The Marais, a historic district in the heart of Paris, located between the 3rd and 4th neighbourhoods, was built in the 12th century on an old arm of the Seine. Occupied by the religious and military orders of the Knights Templar, the largest Knights Templar Commander of France (House of the Temple), which set up establishments on the outskirts of Paris, the district was a veritable fortress during the Middle Ages, in order to protect the capital of possible attacks. The cloister and the church of the banknotes built-in 1294 at 24 rue des Archives are rare remains that can be admired today.
The Marais is also the most famous Jewish district in Paris. They lived as early as the 13th century, before being driven out of France and then returning to the same place at the end of the 18th century.
More than 20,000 Jewish emigrants hunted from other European countries have found shelter. Decimated by the Holocaust during the Nazi occupation, we come across countless commemorative plaques evoking the deportees during the World War II.
Today, the Marais is undoubtedly one of the capital’s must-see places to stroll during the day, close to charming historic streets, friendly and relaxed, with small cafes and bars, art galleries and specialty shops. On the charming Rue des Rosiers, a break is needed to taste the best and most famous falafel in Paris.