Le Marais

Description

The Marais which was fashionable in the 17 century, neglected at the end of the 18, impoverished in the 19 and has now been renovated has had a curious past. It is one of the most appealing areas of Paris, with a wealth of miraculously spared history in the 17th century the most attractive town houses in Paris were built around Place des Vosges, in those days Place Royale, between courtyards and gardens. The aristocracy flocked there. Out of favour in the 19th century the lower classes took it over Workshops and craftsmen moved there. Immigrant Jews from Eastern Europe gathered there at the start of the 20 century it was known as the Pletzl. Threatening ruin in the 60s, the Marais was then rescued through gradual renovation. The townhouses rediscovered their original splendour. The gay community moved in: fashion took it by storm; the Marais became-hip. It is a lovely area to discover whilst strolling between historical monuments and welcoming bistros. ISBN:9782707207647