Pass time by indulging in a French pastime – wander around Le Marais

Practise French people’s favourite hobby: flâner – meaning wandering around the streets to enjoy a city’s lifestyle. To do so, head to my favourite neighbourhood, Le Marais.

Known as the Jewish quarter, it’s home to the best Instagram-worthy cafés, independent brands and hip shops. From shopping vintage-inspired furniture at Fleux, to stopping for a fresh salad at The Broken Arm, or even snapping a picture of the red Fiat 500 in front of Parisian vintage concept store Merci, Le Marais boasts an endless array of new and trendy retail and food spots. 

Divided in two areas, the lively district includes the lower part (near Saint Paul metro station) where Rue des Francs Bourgeois will please fashion girls with countless mid-range French fashion brands; while the upper Marais, around Rue de Bretagne is filled with authentic bohemian bars like Le Progrès or Le Marché des Enfants Rouges, which houses food stalls in Paris’ oldest covered market.

Views from my sister’s bedroom over Le Marais.

 

One of the many stylish retail spaces in Paris’ trendiest neighbourhood.

 

The Broken Arm, a café/concept store that serves healthy fresh food and sells cool designer clothing. 

 

One of the many bistrot terraces in the area.