The Marais district covers the 3rd and much of the 4th arrondissements. Le Marais  means literally “the swamp” and it’s now one of the best-loved right bank areas. There were many decades of decay, but now Le Marais has made a big comeback, though perhaps not quite like it was in the 17th-century when prosperous aristocrats inhabited the 3rd. It’s a great place to base Paris breaks now, being charmingly unique but also very central.

The Marais contains Paris’s major gay neighbourhoods,with lots of gay/lesbian restaurants, bars, and stores, as well as the remains of the old Jewish quarter, centered on rue des Rosiers. Two of the best attractions are museums. The Musée Picasso is a well curated collection of paintings, sculptures and ceramics which the French Government inherited in lieu of death duties. The Musée Carnavalet, a history museum also in the Marais depicts Parisian life from prehistoric times to the present. Small restaurants, kosher food and felafel kiosks abound for informal lunches.

Tags: Breaks, felafel, gay neighbourhoods, history museum, marais district, marais quarter, musée carnavalet, musée picasso, Paris, paris breaks, Picasso, rue des rosiers