The Temple district, an authentic part of Paris through the centuries. Tempted by a stay in the historic streets surrounding the Square du Temple? Take a look at our list of vacation rentals in the area. A small preserved area of medieval Paris, the Temple district in the Marais is a charming place to spend your vacation in Paris. A relic of the crusades in the Marais The Temple district is a historic district of Paris, located in the Marais. It takes its name from the religious order of the Templars, who were based here in the 12th century AD. The neighborhood has kept its medieval structure, with small streets where unusual places, such as courtyards and cul-de-sacs, are waiting to surprise you. Between Arts et Métiers and the streets surrounding the Musée Picasso, the Temple distri..
Read more
Temple
The Temple district, an authentic part of Paris through the centuries. Tempted by a stay in the historic streets surrounding the Square du Temple? Take a look at our list of vacation rentals in the area. A small preserved area of medieval Paris, the Temple district in the Marais is a charming place to spend your vacation in Paris. A relic of the crusades in the Marais The Temple district is a historic district of Paris, located in the Marais. It takes its name from the religious order of the Templars, who were based here in the 12th century AD. The neighborhood has kept its medieval structure, with small streets where unusual places, such as courtyards and cul-de-sacs, are waiting to surprise you. Between Arts et Métiers and the streets surrounding the Musée Picasso, the Temple district has retained a rare authenticity. The mansions are evidence of centuries of life. Sometimes quiet, sometimes bustling, the district is one of the best examples of the diversity of Parisian life, with its trendy hangouts, designer boutiques, Jewish stores, kosher snack bars, gay clubs...a little bit of everything. Culture and curiosities Right in the heart of Paris, the largest templar commandery was dominated by a formidable dungeon: the Tour du Temple. A true city fortress, it had its own chapel and other defensive buildings. It is here that the Royal Treasury of the French royal family was kept. Louis XVI spent his last nights here before being taken to the guillotine. Napoleon had the tower destroyed. Today, only the Square du Temple remains. Opposite the square, you can see the Mairie ("town hall") of the 3rd arrondissement before going back up to Place de la République, passing by the Sainte-Elisabeth church. To the south, the Marché des Enfants-Rouges is worth a visit. Located on Rue Charlot, this indoor market is the oldest in Paris. The commercial activity here adds real historical value to the district, together with the Carreau du Temple and its wonderful glass structure. Access and amenities There are plenty of markets in the Temple district, making it the perfect place to buy fresh produce. There are fewer restaurants in the area compared to the other parts of the Marais but you should still be able to find something to suit any budget. To get to the district, metro line 3 stops at the Temple, Arts et Métiers, and République stations. République also has several bus connections and access to lines 5, 8, 9, and 11 of the metro.