I love the Marais. Its winding streets, its aura of history, its diversity, its range of experience, and the palimpset of eras overlaid from the Middle Ages onward. If there’s anything you want to do, you can do it there. In one short day, I ate Middle Eastern food, met a Copt from Egypt (a Christian, whose language is actually phonetic ancient Egyptian), bought an Asterix book (or two), wandered for hours, and fit right in.
You can do the same, whether you’re travelling low-budget or maximum luxe.
To explore the Marais from the peace of cyberspace, try:
“http://www/parismarais.com”:“http://parismarais.com
This site features history, art, restaurants, events, festivals, just everything.
And, to make it easier to follow along, download their free and gorgeous map at:
http://www.parismarais.com/map/uk.php
One thing to note: The Marais actually covers two arrondisements: the Third and the Fourth.
And thanks to Eye Prefer Paris for the tip.
If you want to stay in the Marais on your next trip, I do strongly suggest checking out your hotel, bed and breakfast, or apartment quickly. I was looking for an apartment in April and found most of the affordable ones with some promise of quiet are already completely full for April and most of May.
Next: where to buy vintage leather by the kilo . . . .
Onward!