Hello 🙂 time for a new travel article!
Last year, on October, my mom and I, went to Paris! It’s my second time going there and it was nice to see more of this enchanting, marvellous city! 🙂
I was very pleased and happy to see the famous, historical Marais district, which is located in the centre of Paris, on the right bank of the river Seine, (“la rive droite”).
Some history
The Marais district has a rich and fascinating history behind, dating back the 12th century, when the area was a marshland, (Marais in French). With the Crusades over, the knights Templar focused on clearing the land.
Four hundred years later, the aristocracy constructed their grand residences in this area to be in proximity to the Louvre, the favored royal palace!
In 1682, Louis XIV, relocated his court and retinue to Versailles, so the District’s popularity waned.
Despite the extensive urban renewal projects undertaken by Haussmann in the 1860s, the neighborhood managed to preserve much of its original architectural character and unique personality!
Many important figures such as Victor Hugo, Moliere, and Madame de Sévigné have called the Marais home.
The architecture
The Marais neighborhood is renowned for its impressive 17th century architecture. This era is most prominently featured, with elegant hôtels particuliers (private maisons), gracing the streets. Ornate facades, courtyars, elaborate decorative details are some of the keys that features the style and architecture of this District!
Although constructed relatively late in 1624,The stunning Hôtel de Sully gives a remarkable example of Renaissance architecture, elaborately decorated!
(We took these lovely photos during the spring of 2023, the first time I visited Paris, where we just passed by the Neighborhood.)
La Place des Vosges (Le Marais)
Originally named Place Royale, it was commissioned by King Henry IV and completed in 1612. This makes it one of the oldest squares in Paris!
An architectural beauty
The square is enclosed by 36 identical red brick buildings, each with elegant details. The central garden, adorned with linden trees, fountains and an equestrian statue of King Louis VIII (son of king Henry IV), provides a tranquil oasis.
This place is one of my favourite spots in this renowned District, due to its beautiful location, where you can take strolls, moreover the atmosphere is lovely, my mom and I, went there in a late afternoon, when there weren’t so many people around, and it almost felt magical promenading there :)!
The City Hall
The Hôtel de Ville (the Paris City Hall) is also an architectural marvel, that borders the Marais, and it significantly contributes to the area’s grandeur!
It has served as the seat of the municipal government of Paris since 1357, witnessing centuries of Parisian history.
While we were there, there was an outdoor exhibition about everyday photos taken by the photographer David Turley.
Le Marais, a place for shopping, food…
Today, the Marais is a trendy and fashionable neighborhood brimming with stylish cafes, art galleries, boutiques…
I think that the best way to experience the Marais is on foot.
While walking througth the Marais district, we saw many luxury, beautiful boutiques and then also several charming places to have something to eat!
It was also really nice to see boutiques I haven’t heard the name before, admiring details outside of shops, clothing boutiques!
Besides from the fashion sphere, there are quite many traditional bistros, trendy cafes in the area.
My mom and I stopped at Breizh Cafe to have a delicious galette with nuts and chèvre (cheese) accompanied with a good cup of tea!
So, the Marais offers a unique blend of history, culture and modern life!
If you plan to go to Paris, I would highly recommend you to visit Le Marais district 🙂
See you soon!😊
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