chicken, etc. There is continuous service from midday to 11.15pm. Plan to return to the hotel by strolling around the city, without taking the metro. The atmosphere of Paris and the St Germain des Prés district becomes magical. Bistrot Au Coup de Torchon The Au coup de Torchon bistro prides itself on its family-style, home-cooked cuisine, simmered with seasonal market produce. Located in the St Germain des Prés district, 16 minutes from the hotel Le Littré, a stop at the bistro is highly recommended! On the premises or to take away, Au coup de Torchon is the ideal place to enjoy a succulent Saint-Jacques flambé with Cointreau or a delicious traditional crème brûlée. Take a tour of the bistro, you won't be disappointed. Le Procope Le Procope is the oldest restaurant in Paris! Built in 1686, the restaurant is a place steeped in history where the greatest writers and intellectuals such as Diderot and Rousseau gathered. Today, the restaurant offers traditional, bourgeois French cuisine, with specialities such as creamy parsnip with duck foie gras, Norand beef tartare, homemade mille-feuille and traditional Procopio-style Tiramisù. We're sure you'll be delighted with the dishes! Café de Flore The Café de Flore is located at 172 boulevard Saint-Germain, in the St Germain des Prés district of Paris's 6th arrondissement. It offers traditional French cuisine in a picturesque setting where you can enjoy a fresh Caesar salad, a succulent tarte tatin or the emblematic Flore chocolate.