Place des Vosges
Place des Vosges

Formerly known as Place Royale, the Place des Vosges was built under the reign of King Henri IV and used to be a favorite spot for duels. It is Paris’ oldest square and widely thought to be the city’s most beautiful. With its street musicians and art galleries, it is now a popular weekend destination in the heart of the Marais.

The elegant Renaissance plaza is composed of symmetrical brick pavilions resting over vaulted stone arcades. In the center is a public garden with linden trees, benches and playgrounds. Parisians come here to nap in the sun or watch passersby from the arcades’ cafes. Victor Hugo lived here in the Hôtel de Rohan-Guéménée, which is now the free “Maison de Victor Hugo” museum. Another free museum in the area is the Musée Carnavalet, which is devoted to the history of the capital and has spectacular gardens.

New York Habitat apartment rentals in the 3rd arrondissement
include 18th century apartments with exposed wooden beams. One of them even has a private garden filled with flowers

1 Bedroom Vacation Rental in Marais – Les Halles (PA-1945)

1 Bedroom Vacation Rental in Marais – Les Halles (PA-2282)

1 Bedroom Vacation Rental in Marais – Les Halles (PA-2286)

If you choose to live in the Marais, 3rd arrondissement, for your next vacation, don’t miss another lovely square, an easy stroll from its more famous neighbor. Paved with cobblestone and shaded by mulberry trees, Place du Marché Sainte-Catherine might be less grandiose than Place des Vosges, but it has tons of charm. Sit on a bench here and you could be in a tiny village somewhere in France. Except that five minutes away is all the excitement of the Marais, with its mix of luxury shops, falafel joints and gay bars.

Nearby, the rue des Francs-Bourgeois is perfect for your shopping excursions and close to many New York Habitat Marais vacation rentals. You will find designer boutiques like Barbara Bui, Paul & Joe, Zadig & Voltaire, as well as the Spanish shoe store Camper and the Japanese design brand Muji.

Any other tips about the Marais?