Paris - Le Marais

Le Marais is a trendy district in Paris now celebrated for its nightlife.

It spreads across parts of the 3rd and 4th arrondissements in Paris (on the Rive Droite of the Seine).

In the XIIth century, the Ordre du Temple (Order of the Temple) cleared the marshlands in the northeast Philippe Auguste's enclosure. From the XIVth century onwards, the aristocracy built large residences in the area, a trend which was accelerated by the creation of the Place Royale (which would become the Place des Vosges) by Henri IV in 1605.

The departure of the royal court to Versailles led to a decline in the district. Haussmann's urban redevelopment only marginally affected the Marais through new alignment rules and constructions, lending irregular width to many of the neighbourhood's streets.

In 1969, André Malraux made the Marais the first protected sector (secteur sauvegardé), with the area being home to many museums, art galleries and historic sites. This protection measure led to certain comical results, such as a "bakery" selling shoes.

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In 1969, André Malraux made the Marais the first protected sector (secteur sauvegardé), with the area being home to many museums, art galleries and historic sites. This protection measure led to certain comical results, such as a "bakery" selling shoes.

The neighbourhood has experienced a growing gay presence since the 1980s, as evidenced by cafés, nightclubs, cabarets and shops.