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The Marais is one of the most important districts in Paris because of its tourist appeal. For this reason, we at LOCK & enjoy! have prepared an interesting post with the sole purpose of giving you a detailed look at this area.

Did you know we have lockers in Paris? At LOCK & enjoy! we are located at Châtelet – Les Halles and, as well as very close to the Eiffel Tower.

Discover The Marais!

The Marais is a picturesque neighbourhood in Paris, and we are sure it will surprise you with its numerous peculiarities and also by the activities available.

We advise you to keep reading to choose the most interesting places in this neighborhood, as well as its most iconic streets and the green areas where you can relax. Plan your route!

Place des Vosges

This is one of the most emblematic squares in the Parisian capital and the oldest in the city.

It has large gardens, making it an ideal place to disconnect and relax while reading a book, or even to have lunch or dinner with a small picnic. At LOCK & enjoy! we recommend that for one day you immerse yourself in the true French; buy some cheese, local wine, and feel at home.

The area surrounding the square is home to numerous Renaissance-style buildings that are a real feast for the eyes.

Maison de Victor Hugo

One of the most prominent buildings in Place des Vosges is the Maison de Victor Hugo.

You are interested in art, culture, and history?, we advise you to visit the home of this famous writer, as it was here that he penned such renowned works as Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.

Enjoy, it’s a true trip back in time. The reason is that all the spaces and elements are decorated as in the 19th century, with numerous personal items and original furniture.

This museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and admission is free.

The Marais: A Neighbourhood of Equality and Diversity

The Marais in Paris is akin to Chueca in Madrid. It is the district where the majority of LGBTQ+ bars and nightclubs in Paris are concentrated, as well as where most of the activities for the annual Pride celebrations are held.

Experience the diverse nightlife, as there are bars with enviable dance floors and others with a much more relaxed atmosphere. Stroll through its streets and choose the spot you like the most between themed nights and live music performances.

Take note of the most famous pubs: Raidd, Banana Café, or Le Grizzli, among others. As for the nightclubs, there is also a wide selection to choose from: Le CUD Bar, YOYO, or Under.

Centre Pompidou

This is one of the most important cultural centres in Paris and a benchmark in modern and contemporary art, well-recognized internationally. However, it is not a traditional museum, as it includes a public library, an industrial creation centre, and a music centre.

The main aim of this centre is to support emerging art and promote freedom of thought and debate, traits very characteristic of French culture.

We recommend you visit it when you have plenty of time because of its enormous size. Additionally, it is an ideal place to visit with your partner and even with children due to the vast array of activities available.

Dive into the unmatched collection of masterpieces, visual arts, drawings, or photographs!

Rue des Rosiers

It is one of the most important and famous streets in El Marais, especially for the magic, charm, and light it conveys. On the other hand, it is one of the busiest areas in the neighborhood due to its commercial appeal, perfect for shopping. Noteworthy are the patisseries, Jewish restaurants, and numerous fashion boutiques.

The old streetlights lining the cobblestone streets make you feel like you’re in the past, yet in a modern city.

If you love vintage fashion, we advise you to visit some of its second-hand shops.

Hôtel de Ville

The City Hall of Paris is a must-see architectural building in the city. It features renaissance style with astonishing dimensions and striking roofs. Additionally, the façade is distinguished by its beautiful windows and magnificent statues.

If you have time, we recommend you explore the inside, as its design is worth seeing in any of the rooms (reception halls, banquet halls, etc.). Best of all, entry is free, but you must book in advance to enjoy a guided tour in Spanish.

A Gourmet Neighbourhood

Discover The Marais through its gastronomy!

Once you have finished your sightseeing tour, we invite you to try any of the restaurants in the area. For French cuisine, for example, there are places like Glou, La Maison de la Truffe, or Robert et Louise.

You could also opt for gourmet dining at restaurants like L’Ambroisie.

You can’t leave the neighborhood without stopping by one of the places serving the famous crêpes, both sweet and savory, or one of the ice cream shops like Pozzetto or Amorino.

On the other hand, if you just want to have a beer, try the typical brasseries in the neighborhood.

Opéra Bastille

Bastille Opera is one of the most important monuments in The Marais. The reason is that it is one of the main theatres and ballets in the city.

The architecture is also Renaissance, as is the interior. On the other hand, the decoration shines in every corner due to the use of steel and glass on the façade.

You can visit the building inside with guided tours available so you can learn more about its history and operation.

Visit El Marais! The quintessentially picturesque neighborhood of Paris, though not the only one. We invite you to discover it, not before booking a locker with us. Take advantage of discounts for advance booking!

Victor Salgado

CEO of LOCK & enjoy! and tourism expert, with experience in leading hotel chains such as Hyatt, Marriott, or IHG. His mastery of Oracle's Opera and its integrations drive excellence in management through any tourism software.