The Grand Hotel Malher ,
completely redesigned is now part of The PARISMARAIS ® selected Hotels.
It offers fabulous views on Saint Paul and Paris’ roofs.

APRES LE HAUT, LE BAS !

After showing you everything new about le Haut Marais, here‘s the latest news about le Bas Marais.

Le Bas Marais, also known as the south Marais, is basically the southern part of the 4th district. Administratively, it also includes parts of the two islands located on the river Seine - Ile de la Cité and Ile Saint Louis. The area's metro stations are Saint Paul, Hotel De Ville, and Pont Marie.

The 4th district is historically the oldest part of le Marais. You will find two of the oldest structures in Paris there which date from the 14th century, both on rue Francois Miron.

Le Bas Marais is the home of Notre Dame, Hotel de Sully, the  Village Saint Paul and the church of Saint Paul, as well as rue de Rivoli, where the first Parisian metro line was inaugurated in July of 1900. It is also next to the little-known hidden treasures Paris Arsenal Harbour and the Paris Museum of Architecture.

 Read more : Notre Dame - Village Saint Paul - Rue de Rivoli - Arsenal

We know how it feels to be far from home, and understand the frustration of looking at a new city from the window of an anonymous chain hotel, feeling that you’re not really a part of it all.

Therefore, we have selected a few significant, unique adresses of stylish boutique hotels, restaurants and original designer shops that you can enjoy instead of supporting the growing international, homogeneous businesses and hotel chains that are unfortunately step by step taking over the Marais streets.

After le Haut (north) Marais, discover le bas (south) Marais.

The French words  “haut” and “bas” also have another meaning. In women’s swimwear, le haut means the top, and le bas means the bottom, so always keep le haut and le bas well in place to avoid any unfortunate predicaments with the local police if you decide to go  sunbathing in Place des Vosges.

 Read more : Place des Vosges

Do however enjoy exploring all of the fascinating regions of le Bas and le Haut Marais !

Pascal Fonquernie,
Editor PARISMARAIS.COM

Where to Stay ?

Design and Chic

Grand Hotel Malher ***

The Grand Hotel Malher is a traditional establishment in the same family for several generations, completely renovated in 2013 with Roche-Bobois high quality zen furniture and many highlighted architectural details. The Mahler Grand Hotel, welcomes you to one of its 30 rooms including 3 triples, which are available starting from 140 euros for singles. The rooms are spacious, the designer bathrooms are beautiful as well as very functional and the upstairs bedrooms offer stunning views over the rooftops of Paris. The attentive service, comfortable, air conditioned, soundproofed rooms, and the lounge reception which extends into a small shaded courtyard garden will help you relax after discovering the very many interesting sites that abound in the area. Breakfast is served in the salon, or in your room at no extra charge.

 Book with Parismarais.com

Hotel Emile ***

The Hotel Emile is perfectly located in the historical and cultural Marais district of Paris, in a quiet street halfway between Bastille and Hôtel de Ville. It is also just a short walk away from the magnificent place des Vosges as well as the Carnavalet and Cognac-Jay museums. You will find Hotel Emile an easy distance from all of the Marais main attractions such as the antique market « the village Saint Paul » and the Lively shopping street « Rue de Rivoli »

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Hotel Caron ***

The Hotel Caron opened is of the new generation of luxury “Designer Boutique Hotels”, it offers the latest in French refinement and elegance in a cozy, historic setting. Chic decor, sophistication and location right in the heart of the Marais. Very near the Place Sainte Catherine, the Carnavalet museum and the Hôtel Sully, it is also just a stone’s throw away from the Village of St. Paul. The Hotel Caron has 18 air-conditioned rooms that are perfectly sound-proofed and therefore blissfully quiet. Each room is uniquely decorated, bringing together technology and serenity in order to ensure a memorable stay.

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Hotel Duo ****

Situated halfway between Notre Dame and the Georges Pompidou Center, the Hotel DUO, is dedicated to serenity. Architectural decor, colours, space and materials merge in elegance and coziness with a warm modern theme. In perfect harmony with the neighborhood, the Hotel DUO offers you great ambiance and proximity to all major landmarks, restaurants, nightlife and chic boutiques. Large comfortable rooms and suites, the DUO Lounge Bar, and a private spa and fitness room make the DUO the ultimate luxurious and trendy spot in Le Marais.

