Stories
7th: Eiffel Tower, d'Orsay
Paris - 7th Arrondissement
The first destination stop for those heading to Paris for the first time will almost always be the Eiffel Tower in the 7th arrondissement. Seeing the majestic tower is almost surreal‑and certainly exciting. Go early in the day so you avoid long lines, or run up the 1,665 steps of the East pillar. Once you get up top, you'll have this gorgeous view of Paris—without the Eiffel Tower in it! BonjourParis suggests that it’s best to arrive first thing in the morning or in the evening after sunset to savor the views and beat the lines. The light show starts up after dark, every hour on the hour for five minutes and it is not to be missed.
Another first-visit must-do if you want a smaller museum than the Louvre, cross the Seine and visit the Musée d'Orsay; another very popular, well-visited museum in Paris.
The Musée du Quai Branly is absolutely different, beautiful and is also a must to visit. Les Invalides has the tomb of Napoléon III, and is as majestic as it is astounding. The exterior of Hôtel des Invalides especially when approaching it at sunrise or sunset from the Alexander III bridge is amazing. Perhaps the most underrated must-do on a first trip to Paris is a visit to the Musée Rodin. After marveling at the sculptures inside and out, plan to enjoy lunch in the garden with a cool bière pression, simply because it's a gorgeous place to be.
For shop-a-holics, nothing will beat Le Bon Marché and its glorious La Grande Epicierie de Paris
MUSEUMS & MONUMENTS
The 7th arrondissement is home to some of Paris’s best museums, including the Musée d’Orsay and Musée Rodin.
Musée d’Orsay
Located in the former Orsay railway station, the museum is the location of some of the most beautiful Impressionist paintings in the world. The transformation from railway station to Museum is awe inspiring, allowing the visitor to pass from gallery to gallery and rarely feel too hedged in by other groups. Find interesting displays of pre-Impressionist artists to understand why Impressionism was such a revolution and shock to the French art establishment.
Musée Rodin
This is one of Paris’s hidden beauties in terms of museums. A former chateau for French nobility, this is where Rodin lived and worked before he died. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens which display Rodin’s work. The Thinker, is in deep contemplation in the beautiful rose gardens, the Burgher’s of Calais almost come alive as they anguish over their terrible decision. The Kiss inside…and so much more. On sunny days you can picnic in the gardens, a real treat in the heart of Paris.
Musée National Eugène Delacroix
Set in a quiet cobbled courtyard, don’t miss this museum located in the last home and artist studio of this famous French Romantic painter.
Musée Maillol
The Musée Maillol is dedicated to the work of the sculptor Aristide Maillol (1861-1944). This is both a beautiful museum and building, especially when viewed at night.
Musée Quai Branly
The Musée du quai Branly is Paris’s Museum of Ethnic Arts and is the newest museum in Paris, designed by the architect Jean Nouvel. The architecture, colors and design of the garden are fascinating and beautiful. BonjourParis loves the feeling of rolling pampas grass hills, and especially the amazing plant wall which has over 100 species of plants growing on it. Constantly changing exhibitions and an excellent café make this award winning museum a must visit. There was a recent exhibition outside along the river of hundreds of photographs taken of people from all walks of life, especially remote locations throughout the world. It was fascinating! People and cars simply stopped to savor and enjoy.
Invalides, Musée de l'Armée & Tomb of Napoléon
This is one of the largest and most interesting military museums in the world. Located at the Invalides, this is where Napoléon is buried, under the golden dome. Even if you’re not into militaria, you’ll enjoy it.
American Library in Paris
The American Library in Paris is not a museum but a Paris institution among expats. Founded in the early 1900s the library offers a fascinating schedule of lectures by well-known authors, lectures and book signings. Or choose to simply relax in an armchair, read a book, catch up on the internet or scan today’s news. During the month of August the Library is open Tuesday - Saturday, 12h00 - 18h00. Please note that the Library is closed on Sunday and Monday.
