A once posh neighborhood that was left abandoned after the French Revolution, the Le Marais is hip once again. Our free Self Guided Walking Tour of Paris Le Marais District outlines a fun route to hidden squares, pretty streets and top attractions.
Post-French Revolution, the mansions of the historic Le Marais District were repurposed into housing for working-class families. A prevalent Jewish community settled here as well and a new neighborhood was born.
Our site utilizes Affiliate Links. If you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy.
Over the decades, an effort was made to salvage the aging architecture and preserve the once splendid residences. Many of these buildings have been renovated into museums and art galleries.
Today, the streets of Le Marais are dynamic and intriguing. We feel it’s a fabulous place to just roam, but there are a few sights you won’t want to miss!
Our outlined Le Marais Walk pinpoints the prime places to see. Additionally, our 7-Day Paris Itinerary tours Le Marais on the second day of the trip.
How Our Self-Guided Walking Tour of Paris’ Le Marais Works
Before setting off on any of our Free Paris Self-Guided Walking Tours, it’s best to understand how they’re set up.
A map link is provided for each sight listed on our walking tour, providing easy directions from place to place.
For real-time navigation, you will need a Wi-Fi connection. You can use an eSim or switch your phone data to an international plan for your vacation. Alternatively, use a Pocket WiFi Device – like GlocalMe – to stay connected.
Would you prefer all this info without advertisements? We share our walking tour in an ad-free PDF format for a small fee – buy it here!
Paris Le Marais Self-Guided Walking Tour
When you are ready to explore, grab your favorite and most comfortable travel shoes, as this walk is about 3 miles. To familiarize yourself with the route, also take a look at the map at the end of the article.
Note that on our Le Marais Walking Tour, we highlight the top sights. Afterwards, you can also join a local guide for an even more in-depth introduction to the enclave!
#1 St. Jacques Tower
Ticket Required to Enter | Map
Begin your walking tour of Le Marias at Saint Jacques Tower (which is actually just outside of the district). A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Gothic tower was part of a 16th century church that was destroyed during the French Revolution.
The lone Tour Saint-Jacques stands at a height of 171 feet. Open for guided tours (ticket required), visitors can climb the 300 steps to the top. The view is said to be spectacular, but we just enjoyed seeing the exterior.
#2 Hotel de Ville
Free to Enter | Map
Hotel de Ville – a Renaissance Revival masterpiece – serves as the City Hall of Paris. It has housed the local government since 1357 (although, the current structure only dates to 1871).
While we were content contemplating the extravagant exterior, it’s free to go inside. There you can see current art exhibitions and take tours (but they should be booked in advance).
After admiring the façade, take time to explore the area directly behind Hotel de Ville. The quaint Rue des Barres, St Gervais Church, Memorial de la Shoah and riverside walk are all worth a look.
Au Petit Versailles du Marais Bakery (map) – a quintessential Parisian café – is the perfect place to pick up a croissant for take-away!
#3 Rue de Rivoli Shops
Free | Map
The busy main thoroughfare in Le Marais, Rue de Rivoli is cluttered with shops, restaurants and cafes. It’s Paris’ main shopping street, extending west past The Louvre to Place de la Concorde.
Nestled in among the boutique stores are fabulous second-hand shops for thrifting. A top pick is Bhumi, where it is still possible to find stellar deals.
#4 Church of Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis
Free to Enter | Map
A striking 17th century Catholic church, Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis features a marvelous combination of Italian Baroque and French Gothic styles. Step inside the serene sanctuary and you will quickly escape the busyness of Rue de Rivoli.
Behind the church, find Le Village St. Paul. The hidden enclave is home to quirky stores and specialty shops.
#5 Picturesque Le Marais Squares
Pretty squares and hidden gardens are tucked into small spaces throughout the Marais neighborhood – and we can’t get enough of them!
The small Place Sainte Catherine Square is an inviting space, marked with lush trees and wooden benches. On warm summer days, cafes fill the square with tables and chairs for al fresco dining.
Just steps away, delve into a secret garden in the courtyard of Hotel de Sully. A true oasis in the heart of Marais, the 17th century Cour et Jardin de l’Hotel de Sully feels like something out of a storybook.
#6 Place des Vosges
Free | Map
A lovely French garden where you can lounge on the grass or on benches, Place des Vosges is the centerpiece of Le Marais.
The communal green space was designed in 1612 and is marked by an equestrian statue of Louis XIII, as well as ornate fountains and leafy trees.
It was the first planned square in Paris and was originally called Place Royale. Surrounded by classic red-brick buildings, it is absolutely drenched in timeless charm!
#7 Maison de Victor Hugo
Free to Enter | Map
A Paris Hidden Gem, the Victor Hugo House sits at Number 6 Place des Vosges. The famous author who wrote Les Miserables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame – lived here in the mid-1800s.
