Discovering the little-known heritage of the quarter

The Hotel Marais Bastille is located at the crossroads of several distinct districts of Paris. From the Marais, with its magnificent Renaissance and classic mansions, and extending over part of the Ile Saint-Louis to the 10th and 11tharrondissements, former suburbs of Parisian artisans that now host cafés and artists' studios, heritage is everywhere. Two days a year, the Journées Européennes du Patrimoine (European Heritage Days) offer a golden opportunity to take ownership of these places steeped in history. Come and discover this event on September 17th and 18th!

A little-known religious heritage

Each year, the Heritage Days have a theme. This year, the concept of sustainable heritage will be highlighted. And what could be more durable than religious heritage? Of course, Paris has many famous churches, such as Notre-Dame, Saint Julien le Pauvre and the Madeleine. However, the Heritage Days make it possible to explore lesser-known places, particularly in the 4th arrondissement. Discover, for example, the Temple du Marais, the oldest Protestant church in Paris, which occupies part of the Couvent des Visitandines designed by the architect François Mansart. Then take the opportunity to visit the 18th century church of Saint-Louis en l'Ile, which houses many fine works of art. Finally, a fifteen-minute walk from the Hotel Marais Bastille is Notre-Dame des Blancs Manteaux, a late 17th century church where an enthusiastic parishioner will be your guide.

In neighbouring districts

Moving on to the 11th arrondissement, the Lycée Voltaire opens its doors to you. Located on the Avenue de la République, this typically Parisian secondary school built at the end of the 19th century presents a beautiful neo-classical facade. Its history and secrets will be revealed to you by a guide who knows the building inside out. You can also seize the rare opportunity to visit the Grande Loge Féminine de France des Filles de la Lumière and take a tour of this women-only masonic lodge, guided by two historians. Created by pioneers after the Second World War, it succeeded from the start in standing out and remaining independent of male lodges. You can admire the 17th century buildings that formerly belonged to the Bon Secours convent, its stones and beams testifying to this prestigious past. Finally, a few streets away, the Hôpital Saint-Louis invites you to visit its chapel. This hospital complex, a city within the city, represents four centuries of Parisian history. Its chapel, the first stone of which was laid by Henri IV in 1607, is a sober and elegant testimony to classical architecture.

At the crossroads of the 4th, 10th and 11th arrondissements, the Hotel Marais Bastille boasts the ideal location from which to explore the rich cultural, industrial, artistic and architectural heritage of Paris. Take advantage of the 39th European Heritage Days to visit places that are little known or normally off limits to the public. The Hotel Marais Bastille team will be happy to recommend their favourites.

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Photo: kovalenkovpetr

Hotel Marais Bastille, a 3-star hotel a few steps from Place de la Bastille