 Book with Parismarais.com

Hotel du Jeu de Paume ****

Located on the Ile Saint Louis, district 4, the charming Hotel du Jeu de Paume was originally a royal tennis court built in the beginning of the 17th century. The Hotel du Jeu de Paume’s wooden frame, 17 meters high, vaults the breakfast room, the rooms built around it. Twenty-seven rooms and three suites in the style of famous 20th century artists – the latter being duplexes opening on to the patio- are equipped with bathroom, minibar, flat screen television, phones, and free WiFi. The Hotel du Jeu de Paume also has a fabulous patio-garden which is perfect for having breakfast or a glass of wine, weather permitting. The transparent elevator offers a gorgeous 180° view.

 Book with Parismarais.com

Baroque and Luxurious

Hotel le Bourg-Tibourg ****

In one of the most picturesque parts of Paris, the Hotel Bourg Tibourg is steeped in the atmosphere of its home neighbourhood, the Marais. Admire the Hotel Bourg Tibourg’s surprising decor by Jacques Garcia, inspired by the neo-gothic with a spicy touch of the orient and softened by a very romantic and very French touch. The rooms combine harmony and elegance against a backdrop of comfort and modernity. The small, enclosed garden designed by Camille Muller and the 5th-floor balcony of the Hotel Bourg Tibourg offering a lovely view of the Paris skyline are both worth discovering.

 Book with Parismarais.com

Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais ***

The MARRIAGE OF FIGARO, Beaumarchais' most famous play, inspired the Hotel’s entire decor. Charm, gaiety, joie de vivre, elegance, refinement and a spirit of freedom, all the elements making up the originality of French culture were born in Paris under Beaumarchais. Chandeliers and candelabra, antique furniture, the past seems to come to life again, with present-day comforts: sound-proofing, double-glazing, free Wi-Fi internet access, air conditioning, satellite TV. 19 refined 3-star rooms, with an elevator to all floors.

 Book with Parismarais.com

Villa Mazarin ****

Established in a prestigious 1850's Haussmanian building, the Villa Mazarin is unique for its combination of style, ambiance, and warm welcome. The owners, who also created the magnificent Villa Mazarin in Aigues-Mortes, have taken advantage of the original architectural features of this building to create a neo-imperial style that perfectly matches the house. Villa Mazarin is the first hotel in Le Marais to boast this very elegant Parisian style. The Villa Mazarin’s warm colors, superb black and white stone bathrooms, fine art in every room, air conditioning, and the fact that even the smallest room is almost twice the size of most other hotel rooms in the area separate it from the pack. When you leave the hotel, you find yourself facing the glorious Renaissance Hôtel de Ville and the BHV, the famous "Bazaar" where shopping is a dream. You are also just a few meters away from cafés, terraces, chic boutiques and gay bars, perfect for fun and seduction.

 Book with Parismarais.com

Eating Out in The BAS Marais

Late at Night

Le Gaspard de la Nuit

A semi-gastronomical traditional cuisine has found it’s home in «chez Gaspard de la nuit», in the rue des Tournelles. The menu, known for its fresh produce delivered daily, proposes a lovely selection of «reinvented dishes», nonetheless keeping their authenticity. Treat yourself to their famous steak with black pepper sauce, possibly one of the neighborhood’s best. The rabbit with lavender or the escargot ravioli are also delicious. A bistrot menu at 25 euros is also available every day except Saturday. The wine cellar is bursting with veritable treasures at reasonable prices that Myriam, the owner, unveils with gourmandise. Among the impressive selection are some real finds such as a côte du Rhone, côte rotie 2006 - les essartailles or a Chateau LaSalle de Poujeaux 2005 Second vin du Chateau Poujeaux Moulis. Reserve your table in advance, as space in this popular restaurant is limited.

6, rue des Tournelles, 75004 Paris
Tel. : 01 42 77 90 53
 Parismarais : Selected restaurant

Gastronomic

Au Bourguignon du Marais

Close to Hôtel de Ville, located on a street of Gallo-Roman origin opening onto a terrace, the Bourguignon du Marais welcomes you to enjoy a delicious and traditional cuisine. Gratin of crayfish tails in Chardonnay or six large Burgundy snails with garlic and parsley sauce will awaken your palate before continuing with a lovely selection of meat or fish. The veal kidneys with home- made purple mustard purée or the Boeuf Bourguignon Tradition will delight you. The soul of this restaurant is to be found also in the exceptional wine list, which is exclusively from Burgundy. The Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru 2008 "Les champs Gains"  Jacques Bavard or The Hautes Côtes de Nuit 2009 Jayer-Gilles are just some suggestions among a constantly renewed selection of high quality.

