Parisian Pleasures Near the Picasso Museum in Le Marais

Make your Picasso Museum visit the start of a Marais adventure with these top things to do nearby.

Woman in Museum

So you’ve decided to visit the Picasso Museum—excellent choice! Nestled inside a grand old mansion in the heart of the Marais, this museum sets the stage for an art lover’s adventure. But here’s the good news: some of the city’s best spots are just steps away. The Marais buzzes with beautiful squares, inspiring galleries, and enough cafés to fuel your day’s exploring. From historic mansions to meltingly good pastries, vintage shops, secret gardens, and the city’s top falafel, there’s more to this neighborhood than meets the eye. Ready to fill your Paris itinerary with a blend of creativity, culture, and culinary treats? Let’s explore all the things to do near the Picasso Museum. 

Our favorite things to do near the Picasso Museum include:

  • Picasso Museum (of course!)
  • Place des Vosges 
  • Paris’ Hidden Gems in Le Marais – Walking Tour by Experience First 
  • Les Caves du Louvre 
  • Browse Le Marais Boutiques 
  • Rue des Rosiers Falafel Crawl 
  • Sainte-Chapelle 
  • Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise 
  • Carette for Sweet Treats 

Picasso Museum: A Masterpiece Inside and Out  

First things first—don’t rush your time at the very venue that drew you here. The Picasso Museum holds the world’s largest public collection of Picasso’s works, set inside the stunning Hôtel Salé, a 17th-century mansion with all the French trimmings. Inside, the galleries flow chronologically and thematically, showcasing not just the iconic cubist canvases, but also playful ceramics, intimate sketches, and even Picasso’s own collections of African and Iberian art. We love how each room tells a story, showing Picasso as both genius and rule-breaker. The museum’s leafy courtyard gives you a moment of calm before you step back into Parisian hustle. Bonus: check the temporary exhibitions—there’s always something fresh to discover, and the architecture alone will have you snapping more than a few photos. 

Place des Vosges: Paris’ Loveliest Square  

Wander a few minutes south and step into Place des Vosges, a leafy, symmetrical marvel left almost entirely untouched since the 1600s. Artists, celebrities, and families all spread picnic blankets here, ringed by red-brick arcades now hiding art galleries, chocolate shops, and chic cafés. Grab a takeaway croissant and crisp, hot coffee to enjoy on one of the benches as you people-watch under gently swaying lime trees. The square’s relaxing atmosphere is ideal for a post-museum break, or dive into local history at Victor Hugo’s house at number 6, where he drafted Les Misérables. Whether you’re in the mood to linger or just stroll, there’s a sense of effortless Parisian charm at every turn. 

Paris’ Hidden Gems in Le Marais – Walking Tour by Experience First

Courtyard in Le Marais

Why not let a local show you all the secret corners and stories of the Marais? Join Paris’ Hidden Gems Walking Tour for tales of medieval mansions, tucked-away courtyards, and the neighborhood’s roots as a Jewish, aristocratic, and now ultra-trendy enclave. 

Guides bring the area to life, revealing quirky legends, celebrity anecdotes, and insider foodie tips. We especially enjoy the balance between historic landmarks and modern favorites: think palatial courtyards one minute, edgy street art the next. You’ll leave with a camera roll full of hidden gems, plus plenty of ideas for your next Paris adventure. 

Les Caves du Louvre: Sip and Savor French Wine History  

If you fancy a detour into French wine culture, Les Caves du Louvre offers something special—a warren of 18th-century cellars transformed into a tasting wonderland. Originally built for King Louis XV’s sommelier, these vaulted passageways have been restored with interactive exhibits that reveal just how complex and fun wine appreciation can be. Guided tastings lead you through the aromas, colors, and stories behind classic French bottles. The space feels both grand and intimate—golden stone arches, candle-lit tasting tables, and knowledgeable hosts make for a memorable Parisian experience. Even wine newbies will be swirling and swooning by the end. 

Shopping Le Marais: Vintage, Local, and Luxe  

You could spend hours in Le Marais, flitting between independent boutiques, designer flagships, and one-of-a-kind vintage stores. The neighborhood’s cobblestone streets are a paradise for shoppers: Rue Vieille du Temple and Rue des Francs-Bourgeois burst with French fashion labels, funky accessories, and original jewelry. Drop into Kilo Shop for fun-by-the-kilo vintage, or Merci for the cult Parisian concept store experience—complete with a café beneath a glass roof and a tiny cinema. Each shop has its own character, from ultra-trendy to old-school romantic, making shopping here feel like a treasure hunt. 

