Yeah, yeah, I know. The Marais? Tourist trap extraordinaire?
Well, it’s a choice I made by accident really. Due to my sudden decision to stay longer in Paris, we’ve had to find new accommodation. Our next apartment wasn’t available for a week so I needed something quickly to fill in the gap. When I spotted a tiny pied-à-terre in the Marais for a good price it got me thinking – was the Marais as souless as it seemed?
At a quick glance the area, which straddles the 3rd and 4th arrondissement, seemed to be just shops, cafes and a handful of historic mansions converted into museums. Did anyone actually live there? On a previous whip through the place some weeks ago I hadn’t seen a single boulangerie or boucherie. Just shiny shops and smart cafes. Was that it?
I decided to rent the apartment for the week and explore the place. And so here we are, ‘Suburb’ No 16… Le Marais.
The history of the place in warp speed… From the 13th-17th century, French nobles built their grand Hôtels, urban mansions, here. When they left the Jews moved in. By the 1950s, it was working class and the place was a mess; the mansions were crumbling and by the 1960s there was talk of it being demolished. In the decades following the Hôtels were restored and turned into museums, the area scrubbed up. Today, it’s a mix of Jewish, gay, cafes and restaurants, fashion labels and museums.
But a soul? Did it have one of them?
Part 1: Rained out
The Marais started out in life as a swampy marsh – and this week it very nearly returned to one. La pluie has not stopped falling. Well, that’s not entirely true. It was sparkling sunshine on the day we arrived. Then the next day it rained. Only it would rain and then stop. Rain and stop. Rain and stop. And that’s how it continued. Every day, all day long, for the entire time we were there. (Hence the late post by the way.)
Part 2: The mix in the Marais
At first the rain was just irritating. Water on the lens. Coco complaining about her umbrella. Wet shoes. But as the days passed, I started to like it. Most importantly, it meant hardly any tourists; when we’d arrived on that sunny Sunday it was so packed with bodies that I literally couldn’t get a sense of the place let alone take any pictures.
Now virtually empty, I started to see another Marais than the one I’d first encountered. Instead of packs of tourists, anonymous clothes shops and fashionable eateries, I saw medieval winding streets lined with magnificent former mansions and beautiful gardens. I suddenly got how amazing it was that Haussman hadn’t done his thing here, leaving the maze of narrow streets intact instead of creating grand boulevards as he had in much of Paris.
What also intrigued me was the mix of Jewish and gay. One here for centuries, the other a more recent arrival.
With the tourists gone, we met people who either lived, worked or played in the Marais. For example, Gregoire, a lovely French guy who was heading to an interesting book-bar called La Belle Hortense. He invited us to join him for a drink and to meet a friend of his, Nikolai, and the woman behind the bar, Caroline.
Leaving La Belle Hortense to its merry business we met…
Then there’s the Jewish side of the neighbourhood. In the 13th century and then again in the 19th, Jewish people moved in to the Marais around rue des Rosiers, or Pletzl as they call it, Yiddish for ‘small square’. Although gentrification has transformed the Marais into le chic, it’s still very Jewish with kosher restaurants, boulangeries, charcuteries, bookshops plus synagogues and shtiebels.
On the day we arrived I spotted a tiny blue Fiat 500 sitting on a street corner. Suddenly a family of four appeared and poured into it. In response to my look of surprise they said, there’s only four of us today, normally there’s five.
Aside from the gay and Jewish side of the Marais, there are also the young lovers, taking advantage of a handful of beautiful gardens to look deep into each other’s eyes. Well, until I butt in with my camera that is.
And while the Marais is filled with cutting edge fashion labels, it also has a couple of second hand shops and a library that houses fashion mags from the 50s and 60s.
Part 3: Manger in the Marais
While the rain helped transform the Marais from tourist trap to moody ghost town, it was also incredibly frustrating as much of the week was just too wet and windy to shoot. Some days there was nothing for it but another visit to Meert, a pastry-sweet shop that has been ruining French teeth since 1761. Their speciality is a gaufre (waffle) filled with sugar, butter and vanilla. Nice (apparently – I couldn’t try) but what we found totally addictive were the fruit jellies and caramels.
Aside from waffles, there’s the Yiddish/Eastern European specialties in the Jewish quarter, from the baked goods to the famous falafel.
There are of course myriad cafes and elegant restaurants in the neighbourhood too. We eschewed the lot of them for our weekly ‘treat’ meal by revisiting the classic Le Bistro Paul Bert, just around the corner from the Marais. We’d had lunch there with Audrey, a lovely blog follower, the week before and I was keen to go back to snap the place. Very reasonable (18 euros for a three course lunch), plenty of atmosphere and yes, le bon gout.
Part 4: The other creatures who inhabit the Marais
They live out their days on handsome doors or in quiet corners down narrow streets away from the tourist packs.
