Marais Dupuis

Lazy Sunday Morning....Paris

Waking up beneath crisp sheets, the only sound that penetrates your cozy apartment is the twittering of birds outside, or perhaps the distant, muffled sounds of your building coming to life; for street noise on the rue Dupuis is minimal to nonexistent. Yet today, the street is even quieter than usual. Realization dawns; it’s Sunday, and you’re in Paris!

Way back home, your Sunday morning spells long hours lounging in bed, hoping someone else will bring in the paper and let out the dog as you recover from the slog of another grueling work week

However, waking up on a quaint street in the Parisian Marais, you have a feeling that around the corner, the world eagerly awaits you. You feel the need to get out and ramble, if not shop, sightsee, or dine in any one of the countless nooks and crannies of the vast and ancient Marais district. Leave your lounging and go!

Within two blocks of your cozy haven on the Rue Dupuis lies the convivial Rue de Bretagne; centre of Sunday Marais life with a unique café culture, market activity and variety of brunch eateries. This is a place where history mingles with modern Parisian living. ‘Le Marche des Enfants Rouges’ (Market of the Red Children) located at 39 Rue de Bretagne is the oldest covered market in Paris. Built in 1615 under the reign of Louis XIII, the market takes its name from the red uniforms worn by the children in the neighboring orphanage. However, whereas in the 17th century, the market was more typical in its sale of fruits and vegetables, today the intimate setting and variety of stands selling freshly prepared hot and cold platters make it a romantic morning destination for couples and families alike. What better way to conclude the morning that with a warm plate of couscous, an Italian pizza or a chawarma from the Lebanese traiteur. Ummmmm…your tummy rumbles at the thought!

The Marais is one of the only ‘quartiers’ in Paris where many of the shops remain open on Sundays; whereas the Left Bank, for the most part, sleeps off it’s Saturday hangover, shopping is still a go-go in the historical Marais district. That said, the Marais is nonetheless renowned for its restaurants and night life; so Saturday may just turn into Sunday without much sleep in-between if you choose to burn the candle on both ends, as the French say.

Forget about the big fashion houses of Rue Montaigne or Saint-Honore, the winding streets of Le Marais are the place to go for stylish boutiques, vintage shops and independent stores featuring new designers with a creative edge.

On the museum front, the list is long with the Pompidou Center, the Musee Picasso Museum and the Carnavalet Museum featuring as firm favorites for most visitors. The Rue Vieille-du-Temple has also put its artistic foot forward on its northern side with a host of galleries specializing in design and contemporary art.

Farther south, the celebrated Jewish quarter on the Rue de Rosiers is literally a hive of activity with delicious smells filling the street from traditional Jewish restaurants and street eateries… the perfect stop-off point for an afternoon snack.

Come evening, tired after the days excursions, it’s time to return home and put your feet up in front of the television for an hour or two before going local for dinner. Now is a good time to sample those Lebanese dips bought from the market this morning served with freshly cut celery sticks or warm pita bread wedges.

Maybe on second thoughts you’ll skip dinner this evening, open a bottle of Bordeaux and enjoy the moment; just being here, at home, in Paris.

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"... this time, I was going until 1 A.M., loading up my car with the following: 2 very large rectangular mirror frames, a lovely porcelain corner sink with its original faucet, an oak cabinet door, a small cheese cabinet door with its wooden grill, more carved marble mantle pieces, a large cast iron skillet, and bits and pieces of carved wood: from molding to cornices."

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