Paris 3rd Arrondissement – A Posh & Historic Neighborhood in Paris

Located on the right bank of the River Seine, Paris’s 3rd arrondissement is one of the smallest arrondissements in Paris. Included in the 3rd arrondissement is the northern part of Le Marais, Paris’ oldest neighborhood. This is where you’ll find the oldest private residence in Paris (from the early 15th century), located on the Rue de Montmorency. The 3rd arrondissement is also home to a condensed Chinatown area near the Rue au Maire.

Metro stops
The most commonly used metro stops in the 3rd arrondissement are Arts et Métiers and République.

What to do in Paris’ 3rd Arrondissement

Simply strolling along the cobble-stoned streets of the historic Le Marais district is one of my favorite things to do in this area. Also, some of the best smaller museums in Paris are located in the 3rd arrondissement. Here are some you definitely should not miss.

Musée National Picasso
This well-curated museum features works from all periods of Picasso’s career. Open 9:30AM to 6:00PM Wednesday to Monday and 9:30AM to 8:00PM on Thursdays (during the winter months the closing time shifts to 5:30PM).
5 rue de Thorigny
Métro: Chemin Vert
Tel: +33 1 42 71 25

Musée National des Arts et Métiers
This fascinating museum was founded in 1794 as a place to showcase scientific instruments and artifacts. Today, it houses over 80,000 objects and 40,000 drawings. The big draw is Foucault’s pendulum. Open Tuesday to Sunday 10AM – 6PM, Thursday until 9.30PM, closed Mondays and public holidays.
60 rue Réaumur
Métro : Arts et Métiers, Réaumur-Sébastopol
Tel: +33 1 53 01 82 00,

Musée d’Art et d’Histoire du Judaïsme
This beautiful museum includes historical objects and art that represent Judaism. Open weekdays 11am-6pm and Sun 10am-6pm.
71, rue du Temple
Métro: Châtelet)
Tel: 33 1 53 01 86 60

Musée Carnavalet
The lovely Musée Carnavalet takes visitors on a historical tour of Paris through thousands objects artfully displayed in over 140 rooms of two historic Parisian homes. Entry to the permanent collection is free.Open Tuesday-Sunday 10AM – 6PM, closed Mondays and some public holidays,
23 rue de Sévigné
Métro: Saint-Paul, Chemin vert
Tel: +33 1 44 59 58 58

Where to shop in the 3rd Arrondissement

The 3rd arrondissement is a great place for upscale boutique shopping (or browsing). The Marais is home to a variety of home goods, jewelry and clothing stores (including some excellent clothing boutiques for men). Merci is a 3-story mini upscale department store, Pring is a must for shoe lovers and Jacques Genin carries some of the most delicious bonbons in the city.

Where to Stay in Paris 3rd Arrondissement

Hotel Petit Moulin 4-Star
38 Rooms This new hotel is special in that each room is uniquely decorated by Christian Lacroix, the noted couturier. Each room has air conditioning, a personal safe, hair-dryer, WiFi Internet connection, LCD flat screen TV, mini-bar, and direct-dial telephone. Situated in the heart of Paris, the hotel is near the Picasso Museum, the Carnavalet Museum, the Place des Vosges and the Hotel de Ville. This is a fine boutique central Paris hotel with a flair.

Le Relais du Marais 2-Star
38 Rooms?This new budget hotel in Paris is conveniently situated near the George Pompidou Center with easy access to the Louvre and Place des Vosges. The hotel is part of the moderately priced “Relais” chain in Paris. This is a modest hotel in Paris Marais, with prices to match. Each room is decorated with warm colors and equipped with phone, cable/satellite TV, air conditioning, hair dryer, internet outlet, automatic wake up service, and direct-dial phone. Internet access is available in each room. Le Relais du Marais Hotel Paris offers good value for the money.
76 rue de Turbigo
Metro: Republique
Tel: 01 40 29 10 19
Average Price : €122

Written by Jen Westmoreland Bouchard for EuropeUpClose.com