The Wrap
If we’d never rented that apartment and spent a week hanging around in the Marais, I would’ve probably written it off as touristy and shallow. But wandering those empty streets in the half light, rain dripping down its proud stone walls, without its adoring fans, I felt like I had a glimpse into its aristocratic past and saw a little of what lies behind its present shiny veneer. It’s not an ordinary neighbourhood anymore and the people I spoke to who’ve lived there for more than 20 years are not fans of the way it’s changed. But despite all its faults – expensive, tourist-oriented, and in need of a few more boulangeries and boucheries – I do think the Marais has a soul. But you can only see it in the rain.
On the ‘home front’
As I explained, we’re between ‘homes’ at the moment. After this week in the pied-à-terre – tiny, old and eccentric with a bathroom in a cupboard – we’re off tomorrow to our next place for two and a half weeks, then it’ll be onto another one for a month. Luckily Coco is not a child who craves consistency and like me, is excited by the prospect of new.
And the home schooling? Not good. We barely do any and when we do, Coco tells me I’m the worst teacher ever. How bad is that? But then she has learned at least five new French words in the last few weeks. That’s got to count for something right?
(Actually, it is worrying me. If anyone knows of someone in Paris who wears a beret and can home school a child, please get in contact with me. Okay, the beret is negotiable.)
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This suburb has been brought to you by Jen Robinson
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See you next Friday. So long as la pluie stays away.
ellen says:
im loving ur paris adventures to sso i may have an idea for the homeschool for you but imn not entirely sure it depends exactly when u leave paris as its a friend i know through mums firend she was staying at mums firneds house shes french and is a teacher shes going back in may so i could get her to contact you but im not quite sure itd work as she may be to late let me know in reply to this if youd like me to get her to leave u a comment with her details on here
Louise says:
Ellen – Sure, please ask her to contact me at 52suburbs@gmail.com She may know of someone even if she can’t do it. Merci!
Alice says:
I have loved reading your Paris posts so far, but I would love to see the Buttes-aux-Cailles, it really is a magnificent, fascinating suburb!
Gaylee says:
Having wandered the streets of the Marais myself I understand your reticence. But you always seem to find the best in a place Louise and it’s lovely to see some of the locals etc.
I wonder if I can help you with someone who may know someone in Berlin…a friend of mine is from Berlin and has kids living there. I’ll chat to him and email you. Lots of love GG
Mary-Ann Hill says:
Le Marais is my absolute favourite area in Paris and since I discovered it about 20 years ago, and its colourful history, just as you have described it, I won’t stay anywhere else when I visit Paris! Have only just discovered you and this blog, so have a lot of catching up to do. From Mary-Ann – Aussie lawyer, Queenslander, living and working in the Middle East, lover of all things French (including our maison secondaire in Provence http://www.postcardsfromprovence.com), and now great fan of yours! Grosses Bisous, MA
Nicole says:
I stayed there for three and a half weeks in an apartment … for me it’s one of the most soulful places in central paris. so excited you got to see it in a different light
Kylie says:
Wonderful post Louise. One of my favourites so far…
Jennifer Reid says:
Hey Louise,
As usual, I love reading about your adventures and seeing your beautiful photography! When I realised you we’re in Paris, I couldn’t believe it! I was there with my family for 10 days, staying in an amazing apartment in Republique!! It was my first time in Paris & I have absolutely fallen in love with it! I was there to do the Paris Marathon for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, which was an interesting experience :) If you get a chance you can read a bit about what happened at http://www.lifeslikeacupcake.com. I wish I knew you were there as it would have been great to catch up for a French Pastry :) Anyways, take care and thank you for sharing your wonderful journey with all of us xx
Jennifer Reid says:
*were
Suey says:
Who was Marceau? ooh lala! Le Marais is where we had the most romantic holiday of our lives (to date). Divine. xx
Red Peony says:
I agree…Mareau ..ooh la la!! Apart from that, wonderful colours, beautiful composition, as are many of your other photos! Thank you!
judy sederof says:
Great posts, lots of very cool guys in the Marais!
schnook says:
schnook
could you source me one of those old fashioned coats
gorgeous
the rain was a blessing in disguise
xxx
Michael Hancock says:
Excellent descriptive pictoral showing that first impressions should not be accepted without further investigation..Teaching me patience,which is not a forte of mine..Very interesting post..
Roger E says:
Aah,only the city of light could capture your heart to turn 5 days of rain into a picture beauty.
Loving your stories and pics.
Warmest
Roger
Roger E says:
Aah,only the city of light could capture your heart to turn 5 days of rain into a picture of beauty.
Loving your stories and pics.
Warmest
Roger
John Ellis says:
You obviously had a ball photographically – you have opened my eyes to a district I hadn’t explored before (in two visits over fifty years!).
Louise says:
Alice – Well you never know… Stay tuned…
Gaylee – Thanks honey.
Mary-Ann – Glad you’ve discovered this little patch of ether. Welcome!