École Militaire
The Royal Military Academy was founded in 1751 by Louis XV and its most famous student was Napoleon III. Beautiful French architecture; look closely at the iron gates to see striking ancient military helmets in black and gold. Look closely at the walls where you’ll find bullet holes dating from the Franco Prussian War of the 1800s. Early morning, you can jog behind the cadets out for their morning run.
More nearby sites to see within walking distance but not in the Paris 7th
Louvre Museum: just west of the Musée d’Orsay across and along the Seine—is the largest museum in the world and best enjoyed by choosing a special area to focus on then returning another time.
Musée de la Mode: located in a beautiful former mansion and a must for fashionistas. The Paris Asian Arts Museum, one of the most beautiful Asian collections in the world. Both are located in the 16th arrondissement, near the Trocadero, which itself houses the Marine Museum and the Museum of Mankind.
Grand Palais and Petit Palais Museums, with ongoing art exhibitions. At the Petit Palais, you’ll find a permanent exhibition of many French artists as well as the discover museum or Musée de la Decouverte. These are both located in the 8th arrondissement just across the Pont Alexandre III bridge. Be sure to walk back across the bridge at sunset to the most beautiful site of the sun setting behind the Eiffel Tower.
Open Air Markets: Gourmet Delights in the 7th Arrondissement
One of the advantages of the 7th arrondissement is the abundance of Paris open air markets, which allow you to shop for the freshest foods from the countryside every day of the week:
Rue Cler: The famous rue Cler is a market street with fixed shops rather than a temporary open air market. It’s the heart of the Village St. Dominique and a food destination for the whole neighborhood. Open daily, you’ll find excellent cheese shops, delicatessens, flower stalls, butchers, fish merchants, chocolate shops, wine shops and greengrocers here. Sundays are one of their busiest days as French families descend on to rue Cler to shop for the family lunch after mass nearby. Some stores are not open on Monday mornings. There are several popular apartments for rent on rue Cler, a real treat to be able to step outside and find buttery warm croissants just outside, hot out of the oven!
Saxe-Breteuil Open Air Market: Open Thu and Sat 7am-2:30pm. One of the most beautiful markets in Paris; includes many organic stands.
Grenelle Open Air Market: Open Wed and Sun 7am-2:30pm. This is one of the best values in Paris. Located under the métro arches, the produce, meats, breads, cheese are excellent and offer some of the best prices. You’ll also find good housewares (we always buy our sponges here) and of course a big Monoprix or French Target nearby.
Marché Ave President Wilson or Pont de l’Alma Open Air Market: Wed and Sat 7am-2:30pm. This is one of the largest open air markets in Paris and also one of the most beautiful. It wends its way up Ave President Wilson to the Trocadero and you’ll love joining Parisians who cross the river at Pont de l’Alma to shop here. We love to hear the exchanges between the merchants and Parisians, many of whom have known each other for decades: “Madame, I offer you the best poussin (young chicken) in Paris at a bargain price!”
Destinations in the 7th: Eiffel Tower, d'Orsay
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Ecole Militaire
(Royal Military Academy)
Founded in 1751 by King Louis XV, the Ecole Militaire has been the prime education for many of France’s finest cadets.
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Eiffel Tower: Tour Eiffel
(La Tour Eiffel)
Standing tall in the ritzy 7th arrondissement is France’s iconic beacon, the Eiffel Tower. Whether you’re interested in climbing up to the very top, viewing original parts of the tower, taking in some exciting temporary exhibits (such as ice skating on the first-floor rink), dining in an exclusive restaurant, or simply marveling at this emblematic landmark from the ground, there is plenty to do at, around, or under this 1,000-foot monument.
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Le Boulanger des Invalides Jocteur
Le Boulanger des Invalides Jocteur is an oasis of charm and coziness in the café-and-commerce-bereft neighborhood surrounding L’hôtel des Invalides. Perched on the corner of Avenue de Villars and Rue D’Estrée, a stone’s throw from La Pagode, Le Boulanger is not only a bakery but a restaurant and café as well, boasting a cluster of marble-topped tables and stools where customers can sip café au lait, gobble clafoutis or quiche and people watch to their hearts’ delight.
