The 3rd district is the 2nd smallest district. Its four corners run from the Place des Vosges to the Place de la Republique and from Sébastopol to Beaumarchais). Where else can you stroll along 200-year-old cobbled streets, looking at fabulous historic mansions, and yet still be in the trendiest, most fashionable, and culturally rich district of Paris?
Preserved
This is one area that was untouched by Napoleon and his architect, who expanded the city’s best-known areas (notably the Champs Elysees and Montparnasse) for show purposes.
In the Marais, they had the sense to leave the streets untouched, allowing the buildings to retain their medieval appearances, and preserving the district’s Renaissance architecture.
These days, much to the visitor’s delight, the cafes and chic restaurants sit alongside the grand former residences (called hôtels particuliers) of medieval French aristocrats.
And what would the famous 3rd arrondissement be without its array of world-famous museums? Not to mention some of the trendiest shopping addresses in all of Paris?
Places to go and see
Visitors shouldn’t miss out on the Musée National Picasso. It features the works of Picasso, from his formative to final years.
The Musée National des Arts et Métiers, on the other hand, showcases scientific instruments and artifacts. It boasts around 80,000 objects and 40,000 drawings in its collection, topped by the world-famous “Foucault’s Pendulum” that consistenly draws in visitors.
City tour
For a historical tour of Paris through thousands of artfully-displayed objects in more than 140 rooms of two historic Parisian homes, you need stop off at the magnificent Musée Carnavalet.
Other places of interest include the Place des Vosges (a beautiful square surrounded by 17th-Century buildings). Most of Paris’ old mansions (hôtels particuliers) are situated the 3rd arrondissement.
Gardens and parks
Don’t forget to check out the district’s parks, gardens, and hidden passages. The highlights are the outstandingly picturesque passages like Passage Vendôme between the Place de la République and Rue Béranger.
The Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers (CNAM), (or National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts) and the Archives Nationales (National Archives) are both located at the 3rd arrondissement.
Shopping
For trendier visitors among you, the 3rd arrondissement is a shopper’s paradise, especially for upmqrket retail. Many designer shops, boutiques and galleries are based in the Marais.
The high-end shopping scene consists of homeware, jewelry and clothing stores, including men’s wear specialists.
Places to stay
To really make the most of your visit, you’ll want to stay in Paris for longer than a day or two. Staying in the 3rd arrondissement will be one great adventure.
Simply go out of your apartment, and before you know it, you’ve stepped into new world, the one you’ve always wanted to see and experience fist-hand.
Lodgis has carefully selected a fabulous range of furnished rental apartments in this district, so you’ll have plenty of criteria to make your choice on (location, apartment-type, view, facilities)
Click here to discover our stunning furnished apartments in Paris’ most iconic streets, such as such Rue Rambuteau, De Braque, Chapon, Saint Martin, Saint Sebastien, Beranguer, Au Maire, Du Turenne and many more!
Since the 60s, the 3rd Arrondissement has been the center of Parisian cultural and art. It had been a gentrified arrondissement for many years and today represents one of the richest and most prestigious districts in the city.
See our next post: Time travel in the 4th arrondissement of Paris
