Find a place to call your own
image
Support people in fulfilling their dreams

Start your agent career with Engel & Völkers

image
Sell your property with best in class service

Discrete, fast and with years of market knowledge.

Engel & Völkers Paris > Blog > Discovering the Parisian Marais

Discovering the Parisian Marais

 Paris
- Place-des-Vosges.jpg

Discovering the Parisian Marais

On the right bank of the Seine, between the Pompidou Centre and the Place de la Bastille, is the 'Marais', the oldest district of Paris, straddling the 3rd and 4th arrondissements in the centre of the capital. Let's focus on the 'most beautiful district of Paris'.


A brief history… 

The name 'Marais' refers to the swamps that occupied the area until the Middle Ages. It was not until around 1100 that these were drained and cultivated by the first inhabitants, who would turn it into the 'vegetable garden of Paris'. As early as 1185, Charles V decided to reside there with his family: the nobility followed him and built private mansions that can still be seen today. In 1600, Henri IV built the Place Royale, the present Place des Vosges. Under Louis XIV, however, the royal family settled in Versailles and left the district, which was then used by artisans who installed numerous workshops. Having become established as an artisanal district, an important development for the Marais was to see its historical patrimony protected in 1962 by the Malraux Law, which prevented any new constructions in the area. Numerous personalities have lived there, contributing to its fame, such as André Malraux, Victor Hugo, Georges Simenon and Pierre Mendes-France. 


Le Marais today

Le Marais is one of the most fashionable districts of the capital, where different communities have formed distinct neighbourhoods in the area. The Jewish community established itself in the famous Rue des Rosiers after fleeing the persecutions it suffered in Eastern Europe at the end of the 19th century. The Chinese community settled in the north-west of the district, after being called to reinforce French troops during the First World War. The Rue Sainte Croix de la Bretonnière has become the showcase of the gay community! Add the area of art galleries and watchmakers and you will have a glimpse of the mix of this neighbourhood, which makes it so unique!



Sites and monuments of the Marais

Le Marais is a monument in itself. However, if only one site should be mentioned, it would have to be the architectural masterpiece of Place des Vosges, formerly the Place Royale. In addition, if you have a good look under the arcades, you can find the house of Victor Hugo. One can not overlook the numerous private mansions that are now used by art galleries or foundations: the Hotel de Guenegaud, for example, which houses the Musee de la Chasse et de la Nature (Museum of Hunting and Nature) or the Hotel de Marle which hosts the Swedish Cultural Centre. It is also necessary to mention the Rue des Rosiers where you can taste the best falafels in the capital. The best way of discovering the sights and monuments of Le Marais is to stroll around with your nose in the air! 

 Paris
- Le_musée_des_archives-nationales.jpg

Engel & Völkers is now in Le Marais

Are you seduced by the Marais and want more information about our activity in this area? We are pleased to announce the opening of a property lounge Engel & Völkers in the heart of the Marais to welcome you to speak confidentially about your real estate projects in the Paris region, whether for acquisition projects or a sale. Our agents are here to welcome you from 10h to 19h, from Monday to Saturday at 19 rue du Roi de Sicile, 75004.

We invite you to our Open Day on the 17th March from 4 o'clock, to celebrate the opening of the property lounge with us!

 Paris
- Property Lounge Le Marais
Contact us now
Engel & Völkers
Paris

We know the true value of your property

Do you know how much your property is currently worth? No matter if you just want to inform yourself about the current market-price, or if you wish to sell your property for the best price: our experienced marketing experts are happy to assist you with a free and non-binding valuation.

Follow us on social media