Curious

As an American and a Jew, I am curious about life these days in the Marais in Paris. This is a large Jewish area and I'm wondering how the recent bombings have affected this lovely area?<BR><BR>Haven't been to Paris in a year, but would love an update.<BR><BR>Thanks.

Eric

We went to the Marais on a Sunday & Monday just last week and had a great time. The streets were full of people eating and shopping.<BR><BR> If the bombings have affected anything I couldn't tell. I saw a few police with riot gear. The one thing I didn't like about the police was they always seem to be standing in groups. They should be out patroling the area more. Maybe they were, just my observation.<BR><BR>This is a wonderful area, If you know of a great hotel please pass along the info. <BR><BR>It felt more middle-class which fits my personality better. What is your opinion?

Howard

We were in the Marais for several hours each of the past two Sundays, and things were very normal. It was very crowded, and life seemed to being going on as normal (whatever "normal" is!). We expected to see a lot more armed police and the like. It wasn't so. As expected, the security was tight at the Jewish museum, but not to the point of be restrictive, except no cameras allowed inside....but that may be its policy all of the time (as it was in other places in Paris).

xxxx

it's a bit more Gay than Jewish - not that there's anything wrong with that (seinfeld reference)

Howard

Perhaps we were in different parts of the Marais, but I would not describe the area the same as the previous poster did! Yes, there are gays there, but it's hardly a totally gay enclave!

Resident of the 1st

Howard et al.--<BR><BR>I hope it does not come as a disappointment to you, but while the Marais is not, as you say, "a totally gay enclave!", it is widely known as the gay district of Paris. The outer parts of the Marais were historically largely Jewish (and some so remain to this day, including the area of the Jewish museum). However, the Marais is better known today is being a chic gay area. Trust me.

Howard

I'm well aware of the fact that the Marais is one of the major gay districts--if not THE major one--of Paris. My point is, however, to imply that Marais is only that is misleading and is a disservice to one of the most interesting areas of the city!

Mike Piazza

Any gay person knows that THE GAY place to be is the Marias. Gay people move into a less than desirable neighborhoods - renovate - open restaurants ( which invariably have good food because we're not easy to please ) and chic boutiques and then the straights follow. Get with the program Howard.

Rob

I don't think it's a "disservice" to claim an area is gay. Then again, I would say that -- being gay and all.

noProblema

Nothing has changed from a year ago, really. I just returned from a buying trip. I go about 3x a year. It seems like usual.

mimi taylor

yes, it has changed and more of a gay population, however , much more fun.

clairobscur

Though there's still a larger Jewish population in the marais and surrounding areas than in other part of Paris (though there's also a less known area in the north of Paris [in the 19° arrondissement] with a large Jewish population), only a tiny part of the Marais could be considered as a "Jewish district". It's the part just east of the gay district, where there's a concentration of kosher shops. <BR><BR>

Leah

We will be staying right off the Place du Voges - have any of the recent bombings occurred here?

HangLoose

To Leah: No trouble near Place du Vosges. Go and have a nice time.