Paris has always held a special place in my heart, especially the Le Marais district. It’s a neighborhood that’s full of history, charm, and energy, and I knew I had to spend some time there during my recent trip. My teenage children were joining me on this adventure, and with my daughter’s passion for history matching my own, I figured Le Marais would be the perfect place to explore. We had visited Paris together last December, staying in the Saint Germain area, which is another favorite of mine. But this time, I wanted to delve into the mystique of Le Marais, a place that had captivated me during a previous August visit.
A Glimpse into History
Le Marais, which translates to “marsh,” was once a swampy area on the outskirts of Paris. Over time, it transformed into a vibrant hub for the French aristocracy. By the 18th century, however, it became associated with the Jewish community, who found refuge in this historic district. From the 10th and 11th centuries, Jewish residents thrived in Le Marais, but unfortunately, they were forced to leave in the 15th and 16th centuries. Thankfully, the French Revolution brought about a new era of tolerance, and Jews were welcomed back to Paris, making France the first country to grant them civil rights.
The Rue des Rosiers, a prominent street in Le Marais, reflects this rich history. It’s lined with charming Jewish shops, bakeries, restaurants, and bookstores. Just a short walk away, on the Vieille du Temple street, you’ll find BreizhCafé, a renowned creperie serving up delightful French pancakes.
Discovering Le Marais’ Charm
Le Marais spans the 3rd and 4th arrondissements on the Right Bank of Paris. Unlike other areas that were impacted by Haussmann’s urban renewal project, Le Marais retains its medieval charm and a sense of mystery. As you stroll through its narrow cobblestone alleyways, you’ll be transported back in time.
One of the most notable landmarks in Le Marais is the Place des Vosges, a beautiful green square surrounded by elegant boutiques, art galleries, and quaint bistros. The square is also the former home of the renowned author and poet, Victor Hugo.
The area boasts a fascinating collection of museums, offering a glimpse into Paris’ past and present. The Musée Carnavalet, closed for renovations until the end of 2019, is a treasure trove of Parisian history. Art enthusiasts will be drawn to the Musée Picasso, featuring a vast collection of the iconic artist’s works. Other notable museums include the Maison de Victor Hugo, Musée Cognacq-Jay, and the Memorial de la Shoah, a museum dedicated to the Holocaust.
The Perfect Parisian Base
For my October trip, I chose to stay at the Turenne Le Marais Hotel on the Rue de Turenne, a beautiful 3-star boutique hotel. Its location is simply unbeatable, just a short distance from the Place des Vosges and the Place du Marché-Sainte-Catherine, with its charming bistros. The hotel itself is modern and bright, offering a contemporary feel at a very affordable price.
The hotel’s fantastic location allows for easy access to some of Paris’ most iconic landmarks. A short walk from the hotel will take you to the historic Bastille, the Rue de Rivoli, and the Louvre Museum. And if you continue on your journey, you’ll reach the famous Angelina coffee and patisserie shop. While it’s a 3 km walk, approximately 40 minutes, I highly recommend experiencing Paris on foot. It’s the best way to soak up the city’s atmosphere and get your daily exercise.
Autumn in Paris
My children, Alex and Zoe, joined me for this October trip during half-term week. It was my first time experiencing Paris in the heart of autumn, and it was breathtaking. The vibrant leaves falling from the trees created a stunning carpet of orange, red, and golden brown across the Parisian boulevards.
My children loved the hotel’s contemporary style, particularly the spacious bedroom and bathroom. Its central location made it easy to explore the city on foot. We walked to the Notre Dame Cathedral over the Pont Saint-Louise bridge, just a five-minute stroll from the hotel. And of course, no trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the Latin Quarter, where we enjoyed hot chocolate at the legendary Café de Flore.
A Room with a View
I had booked a triple room at the hotel, which accommodated us perfectly. The room featured two comfortable beds in the main bedroom area, separated by a sliding door from the large bathroom. My son had his own single bed in the hallway entrance, which he loved for its privacy.
The bathroom was truly a highlight of the hotel. It was enormous, much larger than most 5-star hotels I’ve stayed in. The shower was like a wet room, with a glass panel separating it from the rest of the bathroom. The hotel provided luxurious amenities, including fluffy bathrobes, towels, and full-size bath products.
Small Details, Big Impact
The room also had complimentary tea and coffee making facilities, a definite plus for me. Unfortunately, the hotel didn’t provide enough coffee pods or tea bags, and the milk wasn’t replenished the following day. While a quick call to reception would have solved this minor issue, I felt it was important to mention it. The room was comfortably warm, although I struggled a bit with the heating controls. However, I loved the bright, easily controlled lighting by the bedside and the abundance of electrical sockets, perfect for charging all our devices.
A Parisian Breakfast
We didn’t have breakfast at the hotel, as my teenagers aren’t big fans of continental breakfast. Instead, we found a charming café called Au Bouquet Saint Paul, just steps from the hotel. For 11 euros, you can enjoy a delicious continental breakfast that includes a hot drink, juice, croissant, and tartine, the French staple of buttered bread with jam. My children opted for omelets, which were a great source of energy for our day of sightseeing.
Parisian Memories
We had a fantastic time in Paris once again. My children enjoyed their three days immensely, and they felt the city was less crowded and chilly than their previous December visit. While I loved the festive atmosphere of Paris during December, with its sparkling lights and magical aura, I understand why my children prefer the less hectic ambiance of autumn.
The Turenne Le Marais Hotel exceeded all my expectations. It was a great value for money, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Paris. The friendly and helpful staff, particularly the receptionist Majid, made our stay even more enjoyable. The hotel’s casual and welcoming atmosphere made us feel right at home. I will definitely be staying here again, especially during my solo trips to Paris. Being in the heart of this historic, bohemian, and captivating part of Paris is truly a treat.
