7th Arr
Paris - 7th Arrondissement
First destination stop for those heading to Paris will almost always be the Eiffel Tower in the 7th arrondissement. Seeing the majestic tower is almost surreal -- and certainly exciting. Go early so you avoid long lines, or run up the 1,665 steps of the East pillar. Find more interesting facts about the Eiffel Tower here. The views from the upper floors are spectacular and since Alain Ducasse took over the management of the restaurant at the top, you’ll enjoy excellent food. And once you get up top, you'll have this gorgeous view of Paris -- without the Eiffel Tower in it! You have to go. 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 not to be missed. For more information about the Eiffel Tower: www.tour-eiffel.fr.
Closest Metro Stops to the Eiffel Tower: A head's up... the closest metro to the Eiffel Tower is either Ecole Militaire which is near the beautiful Ecole Militaire building, on the left. Or Pont de l’Alma metro, across the river and slightly east.
Other things to do in the 7th arrondissement: Another first-visit must-do if you want a smaller musuem than the Louvre: the Musée d'Orsay is the second most visited museum in Paris. The Musee’ du Quai Branly is absolutely different, beautiful and a must to visit. Les Invalides has Napoleon's Tomb inside, and is as majestic as it is astounding. The outside of Hôtel des Invalides -- especially approaching it at sunrise or sunset from Pont Alexander III, 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 a lunch in the garden, simply because it's a gorgeous place to be. For shopping, nothing will beat Le Bon Marché and it's glorious la Grande Epicierie de Paris.
Museums
The 7th arrondissement is home to some of Paris’ best museums, including the Musée d’Orsay and Rodin Museum. Find more information about Paris Museums to visit in the 7th here.
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.
This is one of Paris’ 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 (b.1861 – d.1944). A beautiful museum and building, especially when viewed at night.
The Musée du quai Branly is Paris’ 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. We love 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.
Musée de l'Armée and Tomb of Napoelon
This is one of the largest and most interesting military museums in the World. Located at the Invalides, this is where Napoloen is buried, under the golden dome. Even if you’re not into militaria, you’ll enjoy it.
Not a museum but a Paris institution among expats. Founded in the early 1900’s the Library offers a fascinating schedule of lectures by well-known authors, lectures and book-signings. Or simply relax in an armchair, read a book, catch up on the internet or scan today’s news.
Ecole Militaire
The Royal Military Academy was founded in 1751 by Louis XV and its most famous student was Napoleon. 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 1800’s. Early morning, you can jog behind the cadets out for their morning run.
Nearby Museums and Monuments in Paris
Not located in the 7th, but an easy walk from most locations here:
The Louvres Museum, just west of the Musee’ d’Orsay along the Seine. The largest museum in the World and best enjoyed by choosing a special area to focus on then returning another time.
The Musee de la Mode is 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 16tharrondissement, near the Trocadero, which itself houses the Marine Museum and the Museum of Mankind. If you’re into fashion, there are some excellent articles about designer discount shopping in Paris here.
The 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 Musee de la Deouverte. These are both located in the 8th arrondissement just across the Pont Alexandre III bridge. Come home 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:
Find out more Information and tips on Open Air Markets in Paris, opening hours etc.
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!
Shopping on rue Cler:
Find more information and walking tour of rue Cler here.
Saxe-Breteuil OpenAir Market: Open on Thursdays and Saturdays from 7 am to 2:30 pm. One of the most beautiful markets in Paris; includes many organic stands.
The Grenelle Open Air Market: Open on Wednesdays and Sundays til 2:30 pm, this is one of the best values in Paris. Located under the metro 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.
Marche Ave President Wilson or Pont de l’Alma Open Air Market: Wednesdays and Saturdays until 2:30. 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 (chicken) in Paris at a bargain price!”
Favorite Paris Restaurants in the 7th
The 7th has experienced a proliferation of new and excellent restaurants in the past few years, including four by the famous ‘Top Chef’, Christian Constant. The Costes brothers and former chef at the Crillon have transformed Thoumieux to a high scale brasserie that Parisians flock to last year. In addition, there are dozens of excellent restaurants and brasseries throughout the quartier.
We thank Madelyn at Paris Perfect Vacation Rentals in Paris for her contribution. Offering beautiful apartments in the heart of Paris, their luxury Paris rentals offer air conditioning and friendly service with offices open 7 days per week nearby. Many of their Paris apartments have balconies and unforgettable Eiffel Tower views.
Destinations in the 7th Arr
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7th Arrondissement Monuments
Each Quarter of Paris has its own personality and charm but there's something luxurious about this area. It’s chic, historical and architecturally splendid. How can you miss, with Les Invalides, Napoleon's Tomb, the Musée de l’Armée or the great art museums like the Rodin and the d’Orsay? How can you beat the walk along the Champs de Mars in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. It takes only a few minutes to see why the wealthy residents of the Marais moved here in the 18th century. History buffs and people who want to study architecture will enjoy the seventh arrondissement. Aside from the great gardens leading up to the Eiffel Tower, the Ecole Militaire and Les Invalides, there are quiet streets, museums and the French National Assembly. -
Glasses, Glorious Glasses
I finally found them and had given up the hunt. If you’re wondering to what I’m referring, you’ll be surprised. I was walking up the Rue du Bac in Paris’s seventh arrondissement and found glasses. Not the type you drink out of – rather ones you use to see out of.
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Musée 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. -
Musée Maillol-Fondation Dina Vierny
I had to visit the Maillol Museum after seeing its poster in the metro—the striking picture of a lady with small off-centered pupils was the representative piece for the China Gold exhibition. The museum houses contemporary and modern art and sculpture. The exhibition showcases works from thirty-five Chinese artists chosen by curator Alona Kagan who address the paradoxes of Chinese society, often the struggle between tradition and modernity through video, sculptures, paintings, and installations. The exhibition runs until October 13, 2008. The museum also has impressive collections of Matisse and Maillol works, which are on permanent display. -
The Eiffel Tower
The number one tourist destination in France is, of course, the Eiffel Tower, which is snuggled up on the left bank of the Seine in Paris’ chichi 7th arrondissement. 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 or diving with Dolphins), 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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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.
