André Malraux saved Le Marais from destruction in 1962
© Marianne Ström

Le Marais, as you’ve never seen it before

The enchanting Parisian quarter of Le Marais was first civilised and cultivated by religious orders. Le Marais then became the favoured haunt of the royal family and its nobles.
Fashion soon changed and Le Marais was abandoned by the aristocracy and the court. Thereafter, the area was invaded by artisans and small industry.

Today, Le Marais is much in vogue with young fashion creators and has many trendy bars.
The Marais has fully rediscovered its splendid architecture after 50 years of preservation and renovation.

Not least in its architectural details, Le Marais is distinct proof of the mastery of artists and artisans throughout several eras as expressed in its successive dominating styles.
Everywhere are enchanting details to enjoy- here a portal with its heavy nails in the Louis XIII style, there a wrought iron staircase in the Louis XIV style, an elegantly curved balcony in the Louis XV style, a neoclassic console in Louis XVI style or a fountain from the period of
Louis-Philippe among many other treasures.

The old shop signs of small businesses in Le Marais also evoke a not so distant past.
These small commerces are being transformed. The artisans are departing, replaced by fashion and the latest trends. Only the old signs remain, still hanging over a new contemporary boutique to indicate the trade of baker, butcher, or violinmaker that it used to house.

The details of Le Marais architecture, captured by the photo lens, let us closely observe the essence of the architectural treasures of this ancient and multicultural quarter. It has been given a new life by its current inhabitants and strolling visitors, who are fascinated by the ever-eclectic and surprising Marais.

November is the month of photography in Paris and I would like to celebrate it by showing our readers the amazing photographic work of Marianne Ström, phd in History of Arts, writer and photographer, THE specialist of Le Marais.

Enjoy these 3 beautiful films dedicated to Le Marais and Versailles.

Pascal Fonquernie,
Editor PARISMARAIS.COM

Restoration of the Hotel Duret de Chevry
© Marianne Ström

The Marais - Before and After the application of the Malraux law (1962)

“At the time of the Malraux law, the Marais was the most densely populated area in France,
and the standard of living, sanitation and general hygiene the lowest. Between 1976 and 1983, the Marais lost 33% of its industries and 40% of its labour force. Formerly a blemish on the map of Paris, the Marais has become its beauty spot. Behind those illustrious facades, between courtyards and gardens, stand hotels giving a home to some twenty museums, great libraries, the National Archives, the Affaires Culturelles de la Ville de Paris and various cultural, historical and international centres. They stand cheek by jowl with craft workshops, antique shops, galleries, junk shops and wholesalers.”
(Paris en détails – Le Marais, Paris in detail – The Marais)

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Former Boulangeries are now converted
© Marianne Ström

The former boulangerie of 29 rue de Poitou is now Hotel du Petit Moulin
© Marianne Ström

What happened to the ancient bakeries?

Fashion boutiques and more modest second hand clothes shops are systematically driving out bakers, butchers, and confectioners from the Marais, while retaining - as they are obliged to by law - the ever rarer old shop signs.

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Versailles Golden Gate
© Marianne Ström

Versailles - Gardens and Fountains - an Early Morning the 1st of January 2010
and an Afternoon in May 2013.

Versailles and Le Marais have strong historical connections.
2013 is the 400th celebration of the birth of André Le Nôtre, the famous landscape architect and gardener of Louis XIV. In paying tribute to the architect, gardens, fountains and arbours - as well as the Grand Trianon and the Petit Trianon - have been subject to a vast restoration project.

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Visit Marianne Ström website

LE MARAIS MAP, DOWNLOAD FOR FREE !

To prepare for your trip to Paris, you can download the exclusive PARISMARAIS MAP
of le Marais for free!

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Parismarais Newsletter, 29 november 2013.
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