Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
includes a magic show, and a combination ticket covering admission to the adjoining Musée
des Automates - a collection of antique wind-up toys - is also available (€12/9).
MUSEUM
MUSÉE D'ART ET D'HISTOIRE DU JUDAÏSME
11am-6pm Mon-
Fri, 10am-6pm Sun; Rambuteau)
To delve into the historic heart of the Marais' long-established Jewish community in Pletzl
(from the Yiddish for 'little square'), visit this fascinating museum inside Hôtel de St-Aig-
nan, dating from 1650. The museum traces the evolution of Jewish communities from the
Middle Ages to the present, with particular emphasis on French Jewish history. Highlights
include documents relating to the Dreyfus Affair; and works by Chagall, Modigliani and
Soutine. Creative workshops for children, adults and families complement excellent tempor-
ary exhibitions.
SYNAGOGUE
ART NOUVEAU SYNAGOGUE
The colourful Jewish quarter of Pletzl starts in rue des Rosiers and continues along rue Ste-
Croix de la Bretonnerie to rue du Temple. At its heart lies this art nouveau synagogue, de-
signed in 1913 by Hector Guimard, also responsible for the city's famous metro entrances.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
BELLEVILLE STREET ART
From Belleville metro station, walk east uphill along rue de Belleville and look for the
Belleville neighbourhood cafe where Edith Piaf used to sing. Turn right onto pedestri-
an rue D
, 200e, to be mesmerised by some of Paris' most dazzling street art.
Everything on the small pedestrian street, from litter bins and flower pots to lamp
posts and window shutters, is covered in colourful graffiti. Artists' workshops pepper
the street where local kids kick footballs around and street art 'happenings' break out
on sultry summer nights. Break for a drink at
Le Barbouquin
or lunch at
Felicity Le-
mon
.
ue Dénoyez, 2
