Le Marais Private Tour

Le Marais Private Tour

Le Marais Private Tour : Le Marais is a blend of rich history, artistic flair, and cultural diversity. From its medieval streets to the vibrant modernity of its shops and galleries, a tour of Le Marais is nothing short of magical. If you’re considering exploring this area, a private tour with PARIS BY EMY will bring its wonders to life with unique insights and a personal touch.

Le Marais Private Tour with PARIS BY EMY

PARIS BY EMY offers exclusive private tours, tailor-made to meet the interests of each guest. Indeed, you will not get a standard script tour or pre-set tour. You will also experience an insider’s view of Le Marais, uncovering hidden gems and hearing fascinating stories. Le Marais stands as a testament to centuries of Parisian culture. Known for its narrow medieval streets, Jewish heritage, and luxurious mansions, this neighborhood exudes charm at every corner.

Paris Private Tour Guide

From Historic Marshland to Cultural Gem

Le Marais, one of Paris’ most iconic districts, has a rich history dating back to medieval times. Originally a marshland (“marais” in French), it was drained and cultivated in the 12th century by religious orders. By the 16th and 17th centuries, Le Marais became a fashionable area for French nobility, with the construction of grand mansions like the Hôtel de Sully and the Place des Vosges under King Henry IV. These elegant hôtels particuliers (private mansions) shaped the district’s aristocratic charm.

Following the French Revolution, Le Marais lost its noble residents and became a hub for artisans, merchants, and later, a center of Jewish life in Paris. In the 20th century, the area declined but was revitalized in the 1960s, when the French government designated it a protected historic district. This led to restorations that preserved its cobblestone streets, medieval and Renaissance architecture, and vibrant cultural heritage.

Today, Le Marais is a unique blend of history, art, and modernity. Indeed, it has trendy boutiques, art galleries, museums (such as the Picasso Museum), LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere, and a thriving Jewish quarter with traditional bakeries and synagogues. This fusion of old-world charm and contemporary vibrancy makes Le Marais one of the most distinctive and sought-after neighborhoods in Paris.

Top Experiences Le Marais Private Tour

Le Marais is known for its stunning architecture from the Renaissance to the 19th century.

From €360 USD $375 up to 6 persons – 3 hours upon level of customization

Explore the Enchanting City Hall of Paris

The grand Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) showcases stunning French architecture. Originally constructed in the 16th century, this historic landmark represents the beating heart of Paris’s civic life. The corporation of nautes – the water merchants – ancestor of the municipality of Paris had obtained a jurisdiction established in 1250 near the Grand Châtelet on the Quai de la Mégisserie then transferred at the beginning of the 14th century to the bourgeois parlor, to the location of current

A place of power and history, the Town Hall welcomes the municipal team. The mayor and elected officials have their offices there. Receptions, conferences and meetings are organized there regularly, during visits by Heads of State or events, such as the hacking of the Hôtel de Ville.

Paris has had a total of 18 mayors since the position was re-established in 1977. The role of mayor in Paris was abolished in 1794 during the French Revolution and remained so for nearly two centuries until it was reinstated.

Museums and Cultural Centers in Le Marais

• Museums and cultural centers in Le Marais
• Victor Hugo’s House
• Carnavalet Museum (story of Paris)
• Picasso Museum
• Cognacq Jay Museum (18th century art works)
• Museum of national archives
• Hunting Museum
• European House of Photography (MEP)
• Swedish Institute
• Memorial of the Shoah
• The MAHJ (museum of Judaism)

Dive into Art at the Picasso Museum

A visit to the Picasso Museum offers a rare chance to immerse yourself in the genius of Pablo Picasso, one of the 20th century’s greatest artists.

The Picasso Museum is the French national museum dedicated to the life and work of Pablo Picasso as well as the artists who were linked to him.

The museum houses over 5,000 works by Picasso, from sketches to paintings, offering an in-depth view of his artistic journey. Guided tours provide insights into Picasso’s life and creative evolution.

Experience the Heart of Jewish Culture

Le Marais has a deep connection with Jewish heritage, making it a fascinating area to learn about this community’s influence on Parisian life. From delectable pastries to unique culinary creations, traditional Jewish bakeries and delis are a must. Sampling these delicacies gives you a true taste of the Jewish influence on Parisian cuisine.

Rue des Rosiers is the epicenter of Jewish life in Le Marais. Indeed, it has historic synagogues, cultural centers, and traditional eateries. Sacha Finkelsztajn bakery 27 Rue des Rosiers is a must stop. Your guide can share personal stories and historical insights that bring this street to life. According to Jacques Hillairet (French historian 1886-1984), it already bore this name, in 1230, because of the roses that then grew in the neighboring gardens.

