A Guide to the Artsy 3rd Arrondissement of Paris

The 3rd arrondissement of Paris, part of the historic district known as Le Marais, is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, vibrant art scene, and diverse community. With its narrow, winding streets filled with boutiques, galleries, and cafes, the area is popular among both visitors and locals.

The 3rd arrondissement has a bohemian, creative atmosphere, attracting a mixed crowd including artists, fashionistas, and the LGBTQ+ community. It is also known for its Jewish quarter, centered around the Rue des Rosiers, a pedestrian street filled with traditional shops and eateries.

Art Galleries & Museums

The 3rd arrondissement is home to several significant museums, such as the Musée Picasso, which houses one of the most extensive collections of Picasso’s work, and the historic French National Archives, which holds noteworthy French documents.

The arrondissement also features the Carreau du Temple, a venue for exhibitions and events.

Cafés

There are a handful of noteworthy cafés in the 3rd arrondissement. Stop by Café des Musées, which has become a staple of the area on Rue de Turenne due to its bright red paint.

Royal Turenne is another great people-watching café with a large terrace. It’s on the corner of the street on the way to Place des Vosges park.

Parks

The 3rd is quite densely built. The Square du Temple is the main green space in the 3rd arrondissement. Square du Temple has playgrounds and a nice neighborhood feel.

For more park space, you’re very close to Place des Vosges (just across the border in the 4th) – it’s one of Paris’s most beautiful squares.