The atmosphere at the Le Boulanger manages to be both inviting, hip and romantic all at once: smiling, well-coiffed young serveurs greet customers while Jacques Brel and Carla Bruni waft through the airwaves along with the scent of fresh-baked bread. Those who can tear themselves away from ogling the people and the baked goods will admire the café’s traditional décor, from the polished brass and marble to the painted vault ceiling. Eat lunch en terrasse in fair weather (the menu is delicious and reasonably priced, although, like many a bakery, Le Boulanger tends to run low on some things on busy evenings) or retreat from the cold and sip tea at a table by the window. Pastries and ambiance – it’s enough to faire rêver even the most cynical Parisian.
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Musee Guimet
The Guimet Museum is the national museum of Asian art, home to the largest collection of items of its kind housed in four fantastic floors of historic artifacts. The collection was started by Emile Guimet who traveled to Egypt and Asia, amassing a remarkable collection of art pieces from the areas. The museum now includes items from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Korea, India, and Japan. The collection of stone statues of Buddhist figures on the ground floor is astonishing, and is telling of the other works to come as you visit each floor.
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Musee Maillol-Fondation Dina Vierny
Musée Maillol-Fondation Dina Vierny in the 7th arrondissement holds works by modern sculptor Aristide Maillol and the personal collection of Dina Vierny, an art collector who was also Maillol’s model-muse. Special exhibitions typically feature other 20th century modern artists, such as Joan Miró through end of July 2011.Dining on premises at La Cortigiana, café and salon de thé.
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Musee Valentin Hauy: Museum for the Blind
(Valentin Haüy Museum)
This private museum is committed to education of the blind. It was established in 1886 to honor Valentin Haüy (1745-1822), founder of the first school for the blind.
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Musee d'Orsay: Orsay Museum
Musée d’Orsay
Located in a former 1900s train station, on the Seine’s Left Bank, d’Orsay displays France’s national collection of paintings, sculptures, objets d’art and other works produced 1840-1914.
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Musee du Quai-Branly: Branly Museum
(Quai-Branly Museum)
Located at a curve in the scenic Seine, Musée du Quai-Branly is an easy walk from the Eiffel Tower. Built around its extensive collection of indigenous art and cultural relics from civilizations in Africa, Asia Oceania and the Americas, the museum also has an important research library.
Stories about 7th: Eiffel Tower, d'Orsay
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Eiffel Reflection
By Clay McLachlan
Last Updated ( Saturday, 16 July 2011 )
Photographers with trained eyes know how to employ tricks to catch the Paris shots our Francophile readers savor. Reflective puddles of water left after a good rain are dodged by walkers but sought by photographers. Clay McLachlan hit the trifecta after an April shower in Paris by catching a magical reflection we think you'll enjoy.
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Couldn't agree more!
On our first six visits to Paris, we discovered, fell in love with, and revisited the 6th. On our last visit, however, our hotel was in the 7th, bordering the 6th. When we started exploring the 7th, we found a new love. This is now the part of Paris we consider "home." We discovered the rue Cler Market, quite by accident, on one of our early visits and immediately made that "our" market, but visited it only once on previous trips. This time, we were there almost daily, we found our cafe, our bookstore, our candy shop -- in addition to the wonderful produce vendors. The 7th is kinder, less frenetic, than the 6th. We no longer need to see all of Paris -- we've done that. I would be content to go back to the 7th on all future trips -- and hope to do so. -
A Terrific Market Street
Rue Cler Market: Open weekdays, all day Saturday, Sunday mornings. Many of the stores are closed on Mondays.
The thriving markets, which Parisians flock to, have helped the 7th arrondissement maintain its village feel. Twenty years ago, the rue Cler was a nice little pedestrian street, great for our weekly shopping trip to a few favorite stores for meat, fish, greens, and cheese. Over the years, it has expanded and flourished! There are more food shops, specialty food stores and simple choices than any market street in Paris. There is a growing pedestrian area, crowded with locals from morning to night - especially popular on Sundays before the traditional family lunch. From a local neighborhood market street two decades ago, it has been transformed to a Paris-wide destination for food lovers.
