Hipsters and Hamburgers - Café Charlot

Just as I was writing about the Marais yesterday, I didn't mention the "Haut" Marais. it's the area that falls officially outside Ye Olde Marais but that in recent years has sneaked into the classification (much to the delight of those who have owned homes there since way back then). The last few years have seen an explosion in galleries, independent boutiques and the likelihood of being run down by skinny young graphic designers on scooters. For a slice of life, Melissa Unger has written a great piece for I V Y paris......

Last weekend, rushing from République, in an effort to get to the Marché des Enfants Rouges before the 15 euro orchid plants were sold out, I cut across the Carreau du Temple.

Because I am cheaper than day old bread, this type of bargain incites me to take perilous risks, like running in high heels and venturing down unknown streets. Despite nearly falling twice and being more focused on horticulture than culture 'tout court’, I still managed to notice that there were a whole slew of new art galleries and trendy shops on the criss-cross of streets just north of the rue de Bretagne (rue Charlot, rue de Saintonge, rue de Poitou and all around the Carreau itself.)

Read on.....

Through Bonapart’s sister site, I V Y Paris our clients interested in the Arts and entertainment stay informed of culturally enriching events taking place around the city.

Comments

[Sean]

Thanks for sharing your unique insight into Paris as it relates to the neighborhoods.

[susie hollands]

that's our job! we enjoy it very much.

[susie]

Gossip, apparently Cafe Charlot is owned by Freres Costes, like most of the other trendy bars in paris (Cafe Beaubourg, Hotel Costes,Cafe Marly) about 40 in total

[real estate paris]

really hope this place stays around. I haven't gotten to try it yet but I have heard nothing but great things. Especially since the two places before it closed (Schlotzkys and sandwich place),

[Thirza Vallois]

Actually, what you call the "haut" Marais is the REAL Marais. This is where it all began, at the times of the Knights Templar. The Square du Temple, the Marché du Temple (wrongly renamed of late 'Carreau' (The Carreau existed too, nearby, but on ON the site) were the extension of the famous Enclos du Temple. Extraordinary history, going all the way back to the Middle Ages, when the Templars drained this marshy territory, and up to the French Revolution, when the Royal family was imprisoned in its famous tower. This is part of the Marais, indeed! No less than the trendier southern part.
Thirza Vallois (author of Around and About Paris).