52, rue François Miron, 75004 Paris
Tel. : 01 48 87 15 40
 Parismarais : Selected Restaurant

Regional Cuisine

Le Gorille Blanc

A few steps from the Church of Saint Paul Saint Louis, nestled in the heart of the Impasse Guéménée, is a traditional Parisian gourmet bistro with a Southwest twist. Rabbit with raisins, chipirons sauteed with parsley, sepia ink risotto, and black pudding made in the Pyrenees style awaken your taste buds. Everything is just simply good, no frills, to be enjoyed with gusto. The prices are very affordable, and include a fixed-price menu of 2 courses at less than 20 euros, plus a different special is available each day. Unbeatable! Both “surf” and “turf” cuisine are available here, however of note are the roasted sea bream accompanied by tender carrots, and the cod fillet in mustard sauce. Last but not least, do not miss the croustade ariégeoise aux pommes et pruneaux at 8 euros, a delicious homemade dessert flavored with Armagnac.

4, impasse Guéménée, 75004 Paris
Tel.: 01 42 72 08 45
 Parismarais : Selected Restaurant

Design and Creative Cuisine 

OZO

OZO reinvents the concept of a restaurant, offering its customers the opportunity to get involved by composing the food they want to taste. At OZO, you choose between meat and fish, different sauces and flavors, as well as the number and type of accompaniments. Made a la plancha on individual griddle pans, you choose the cooking, the flavor blends, and in a way become your own chef. Products, always ultra-fresh, come directly from the Rungis market. The menu offers choices that ensure you always end up with a very tasty combination. The Bento style presentation highlights the originality of the compositions. Beyond the original and enticing concept, OZO also offers a fabulous selection of cocktails to enjoy late into the night or to start the evening which, doubtless, will be rich in flavor and taste surprises. Indulge yourself with countless creations such as the Fraise B or a champagne piscine framboise (“raspberry champagne pool” ) !

37, rue Quincampoix, 75004 Paris
Tel : 01 42 77 10 03
 Parismarais : Selected Restaurant

Trendy Shopping in le bas Marais

Les Opticiens du Marais

If you’re after that unique look, Les Opticiens du Marais (The Marais Opticians) is the place to go. All the frames are distinctive and the lenses are cutting-edge technology. No dull hakneyed brands or ostentatious frames with showy logos to choose from. You won’t find mass market productions here. Creativity is the byword. VIP’s from the neighborhood and even the international jet set come to find just the right French touch. Some of the frames are even funky enough for Lady Gaga. Les Opticiens du Marais stand behind their products and will exchange and adapt your lenses and frames if need be. High-quality service, innovation and creativity will certainly give you satisfaction...

41 rue des Archives, 75004 Paris
Tel: 01 42 76 05 06
 Parismarais : Shopping for men

Tableware

Argenterie d'Antan

For lovers of beautiful French silverware, Argenterie d'Antan is the perfect place to discover thousands of treasures in silver or silver plate in the heart of the Marais. Treat yourself in this elegant boutique to a selection of items available for every budget and of all styles such as sumptuous silver table settings by Puiforcat (Gaudron silver model) and Christofle (Marly model), or real curiosities like silver "sleeves" for holding the bone elegantly while carving leg of lamb. There are also Christofle Gallia Art Deco gravy boats, egg cups, napkin rings with animal motifs (30 euros), Napoleon III- style coffee makers, and cutlery from renowned Parisian hotels (from 15 euros). Here, dreams become reality. For finding a great gift idea, a marriage or civil union list, a "so French" souvenir, or just a dinner service, there is only one place to go: Argenterie d'Antan.

6, rue de Birague 
75004 PARIS
Tel.: 01 42 71 31 91
Metro : Saint Paul / Chemin vert / Bastille
 argenterie-dantan.com

Urban Spa & Beauty Care

ZVONKO - Les Thermes de Lutèce

Urban spa and beauty center offering a wide range of care treatments, Thermes de Lutèce invites you to discover its expertise in eco- friendly products from the marine world. Formulated with active extracts from algae harvested in the Archipelago of Mullein (Ushant), Zvonko products are at the forefront of organic and natural cosmetics for men. You will leave truly refreshed, your skin overflowing with vitality. Treatments start at 90 euros. A barber service is also offered by an expert in shaving the original, traditional way, handling the blade with extreme dexterity for a perfect and durable result.

70, quai de l’Hôtel de Ville, 75004 Paris
Tel : 01 42 77 76 20
 zvonkoparis.com

Perfumes and Candles

Senteurs de Fée

Have you met the good fairies of well-being in Paris? This is the perfect time to make a date with Katia Bielli – “Senteurs de Fée” means “Fragrances from the Good Fairies”. And their shop is magical indeed! Old spices, forgotten scents from the past reinvented for today, massage oils, fragrances for the body and soul, scented candles, enchanting perfumes for your home. Enter the paradise of sophisticated aromas and choose from hundreds of samples to find the special ones that express your spirit. This is the ideal place to find a very personal gift, something out of time, unique, so Parisian and far more interesting than mass-market designer perfumes.

