There's Paris, and then there's Paris - the one you get to see if you're a local. Luckily for us, Susie Hollands who runs the deliciously arty blog IVYParisnews was able to find five minutes to give us her guide to the eclectic quarter of France's capital: the Marais district.
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Off the beaten track in the Marais

The Marais is, for all intents and purposes, the liveliest part of Paris - the part of Paris where stores are always open (even on Sundays) and gay men and Rabbis share common ground in bustling bars and Yiddish delis. And for every shop and boutique, there are plenty of historical landmarks we all know and love, like the Hotel de Ville and Place des Vosges.

You can try to grab lunch on rue des Rosiers at The World's Best Falafel or window shop on rue des Francs Bourgeois in peace and quiet but it's not going to happen. The fact of the matter is, these are two of the most popular streets in Paris and the Marais has become a major attraction in Paris. There are the naysayers who claim that the Marais is over, but this isn't New York or London. Things are never over in Paris.

Even with the denizens of tourists (chic and non-chic alike), the Marais still maintains its singular charm if you know where the gems are. Amid the constant rise and fall of the competitive boutiques, there are a few places right under your nose that truly stand out.




Start at St Paul Metro and follow rue Vieille du Temple to get into the heart of the Marais. At 31 rue Vielle du Temple you'll find La Belle Hortense, a wine bar and bookstore that features a small constantly changing exhibition of artworks for sale. Grab a stool, chat with the friendly staff and enjoy the alcohol and intellectualism - they have a great wine list (by the glass available).

Further up the road is Cyprus-born designer's Erotokritos boutique that carries some of the most beautifully pleated dresses and tailored shirts in an array of original color combinations. Continue up the road and turn left on rue de Bretagne where you'll find the Marche des Enfants Rouges, the city's oldest freshmarket, which also hosts an oyster bar and ethnic food stalls from various countries - Japan, Greece and Morocco.

And if you're heading to the Marais for the latest in contemporary art buzz, steer clear of the usual Centre Pompidou route and take a stroll to Jeu de Paume at Hotel de Sully or meander along rue Francs-Bourgeouis until you find the hidden passageway for the Centre Culturel Suisse.

For the best in gastronomy, Pramil is a true culinary delight on rue du Vertbois. Reflect on your newfound impressions of the Marais over a glass of wine selected by caviste Chais Rick, and decide for yourself is the Marais over.

For more information on everything going on in Paris to do with art and the arty things in life check out IVYParisnews.com because what would Paris be without art?