The 3rd arrondissement is a chic, historic, and trendy district in central Paris, known for its galleries, museums, stylish boutiques, and vibrant cafés. It’s part of Le Marais, one of the city’s most fashionable and culturally rich neighborhoods. Unlike the bustling 4th arrondissement, the 3rd has a more intimate, artsy, and residential feel, making it perfect for strolling, shopping, and discovering hidden gems.
For a general view of the 20 arrondissements of Paris click on Which is the best arrondissement to stay in Paris?
Historic & Cultural Sites
- Musée Carnavalet – A free museum dedicated to the history of Paris, located in a stunning 17th-century mansion. This is the Paris municipal museum devoted to the history of Paris from the city’s origins to the present day. Located in the Marais district at 23 rue de Sévigné in Paris’s 3rd arrondissement, it presents collections on a variety of themes: memories of the French Revolution, historical paintings, sculptures, furniture and decor from the 17th and 18th centuries, objets d’art, prints, etc.
140 rooms; 3,900 m2 of permanent exhibition space + 360 m2 of temporary exhibition space – Collection: 2,800 paintings, 2,000 sculptures, 300,000 prints, 150,000 photographs, 800 pieces of furniture, 50,000 coins, 200 signs.
Visits to the museum’s permanent collections are free of charge and open to the public without reservation. Access to temporary exhibitions is subject to a fee.
- Musée Picasso – Home to an impressive collection of Picasso’s works, housed in the grand Hôtel Salé. It is France’s national museum dedicated to the life and work of Pablo Picasso and the artists associated with him. The Musée Picasso is housed in the Hôtel Salé, one of the baroque townhouses of the Marais district (Hôtel Salé, 5 rue de Thorigny, 75003).
More information : Picasso-Museum, world famous art collection, unique, personal, 200000 pieces
Booking Musée Picasso
- Musée des Arts et Métiers – A fascinating museum showcasing science, inventions, and industrial design. It is the science and technology museum of the Conservatoire national des arts et métiers (CNAM), located at 60 rue réaumur 75003. It is a state museum under the supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, founded in 1794 on a proposal by Abbé Grégoire to the National Convention. Today, Cnam is a major institution of higher education and research, and its museum preserves all the machines, models and drawings used throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. It continues to enrich its collections, notably with the Mission nationale pour la sauvegarde du patrimoine scientifique et technique contemporain, Number of objects: 80,000
- Musée des Archives Nationales – Learn about France’s history through old manuscripts and historical documents. The Musée des Archives nationales, created in 1867 at the Archives nationales, exhibits archival documents held by the institution. It features a permanent exhibition of the most famous documents held by the National Archives, as well as temporary exhibitions based on the holdings of the National Archives. Free admission.
- Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature – A hidden gem with fascinating art and objects related to hunting and wildlife. It is located in the hôtels de Guénégaud and hôtel de Mongelas at 60-62, rue des Archives 75003 Paris. The collections are also displayed on a second site, on the second floor of the Château de Chambord, where, since 1971, the Foundation has presented part of its collections of paintings, tapestries and contemporary art. Tickets : Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature
- Musée d’art et d’histoire du Judaïsme – The Musée d’Art et d’Histoire du Judaïsme (mahJ) is housed in the former d’Avaux, then de Saint-Aignan family mansion in the Marais district. (Hôtel de Saint-Aignan, 71 Rue du Temple, 75003 Paris). The museum traces the history of Jewish culture from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Its collection of religious objects, manuscripts and works of art promotes Jewish contributions to France and the world, particularly in the field of art. An important place is devoted to the Jewish presence in the arts, with painters from the École de Paris (Chagall, Kikoïne, Soutine…) and contemporary artists (Christian Boltanski, Sophie Calle…).
- Carreau du Temple – A cultural hub hosting events, exhibitions, and fitness classes, with a long and varied history.