Rue des Rosiers: The Best Falafel and Jewish Eats  

No visit to the Marais is complete without a bite on Rue des Rosiers. This historic street, buzzing with energy, is ground zero for Paris’s Jewish food scene. L’As du Fallafel serves up the city’s champion falafel pita—crispy, golden, and piled high with crunchy cabbage, silky hummus, and their famous harissa. Rival delis tempt with flaky bourekas, rugelach, and sweet challah. Take your bounty to go and snack as you explore, or settle under the street’s leafy awnings for a casual feast. For dessert, Sacha Finkelsztajn bakes a dazzling array of Eastern European pastries that have regulars lining up out the door. 

Sainte-Chapelle: Stained Glass Splendor

Sainte Chapelle Stained Glass Windows

Hop on a quick bus or take a pleasant 15-minute stroll to the postcard-perfect Sainte-Chapelle. This remarkable Gothic chapel is famous for its breathtaking 13th-century stained glass windows that soar from floor to ceiling, bathing the interior in shimmering reds, blues, and golds.  

Step inside and the atmosphere immediately feels calm and almost otherworldly. The hush of the space, combined with the kaleidoscope of color, makes it easy to pause and take everything in. In a city filled with extraordinary architecture and historic landmarks, Sainte-Chapelle still manages to feel uniquely magical—and it’s the kind of place many visitors find themselves thinking about long after they leave Paris. 

Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise: See the City in Style  

Looking for a different view? Make your way to the riverbanks and hop aboard a classic Bateaux Parisiens River Seine Cruise. Floating past Paris landmarks—including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Louvre—you’ll see the city’s skyline from a whole new angle. The Bateaux Parisiens boats feature comfy seating, multilingual audio guides, and, in some cases, a sparkling glass of wine or gourmet lunch. Whether in daylight or by moonlight, this gentle journey is as relaxing as it is photogenic. 

Carette: Pastries with Parisian Panache  

End your Marais adventure at Carette, perched on the edge of Place des Vosges. This chic tearoom is a feast for the eyes and tastebuds alike. Sink into a velvet banquette and order their signature hot chocolate (unabashedly thick, topped with whipped cream) and delicate pastries—éclairs filled with caramel, jewel-like fruit tarts, or the ultra-buttery chouquettes. The Art Deco interior, with marble tables and flower-filled vases, feels deliciously old-school in the best way. Watching the world go by from Carette’s terrace just might be your favorite Paris moment yet. 

 

And there you have it: the best ways to turn your Picasso Museum visit into a full-blown Marais adventure. Show up hungry for art, but save plenty of room for fresh discoveries and local flavors. 

Enjoyed this? Check out the Best Day Trips from Paris or Things to Do Near Sainte Chapelle 

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An Alternative Guide to Paris Museums

