Last Updated on 23rd April 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
Chic and classic, if you’re looking to discover the best of historical Paris (with its Haussmannian architecture and wide open boulevards), then you’ll be well-served by heading to the 7th arrondissement. Here’s your guide to the best things to do in the 7th arrondissement, as well as what to know before visiting!
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Where is the 7th arrondissement?
The 7th arrondissement is located to the South of the River Seine, which is known as the ‘Rive Gauche’ (left bank in English). The arrondissement is bordered by the 6th arrondissement (Saint Germain des Pres) to the East, by the 15th arrondissement to the South and West.
As with every district in Paris, the 7th arrondissement is broken up into further sub-districts; Gros-Caillou, Invalides, École-Militaire, and Saint Thomas d’Aquin. The area is considered to be one of the most expensive places for real estate in the city and measures 4.09 km2.
Best things to do in the 7th arrondissement
The Eiffel Tower
Of course, the most famous monument in all of France, let alone Paris or the 7th arrondissement is the Eiffel Tower. What was meant to be a temporary structure erected for the World’s Fair in the latter half of the 19th-century has since become a staple of the Parisian skyline.
Towering high and mighty above the rest of Paris, the Eiffel Tower was once the highest building in the world. Since then, it has been used as the largest advertisement in the world, it has been used as a secret transmission centre and has been involved in a fair few scandals. Purchase your Eiffel Tower: Direct Access with Host to Summit by Elevator – Non-Refundable ticket here in advance.
Musée Rodin
Situated in the 7th arrondissement of the city, the Rodin Museum is an 18th-century house museum where the artist once lived and worked. Featured in the film ‘Midnight in Paris,’ it’s easily one of the top cultural institutions in the City of Light.
Today, the former home is known as ‘Musée Rodin’ in French and boasts plenty of Rodin works, as well as a delightful little garden out the back which boasts Eiffel Tower views. During certain evenings of the summer months, you can even have picnics in the garden. Purchase your Musée Rodin ticket here.
Invalides (École Militaire and Hôtel des Invalides)
Even from a distance, it is hard to miss the golden domed roof of Napoleon’s Tomb glinting under the Parisian sunlight. Commonly known as Hôtel National des Invalides, the complex of buildings are known as Les Invalides for short.
The complex contains 15 courtyards, a church, and various other architectural triumphs. This area is also home to the Musée de l’Armée. Purchase your Les Invalides: Napoleon’s Tomb & Army Museum Priority Entry ticket here in advance.
Champ de Mars
Lying in the shadow of the illustrious Eiffel Tower, the Champ de Mars is a vast green space that is popular for picnics in the summer months and is often used for events and pop-ups the rest of the year.
In the spring, the Parisian park is one of the best places to enjoy magnolias and cherry blossoms. In a tribute to the Roman God of War, Mars, the green space is named ‘Mars Field’ after a field in Rome. The Champ de Mars’ strategic position close to the Military School meant that the area was once used as drilling and marching grounds for the nearby learning institution.
Musée d’Orsay
A personal favourite of mine has to be Musée d’Orsay! Home to some of the most famous art pieces in the world, such as Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Manet’s Le Déjeuner sur l’Herbe and many more, this is truly a haven for all things impressionism.
Housed within the former Gare d’Orsay, this Beaux-Arts railway station was constructed in the 19th-century. However, by 1939 the station fell out of use as the platforms were too short for the newer model of trains used in France. The Musée d’Orsay was finally opened to the public as a museum in 1986.
Situated on the top floor you’ll find the iconic clock of Musée d’Orsay, which is easily one of the most photographed places to visit in Paris. From here you’ll also be greeted with stunning views overlooking Paris, including the Eiffel Tower in the distance.
Despite being much smaller in size than the Louvre museum, Musée d’Orsay is still almost twice as long and wide as an American football field…so as you can imagine there’s a lot to see. Be prepared and read out guide on things to know before visiting Musée d’Orsay.
Important to note: The museum is closed on Monday’s. If you wish to visit its neighbouring museum, Musée de l’Orangerie (which I highly recommend) then you can purchase a combined ticket.
Pont Alexandre III
Often said to be the most beautiful bridge in the world (after all, it is constructed in the Parisian Belle Époque style), one of the best bridges to visit in Paris is Pont Alexandre III, which spans the River Seine between the 8th and 7th arrondissements.