- Explore Historic Landmarks
- Hôtel de Soubise – A gorgeous 18th-century mansion with opulent interiors, now part of the National Archives.
- Jewish Quarter (Rue des Rosiers) – Discover the Jewish heritage of Paris, try amazing falafel, and explore historic synagogues.
- Discover Parisian Street Art ?
- Walk along Rue de la Corderie and Rue des Gravilliers to spot some of the best street art murals in Paris.
- Check out Galerie Itinerrance, a contemporary street art gallery with rotating exhibitions. More information: Gallery itinerance
Strolling & Hidden Gems
- Le Marché des Enfants Rouges – Paris’ oldest covered market, with amazing food stalls offering French, Moroccan, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine.
- Best Streets for Shopping Walks
- Rue Vieille du Temple – Trendy fashion boutiques and concept stores.
- Rue de Bretagne – Cute local shops, gourmet food stores, and bakeries.
- Boulevard Beaumarchais – Home to Merci and other chic designer shops.
- Rue des Archives – High-end fashion and vintage stores.
- Parks & Hidden Gems
- Place des Vosges : in the 4th arrondissement but one of the north side of the square is in the 3rd arrondissement
- Square du Temple – Elie Wiesel – A peaceful green space perfect for relaxing.
- Hôtel de Soubise Courtyard – A stunning, quiet courtyard to take a break from the city’s hustle.
- Jardin Anne Frank – A peaceful little garden tucked away behind a medieval building.
- Wander through where you’ll find boutique shops, art galleries, and cute cafés.
- Discover hidden passageways and courtyards (many old mansions have free access!).
- Galleries in the Haut Marais – The 3rd is full of contemporary art galleries, making it a hotspot for art lovers.
Shopping & Fashion – addresses
The Haut Marais (Upper Marais) is known for its independent designers, stylish boutiques, and vintage stores. In particular Rue Vieille du Temple: home to hip fashion stores, concept shops, and art galleries.
1. Fashion & Designer Boutiques ?
- Merci (111 Boulevard Beaumarchais) – One of the most famous concept stores in Paris, offering designer fashion, home decor, and books. It has a lovely café inside too!
- The Broken Arm (12 Rue Perrée) – A super cool boutique mixing high-end fashion (Loewe, Jacquemus, Comme des Garçons) with an in-house café.
- Isabel Marant (47 Rue de Saintonge) – Iconic Parisian-chic fashion, known for its boho-meets-rocker style.
- Maison Kitsuné (18 Boulevard des Filles du Calvaire) – Stylish, modern French streetwear with minimalist aesthetics.
- A.P.C. (112 Rue Vieille du Temple) – Classic French denim and minimalist fashion for men and women.
2. Vintage & Second-Hand Shops ?
- Thanx God I’m a V.I.P. (12 Rue de Lancry) – One of the best curated vintage shops in Paris, with designer pieces from Chanel, Hermès, and more.
- Kilo Shop (69 Rue de la Verrerie) – Buy vintage clothes by weight—great for unique finds!
- Free’p’star (61 Rue de la Verrerie) – Affordable thrift store with lots of cool second-hand fashion.
3. Concept Stores & Lifestyle ?
- Fleux’ (39 Rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie) – The best place for trendy home decor, gifts, and stylish accessories.
- Papier Tigre (5 Rue des Filles du Calvaire) – A stationery and design store for beautifully crafted notebooks and planners.
- Bonton (5 Boulevard des Filles du Calvaire) – A super stylish kids’ concept store with adorable clothing, toys, and home decor.
4. Jewelry & Accessories ?
- L’Atelier Paulin (20 Rue de Turenne) – Custom wire jewelry with personalized names or words.
- Medecine Douce (10 Rue de Marseille) – Delicate handmade Parisian jewelry with a bohemian touch.
5. Take a Perfume-Making Workshop ?
- Nose Paris (20 Rue Bachaumont, but at 200 m in the 2nd arrondissement) – Create a custom perfume based on your personality.
