4th Arrondissement & The Marais

The 4th arrondissement of Paris is one of its most quaint, yet most bustling. Jam-packed with shops, cafés, small museums and some the oldest architecture in Paris, a walk though its ancient maze-like streets is an extraordinary way to spend the day. Begin your walking tour at the Metro: Saint Paul. With your back to the Seine, take a right out of the metro onto Rue Saint Antoine, walk down a few blocks and then take a right onto Rue Saint Paul, a darling street filled with antique dealers, artisan galleries and bookshops. On the right hand side of the street (when heading toward the Seine) lies the Village Saint Paul. A hidden treasure comprised of a lovely series of interconnected courtyards. Reserved for pedestrians, it’s a quiet and unique place. Well worth the detour. After you’ve explored the enclosed ‘village’, find your way back to Rue Saint Paul. Heading toward the Seine again, make a right onto Rue Charlemagne, wander along it towards Rue de Nonnains D’Hyères, onto which you will make a left, heading towards the river. These two streets are some of the most ancient in Paris, offering amazing examples of its earliest architecture. Rue de Nonnains D’Hyères will take you directly onto the banks of the Seine where you will cross over the river via the Pont Marie in order to access L’Ile Saint Louis, surely one of Paris’ most picturesque sights. Walk over the bridge (Pont Marie) and go straight until you reach the island’s one main street Rue Saint Louis en L’Ile. Make a right onto it and wander along the length of the street to find a dazzling array of specialty food shops and restaurants. At the tip of l’Ile St. Louis, stop and have an ice cream cone at Paris’ most famous ice cream purveyor Berthillon. While you’re enjoying your cone, gaze over the Seine to see the back end of the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral, or watch the dazzling street performers wowing the crowds on the Pont Saint Louis. When you’re done exploring L’Ile Saint Louis head back towards the Marais by crossing over the bridge Pont Louis Philippe, which will lead you to the Rue du Pont Louis Philippe. This is one of the city’s best streets for buying quality stationery goods. It is lined with exceptional specialty paper shops, well worth a visit if you’re in the market for this sort of item. Parallel to Rue du Pont Louis Philippe lies Rue des Barres, a cute pedestrian street that leads to a lovely old church called L’Église Saint Gervais, the oldest parish on the Right Bank. After your detour to the church you can continue on Rue du Pont Louis Philippe until you cross over the Rue de Rivoli (a major thoroughfare that runs from here to Place de la Concorde) after which Rue du Pont Louis Philippe becomes Rue Vieille de Temple. Once you are on Rue Vieille de Temple, you will be heading into the epicenter of the Marais and its famous boutiques. At the start (bottom end) of Rue Vieille de Temple you will find a series of great cafés where locals and tourists linger for hours watching the fashionable and fun crowds file by. The trendiest of these cafés are clustered together near a tiny, ancient, deadend street called Rue du Trésor. More information and photos on this link. Featured Property – Marais Place des Vosges Beaumarchais 2 Bedroom Apartment for Rent Available: From July/August Size: 80m2 Area: 4th Arrondissement € POA With the Marais’ boutiques and restaurants on your doorstep this beautiful property is located in the historic centre of Paris, walking distance to the majority of landmarks in the most sought-after district of the city. A mix of modern and period design and a spacious layout make for a calm, and comfortable environment. The sun filled property has high ceilings, original beams, and views on the Parisian skyline. More information and photos on this link.