Brief reminder of Part 1 (without mistake ) : The Marais was once a flood zone in Paris. This marshland was entrusted to religious communities who drained it, thus allowing it to be cultivated. Then the construction of large private mansions was gradually abandoned by the Parisian elite. Later on, this area was taken over by workshops and lean-to buildings which damaged the architectural heritage. In 1960, André Malraux, Minister of Culture, launch a major renovation operation in the Marais. The ' charming ' buildings were rehabilitated with great care, recovering their original architecture and fittings. With the contemporay, the romanticism and the classicism, the Marais offers us a varied palette of styles. The Place des Vosges, a small square of grenery surrounded by brick buildings, is a masterpiece of balance and elegance. The Centre Georges Pompidou is recognisable by its monumental structure and the originality of its atypical architecture. All the supporting structure and the pipes are rejected towards the outside and are painted in bright colours where each colour has a precise meaning. This monumental audacity houses the largest French collection of modern and contemporary art. There are many treasure to be found in this district, which can be discovered on every street corner. In the heart of the Village Saint Paul-Le Marais, nearly 200 small antique and design shops make it an idael places to find unusual objects. Many private mansions have been convert into internationally renown museums. Rue des Rosiers, the epicentre of the Jewish communite, is also worth a visit for its atmosphere, shops and restaurants. With its popular atmosphere and authentic architecture, the Marais district occupy a central place in the capital. With its ' village ' character, the Marais is a must in Paris. |