Paris Art Gallery tour guided by a curator - #3 Le Marais hidden gems

Discover the Parisian contemporary art world from the inside with a local curator, in small groups with Lyse de Quillacq, art curator and podcast host.
For this edition, we’ll explore contemporary art galleries around the Marais district where art is everywhere. Behind 17th-century facades, you’ll find a concentration of some of Paris’s most prestigious and experimental contemporary art galleries. The neighborhood buzzes with energy, showcasing everything from young emerging talents to internationally renowned artists.

👀 Description of the tour

The itinerary is always evolving and based on my personal favorites. I’ll take you to galleries and artworks that truly move me, based on what spark curiosity and emotion, not just following trends and reputations. I want to share what genuinely resonates with me as a curator and art lover.

This is a journey through today’s art. All works we’ll see are contemporary and created by living artists. We’ll mostly be looking at paintings, sculptures, and photographie, sometimes installations or mixed media pieces.

At each gallery we visit, I’ll offer insight and context to help you better understand the artworks and artists.
We’ll visit 3 to 5 galleries, depending on the size of the exhibitions.

✨ My approach

My approach is warm and conversational, never scripted, never intimidating. I want you to feel inspired by art, not overwhelmed by it.
I’ll guide you through each stop with thoughtful commentary to help you engage with the works : no jargon, just meaningful context.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply curious, this experience is open to everyone.

I believe that art is a powerful way to create human connections, so I encourage open dialogue, questions, and personal reactions throughout the tour.

👥 Who it’s for:

• For travelers seeking for more than just another museum visit.
• Curious minds, art lovers, creatives, and collectors.
• No prior art knowledge required, just curiosity and openness.
• Most people come solo. Don’t be shy, it’s a friendly setting.
  
  
  

✨ About Lyse de Quillacq, your guide

I'm Lyse de Quillacq, a Paris-based curator. I host the podcast Innover dans le Monde de l'Art, where I explore innovation in the contemporary art world through interviews with artists, gallerists, and cultural entrepreneurs. I'm also the co-organizer of Art Datings, events designed to offer exclusive meetings with artists and spark meaningful conversations around art.

I’ve just returned from a six-week trip to New York, where I explored the city’s vibrant gallery scene, so I’m especially excited to welcome international visitors and share what’s unique about Paris from a local’s perspective. I’m passionate about making art more accessible, and I love creating spaces where people can connect through what they see and feel.

Find my podcast (includes interviews in English)
About Art Datings
My Instagram account

📍 Practical details:

• Language: English
• Duration: Approx. 2 hours
• Group size: Small group (max 10 people)
• Meeting point: 70 rue des Gravilliers, 75003 Paris
• Included: Guided visit in 3 to 5 galleries
• Rain or shine
• Nearest metro stations: Arts et Métiers (Lines 3 & 11), Réaumur - Sébastopol (Lines 3 & 4). Buses and bike stations are also nearby.