Nicole – I remember you saying that and at the time I thought, strange choice! And now I get it. It’s like that saying, “If in the last few years you haven’t discarded a major opinion or acquired a new one, check your pulse. You may be dead.” Just that in my case, it’s in the last few weeks!
Kylie – Merci!
Jennifer – Hope the marathon went well and yes, it would’ve been fun to meet over a macaron!
Suey – I like the ‘to date’ part. Ever hopeful huh?!
Red Peony – Yes, Marceau is beau!
Judy – Too true. They put it together so well.
Schnook – I’ll keep my eyes peeled for a coat that swishes as you walk.
Michael – Yeah, first impressions are dangerous things.
Roger – I think you’re probably right. And such a great tourist deterrent.
John – Hope you get the chance to explore it when you next go. But remember, only in the rain!
Donna says:
oh how beautiful….Louise you really make my week thank you so much…:)
Jackie Nolan says:
Louise, I just love this suburb even in the rain!
As always it is like a dream to see your photos
and read the comments. Wish something like
La Belle Hortense was close to home and Oh!
to die for the waffles etc. Can’t wait for your next post!
Jackie Nolan
matt H says:
… just like water off a duck’s back! walkin in the rain can be fun but understandably sometimes annoying if camera tucked under jacket and Coco had enough!!
You ARE a master when it comes to portraits ‘on the go’
well done. We were in the Marais last year and remember well Place de Voges – so elegant and grand.
Sarah says:
Thank you for another week and another look at paris. I’m in two minds about the Marais. I love all things Jewish, and when I went there it was with an Israeli, and it was so nice to see her (and our other friends) so happy and comfortable (which can be hard for some, with three weeks in Paris and no french language ability). Even though you’ve done a few weeks of Paris, this week I finally started getting more comfortable with the idea of booking this year’s trip to France (it’s always going to happen, but I’ve had travelling reticence for a while now). Cheers for the not so cheery, but so French (to me) watery photos of France.
Sarah says:
Your photos and posts remind me each week to open my eyes and to look for the beauty in the everyday…for that thank you. And on the home front – as a mother of two girls (7 & 5) I don’t think you should underestimate the experience you are giving Coco. To have this chance to open up the world to her has so much value and she will soon slip back into school!
Kalinda says:
Ou est les chiens?
Pip says:
Hi Louise – I’m very glad you stayed another week. Beautiful.
Nick says:
Vraiment merveilleux!
Trudie Hurt says:
Louise, stunning photos! Have so enjoyed reading your posts. Whilst seated at my work desk, I feel like I can escape for a moment & enjoy viewing the beautiful images you’ve captured that bring back wonderful memories of far away places visited. I wasn’t a huge fan of many aspects of Paris when there over 15 years ago but your images want me to go back and explore it all again.
Audrey says:
I loved your post, thank you for this new angle on this neighborood that I think I know well… it’s so beautiful and full of relevant remarks that maybe only someone not living in Paris could have. And your good eye of course! Love your portraits, as usual… I live very close to le Marais and I go there very often but I never really look at it. Also I thought of you a lot and your bad luck with the weather… but I’m happy it turned out to be a good thing for your post as it allowed you to discover it with another angle.
Oh and I was so happy to see my name in
your post, thanks!!! It’s so great I’m kind of part of your amazing project ;-)
janene says:
my friend and i had a lovely 3 1/2 wks Marais 2011 – it truly was so enjoyable,interesting and central. Your portrayal and photos are sublime.
Debbie qadri says:
I think the gays may have been in gay paris as long as the jews, but perhaps not so noticeable. Have you tried the rose cafe in montmatre, the lady in charge when we were there discussed gluten free with us and we had meals there on two occasions. Very very nice people. Excellent snails!
Louise says:
Debbie – I’ll check out the GF cafe, thank you (but I’m a complete wimp about eating snails!). And re-‘gay Paree’ I agree, but I was referring to the fact that the Marais itself hasn’t always been a gay centre, at least as far as my ‘research’ could tell.
Robyn says:
J’adore le Marais, I go there every year. The buildings
are magnificent, shops are great and it’s so close to everything. The place des Vosges is a favourite spot for me, sitting in one of the cafes and having a glass
of wine and people watching early in the evening.
vicki archer says:
These are such great shots and capture the Marais beautifully… xv
Jim says:
Fantastic.
Mary says:
are you still in Paris i am here looking up old haunts, will check out your discoveries
groses bises mary from barcelona
Louise says:
Mary – No, we left a few days ago. Now in Roma. Have fun in Paris – looking up old haunts sounds very interesting!
John says:
Hi Louise, I loved your Sydney 52 suburbs and am very pleased to see you are doing a similar thing for Paris. My wife Kim and I have on our third visit found Le Marais to be our ideal location. We have been staying directly opposite Musee des Artes et Métiers which is an unsung gem. Cheers John Canberra
Bianca says:
beautiful! We depart Jewish Rose Bay, Sydney for Jewish le Marais, Paris in a few months and I have your beautiful photos to get us excited!! Merci!