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Musee des Arts et Metiers
Museum of Science and Technology issSituated to the north of
the 3rd arrondissements, this museum contains machines and models
relating to great inventions from 1500. It has recently been completely
restored and the description besides each exhibit is now both
in French and English.
Rue Montorgueil
This is a trendy area with an eclectic mix of cafes, bars and food
stores set amid old, interesting streets and houses. Of particular
interest is the ‘L 'Escargot Montorgueil’ at #38 as it
is one of the most authentic examples of 1830's decor in Paris and
a well known restaurant specializing in snails. At #51 is ‘Strohers’,
founded in 1730 by the former pastry chef of Louis XV.
Place de la Republique
Place de la Republique is a large square at the meeting place
of three arrondissements, 3rd, 10th and 11th and several avenues.
Its central sculpture, Morice's 'La Republique' , glorifies France's
many revolutionary struggles; rather ironically the square was
vastly enlarged in the mid-19th century by Haussmann to minimize
revolutionary activity in this part of the city.
The Temple Quarter
North-east towards Place de la Republic and including the whole of
the Marais, was once a state within a state owned by the powerful
Order of Knights Templar, founded in the Holy Land to protect pilgrims.
By the 13th century it had its own international banking system and
had become independent of the crown. They became too powerful and
in 1307 Philip the Fair had the Knights arrested and the order dissolved.
In the area, at #51 rue de Montmorency, is the oldest house (1407)
in Paris.
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