Is the 3rd Arrondissement in Paris Good for Americans?

The 3rd arrondissement ranked 23rd on Time Out's list of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world recently. It's the only Parisian district to earn this recognition. People call this compact area the Haut-Marais. With a land area of just 1.2 km², this compact area houses some of Paris’s most remarkable treasures. This vibrant part of Paris is especially popular with US travelers and American visitors planning their first trip to the City of Light Nicolas Flamel's house from 1407 stands here and is considered the oldest surviving private house in the capital. You'll also find the Marché des Enfants-Rouges, the city's oldest food market.

This piece will show you exactly where the 3rd arrondissement sits within Paris, on the Right Bank's central location. We'll explore its main streets and address safety concerns for visitors. I'll highlight the best restaurant locations and compare the 3rd and 4th arrondissement to help you plan your visit.

TL;DR - Key Points about Paris's 3rd Arrondissement

• Location & Size: The 3rd arrondissement is located on the Right Bank of the Seine in central Paris. It's one of the smallest districts, covering just 1.2 km²
• Known as Haut-Marais: Part of the trendy Haut-Marais area, alongside the 4th arrondissement
• Historic Significance: Home to Nicolas Flamel’s house (1407) and the Marché des Enfants-Rouges, Paris’s oldest food market
• Safety: Ranked as one of the safest districts in Paris, though visitors should be mindful of pickpockets
• Key Streets: Includes Rue de Bretagne (oldest market), Rue des Archives (National Archives), Rue de Turenne (gallery district), and Boulevard Beaumarchais (eastern boundary), highly regarded by Americans and US travelers looking for Paris’s authentic neighborhoods
• Attractions: Picasso Museum, Hôtel de Soubise, and art galleries
• Vibe: Quieter and more residential compared to the tourist-heavy 4th arrondissement, with a blend of historic charm and modern culture
• Dining: Diverse restaurant scene, including bistros, crepe cafes, and trendy bars like Le Marie Celeste
• Accommodation: Boutique hotels and authentic apartment rentals available, though prices are higher than in outer districts
• Recognition: Recently ranked 23rd on Time Out's list of the coolest neighborhoods in the world

Understanding the 3rd Arrondissement's Position in Paris

Central Paris Location on the Right Bank

The 3rd arrondissement sits on the Right Bank of the Seine River and occupies a central position within what locals think about as the heart of Paris. This district holds the difference of being the smallest in area after the 2nd arrondissement. It covers approximately 1.17 square kilometres. You'll find it positioned north of the Seine and forming part of the northeastern quadrant of the city's historic core. Many American tourists prefer staying in the 3rd arrondissement because it’s quieter than the 4th but still centrally located for exploring Paris.

Locals refer to this area by several names: Temple, Arts et Métiers, or le Marais. The Temple nickname connects to the district's mediaeval origins. The configuration has survived Haussmann's 19th-century renovation of Paris and preserves characteristics of old Paris.

Relationship to the 4th Arrondissement

The Marais neighbourhood spans both the 3rd and 4th arrondissements. This creates confusion for visitors trying to direct themselves through Paris using the arrondissement system alone. To cite an instance, you might assume a restaurant listed in the Marais must be in the 4th arrondissement. But attractions like the Picasso Museum and the Temple square sit within the 3rd.



The 3rd tends to be quieter and more residential compared to the 4th, which buzzes with liveliness and houses landmarks like Hôtel de Ville and Centre Pompidou. Most of the Marais district falls within the 4th arrondissement, which borders the 3rd on its southern edge. The 3rd represents the Haut-Marais (Upper Marais), and the 4th contains the more tourist-oriented section.

Historic Boundaries and Modern Layout

The administrative boundaries of the 3rd have remained fixed since the 1860 reorganisation of Paris under the law of 16th June 1859. The district adjoins the 2nd arrondissement to the west and the 4th to the south across rue de Rivoli and rue Saint-Antoine. The 11th sits to the east along boulevard du Temple and rue du Faubourg du Temple. The 10th borders to the north along the canal Saint-Martin. On the eastern edge, you'll find boulevards Beaumarchais, des Filles du Calvaire, and du Temple. Boulevard St. Martin marks the northern boundary.

The arrondissement divides into four official quartiers: Arts-et-Métiers, Enfants-Rouges, Sainte-Avoye, and Archives. These subdivisions serve administrative and statistical purposes under the authority of Paris City Hall.

Main Streets and Areas That Define the 3rd Arrondissement

Several main streets carve through the Paris 3rd arrondissement. Each contributes distinct character to this compact district. These thoroughfares serve as the arteries of daily life and are lined with markets, galleries and historic mansions.

Rue de Bretagne

Rue de Bretagne runs north-south from Rue Pastourelle to Boulevard Beaumarchais. The Marché des Enfants Rouges anchors it - Paris's oldest covered market from 1615. The market operates Tuesday through Sunday and offers Italian, Lebanese, Japanese and Moroccan cuisine alongside traditional French produce stalls. Buildings from the 19th century line the street. Surprise alleys interrupt them and reveal the neighbourhood's layered history. Americans love this place for its historic streets, lively food market, and the authentic Parisian atmosphere that’s perfect for US travelers.

Rue des Archives

Rue des Archives houses some of the arrondissement's most important historic buildings. The Hôtel de Soubise and Hôtel de Rohan both serve as National Archives facilities. The mediaeval-looking Porte de Clisson marks the entrance on rue des Archives. Sevenly Heart sits just across from Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature - a local café that opened in 2023 and serves lattés in a cosy atmosphere.