Classified as a National Historic monument since 1975, Pont Alexandre iii was constructed between 1896 and 1900 in the Beaux-Arts style. Offering a view onto the Eiffel Tower, today the bridge is a popular place for engagement shoots and wedding photography on account of its ornate design.
Musée des Égouts de Paris (Paris Sewer Museum)
The Paris Sewer Museum (known as Musée des Égouts in French) may well be the strangest museum in Paris. Venture down deep into Paris’ underbelly and you can learn all about the history of wasteworks in the city, as well as see some of them in action for yourself!
Sainte-Clotilde Basilica
Located on Rue Las Cases, one of the most beautiful churches in Paris is that of Sainte-Clotilde Basilica. Built in the French Gothic style, the ecclesiastical building is particularly known for its twin spires.
Art Nouveau architecture
One of the key locations to enjoy the best of Art Nouveau architecture in Paris is in the seventh arrondissement, where you’ll find an array of buildings boasting beautiful late 19th and early 20th century architectural features. I particularly recommend heading to Avenue Rapp.
Fontaine de Mars
Located in the 7th arrondissement on the left-bank (Rive Gauche) of the River Seine, the Fontaine de Mars is a free-standing fountain that was created in the early 1800s in the neo-Classical style. Sometimes this Parisian fountain is also referred to as fontaine du Gros-Caillou.
Take a dinner River Cruise
Imagine yourself and your partner enjoying the glittering lights of the Eiffel Tower and toasting your glasses while enjoy the best of Paris. Well, one of the most romantic experiences to be had in Paris is that of a dinner cruise. Booking this tour will surely ensure that you cruise the Seine River in style!
Depending on which dinner sitting you choose, your tour ticket includes a three-course dinner (with an extra appetiser for the later sitting), coffee, and live music. Vegetarian options are also available. Extra drinks can be purchased for an extra fee. Check prices and availability here.
Have a drink at Rosa Bonheur sur Seine
One of the greatest joys of a sunset in the 7th arrondissement is heading to the ‘peniche’ (floating barge) that’s known as Rosa Bonheur sur Seine. Located a stone’s throw away from Pont Alexandre III, this boat bar serves up cocktails, pints of beer, and even pizza. No reservations are available but the place gets pretty busy pretty quickly so be sure to go at the opening time if possible.
Shopping in the 7th arrondissement
If there’s one thing that the 7e district of Paris is known for, it’s shopping opportunities. From open air markets where you can purchase fresh French produce to independent boutiques and even a luxury department store, there’s plenty of places to go shopping in the 7th arrondissement.
Le Bon Marché
The oldest department store in Paris is Le Bon Marché, which is also the only grand department store that’s situated to the South of the River. The department store was founded by a husband wife duo Aristide and Marguerite Boucicaut in 1838.
Set across multiple levels, the department store is divided into various sections; accessories, shoes, women’s wear, and even a bookshop selling all kinds of wares. The entire layout of Le Bon Marché is open-plan and surrounds a geometric dazzling staircase.
Grande Epicerie du Bon Marché
Just across the street from the Bon Marché department store, visitors will stumble upon the Grande Epicerie. As its name would suggest, this luxury food court is of huge proportions and is the perfect place to pick up some local French produce.
Rue Cler
One of the chicest places to go shopping in the 7th arrondissement is rue Cler, which is one of the top market streets in Paris. All along the semi-pedestrianised street, visitors will find vendors selling everything from freshly cut flowers to traditional French cheeses.
Rue Saint-Dominique
For that ‘romantic Parisian view,’ there is perhaps no other location in the city quite as iconic as that from along rue Saint-Dominique, which is one of the best streets in Paris. The street boasts a myriad of independent shops and boutiques as well as stores selling well-known brands.
One of the best places to enjoy the twinkling Eiffel Tower come nighttime in Paris, this delightful Paris street is home to highlights such as chic brasseries and luxurious hotels. For a true taste of luxury in the City of Light, be sure to book yourself into a hotel like this one.
Where to stay in the 7th arrondissement
If you’re looking for a chic place to base yourself during your time in the City of Light, then the 7th arrondissement is a great choice. Just note that it is one of the priciest places to stay in Paris and so you’ll want to book your accommodation well ahead of time in order to secure the best prices. Here are some of the best places to stay in the 7e based on location and web-reviews:
One of the more mid-range places to stay in the 7th is the
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Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.