VINGT Paris

Hipsters and Hamburgers - Café Charlot

Just as I was writing about the Marais yesterday, I didn't mention the "Haut" Marais. it's the area that falls officially outside Ye Olde Marais but that in recent years has sneaked into the classification (much to the delight of those who have owned homes there since way back then). The last few years have seen an explosion in galleries, independent boutiques and the likelihood of being run down by skinny young graphic designers on scooters. For a slice of life, Melissa Unger has written a great piece for I V Y paris......

Last weekend, rushing from République, in an effort to get to the Marché des Enfants Rouges before the 15 euro orchid plants were sold out, I cut across the Carreau du Temple.

Because I am cheaper than day old bread, this type of bargain incites me to take perilous risks, like running in high heels and venturing down unknown streets. Despite nearly falling twice and being more focused on horticulture than culture 'tout court’, I still managed to notice that there were a whole slew of new art galleries and trendy shops on the criss-cross of streets just north of the rue de Bretagne (rue Charlot, rue de Saintonge, rue de Poitou and all around the Carreau itself.)

Read on.....

Through Bonapart’s sister site, I V Y Paris our clients interested in the Arts and entertainment stay informed of culturally enriching events taking place around the city.

Is the Marais losing it's appeal?

The Guardian wrote today about the increasing Mall-isation of the Marais. "Paris's historic Jewish quarter, has fallen victim to the tourist onslaught and rocketing property prices." I was writing about this in September 2006 when the phenomenon was already well underway...........

"Plus the place is turning into a shopping mall. The worst I've seen is the new Lee store which has used the beautiful old facade of the building in a most heart rending manner to flog it's tawdry trousers."

Don't even think of going there on a Sunday for a quiet stroll, you'll be mown off the pavement.

That said, there are of course still charming pockets which you'll have all to yourself and it can't be beaten for being smack bang in the centre of town from where you can walk everywhere. Plus there are the hotel particuliers, the fun bars and Les Bain des Marais Hammam andit's good for spotting sexy young people of either sex. It's not all that bad.