The Marais

Top Reasons to Go

Centre Pompidou. The city's leading modern art museum is also a vast arts center presenting films, theater, and dance performances.

Place des Vosges. Paris's prettiest square surrounds a manicured park whose inviting patches of grass are—unusual for Paris—accessible to those needing a siesta.

Musée Picasso. This is a must-stop for fans of the master, but note that it's closed until spring 2012 for renovations.

Jewish history tour. The historic Jewish quarter has two world-class sites: Mémorial de la Shoah (the Holocaust Memorial) and the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire du Judaïsme, with fascinating artwork and cultural artifacts.

No reason at all. Lose yourself in this neighborhood. Explore the tiny streets near the Centre Pompidou, grab a falafel sandwich on the Rue des Rosiers, or people-watch in a café on the Rue Vieille du Temple.