The part of Paris known as Le Marais, was originally a marshland. By the 1600s, it was the flourishing center of Court life, revolving around what is today, the Place des Vosges.

Although going through a period of neglect and deterioration, which was at its worst in the middle of the 20th century, the Marais has undergone major restorations and preservations, which has earned the whole area the distinction of being declared an historic monument.

There is a French term used to describe a private mansion, which leads to confusion if literally translated into English. A “hotel particulier” is not a hotel at all. It is a grand free-standing residence, with a courtyard on one side, and a garden on the other, and the Marais is home to some of the most outstanding examples of hotels particuliers dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. Some of them are museums, such as the Musee Carnavalet, the Hotel Lamoignon and the Musee Picasso. Four hundred years later, these architectural gems are as glorious as ever.

Thus, the neighborhood is historic and real estate here is coveted. Shops and cafes cater to a less status-crazed population than let’s say, the Avenue Montaigne.

Artisanal is the theme of the Marais and boutiques offer a profusion of alternative high-end merchandise. The luscious textures and colors of woven goods are specific to the Marais, where crafts are elevated to fine art. I will simply provide a cursory list of streets to peruse, as a basic guide for shopping. Follow your instinct.

Turn down one lane and then another. Drop by Mariage Freres at 30 Rue du Bourg Tibourg for a cup of tea and then be on your way. Once you begin to feel the essence of the Marais, it just might become your favorite part of Paris.

The Marais
3rd and 4th Arrondisement
Metro: St Paul

Cool Shopping Streets:
Rue des Francs Bourgeois
Rue de Turenne
Rue Vielle du Temple, and all the little surrounding streets
Place du Marche Ste Catherine (at Rue de Jarente) is one of the most lovely, secluded squares in the heart of the city.
FYI: Most shops in the Marais are open Sundays!

Paris is a shopper’s paradise. Whatever your budget or style, expect to be tempted by treasures wherever you go.

Fact is, Paris is obsessed with providing us with beautiful objects of every nature, from food to shoes and beyond.

To walk is basically to shop, as each neighborhood displays its wares in irresistible fashion. Streets are lined with sweet boutiques. What was designed to be brisk transportation, becomes a slow prowl through the lovely shops.

When you least expect it, you find yourself standing in front of the shoe store of your dreams, or a window display of really funky jewelry that has your name written all over it. It just happens, nothing you can do, except stop to admire.

So, the question, “Is it easy to shop in Paris?” has a definitive answer, which is also a question. “Is it easy to find water in a lake?”
There are many unique shopping destinations, certain to please and even more certain to challenge your budget.