Some of our favorite things to do revolve around cooking and eating! We love being just across the street from the twice-weekly Bastille farmers market, and within easy walking distance to two other historic markets on rue des Bretagnes and at Place d'Aligre. And we can never stay at our place and not stop for a meal at Chez Janou, a block away, making sure we save room for their incredible bowl of chocolate mousse! We also love that a short walk takes us to and across the Seine, to Notre Dame and the Left Bank, and never get tired of window shopping along rue des Francs Bourgeois' chic boutiques,or walking under Place des Vosges' magnificent arches. Since we bought the apartments, the 'upper' Marais has also evolved, and now has its own chic boutiques, restaurants, and bakeries. We are fortunate to be in the middle of all the best Paris has to offer, while retaining its neighborhood feel.
Our other favorite past time is exploring Paris' various neighborhoods or arrondisements. The fact that we're so close to the 2nd, 4th, 10th, 11th, and 12th facilitates our 'expeditions.' As in our home city, San Francisco, it is the neighborhoods away from the tourist areas that give one a great perspective on the city and its people---and, just like San Francisco, the best food at the best prices are found in the neighborhoods!