How to Enjoy the Marais Area of Paris
The Marais, which means swampland or marsh, first gained attention in the 14th century due to the close proximity to the Louvre, then the residence of Charles V. During the 1600s, the area became popular among the wealthier families of Paris, which provided a boom in the construction of grand mansions. The area experienced many ups and downs in the ensuing years, becoming popular with the Jewish community in the 19th century. Today, the area is still considered a Jewish community and features many great tourist destinations.
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Instructions
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Visit the Musee Picasso. Located in the Hotel Sale, on Rue de Thorigny, the Musee Picasso is home to more than 3000 works of art by Pablo Picasso including drawings, ceramics and paintings. In addition to this impressive collection, the museum also presents Picasso’s personal collection of works by other artists, including Cézanne, Degas, Rousseau, Seurat and Matisse. Widely considered as the most extensive collection of Picasso's in the world, it is a must-see destination for fans of his work.
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Tour the Maison de Victor Hugo. Previously known as the Hotel de Rohan-Guemenee, the Maison de Victor Hugo is located at No. 6 Place des Vosges, on the southeast side of the square. Hugo lived and worked in this building from 1832 to 1848. His apartment is located on the second floor, with the first floor dedicated to temporary exhibitions and iconography of his literary works.
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Explore the Place des Vosges. Originally known as Place Royale, this enchanting square was commissioned by Henry IV in 1605 and is considered the oldest square in Paris. Its northern border is defined by Rue des Francs-Bourgeois, which allows easy access to this tranquil space. Surrounding the square are mansions that have been the home to many famous people including Victor Hugo, Mme de Sevigne, Theophile Gautier and Cardinal Richelieu.
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Visit the Hotel de Lamoignon. Built in the 16th century, it was originally named the Hotel d’Angouleme. Guillaume de Lamoignon de Blancmesnil, the President of Paris’s first parliament, purchased the property in 1658 and changed the name to honor his family. Today, the building houses the Historical Library of the City of Paris, which offers visitors a rich collection of documents, manuscripts, maps, posters and photographs.
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Explore the Musee Carnavalet. This museum occupies two buildings; the Hotel Carnavalet and the Hotel le Peletier de St-Fargeau, both of which are located on Rue de Sevigne. Both mansions are furnished with period furniture and a large collection of art. The museum collection is dedicated to the history of Paris and includes items such as a lock of Marie Antoinette’s hair and a shaving kit which belonged to Louis XVI. The museum is open daily except Sunday.
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Tips & Warnings
The Musee Picasso opens to visitors daily at 9:30am and offers free admission.
The library at Maison de Victor Hugo is open to the public by appointment only.
The Hotel de Lamoignon does not permit photography.
