My husband, two children and I are going to Paris in the Spring for a week. Instead of a hotel, we are planning on renting an apartment through Airbnb because it gives us more space with the children. Years ago my husband and I were in Paris so are looking for a more authentic Parisian experience so would like to stay in Le Marais. It appears to be a large area. Any suggestions as to areas in Le Marais where we should stay or avoid?
Thank you!
Somewhere between the St Paul metro stop on Rue de Rivoli and the Picasso Museum - in the immediate area around the Carnavalet Museum.
How old are your children? I ask because I have friends who hated dealing with strollers in Le Marais. By the way, what is "a more authentic Parisian experience"? Le Marais is quite popular with tourists/visitors and while it is lovely (and I say that as a person who owns an apartment there), I am not sure how authentic it is these days.
My children are 6 and 7. By authentic, I meant an area with local cafes, restaurants and boutiques. We have seen the major Paris sites so want to feel as if we are "living" in Paris but in the heart of Paris. Hope that helps!
The apartment I am looking at is off of Boulevard Henry IV - how is this area?
Thank you for your responses.
For me you really need to be north of Rue de Rivoli / St Antoine.
vacationinparis.com has several Marais properties in both the 3rd and 4th. The perk with this company is that their office is in New Jersey and they'll mail you the keys before you leave. You don't have to arrange to meet someone over there.
Nothing more authentic than taking your children to the local playground. I'd certainly look for an apartment with a good play area nearby. They may learn a few words of French, make a playmate, and learn about the 4 p.m. goûter of pain au chocolat.
The area around Blvd Henri IV would be good, close to the river and Ile St-Louis on one end, Bastille on the other. Good Metro connections at Bastille especially. The boat basin would be fun. The Place des Vosges isn't far. It's densely built but not as much so as the areas north and west in the Marais, as I recall.
My apartment is near Blvd Henri IV and Rue Saint Antoine. I love the area because I can walk in 20 minutes or less to tons of places and there are tons of good restaurants within a 5 to 10 minute walk. The wonderful Bastille Market is nearby. Also, with Bastille being a metro hub with lines 1, 5 and 8 stopping there, I find it very easy to get around Paris. I can also easily walk over to Sully-Morland on Line 7 when I want to head towards the Latin Quarter or Saint Germain. Le Marais was not my first choice of neighborhood at the beginning of the shopping process but I fell in love with the apartment and have now come to love the neighborhood.
I can highly recommend this Marais apartment just north of Place des Vosges. We have stayed there several times, the last time was less than two months ago.
I live in a building in the immediate area. There is an equipped playground for children at the end of boulevard Henri IV nearest Ile Saint-Louis. This area would be much less clogged with tourists, but there aren't that many shops, restaurants and cafes to choose from nearby. There is one Franprix supermarket on the boulevard, but it is more expensive than it should be. Transportation is convenient, but walking to the usual sites would be a problem with little kids.
Thank you for your responses. All were very helpful!
Great area! Do a walk around on Google Maps for a good look. Lovely little park.
