One can lose oneself in the streets of Le Marais, the oldest neighborhood in Paris. Quite literally, a day spent exploring its winding, narrow, medieval streets turns up a different view around every corner.

Meaning “marsh” or “swamp,” Le Marais was one until the 12th century, when it started its reign as the aristocratic district before falling into ruin in the late 18th century following the French Revolution. It was not until the 1960s that it revived and gentrified, reinventing itself throughout the course of its history from a hub for royalty to the Jewish Quarter and finally into a trendy, artsy enclave and a favorite spot for local nightlife. All those identities still live and breathe in modern Marais.

Its life as home to the likes of Henry IV and Louis XIII is evident in the architecture; here, visitors find more pre-Revolution streets and buildings and 18th-century mansions than anywhere else in Paris. Many consider Place des Vosges the most beautiful square in Paris; it is the perfect spot to unwind and stroll, listening to street musicians and indulging in fine dining. From apartment No. 6, Victor Hugo created the masterpieces Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Place du Marché Sainte-Catherine is a quaint, village-like, pedestrian-only square ideal for watching the life and people of Marais. Two must-see area museums include The Centre Pompidou, the pre-eminent modern art museum in the city, and Musée Picasso, dedicated to the art of the Spanish master.

The Jewish Quarter of Le Marais © Vvoevale | Dreamstime.com

Along Rue de Rosiers, discover another side of the neighborhood’s identity, the former Jewish Quarter. Explore the local delis, bakeries and restaurants; admire the architecture; and be sure to sample some falafel, for which the area is known.

The latest incarnation of Le Marais is a hip quarter known for art and shopping. This aspect of the area’s personality is palpable on nearly every street, abuzz with bars, restaurants, hotels, boutiques, wine bars and art galleries. In Saint-Paul Village, find galleries and antiques shops. Rue des Francs-Bourgeois, known for more trendy shops and boutiques, is also home to some of Paris’ more popular perfumeries. Rue Saint-Paul is a street full of bars, bistros and sandwich shops. Le Marais hosts a thriving nightlife scene, as well, centered along Rue Vieille du Temple, especially popular with the LGBT community.