If you’ve spent time in Paris before, you’ve probably visited the 3rd arrondissement, even without realizing. This small arrondissement doesn’t contain any of Paris’ most famous tourist attractions, but it’s increasingly building a reputation as a must-visit area for its food, shopping, and eclectic people watching.
As a place to live, it also has a lot going for it. For many Parisians, the vibrant atmosphere and active nightlife are a huge attraction. So are the speakeasy cocktail bars, and trendy restaurants.
But for some, this same energy can be overwhelming. Those looking for a quiet life may find the 3rd a little much, at least after a while.
This article explores the 3rd arrondissement, its borders and key attractions, and the biggest pros and cons of living here
| Summary |
Where is the 3rd arrondissement of Paris?
The 3rd arrondissement sits snugly between the 2nd, 4th, 10th, and 11th on Paris’ right bank (the north side of the river). Along with the 1st, 2nd, and 4th, it forms the administrative sector known as Paris Centre.
Its borders include:
- Boulevard de Sebastopol to the west
- Boulevard Saint-Martin to the north
- Boulevard Beaumarchais to the east, from République almost to Bastille
- Rue des Francs Bourgeois to the south
The 3rd is the second smallest arrondissement in Paris, with an area of only 1.2km.
What to do in the 3rd arrondissement
While not home to the handful of best-known Paris sites, the 3rd has wonderful cultural, historical, and artistic highlights to enjoy.
- Discover the life and works of perhaps the most famous modern painter at the Musée Picasso.
- Wander through and dine in the Marché Couvert des Enfants Rouges, a hugely popular food market
- Explore the Musée Carnavalet, the extraordinary, free museum detailing Paris’ history
- See the history of technology at the Musée des Arts et Métiers.
- Check out temporary exhibitions and expos at Le Carreau du Temple
- Visit the National Archives Museum and its gardens.
- Walk through the Le Marais neighborhood, which stretches across parts of the 3rd and the 4th arrondissements.
- Look at the oldest surviving private house in Paris, built at 52 rue de Montmorency in 1407.
But for many, the best reason to visit is to simply wander the streets, pop in and out of shops, and stop for an ice cream or aperitif as your heart desires. It’s an incredible neighborhood to explore on foot, with endless small streets, cosy boutiques, and curiosities to find.
Why live in the 3rd arrondissement?
This is a very popular, convenient, and desirable neighborhood to live in. Particularly for younger people, professionals, and those with busy social lives.
The vibrant atmosphere
Le Marais and neighboring streets are known for being alive at virtually any hour. The small streets are colorful and lively, and there’s a real community feel all around. This is enhanced by the many pedestrian-only areas, which make strolling the streets and gazing into shop windows a real joy.
The 3rd and 4th arrondissements are also known for their busy nightlife. You can expect bars and bistros to be open late, and to see parties spill out into the streets many nights of the week.
The diverse community
The 3rd and 4th are known for being more progressive quickly changing than the more traditional, old fashioned parts of the city. In this relatively small space, you’ll find representation of cultures including:
- LGBT representation: Le Marais is well known as the epicenter of LGBT culture and pride in Paris. You’ll see rainbow flags flying over bars and restaurants and painted on the roads, and plenty of gay-friendly bars and stores throughout the neighborhood. Le Dépôt, one of the largest and most popular cruising bars in Europe, is just off Boulevard de Sebastopol.
- Asian: A small Chinatown is emerging in the 3rd on and around Rue de Marie. Restaurant and store owners hail mainly from Wenzhou, China, but you’ll find Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, and other options in this neighborhood.
- Jewish: There are more notable Jewish streets, monuments, and museums in the 4th arrondissement. But you’ll certainly find kosher markets and restaurants dotted around the 3rd. And of course, you’re a very short walk away from the true center of Jewish culture in Paris.
Those are three quick examples. You’ll also find artists, philosophers, and free spirits from all over the world living here or visiting in the evenings.
Expat-friendly environment
For new arrivals in Paris, Le Marais is a particularly welcoming neighborhood to land in. If you don’t yet speak French confidently, you’ll have no trouble communicating in English to begin with. You can also expect locals to be forgiving as you learn, and willing to help along the way.
Shops and amenities in the 3rd arrondissement are used to serving foreigners, due to the high number of tourists coming through each year. There are also expat meet-ups and English-speaking clubs, and you even have English libraries and bookstores within walking distance.
Art and history
As noted above, the Haut Marais has some incredible museums and galleries, including Picasso, Arts & Métiers, and Carnavalet. It’s also full of small boutique galleries and art stores, with works from new artists available to view and buy.
The central location
All the arrondissements in Paris Centre are conveniently located, including the 3rd. You’re a walkable distance from Notre Dame, République, Bastille, the Seine River, the Louvre, Hotel de Ville, and many other attractions and hotspots downtown.
Notre Dame de Paris
The area is well-connected by metro lines 3, 8, and 11, and bus routes, making transport across the city easy. But it’s the walkability that’s most appealing. You can easily get all over the right bank on foot, and enjoy the energy and atmosphere as you go.
Why not live in the 3rd?
The 3rd arrondissement is generally seen as a desirable, suitable place to live for most Parisians. But if you’re comparing moving here with some other Paris neighborhoods, the following factors might cause you to look elsewhere.
Tourist traffic
Le Marais is one of the most popular places in Paris for tourists to shop, eat, and explore. While there are nice, quiet parts with a local community feel, you should expect heavy foot traffic year round.
Some places that were once hidden gems—like the Marché Couvert des Enfants Rouges—are now featured in every blog and YouTube video for Paris visitors. They’re still great, but no longer under the radar.
Noise and buzz
The noisiest and busiest parts of Le Marais are in the 4th, but the 3rd arrondissement shouldn’t be confused with a calm, quiet suburb. It’s a restless neighborhood with activity all round.
For many, this is a major benefit—you’ll always have parties and convivial apéros if you want them. But if you’re a very light sleeper, or can’t stand the ambient sounds of city life, consider settling somewhere else.
This can also make it a less than ideal location for families. That’s not to say that it’s a bad place to live—far from it. There are plenty of schools, parks, playgrounds, and after-school activities to enjoy. But if you prefer a quieter, more suburban life, you should really consider the Paris suburbs.
A little too expat friendly
This is a question of personal preference. If you’re coming to Paris to truly immerse yourself in French life, you may find the 3rd a bit challenging. It’s so diverse—and particularly friendly to English speakers—that you can easily stay within your comfort zone.
Of course, this is Paris. There are French people and French language all around. You might just have to discipline yourself if you really want to avoid switching to English all the time.
Come alive in the 3rd
Paris’ 3rd arrondissement is a rich hub of cultural, historic, and artistic diversity. But more than anything, it’s alive.
This small but endlessly interesting neighborhood has so much to offer if you’re willing to accept it. It can be noisy, busy, and a little hectic. But it’s never boring.
If that sounds appealing, check out furnished apartments available for rent in the 3rd arrondissement.
Add a comment