Le Marais Paris: Jewish Quarter, Galleries & Best Falafel

Le Marais is Paris's most layered neighbourhood — simultaneously a 17th-century royal quarter, the heart of the city's Jewish community, Paris's most vibrant LGBTQ+ district, and home to some of the best contemporary art galleries and most distinctive boutiques in France. It's the neighbourhood that best captures modern Paris.

The Jewish Quarter (Rue des Rosiers)

The centre of Parisian Jewish life since the 13th century. L'As du Fallafel (34 Rue des Rosiers) serves what many claim is the best falafel in Paris — the sandwich is enormous, the queue moves fast, eat it standing on the street. Chez Marianne (2 Rue des Hospitalières-Saint-Gervais) for mezze platters and homemade hummus. On Saturdays, most Jewish-owned shops close; visit Sunday instead.

Place des Vosges

Paris's oldest planned square (1612) and arguably its most beautiful — red-and-grey stone facades over 17th-century arcades, a formal garden at the centre. Victor Hugo's house (now a free museum) occupies corner No. 6.

Galleries & Museums

Centre Pompidou (northern edge of the Marais) — Europe's premier modern art museum in its controversial "inside-out" building. Musée Picasso — 5,000 Picasso works in a 17th-century hôtel particulier. Free on first Sunday of each month.