Boulevard Beaumarchais

Boulevard Beaumarchais forms the eastern boundary of the 3rd arrondissement and separates it from the 11th district. The boulevard stretches from Place des Vosges northward and defines where the Haut-Marais ends and another neighbourhood begins.

Rue de Turenne and Gallery District

Rue de Turenne cuts east-west across the arrondissement's heart and connects Place des Vosges to Boulevard du Temple. The street was named after Marshal Turenne, one of France's celebrated military commanders. High-end wedding ateliers, design showrooms and discreet wine bars line it. Le Mary Celeste at No. 1 draws crowds for oysters and inventive cocktails.



Walk rue de Turenne on Thursday evenings to encounter vernissages (gallery openings) around every corner. The street ranks as Paris's second-best location for remarkable doorways and follows only rue de Varenne.

Temple Area

Locals refer to the 3rd arrondissement as Temple. The name comes from the mediaeval fortress built by the Knights Templar that once occupied this area. Square du Temple at 64 Rue de Bretagne provides a picturesque spot for takeaway lunches. The City Hall of the 3rd arrondissement surrounds it.

Is the 3rd Arrondissement in Paris Safe and Practical Information

Safety concerns often top the list when you plan a Paris visit, but I can confirm the 3rd arrondissement ranks among the safest districts in the city. The area maintains a residential character with enough foot traffic that you feel secure without the overwhelming tourist crowds found elsewhere.

Safety Overview for Visitors

The 3rd is safe, with people out at all hours creating a comfortable atmosphere that never feels overly crowded. Standard precautions apply, especially when it comes to pickpockets in more congested zones. Keep a tight grip on your bag and store valuables, especially near the larger boulevards on the north and east side that border République and Strasbourg Saint-Denis.



Metro alertness becomes important. I never take my phone out on the metro unless the doors are closed and maintain a tight grip just in case. Near Boulevard Beaumarchais, walking home past midnight with friends has felt safe. The lively streets and active nightlife mean people remain around even late at night, though you should take standard precautions for any urban area after dark.

Best Restaurants 3rd Arrondissement Paris Locations

The dining scene here offers everything from traditional bistros to specialty coffee shops:

• Les Enfants Rouge: Traditional French bistro that transforms into a trendy bar by night
• Breizh Cafe: Minimalist decor with mouth-watering crepes
• Jacques Genin: Home to what might be the most amazing lemon tart you'll ever try
• Café Charlot and Le Petit Marché: Local favourites to dine casually
• Le Marie Celeste: Excellent cocktails, oysters and tapas-style plates



Many American visitors rate these restaurants highly, with US travelers especially enjoying local favorites like Breizh Cafe and Le Marie Celeste.

Where to Stay in the Area

Hotel Sookie on rue Commines offers 31 rooms in a chic boutique setting. You'll find it just off rue de Turenne near the line 8 metro stop Saint-Sebastien Froissart. La Chambre du Marais sits on rue des Archives in a fabulous location and offers room sizes from their Cosy double to their Parisienne suite. Pavillon de la Reine on Place des Vosges marries royal luxury with the Marais's nonchalant attitude.

Those seeking apartment rentals should consider rue des Gravilliers that provides an authentic local feel, whilst rue Roger Verlomme offers proximity to renowned restaurants. We have the perfect apartment in the 3rd arrondissement, book with us Paris Vacation Rantals. Budget therefore, as prices run about 10% higher than outer districts.

Comparing 3rd vs 4th Arrondissement

Geographic Differences

Le Marais neighbourhood spans both the 3rd and 4th arrondissements. This creates a common misconception that these districts are similar. The Marais doesn't cover all of either arrondissement. Many visitors assume all of the Marais sits within the 4th. Much of it stretches into the 3rd. Le Marais is surrounded by the 2nd, 10th, and 11th arrondissements. Both districts meet in a central pocket.

Atmosphere and Character Variations

The 3rd represents what locals call the "New Marais". Ancient buildings meet modern culture here. Cobbled trendy streets hide secrets at every turn. Interesting museums appear on every corner and some of the best restaurants in town. The 4th holds the title of "Old Marais". Every street holds ancient secrets or new shops worth learning about. The 4th houses the Jewish district close to the city's gay district. Relics from the Philippe Auguste Wall and the beautiful island in Europe, the Île Saint-Louis, are found here.

Which Areas Overlap Between Both

Preference between the two depends on exact location. We have the perfect apartment in the 3rd arrondissement. Book with us Paris Vacation Rantals.

Key Takeaways

The 3rd arrondissement offers a perfect blend of historic charm and modern culture, making it an ideal base for exploring central Paris.

• The 3rd arrondissement sits on Paris's Right Bank, forming part of the trendy Haut-Marais district alongside the 4th arrondissement
• Key streets include Rue de Bretagne (home to Paris's oldest market), Rue des Archives (National Archives location), and Rue de Turenne (gallery district)
• The area ranks among Paris's safest districts with excellent dining options, from traditional bistros to speciality coffee shops
• Unlike the tourist-heavy 4th arrondissement, the 3rd offers a quieter, more residential atmosphere whilst maintaining easy access to major attractions
• At just 1.2 km², it's Paris's second-smallest arrondissement but houses remarkable treasures including Nicolas Flamel's 1407 house and the Marché des Enfants-Rouges

The 3rd arrondissement recently earned recognition as the 23rd coolest neighbourhood globally by Time Out, making it the only Parisian district to achieve this honour - a testament to its unique character and appeal.

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