Discovering the Beauty of Montmartre and Le Marais 

Montmartre or Le Marais: Which Neighborhood in Paris is Best?    

Paris, the city of love, is a beautiful and vibrant destination that captures the hearts of millions of travelers. The city is divided into 20 arrondissements, each with its own unique character and charm. Two of the most popular neighborhoods in Paris are Montmartre and Le Marais.  

If you’re planning a trip to Paris soon and you’re debating which neighborhood to explore, we’ve got you covered!  

Montmartre or Le Marais: Which Parisian Neighborhood Should You Explore? 

✔️ Montmartre: you’ll find Montmartre located in the 18th arrondissement of Paris on a hill overlooking the city. It was once a village and home to famous artists, such as Picasso, Van Gogh, and Toulouse-Lautrec.  

✔️ Le Marais: discover Le Marais in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements of Paris known for their historic buildings, trendy boutiques, and Jewish heritage. 

Montmartre vs Le Marais  

#1 Location & Accessibility 📍

Location and accessibility are the first things you should consider when choosing where to stay in Paris. We already mentioned that Montmartre is located in the 18th arrondissement while Le Marais is in the 4th. That means Montmartre is basically on a hill offering stunning views of the city while Le Marais is in the heart of the city close to many popular attractions. 

#2 History & Culture 🏺 

Both Montmartre and Le Marais have a rich history and vibrant culture. Montmartre was once the center of the bohemian art scene and many famous artists lived and worked here. The neighborhood is known for its lively atmosphere, artistic heritage, and breathtaking views of the city. Whether you want to relax with a glass of wine at a cozy bar, enjoy a night of music and comedy at a cabaret, or get wowed by amazing hill views, Montmartre is an unforgettable experience. 

Le Marais, on the other hand, is home to many historic buildings, including the Place des Vosges and the Hôtel de Ville, which are examples of classic French architecture. The streets of Le Marais are filled with an eclectic mix of independent boutiques, trendy designer stores and vintage shops, which makes it a must-visit destination for all of you fashion enthusiasts.  

#3 Attractions & Activities 📸 

For a long time, Paris’ artistic quarter of Montmartre was viewed as “the place to be” during a city break to the French capital. Climb up Montmartre’s steps and take a stroll through the alleyways. Go past the artsy Place du Tertre, the famous Maison Rose and the Moulin Rouge cabaret —must-see spots for your Parisian itinerary. Then from the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, experience what’s possibly Paris’ most spectacular view which is also completely free!  

Far less crowded, the Jewish quarter of Le Marais is also worth your time. It’s really picturesque with all its little alleyways and cozy cafés. Le Marais is home to the Carnavalet museum, too, which showcases the history of Paris as well as many trendy boutiques and art galleries. Feeling artsy, yet? 

#4 Food & Drinks 🍴 🍷 

Both Montmartre and Le Marais offer a wide variety of food and drink options. Montmartre is known for its traditional French cuisine, such as coq au vin and escargots while Le Marais has many trendy cafés and restaurants that serve international cuisine.   

#5 Nightlife 🌃🥂 

If you’re curious about Paris’ lively nightlife-scene, Le Marais is the place to be. The neighborhood has many bars and clubs and is known for its LGBTQI+-friendly atmosphere. Montmartre, on the other hand, offers more laid-back vibes and is a great place to enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail. A must-see in Montmartre at night is Rue Lepic, a vivid street with numerous bars and restaurants. You’ll easily find the perfect spot for your taste and budget. 

There are so much more neighborhoods to visit in Paris. With the Eiffel Tower, sophisticated architecture and what could be the best pastries in the world, the French capital is worth visiting time and time again, whatever the time of year. Here are 5 good reasons why you should go on a city break to Paris.