The Marais has many large aristocratic houses, and today, their private grounds are open to the public, so there are exquisite gardens to enjoy very close to the apartment. Two of our favorites are just moments away:

Garden of the National Archives: The high walls of the National Archives have a secret. Behind them lies a haven of tranquility (above) re-envisioned by the famous Louis Benech, the French garden architect – who also re-designed the Tuileries and Elysée Palace Gardens. Classical French in parts, deliciously romantic but also in places fairly modern, it does feel as if it has been abandoned for centuries, a feeling helped by some very large trees that tower over everything and bring a welcome shade. It is a wonderful quiet place to enjoy a cool green moment. A secret 8000 square meters of green space in the heart of the Marais, and only a moment from the apartment.

Anne Frank: Secretly tucked away at the end of a little cobbled dead end (Impasse Berthaud) only two minutes away, this garden is a little hard to find, consequently the garden is usually very quiet. It is fairly large, 4000 square meters, with a very lovely, elegant curving Pergola walk. It has a cobbled entrance with flower beds, then a more formal garden and a really sunny lawn with benches that has a fabulous children's play area, and, at the back, a small vegetable garden. Just at the entrance, on the left, take time to notice a little horse-chestnut tree. It is propagated from the original chestnut tree she describes in her diary:

“ . . . from my favorite spot on the floor I look up at the blue sky and the bare chestnut tree, on whose branches little raindrops shine, appearing like silver, and at the seagulls and other birds as they glide on the wind. As long as this exists, I thought, and I may live to see it, this sunshine, the cloudless skies, while this lasts I cannot be unhappy.”

After enjoying the garden, visit the Musée de la Poupée (doll museum) just at the entrance. Or take a lunch at Le Hangar restaurant, right be the entrance, which is highly recommended.

It is impossible to show you everything about this amazing area of Paris, Le Marais. We have chosen a few of our favorite things that are close to our luxury rental apartment. If you are interested in shopping look here. For eating and drinking here. For museums and art here. For history of the area here. Other attractions you can stroll to from the flat, including Notra Dame:
Within 15 minutes walk