8 Things to do in the Marais

When it comes to Paris, biting off more than you can chew on a trip is a recipe for disaster. I even wrote a blog on how to enjoy Paris at a slower pace because people try to fit in too much on any given visit. I’ve been to Paris several times, and I have definitely toured around most of the central arrondissements, but I have chosen to get to know some more than others. Le Marais is one of the neighborhoods I think is worthy of several days of your time. I’ll tell you 8 things to do in the Marais that I’ve discovered and done myself. This list is an insider scoop on one of the best neighborhoods in Paris.

Things to Do in the Marais

One of the reasons I like the Marais is because there's so much to do. There is so much fantastic shopping, with any name brand you can ask for within blocks of each other. Lately there has been an uptick in vintage shops all over the district, which I enjoy perusing while I'm walking around. You're never in short of restaurants or bars to go to either. Check out Les Philosophes if you happen to be in the neighborhood and try their quiche - it's delicious. And if you're on the Île Saint-Louis, get a coffee and croissant at Le Saint-Regis Cafe. Remember, the Marais district includes the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, so you've got a lot of territory to cover on your discovery.

You'll find so much to do here, including some of the coolest museums in Paris like the Musée Carnavalet and the Musée National Picasso-Paris (the Pablo Picasso Museum). These museums house works of art that are worth your time to see, and you won't get a panic attack from running around the Louvre trying to figure out which wing you want to see next. You can also buy some of your most perfect basics from Uniqlo, one of my favorite places to hit while I'm in Paris. And for a much more French feel, go to Merci, RAINS, and Fleux, located on the lovely Rue Sainte Croix de la Bretonnerie. You will be so happy you did. If you want a no-nonsense department store, check out BHV. It's no Galeries Lafayette, which is exactly why I like it.

Things to Do in Le Marais

The Oldest House in Paris

1. Take a Walking Tour with The Earful Tower

I like taking a walking tour when I travel. A two hour tour on the front end of the trip does the trick for general information about the area or city. It also gives insight to little things in a city or area you would definitely walk by without giving a second look. My recommendation is going with The Earful Tower. Oliver, the owner of this wonderful enterprise has dedicated his career to highlighting Paris from an expat perspective. He started off with a radio show, but for years it’s been a blossoming podcast about Paris. He’s written a fantastic memoir, children’s books, and now has added walking tours in several Paris neighborhoods. I am a huge fan of his (and support the podcast by being a Patreon member). He will show you many things in the Marais, like city hall/Hôtel de Ville, St. Paul's Church, and talk to you generally about parts of the history of Paris you may not otherwise hear. It's a 10/10 experience.

Coziest Cafe in the Marais!

2. Grab a Coffee at Le Peloton Cafe

The Earful Tower tour met across from Le Peloton Cafe, and because it was freezing outside when we did the tour, our group decided to end there with a hot cup of coffee. Paul, the owner, is from New Zealand. He is delightful and friendly, and speaks English! His coffee was some of the best I’ve had, and his cafe is one of the most unique I’ve ever been to. It’s tight quarters, but everyone is friendly and generous. We crammed ourselves in there and had wonderful conversations with very interesting people. Don’t miss this quirky coffee shop while completing your list of things to do in the Marais. This is another place I frequent when I am in Paris and particularly meandering around the Marais.

Eating a Chocolate Ball from Fred

3. Eat One of Everything at Aux Merveilleux de Fred

I can’t begin to tell you how divine every single thing was from this shop. Warm brioche with chocolate chips, pain au ganache, and little dome desserts called merveilleux. The good news is that these shops are scattered around Paris. I had my first one in the 7th, and the next day I got more in the 3rd. One thing to note is how difficult it is to travel with them, so pig out while you’re in Paris because you likely won’t be getting anything back with you. At least not without destroying it. My stomach is growling just thinking about these baked goods now. Take me back to Paris!

