4th Arrondissement

Le Marais is a district located within Paris, France. It is a neighborhood that made a transition from being associated with the bourgeois to being the home of a mixture of communities of different nationalities.

Île Saint-Louis is a small island located in the Seine river, composed mostly of residential areas. It is connected to the right bank through the Pont Marie and to the left bank by the Pont de la Tournelle. On its western end, it is connected to the Île de la Cité by the Pont Saint-Louis, where the Notre Dame de Paris, a large Gothic Roman Catholic cathedral, is located.

Sights & Activities

Along Rue des Francs Burgeois is the Carnavalet Museum. The museum is the ideal destination for those who wish to learn more about the history of Paris. The museum actually occupies two buildings, built in the 16th and 17th centuries, respectively. Apart from artworks, the museum also showcases French furniture and items related to daily and community lives of the city’s residents in the past.

The Place des Vosges is considered the oldest square in Paris. At the center is a large formal garden that both locals and visitors can enjoy.

Nearer to the right bank of the river but still located within Le Marais is the Hôtel de Sens, fronting the Square de l’Ave Maria. This medieval structure was completed in 1507 and presently houses the Forney art library.

On Île Saint-Louis is the Saint-Louis-en-l’Île Church, a Catholic church that was built in the later part of the 17th century.

The Notre Dame de Paris is one of the most recognized landmarks of the city and of the whole country. Built in Île de la Cité, it was completed in 1345 and has been performing Roman Catholic services ever since. Though it has experienced much damage and vandalism since its construction, it remains an iconic representation of the city’s rich heritage and culture. A small garden was laid out in its eastern grounds where visitors can stroll and relax in.

The cathedral is not the only religious structure in the island, however. There is the La Sainte-Chapelle, located within the compound of the Palais de Justice. This chapel was built in Gothic style to house the crown of thorns worn by Jesus Christ and other religious relics. Most visitors who enter the chapel will certainly be awestruck by its most prominent feature, the stained glass used in its interiors.

Eating Out

One of the most popular dining establishments in Le Marais is Camille, frequented by both professionals and students for its homey atmosphere. It is located along Rue des Francs Burgeois. Along Rue des Rosiers are the casual Pizza Des Rosiers and the L As Du Fallafel, which serves Middle Eastern dishes.

When in Île Saint-Louis, visitors shouldn’t miss stopping by and eating the ice cream products of Berthillon Glacier, located along Rue St Louis en l’Ile. This particular ice-cream maker boasts of using only natural ingredients for its luxury ice cream products.

Located near the Notre Dame de Paris is the Le Vieux Bistrot, which serves Parisian fare.