Paris is one of those amazing European cities just brimming with art, culture, and history. In fact, some of the most famous museums in the entire world are found right here in the City of Lights. We’ve all heard of the Louvre, Musée D’Orsay, Versailles, and so on. But what about those of you who’ve already hit up the biggies and are looking to explore some more distinctive or unusual Paris museums? If you’re looking for alternatives to the major label museums in Paris, have we got the handy little guide for you. Check out our guide to the quirky, unique, and unexpected museums in Paris. The alternative museums we highlight in this post include: Musée des Plans-Reliefs Musée de Cluny Museum of Arts & Crafts Museum of Decorative Arts Château de Rambouillet Sèvres, City of Ceramics Museum of Music Discovery Palace Picasso Museum Musée des Plans-Reliefs The Musée des Plans-Reliefs would be Toby Shandy’s delight. Housed in the Hôtel des Invalides, this collection features a massive assortment of “plans-reliefs,” or scaled-down models of cities and other geographic features for military purposes. They were originally used to strategize during battle—something of an early precursor to our digital renderings. The collection includes pieces from the late seventeenth through the early nineteenth centuries. Musée de Cluny Although it’s a museum that tends to escape people’s radar when visiting Paris, the Cluny Museum is actually among the most significant cultural institutions in the city. Found in the Latin Quarter, this museum features one of the best collections of medieval art and artifacts anywhere in the world. For example, you’ll find a number of famous tapestries, crowns, engravings, sculptures, and other evidence of medieval artistry and craftsmanship from France and beyond. Museum of Arts & Crafts The Musée des Arts et Métiers is something of a misleading name for this fine collection of scientific and industrial materials. Here you’ll find tens of thousands of drawings and objects—among which are some of the most famous technical objects in history, such as an original Foucault pendulum, the original model for what would become the Statue of Liberty, and the first mechanical calculator. Visitors can also explore historic cars, planes, and other artifacts from the history of transportation. Museum of Decorative Arts Housed in a portion of the Louvre Palace (but distinct from the Louvre itself), the Musée des Arts Décoratifs brings together compelling exhibits from the history of graphic arts, advertising, and fashion. The overall focus is on design and decorative arts, with objects like furniture, wallpaper, ceramics, glassware, children’s toys, carpets, and much more comprising its extensive collections. Visitors will also want to take time to explore themed period rooms that showcase different moments in the history of material goods. Château de Rambouillet Castle of Rambouillet is located a fair distance southwest of Paris, but it’s worth the extra effort to see this remarkable museum. Formerly the summer home of the Presidents of the French Republic, it’s now a historic monument preserving the long history of the castle. It was originally built in the fourteenth century but is most famous as the place that Louis XIV transformed into an idealized version of a country dairy to please his queen, Marie-Antoinette. There were further additions and modifications made by later rulers as well. Sèvres, City of Ceramics A small community in the southwest suburbs of Paris, Sèvres is known for its unparalleled production of exquisite porcelain. The largest porcelain manufactory in Europe is still located in this neighborhood, as the eponymous Sèvres – Cité de la Céramique museum. A visit here is an opportunity to learn about the historic porcelain production in France, as well as a chance to see their fine collection of Asian and European ceramics, including many pieces by modern and contemporary artists. Museum of Music Located within the renowned performance space Cité de la Musique, the Musée de la Musique boasts a unique collection of rare and unusual instruments. Visitors can peruse over 1,000 instruments and musical artifacts ranging from a tortoise guitar to a crystal flute. The collections span the period from the seventeenth century through the modern era including non-European instruments and music. The accompanying audio guide allows visitors to listen to recordings, and free daily concerts provide live musical inspiration. Discovery Palace The Palais de la Découverte is an exciting modern science museum located in the 8th arrondissement in Paris. Permanent exhibitions here include a focus on topics like mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology, geology, and astronomy. It’s particularly notable for its Zeiss planetarium. About a decade ago it merged with the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, sharing their collective dedication to spreading scientific knowledge and education with visitors of all ages. Picasso Museum An art gallery dedicated exclusively to the expansive productions of one of Europe’s most famous artists, the Musée Picasso is absolutely a must-visit for fans of the Spaniard’s life and works. You’ll find more than 5,000 works of art including paintings, notebooks, sculptures, ceramics, engravings, and drawings, as well as thousands of archival documents include Picasso’s personal correspondence, manuscripts, and photographs. This collection is located in the Marais district of Paris. Save on Admission to Paris Museums Visit these museums and plenty of other cultural institutions with the Go Paris pass. Pay only 95 Euro for the 48-hour Paris Museum Pass, which covers admission to more than 55 different museums and monuments in the broader Paris area. The Go Paris pass also includes admission to tours, cruises, and other fun attractions to help round out your weekend getaway. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we'll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, and events and inspiration for your chosen destination, too!
Katie Sagal
Parisians sitting at exterior cafe tables
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5 reasons to visit Paris in July