- Candora Perfume Workshop (1 Rue du Pont Louis-Philippe, at 300 m in the 4th arrondissement) Paris – Learn about French perfumery and mix your own scent.
6. Bookstores & Art Shops ?
- Librairie Yvon Lambert (14 Rue des Filles du Calvaire) – A beautifully curated art bookshop with photography and fashion books.
- Ofr. Paris (20 Rue Dupetit-Thouars) – A trendy independent bookstore and gallery space, perfect for rare finds.
7. Note : Must-visit spots
- Merci – A concept store with fashion, home decor, and a cozy café.
- Episode – One of the best vintage clothing stores in Paris.
- The Broken Arm – A high-end boutique with fashion and specialty coffee.
Where to Eat & Drink
Great Restaurants & Bistros
- Robert et Louise (64 Rue Vieille du Temple, 75003 Paris) – A rustic spot famous for its wood-fired steaks.
- Café Charlot (38 Rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris) – A trendy Parisian café, perfect for brunch or people-watching.
- Bontemps (57 Rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris) – A charming pastry shop known for its delicate sablé cookies and cakes.
Cocktail Bars & Wine Spots
- Little Red Door (60 Rue Charlot, 75003 Paris) – One of the best cocktail bars in the world, offering creative drinks in a speakeasy setting.
- Le Mary Celeste (1 Rue Commines, 75003 Paris) – A trendy bar with craft cocktails, oysters, and a lively atmosphere.
- La Cave du Marais (56 R. de Turbigo, 75003 Paris) – A cozy wine bar with an excellent selection of French wines.
0. Experience Paris’ Speakeasies & Hidden Bars ?
- Little Red Door (60 Rue Charlot, 75003 Paris) – A world-class cocktail bar behind an unassuming red door.
- Bisou (15 Bd du Temple, 75003 Paris) ²– A menu-free cocktail bar where drinks are made based on your mood.
Tailored Recommendations for the 3rd Arrondissement
Romantic Experience (Chic & Cozy Date)
Afternoon Stroll & Art
- Walk through the Musée Picasso or the charming streets of the Haut Marais.
- Stop by Square du Temple for a quiet, romantic moment.
Apéro at Le Mary Celeste
- Enjoy cocktails and oysters at this trendy, candlelit bar.
Dinner at Robert et Louise
- Cozy, rustic steakhouse with a wood-fire grill—perfect for a romantic dinner.
Late-Night Drinks at Little Red Door
- A hidden speakeasy-style bar with world-class cocktails.
Foodie Experience (For Gourmet Lovers)
Brunch at Café Charlot
- A classic Parisian café with delicious pastries & brunch.
Explore Le Marché des Enfants Rouges
- Paris’ oldest food market, offering French, Moroccan, Japanese, and Italian food stalls.
Afternoon Coffee & Pastries at Bontemps
- Their sablé cookies & fruit tarts are divine.
Dinner at Les Enfants du Marché
- A hidden gem inside the market—perfect for seafood & natural wine lovers.
Wine at La Cave du Marais
- A charming, local wine bar with great selections.
Trendy Shopping & Fashion Experience
Boutiques & Concept Stores
- Merci – Stylish fashion, home decor, & a cute café.
- The Broken Arm – Designer fashion & specialty coffee.
- Episode – One of the best vintage clothing shops in Paris.
Snack Break at Wild & The Moon
- A healthy, organic café for a quick bite.
End the Day with a Chic Cocktail at Bisou
- A no-menu cocktail bar—just tell the bartender your favorite flavors!
Fun Night Out (Cocktails & Party)
Pre-Dinner Drinks at La Candelaria
- A hidden cocktail bar behind a taqueria—Mexican vibes in Paris!
Dinner at Les Chouettes
- A stylish restaurant with a gorgeous glass-ceiling interior.
Late-Night Cocktails at Little Red Door
- Ranked among the world’s best bars.