3 Belgian addresses in the Marais

©Elisabeth chocolatier (l.) – ©Marie Martens (r.)

Whether they are Walloons or Flemish, the French adore the Belgians for their energy and their communicative good humor.

Here are some Belgian addresses firmly established in the Marais.

This multidisciplinary Belgian contemporary art and creation center, which has existed for 44 years, reopened in November 2023 after a year of renovation. Two entrances provide access.

Originally, it was installed in the marsh because of the proximity to Beaubourg and the interesting public that this original building could attract. Its programming covers more than 1000m2 and brings together an exhibition hall, an interior courtyard, a cinema room, a theater and a bookstore.

We see performances there, preview Belgian films, attend conferences and four major exhibitions per year. Don't miss the Nova Biennale, until April 27, 24, dedicated to the artistic, scientific and technological entanglement, in feminine and non-binary mode. It offers films, performances, live shows and DJ sets.

▼Center Wallonie-Bruxelles
127-129 Rue Saint-Martin, 75004 Paris
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 19 p.m.
Thursday 14 a.m. to 21 p.m.
Close on Sunday
Tel: +01 53 01 96 96 XNUMX

©Elisabeth chocolatier

It is a Brussels chocolate factory, which took up summer quarters in the marsh in 2019 on the site of a shirt store. All in length, the wood and marble sign seduces with its pleasant smell of candy.

The atmosphere of the Marais, both the imprint of local residents and that of tourists, pleased Madame Elisabeth. Without forgetting the presence of museums, cafes, restaurants. This artisanal chocolate factory opened in 2000 in Grand Place in Brussels. Since then, eight stores have opened in Belgium.

©Elisabeth chocolatier

From the start, the brand wanted to bring together candies, biscuits and chocolates of different signatures. Like in a cutting-edge concept store. For example, Frédéric Blondeen makes pralines and truffles. Hans has melocakes, these chocolate and marshmallow cookies.
Dirk takes care of the whiskey and rum pearls. In the marsh, the store brings together a loyal and diverse audience, despite the Covid years. The pralines, at 39 euros per box, are a huge success, as are the orangettes at 11 euros 50 per box. Projects ?

Elisabeth wants to work with Parisian hotels, an approach which is already bearing fruit in Belgium. And develop brand awareness. An address to remember for Easter with the Egg mania at 29 euros 80. Open every day.

▼ Elizabeth
22 Street Old Temple, 75004 Paris
Every day from 11h to 19h
Tel: +01 42 71 60 97 XNUMX

©Marie Martens

Since last September, Marie Martens has imposed its Instagrammable pink facade at 6 rue du Parc-Royal, following Valérie Salacroux, also a leather goods brand. Why the Marais? “Because of the heritage and the presence of numerous art galleries” says this Belgian designer. A palm tree in the heart of the store sets the prim tone.

It is this tangy and sunny appearance that appeals to Parisians and Americans passing through the Marais. Without forgetting French know-how and leather from Florence in Italy labeled LWG Gold. With eight months of presence in the Marais, Marie Martens, a Capricorn woman dressed all in pink, says it bluntly: “our it bag is the fanny pack brought up to date and available in feel good colors”.

©Marie Martens

Love at first sight for the large Neuf mille model in cream quilted leather with its neon pink zip, at 425 euros. And for the Hello Kitty collab which is also celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this year. A certitude ; we want to collect them, these multivitamin bags.

▼ Marie Martens
6 Rue du Parc Royal, 75003 Paris
From Tuesday to Saturday 11AM - 19PM
Sunday from 13 p.m. to 18 p.m.
Closed on Mondays
Tel: +01 45 31 70 79

Text: Valérie Rodrigue

20.03.24