The mass exodus of Parisians keen to head south to the shores of the French Riviera begins in July, which seems a little like Monet putting down his paintbrushes in favor of some gardening. Why? Because July is one of the best times of year to visit Paris. Paris in July experiences wonderful summer temperatures of around 23°C, and also hosts some of France’s top annual events. Intrigued? You should be! Here’s 5 very good reasons to visit Paris in July. 1. Bastille Day celebrations Better known in Paris as Le Fête Nationale (National Celebration) and Le Quatorze Juillet (July 14) Bastille Day commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison. Taking place on July 14 1789, it kicked off the French Revolution. Little remains of the prison itself, except for a star-shaped outline on the sidewalks of Place de la Bastille. However, as France’s national day, it’s far from forgotten. The main event is a military parade – the largest in Europe. This makes its way along the Champs-Élysées from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde. Attended by the French President and notable guests – most famously US President Donald Trump – it ends with a magnificent fly past by the Patrouille de France aerobatics team. For more on them, head to the Museum of Air and Space. The attention then turns to the Eiffel Tower. Constructed to mark the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, the base of the Eiffel Tower is the location of a major concert. As darkness falls, the biggest fireworks display of the Paris year erupts around the tower. Whilst that’s enough for many, the celebrations continue all night long at the central fire stations of each of the 20 arrondissements (districts), which fling open their doors to the public. 2. Museums by night Part of the European Night of Museums extravaganza, Paris’s Nuit des Musées (Museums Night) sees many of the city’s much-loved collections offering free after hours opening. Guests can explore their treasures and take part in special events including workshops. Just some of those which take part are the Picasso Museum and the Museum of Arab History. But if you miss this one-night-only event there are several other options for exploring Paris’s landmark attractions after dark. Nights at Les Invalides combines an immersive sound and light show with the chance to explore Napoleon Bonaparte’s burial place on the banks of the Seine by candlelight. Alternatively, you could turn to the Palace of Versailles gardens on Saturday evenings throughout July. Specially lit for the occasion, music drifts around the groves and fountains before the sky erupts into a sea of fireworks. 3. Make the most of the good weather With glorious July sun and warm evenings pretty much on tap, there’s plenty of reason to linger in Paris’s public outdoor spaces. Take a Bateaux Parisiens Seine river cruise and you might be surprised to see beachgoers lining the river’s banks. Those unable to up sticks to the French Riviera for the summer season are at least able to sink their feet into the imported sand of the Paris Plages beaches. Of the many reasons there are for exploring the parks and gardens of Paris in July, one of the best has to be the Fête de Tuileries. Located just behind the Louvre, it takes the form of a traditional funfair, complete with wooden carousels, a ghost train and hall of mirrors. Meanwhile, Parc de la Villette hosts an open-air cinema for much of the summer. One best suited for night owls, screenings can only take place once it’s got dark enough, meaning the mix of classic and modern movies don’t get their curtain call until 10:00 – 10:30PM. 4. Join the festival crowds On the eastern side of the city, the Parc Floral within the Bois de Vincennes becomes the site of the two month long Paris Jazz Festival. The eclectic line-up includes many of the greatest names in jazz, which in the past has seen both Gregory Porter and Sandra Nkaké take to the stage. Crossing musical genres, Festival Fnac Live has a commanding position in the courtyard of the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) building. The free event lasts three nights and welcomes somewhere in the region of 100,000 revelers keen to see acts that have included Sting, Shaggy and Ed Sheeran. The lesser-known Canal de l’Ourcq around the Bassin de la Villette also comes into its own in July. As well as being a lovely place to soak up the sun with a canal-side stroll, it hosts a number of July events ranging from concerts to urban art trails suitable for all the family. 5. Bikes and shopping bags If one major July spectacle on the Champs-Élysées in July wasn’t enough in the form of the Bastille Day celebrations, then there’s the grand finale of the Tour de France to look forward to. The bike pack arrives in the capital after a route covering approximately 2200 miles. Ending with several laps of the Arc de Triomphe – and the impressive feat of cycling over cobbles whilst sipping from a Champagne flute – it’s a great way to get close to any cycling heroes. If it’s shopping bags rather than bikes that interest you, Paris in July is still the place to be. The time of the traditional summer sales, stores throughout the capital can offer significant discounts on ordinary retail prices, with the best deals generally appearing towards the end of the sales period. Should luggage space prevent you from making too many purchases, the stores of streets like Boulevard Haussmann are still well worth visiting. They include department stores Au Printemps and Galeries Lafayette, whose impressive art nouveau interiors have been drawing crowds for over 100 years. Saving on attraction admission in Paris in July With so much going on, you might think you’re going to need a significant win on the loto (the French lottery) to pay for it all. But even if lady luck isn’t standing by your side, it’s still possible to do all you want without worrying about the cost. Although Paris is considered an expensive city to both visit and live in, there are ways visitors to the French capital can ensure their money lasts. Explore Paris with Go City and you’ll get the benefit of reduced admission on many of the city’s top tourist attractions. What’s more, you can do this without needing to make any firm decisions about what you’d like to visit or when until you’re all set to immerse yourself in Paris in July.
Ian Packham
Mother and Daughter by Eiffel Tower
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Paris in Three Days: Culture, Croissants, and City Views

Visiting Paris for just three days? Here’s your foolproof, flavor-packed itinerary!

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