Once an area of marshland as its name suggests (marais means swamp), the Marais grew steadily in importance from the 14th century, by the proximity to the Louvre, the preferred residence of Charles V. Ist heyday was in the 17th century, when it became the fashionable area for the monied classes.
Thez built many grand and sumptuous mansions that still dot the Marais today. Many of these private mansions have recently been restored and turned into museums. Once again fashionable with monied classes, designer boutiques, trendy restaurants, and cafés now line the streets.
