3rd Arrondissement of Paris: The Marais, Historical Charm
Situated on Paris’s right bank, the 3rd arrondissement is one of the city’s most eclectic districts. The 3rd arrondissement’s lively social scene, impressive collection of shops and restaurants, and convenient location within the city all make it a desirable spot for young working professionals. It’s just a short walk to Notre Dame, the Louvre, and the Bastille. The area also offers easy transportation to the rest of the city via metro lines 3, 8, and 11, as well as various bus routes. Meanwhile, the stretch of the 3rd arrondissement that encompasses the medieval district of Le Marais exemplifies its quieter, timeless quality. The oldest surviving private house of Paris is found on Rue de Montmorency in the 3rd arrondissement. The district is also home to nine major museums, six formal gardens, and two large churches.
Le Marais: Where Medieval Charm Meets Modernity
Le Marais was first established with a fortified church constructed by the Knights Templar, just beyond the city walls, in 1240. Built atop a former swamp, Le Marais bloomed during the 17th century with the addition of gilded estates built by some of Europe’s wealthiest families. Preserved 17th-century architecture and cobbled roads still give this former aristocratic district its character today. Luxury shops and designer boutiques now pepper the neighborhood’s streets and elegant glass-and-iron arcades. Jim Morrison, Victor Hugo, Maximilien Robespierre, and John Galliano are all counted among the most prestigious Le Marais residents. For visitors popping into Le Marais for sightseeing, the Musée Carnavalet and Picasso Museum are must-see attractions.
Place des Vosges: The Magnificent Square of the 3rd Arrondissement
While part of this massive estate spills over to the 4th arrondissement, Place des Vosges is largely associated with the 3rd arrondissement’s rich and deep cultural heritage. The oldest planned square in Paris, Place des Vosges, was a splendid representation of what royal city planning could offer when it was commissioned under Henry IV of France from 1605 to 1612. The grandness of the square led to Le Marais becoming a fashionable place for nobility and elites to live during the 17th and 18th centuries. Modeled after the grand plazas that were built throughout Florence and Rome in the later part of the 16th century, Place des Vosges features a sprawling lawn, shaded benches, and quiet spaces that are ideal for strolls or picnics. This is the place where many Parisians come to soak up sunny days! It’s common to see art students with easels capturing the beauty of the grounds on canvas. Visitors can make the most of their time at Place des Vosges by enjoying dinner or lunch at one of the terraced restaurants overlooking the square or touring the former home of Victor Hugo that borders the square.
Marché des Enfants Rouges: The Oldest Covered Market in Paris
Established in 1615, Marché des Enfants Rouges is a lively, aroma-filled market that attracts an eclectic mix of artisan food merchants. With a mix of Italian, Moroccan, Lebanese, Asian, and French fare, Marché des Enfants Rouges showcases the flavors of the globe. Once inside the market, prepare to navigate a dense maze of stalls that are all operated independently by vendors. While the market attracts a fair mix of tourists and locals, peak busyness occurs at lunchtime when locals pour in from nearby businesses to grab favorites like Moroccan couscous and tagines or tempura with a French twist. Shoppers can also pick up fresh cheeses and meats, fruits and vegetables, and flowers. Marché des Enfants Rouges gets its unique name from red robes symbolizing the color of charity that were worn by children living at the former orphanage next door to the market.
The National Archives Museum: The Most Comprehensive Collection of French Historical Documents and Artifacts
Image by NonOmnisMoriar, @Wikipedia
Napoleon’s last will and testament, a diploma issued by Charlemagne, the secret journal of Louis XVI, the last known letter written by Marie-Antoinette, and the original copy of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen are all gently locked away within the walls of the National Archives Museum in the heart of Paris’s 3rd arrondissement. A living, tangible testimony of French history, the museum contains items spanning from the Merovingian period (5th through 7th centuries) through the end of the 1950s. The full collection housed within the museum encompasses parchment scrolls, paper documents, sound records, microfilms, and other artifacts that fill several miles worth of shelves.
The National Archives Museum is spread over the Hôtel de Soubise and Hôtel de Rohan, which were built for the nobility in the 1700s. The two Parisian mansions are separated only by the magnificent Hôtel de Rohan garden. Visitors are free to enjoy the architectural grandeur of the estates and stroll through the gardens. Additionally, the National Archives Museum regularly hosts festivals and cultural events that are open to the public.
The Nicolas Flamel House: The Oldest Home in Paris
Constructed in the early part of the 15th century by Nicolas Flamel and his wife Pernelle to accommodate the city’s homeless population, Paris’s oldest home is located at 51 rue de Montmorency in the 3rd arrondissement. In addition to being a significant historic attraction today, the home also houses a gourmet restaurant called Auberge Nicolas Flamel. Diners can relax in a rustic interior with old stones and exposed rafters while nibbling on dishes that include lamb chop, lobster with peas, crab and caviar, and more.
Final Thoughts: The 3rd Arrondissement Offers an Eclectic, Immersive Setting
Paris’s 3rd arrondissement offers an immersive environment where visitors will find themselves standing at the merging point of the lively, fast-paced culture created by the city’s population of young working professionals and the slower pace of its historic palaces and markets. With so many opportunities to shop, dine, and mingle, the 3rd arrondissement offers a rare opportunity to learn French and absorb colloquialisms organically while living the authentic Parisian lifestyle. Ultimately, the smaller size and walkability of the 3rd arrondissement make it a place that puts the rest of the city right at your fingertips!
Read also: The arrondissements of Paris: get to know the city, step by step