Now a museum, the house contains a collection of artifacts – including original manuscripts and Hugo’s writing desk. Plus, there are grand views over Place des Vosges.
#8 Rue des Francs Bourgeois
Free | Map
A notable street that forms the boundary between the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, Rue des Francs Bourgeois is a trendy shopping street lined with fashion boutiques.
While most Paris shops are closed on Sundays, the stores on Rue des Francs Bourgeois stay open for business.
Many stately mansions and historically significant houses sit on the street, which entices architectural fans as much as shoppers to stroll the pretty lane.
#9 Musée Carnavalet
Free to Enter | Map
Detailing the history of the City of Paris, Musee Carnavalet is one of the best museums for tourist. It occupies two 16th century mansions right in the middle of Le Marais.
The collection of artwork and historical objects covers an extensive timeline – from ancient history to the French Revolution.
We really enjoyed the everyday relics (like old-fashioned signs), paintings of daily Parisian life and the glamorously decorated rooms. Plus, the gardens are sublime!
#10 Rue des Rosiers
Free | Map
One of the most evocative places in all of Paris, Rue des Rosiers has an almost Medieval vibe. The pedestrian, cobblestone lane weaves through the heart of the Jewish Quarter of Marais (which is known in Yiddish as Pletzl).
While global brands are gobbling up space on the street, it is worthwhile to seek out the small Jewish shops – like Florence Kahn Deli.
That said, one of the best things to do in Le Marais is to eat at the famous L’As du Fallafel Shop on Rue des Rosiers (not to be confused with the nearby knock-offs!).
We recommend eating your falafel picnic-style in the secret Jardin des Rosiers Joseph Migneret park at #10 Rue des Rosiers.
#11 Jardins des Archives Nationales
Free to Enter | Map
The grandiose entrance to Hotel de Soubise, which houses the National Archives Museum, can almost feel intimidating – but we highly encourage you to step inside!
The formal courtyard boasts columned arcades – and in the far righthand corner, a gate allows access to the beautiful gardens. The secluded park features winding paths, abundant foliage and quiet spaces.
The Musee des Archives Nationales is also open to visitors for free. A number of historic documents are on exhibit – such as the last letter written by Marie Antoinette – and the building itself is sensational.
#12 Rue Vieille du Temple
Free | Map
Yet another shop and restaurant-lined street in Le Marais, Rue Vieille du Temple is the district’s historic walking route. Dating to 1250, it once led to the Knights Templar (now Square du Temple).
Today, it’s home to old-time cafes, stylish eateries and designer boutiques. Our favorite restaurant on this street is Breizh Cafe, which is known for their signature crepes.
#13 Marche de Enfants Rouges
Free | Map
The oldest covered market in Paris and a historic monument, Marche de Enfants Rouges has origins that date to the early 1600s.
Inside, vendors sell produce, flowers and freshly baked bread in the mornings. In the evening, street food-style kiosks that feature fare from around the world crank out fresh meals.
#14 Square du Temple
Free | Map
This pretty garden, where the 12th century Knights Templar once stood, nearly feels out of place. The manicured green space features a waterfall (built with stones from Fontainebleau) and a pond.
Additionally, a statue memorializes Holocaust survivor and Noble Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel. The area is an ideal spot to rest after a long walk in Le Marais. Just don’t get too comfortable, there’s one last sight our Self Guided Walking Tour of Paris Le Marais District!
#15 Place de la Republique
Free | Map
The final stop on our Marais Paris Walk is Place de la Republique. Stark and vast, it’s one of the largest squares in the city and is often used as a gathering place for protests and celebrations.
At the center of the plaza is the Monument a la Republique. Designed to embody the spirit of France, Marianne (the symbol of the country) stands atop the monument. Surrounding the base are statues representing liberty, equality and fraternity.
The old-world Bouillon Republique restaurant (map) is a famous bistro just to the south of the square. It’s a fine place for classic French cuisine, but reservations are a must!
Map for Self Guided Walking Tour of Paris Le Marais District
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Self-Guided Walking Tour Paris Le Marais map from below.
More Paris Walks
We believe walking in Paris is the ideal way to get acquainted with the gorgeous city. Peruse all of our Best Paris Self-Guided Walking Tours – or choose from the list below.
- What To See on Il de la Cite
- Iconic Paris Attractions Walk
- Tour the Left Bank and Latin Quarter
- Paris City Center Sights
Paris Trip Planning Resources
- Must Read Tips for Paris
- 1 Week Paris Itinerary
- Versailles vs Fontainebleau: Which is Better?
- Craft Beer Bars in Paris
- Trip to London, Paris, Rome
Start planning your trip to France! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional travel tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board.
