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The Haut Marais is buzzing. Roughly the area between the Musée National Picasso (which is closed for renovation until 2012) and the Place de la République, it’s a perfect place to explore for its galleries, cute one-off boutiques and plenty of funky cafés and restaurants for refueling. It’s off the well-trodden tourist path but in proximity to the city center. Especially travelers with trendy teens who are tired of monumental sight-seeing should not miss a walk through this lovely neighborhood which hopefully will resist the gentrification that has, sadly, befallen some streets of the Marais. Here’s what’s not to miss.

Tip: Many of the independent boutiques are closed on Sunday. It’s best to visit this area on Saturday or during the week.

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BEST SHOPS

• Desiree Jacqueline (jewelry)
• Ekjo (fashion/accessories)
• Le Grand Bonton (children’s store)
• Les Fées (home decor)
• Merci (concept store)
• Violette & Leonie (vintage)

BEST SHOPPING STREETS

Rue Vieille du Temple: Along the upper part of this street you will find such shops as Les Petites (no. 98), Vanessa Bruno (no. 100) and A.P.C. (no. 112). En route peek into Yvon Lambert gallery (no. 108) for the latest art show.

Rue de Saintonge: Don’t miss Isabel Marant (no. 47), Dolls (no. 56) and Tigersushi Furs (no. 27)

Rue Charlot: Don’t miss home décor boutique Les Fées.

Rue de Bretagne: Stop by the neighborhood’s classic Marché des Enfants Rouge, Paris’s oldest covered market.

Rue du Poitou: For feminie fashion, stop by Ekjo , conceived by a South Korean designer.

Rue Debelleyme: For a sweet break, stop by Rose Bakery .

BEST CAFES FOR A BREAK

• Rose Bakery
• Merce and the Muse
• La Petite Place
• Carette

BEST RESTAURANTS FOR LUNCH/DINNER

• Breizh Café
• Café des Musées
• Glou
• Chez Omar