Streets Overflowing With Art Galleries? Yes, Please!
There are a variety of streets in Le Marais that are jam-packed with art galleries. These are fabulous places to go, free of charge, to see many different kinds of art and explore the city. Time Out has an article listing specific galleries in each arrondissement. Instead of specific galleries, here's a list of different streets with the majority of stores on them being art galleries. While this is only some streets in Le Marais, it shows that you just need to know where to look. These four streets are all within walking distance of each other with convenient brasseries along the way, should the desire for an espresso present itself.
Image Credit: Melissa Morrow
Place des Vosges
The Place des Vosges is one of the more well-known gallery streets in Paris. It's surrounding the Square Louis XIII, and the entire square is either an art gallery or a café, with few exceptions. It's on the border of the 3rd and 4th arrondissement, and you can easily get there by metro stops Chemin Vert or Saint Paul. The galleries display countless styles of art — not just contemporary or classical.
Image Credit: Melissa Morrow
Rue Saint Claude
Walking north of Place des Vosges, you'll stumble upon Rue Saint Claude. Near metro stop Saint-Sébatsien - Froissart, this is the street that is currently hosting Charlotte Le Bon's exhibition, previously written about here. The majority of galleries on this street host contemporary art, but each exhibition is a different type of contemporary — from optical illusions to strange hanging Plexiglas sculptures.
Image Credit: Melissa Morrow
Rue Debelleyme
Northwest (and only about 2-3 blocks away) of Rue Saint Claude is Rue Debelleyme. This one is not only loaded with art galleries, but it also bears many fashion stores — from American Apparel to the slightly more ornate Études Studio. Many of these galleries have to be sought out in order to be discovered. They are often hidden behind big double doors that look like entrances to apartments. While they may be residential, the ground floor leads you into huge galleries reminiscent of some of the big, high ceiling ones in New York City.
Image Credit: Melissa Morrow
Rue Chapon
Farther northwest than Rue Debelleyme is another relatively famous street- Rue Chapon. It's about two blocks long, and you can get there from metro stops Rambuteau and Arts et Métiers. Similar to the style of Rue Debelleyme, most of the galleries are a little off the main street, leading the explorer down artsy alleyways to find gallery after gallery. While the main street gives off a seedy vibe with all of its overstock handbag stores, it's definitely worth it. One gallery actually shows its work underground, forcing the viewers to navigate down a tiny staircase into a cave-like room full of artwork. Conveniently enough, you can even end your adventure by following Rue Beaubourg right to the Centre Pompidou.
Image Credit: Melissa Morrow