PARISMARAIS LE PARFUM : ETERNALLY BAROQUE

Inspired by the olfactory creations that intoxicated Versailles and mansions of the Golden Age of the Marais, PARISMARAIS will soon bring the spirit of the Court back to your home, the elegance of a bygone, carefree era. Amber and heady, with strong woodsy and lavender undertones, PARISMARAIS Le Parfum, an original creation by Katia Bielli, Eternally baroque, faithful to its origins, the home fragrance PARISMARAIS Le Parfum brings the past back to life. Undoubtedly, Marie Antoinette would have loved it.

10 rue de Sévigné, 75004 Paris
Tel. : 01 44 54 97 27
 Parismarais : Beauty & Spa.

Tea House and Selected Gifts

Dammann Frères

Since its inception in 1692, the Dammann Tea House is committed to discovering, preparing, and packaging the finest teas from major tea-producing countries. 250 varieties are available at our shop in the Place des Vosges. Traditional or flavoured, black, green, white and the divine oolong teas without forgetting the exceptional Pu-Ehr, our team is at your disposal to advise you and to share their passion for tea. Discover our selections and let yourself be seduced by the aromas and flavours available in many combinations, including the famous “Goût Russe” or the incredible “Jardin Bleu”.

15 Place des Vosges, 75004 PARIS
Tel.: 01 44 54 04 88
 dammann.fr

MUSEUMS AND EVENTS NOT TO MISS

Victor Hugo's House

The hotel of Rohan-Guéménée was constructed on the site of the Park of Tournelles, by Isaac Arnauld, the King's counsellor and administrator of Finances, who was granted the lot in 1605. In 1639, the residence became the property of Louis de Rohan, prince of Guéménée, and it stayed in the family until 1784. Put up for sale, the hotel was purchased by Jacques Desmary, then in 1797 by the family Péan de Saint-Gilles, and it finally was donated by its descendants in 1873 to the City of Paris and transformed into In 1832, during the rehearsals of his play Le Roi s'amuse, Victor Hugo settled himself at the Place Royale ( now Place des Vosges ), which soon became a popular meeting place where his friends, such as Charles Nodier and Théophile Gautier, would make regular visits.

On July 12th, 1832, the lease for the rental of the apartment was signed. The specified contract, starting January 1st 1833, stated, a second floor apartment situated at the Place Royale n°6; the apartment consists of an antechamber, dining room, and drawing room, with a kitchen overlooking the courtyard, several rooms in a wing that can be reached by a corridor with an exit, a small staircase, woodshed, three servants rooms, and a cellar. a primary school.

The tour of the apartment, which has a surface area of 280m², portrays the three different stages of Hugo's life, Before the Exile, During the Exile, and After the Exile. The antechamber evokes the childhood and youth of the poet, his marriage with Adèle Foucher, and the birth of their children. The Red drawing room restores most clearly the period during which the family lived at the Place Royale. Here in the apartment, Hugo welcomed many of his friends, while receiving social and literary fame as leader of the Romantic Movement. The Maison de Victor Hugo receives more than 120,000 visitors each year.

Over the past years, the attendance of visitors has been at a constant increase, despite the periods of closure during which the museum made necessary changes. The renovation included the addition of a welcoming space for large group visits and an elevator that enables access to the rooms for handicapped visitors. The first floor, in particular, with a layout similar to the apartment, went through some important transformations: after staging several exhibitions, the space was significantly enlarged in order to accommodate both fund raising events.

 Read more

Victor Hugo's House
6 place des Vosges, 75004 Paris
Metro Saint-Paul, Bastille
Open 10.00-17.40 except on Mondaysnd temporary exhibitions
Tel. 01 42 72 10 16 .

Also, not to be missed

Maison Européenne de la Photographie
5/7 rue de Fourcy, 75004 Paris
Tel.: 01 44 78 75 00
Open every day from 11 am to 8 pm, except Mondays.
 Web site

The Doll Museum and The Doll Clinic
Musée de la Poupée
Impasse Berthaud - near 22 rue Beaubourg, 75003 Paris
Metro Rambuteau
Wheel chair access Mental and auditive "Handicap and Tourism" National Label
Tel. : 01 42 72 73 11
 Email : musee.poupee@noos.fr - Email of the shop : boutique.musee@noos.fr

LE MARAIS MAP, DOWNLOAD FOR FREE !

To prepare for your trip to Paris, you can download the exclusive Parismarais map of le Marais for free!

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Parismarais Newsletter, june 2013.
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