Marais

/məˈreɪ/ noun

Definition

A historic district in Paris, France, known for its elegant mansions, art galleries, and Jewish heritage.

Etymology

From Old French 'mareis' meaning 'marsh' or 'swamp,' derived from Latin 'paludis.' The area was literally a marshland that was drained and developed into the residential district we know today.

Kelly Says

The Marais was literally marshland (marais means 'marsh' in French) that medieval Parisians drained and built on—now it's one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the world, which shows you how much human effort went into just making the land buildable.

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