The Rue des Rosiers attack was a terrorist attack on August 9, 1982 in the restaurant serving Jewish cuisine run by Jo Goldenberg in the Jewish quarter of the Marais, Paris. In the restaurant and on the street, six people died and twenty-two were injured.

Memorial de la Shoah – A powerful Holocaust memorial and museum (optional short visit) Pay respects at the Wall of the Righteous, which honors non-Jewish individuals who saved Jews during WWII.

Relax at Place des Vosges

Place des Vosges is an iconic spot in Le Marais where history, beauty, and tranquility meet. The oldest Square of Paris where Victor Hugo the writer of Les Misérables once lived.

Built by King Henry IV, Place des Vosges boasts a symmetrical square design with exquisite red-brick facades. It’s the perfect spot to relax and take in the surroundings.

Lined with art galleries, the arcades around Place des Vosges are perfect for a leisurely stroll. The galleries offer a glimpse into both modern and classic French art.

Medieval Walk Rue des Barres

Behind the chevet of Saint Gervais Saint Protais, the rue des Barres offers a pretty medieval walk to reach the quays of the Seine, the Marie bridge. This road owes its name, as well as the hotel which was built there around 1260, to the mills located on the river, at a place called Les Barres. It therefore owes its name to the old Moulin des Barres. A small street with a length of 130m. In the Middle Ages, the floors were built one after the other. Thus, each level was placed a little more protruding than the previous one. This made it possible to avoid using large wooden pillars. The medieval house in the rue des Barres retains this corbelling on the first floor. On the upper floors, they were removed to avoid helping a possible fire to spread.

The Passage de l’Ancre

It is one of the oldest passages in Paris, this pretty secret passage called the Passage de l’Ancre is a small private open-air road. This pretty side road is a shortcut and extends Rue Chapon to Rue de Turbigo. It is a great place to stroll and admire its charming old-fashioned craft workshops with their colourful wooden façades. In the heart of the Marais, take the carriage entrance at 30 Rue de Turbigo.

The Enclosure of Philippe Auguste in Le Marais

In the late 12th century, King Philippe Auguste (reigned 1180–1223) ordered the construction of a massive defensive wall around Paris to protect the city from potential invasions, particularly from the English during the conflicts of the time. This fortification “Enceinte de Philippe Auguste” (Philippe Auguste’s enclosure) was built between 1190 and 1215 and surrounded what was then the medieval city, including parts of today’s Le Marais district.

The wall was made of stone, approximately 5 meters (16 feet) high and 3 meters (10 feet) thick, with numerous towers and gates allowing controlled access to the city. In Le Marais, it helped define the boundaries of urban development and contributed to the district’s medieval character. Over time, as Paris expanded beyond its medieval limits, the wall lost its military purpose and was gradually dismantled or integrated into newer buildings.

Today, remnants of Philippe Auguste’s wall still exist in Le Marais, particularly along Rue des Jardins-Saint-Paul and Rue Charlemagne, where sections of the original fortifications remain. These surviving fragments offer a fascinating glimpse into medieval Paris and highlight the district’s deep historical roots.

Le Marais Private Tour Shopping and Culinary Delights

No visit to Paris is complete without indulging in its culinary treasures, and Le Marais is no exception. Stop by a classic Parisian café to savor local pastries. Or enjoy a quiet coffee while watching the world go by. Le Marais is home to some of the city’s most innovative and authentic eateries. From small bistros to specialty shops, the neighborhood is a culinary playground with unique offerings.

The Marais offers also one of the best shopping experiences in the capital. The two main shopping streets are Rue des Francs-Bourgeois and Rue Vieille du Temple, which are perpendicular to each other. They both have all the luxury boutiques and street flagships you could wish for.

The Bazar of the City Hall or BHV, officially The BHV Marais since 2013, is a non-specialized department store (DoItYourself, woman child man fashion, beauty, bookstore, cooking arts, …) based in 1880 by Xavier Ruel. It is located in Paris, rue de Rivoli, in the 4th arrondissement, in front of the city hall but also occupies several other buildings nearby.

Le Marais Private Tour

Le Marais has many museums (Picasso Museum, European House of Photography, Carnavalet Museum…). The visit of the Place des Vosges is the highlight of a walk. The Marais is also the largest gay district in France. On the right bank, this French aristocratic reserve is now a melting pot of Jewish, creative and LGBT communities. Kosher bakeries, cafés, bars, restaurants and gay bars line in its narrow streets. You will also find high-end fashion boutiques and fascinating art collections. With PARIS BY EMY, your tour is a personal adventure. We tailor every experience to suit your interests.

Have a look at Paris Private Tour Guide page for more options.

Finally, discover Le Marais area in Paris within PARIS BY EMY bespoke full stay Paris Tour Package, including personalized services.