Cozy Nook for One in the Front of the Restaurant

4. Make a Dinner Reservation at Le Colimaçon

Hands down this has been the best dinner I’ve had in Le Marais. Le Colimaçon is a small restaurant so you must make reservations, and it’s completely worth it. The first time I went was with a party of five, and our group sat upstairs. It was lively without being loud, and quiet enough to have a conversation. The food was delicious, and the wine was outstanding. It took me a year to get to that restaurant (I had tried to go the year before when I was in Paris but they were booked) and I’m glad I remembered it to book for us on that trip. My second time going was on my own. No reservation was required, but I got lucky. I got to sit in the front facing out, and I people watched the whole time. I’ll be back next visit to Paris for certain.

Eating at Carette

5. Sip Hot Chocolate & Eat a Macaron at Carette in Place des Vosges

Place des Vosges is so dreamy. It’s a small square (for Paris) with a lot of history, as it was the first planned square for royalty in the early 1600s. There are many shops and restaurants along the square, and one of my favorites is Carette. I’ve had a cheese plate, wine, hot chocolate with fresh whipped cream, crepe, and a macaron sandwich there. Everything was lovely. The place itself is beautiful and old, with a true feeling of being in a Parisian cafe. You can sit inside or on the terrace. I’ve done both. Each is a delightful experience. The hot chocolate alone is worth a return trip. While you're in Place des Vosges, check out Maison de Victor Hugo for a quick visit. Disclaimer: since I originally wrote this blog, Carette has become very overpopulated and not easy to get into like it was years ago when I first started to go. If there is a long line, I would say just skip it and go elsewhere. If not, check it out!

6. Buy Funky Socks from Tabio

Socks are an accessory that I could never have enough of. I love buying socks and tights when I go to Paris. They have some fun and funky designs. Tabio was one that I discovered on this trip so I gave it a whirl. The Japanese-made socks are just what I was hoping for. I found some that will be perfect for our Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans, and some that will elevate the look of my loafers. I also got some cute tights with cherries on them. If you’re the fun and funky type, definitely buy yourself a pair from Tabio. They have a few locations throughout Paris, and I shopped at the one in Le Marais.

7. Take a Break from French Food and Dine at Miznon Marais

Oh.Em.Gee. Paul, from Le Peloton, gave me exactly ONE recommendation for a lunch spot, and it was Miznon Cafe, located immediately off of Rue des Rosiers. I am pretty sure we all got hooked on lamb that day. And cauliflower. The counter-order restaurant was perfect. Order, and they bring out the food as it’s ready. I got a cauliflower pita, and I drizzled tahini sauce all over it. We also got a whole cauliflower that was roasted and falling off the stem (or whatever the bottom is called). The lamb was also to die for, and I think we all could’ve eaten there a second time if we had had the time to do so. Don’t miss this crazy and chaotic little joint. And definitely order the whole cauliflower. I go almost every time I am in Paris and love it each time. Especially because I feel like it's more of a local thing.

8. Walk Along the Seine River

I know this is pretty obvious, but Le Marais borders the Seine so it’s worth a mention. There are the street vendors called bouquinistes that sell all kinds of classic Parisian items. You can buy photos, prints, books, and bags. My favorite thing to do is watch the boats pass by, and I love photographing the islands (Île Saint-Louis and Île de la Cité). Notre Dame sits on the island of Cité, and you can now go in and walk around or go to mass (like I did). Walking along the Seine is a classic Parisian activity, and it costs you exactly nothing to do it. What I might recommend is getting some wine and cheese and taking it to the Seine for a beautiful evening outside, people-watching and feeling very Parisian.

If You Do These 8 Things, You’ll Love the Marais!

I don’t claim to be an expert on Paris in any way. However, with my continued trips to my favorite city, I have discovered with intent some really great things. I love sharing my adventures with people, as I take so much time to prepare my trips. I have had some flops, but those don’t make it into the recommendation list. Each moment is so precious, and it’s hard when you don’t have a good meal here, a great macaron there, or even a lame tour. Whether you're strolling through the Marché couvert des Enfants Rouges (a very old covered market in Paris) or sipping wine at a cafe, I can assure you that this list was made from multiple trips to Paris, and my affection for Le Marais is the reason I wrote this curated list. I hope you enjoy reading this and experiencing these 8 things to do in the Marais. À bientôt!

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