Paris – the Marais

Show notes

From Place des Vosges northwards up to Place de la République: the Haut Marais, the northern part of the neighbourhood, is a great area for strolling and walking. The roots of the neighbourhood lie in its name: "Marais" means "marshes" - in fact, the land here first had to be drained before noblemen settled here in the 13th century.

Today, it is a neighbourhood where new ideas are constantly being tried out. Our tips for your day in the Marais:

• Shopping at Merci Paris

Much more than just a concept store: you can drink your café au lait here, read books, look at art and, of course, shop. Fashion, furniture, tableware, cosmetics, accessories - the range is wide and colourful. Merci Paris was founded with a charitable approach, with part of the proceeds going to aid projects in Madagascar and France. 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais, https://merci-merci.com/

• Eating and drinking at La Maison Plisson

Not a traditional restaurant, but a grocery shop that has become a hotspot for foodies. You can shop here but also sit and enjoy yourself in the adjoining restaurant. The practical thing about it is that you can take what you particularly like home with you. 93 Boulevard Beaumarchais, https://lamaisonplisson.com/

• A visit to Victor Hugo on the Place des Vosges

Victor Hugo (1802-1885) is France's Goethe. He wrote classics such as "Les Misérables" and "The Hunchback of Nôtre Dame". He is buried in the Pantheon on the other side of the Seine, but here on the elegant Place des Vosges in the Marais, he lived in a spacious 280 square metre flat. Part of his living quarters is open to the public and displays manuscripts, pictures, original furniture and accessories from Hugo's life. You will get to know Hugo as a person - his celebrated successes, but also his difficult years. After the coup d'état by Napoleon III, he lived in exile on the island of Guernsey for 15 years from 1855 and only returned in 1871. Maison de Victor Hugo, 6 place des Vosges, https://www.maisonsvictorhugo.paris.fr/en

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This podcast is based on the German original "places to go" (https://places-to-go.podigee.io/) hosted by Kathrin Sander & Inka Schmeling. It's been monologized, translated and produced with AI-support.