This district of Paris, also known as the Palais-Bourbon, is one of the city’s best-known attractions. It includes the Eiffel Tower, Hôtel des Invalides (Napoleon’s tomb), Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Médaille Miraculeuse, Musée d’Orsay, Musée Rodin and Musée du Quai Brandly-Jacques Chirac. Located on the Left Bank, this arrondissement was home to Paris’s highest nobility. In the 17th century, the French nobility decided to leave the Marais and build their mansions in this new district. After the Revolution, these properties were confiscated and transformed into national estates. During this restoration, the district lost much of its political power, but remained the center of social life for the French haute bourgeoisie.
The Eiffel Tower is an iron tower located on the Champ de Mars. It bears the name of engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the structure between 1887 and 1889. It was commissioned to celebrate the centenary of the French Revolution, and remains the most-visited historical monument, to which admission is charged. Buy tickets by staircase or elevator in advance to enjoy the spectacular view from the top. The first and second of the three levels are prestigious restaurants that reflect the culture and history of the tower in the city.
The Hôtel Invalides (Napoleon’s tomb) is a group of museums and monuments linked to France’s military history, and a former retirement home for soldiers, which was the building’s original vocation. It houses the Musée d’Histoire Contemporaine, the Musée de l’Armée (military museum of the French Army) and the Musée des Plans-Reliefs. The most famous tomb is that of Napoleon Bonaparte. Its charming dome was painted in Baroque style by Charles de La Fosse, a disciple of Le Bruns. A dream for military history buffs.
The Army Museum is a national military museum that is a product of the merging of the Musée d’Artillerie and the Musée Historique de l’Armée. The collection that can be found dates back to antiquity through the 1900s. It has identified roughly 24 aesthetic treasures linked to the French military from the late Middle Ages to World War II and 500,000 artifacts, including weapons, uniforms, artillery, armor, and paintings.
Rue Saint-Dominique is a public road that extends 1,800 meters long and connects the Musee d’Orsay, Hotel des Invalides, Champ de Mars, and Eiffel Tower in the west. You can enjoy numerous shops and local boulangeries on this street while enjoying luxurious architecture. Laurent B is known for its delicious artisan bread and fresh pastries.
Amelot Hotel in Gournay, known as Mortemart, is famous for its oval courtyard. The garden layout allowed the property to feel secluded and private, even with the narrowness of the streets beside it.
The engineer Francois-Jean Braille built Fontaine de Mars from 1806 to 1808. Located in the square between 129 and 131 of rue Saint-Dominique, the fountain is a neoclassical-style building. On all four sides of the panels, Mars, the god of war, and Hydeia, the goddess of Health, is sculpted. Although this may seem out of place, the reason ties back to the military hospital founded in 1759 and demolished in 1892, which once stood in front. Out of the four original mascarons that spit water, as of 2012, only one was still working.
After closing for renovation in 2018, Les Egouts Museum of Paris Sewers opened its doors to the public again in 2021. Here, you can find a rich variety of science, technology, and engineering that drove Paris and France to become more advanced societies. Guided tours take place along more than 500 meters of functioning sewer galleries. The museum has tried to teach the history of Paris’ first sewage system while educating people on waste management.
Le Violon d’Ingres highlights French cuisine and the importance of aligning your meals with the seasons and local fresh produce. The elegant and intimate environment is perfect for a relaxing, tasteful dinner. Awarded by the Michelin Guide, Le Violon d’Ingres has been crowned winner for classical music since 1996. Head chef Christian Constant, a former pastry chef at Taillevent, decided to open his restaurant on rue Saint-Dominique. He has been joined by friends and chefs Jimmy Tsaramanana and Alain Soliveres. Lunch and dinner can be enjoyed from various items on the menu and from the option of a tasting menu in which the house is in charge of preparing your fixed menu to indulge in all the flavors possible.
Rue Cler, Paris’s most famous market street, is home to exclusive and historic shops. Mariage Freres, which offers the highest quality tea, can be found, and Brasserie Aux PTT, a classic French restaurant that makes you feel like a local within the first few minutes. Cafe du Marche is a must for an afternoon pick me up, with a grand covered area outside perfect for year-round enjoying the Parisian terrace culture.
Metro lines that run through the 7th arrondissement are 4, 6, 8, 12, 13, RER C, RER B. The stations incluent Assemblée Nationale, Champ Mars, Duroc, Ecole Militaire, Invalides, Rue du Bac, Saint-François-Xavier, Ségur, Sèvres-Babylone, Solférino, La Tour-Maubourg, Vaneau and Varenne.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 7th arrondissement of Paris is a testament to the city’s rich history and transformation from a haven for the French nobility to a cultural hub of architectural splendor and Parisian elegance. Whether you’re a history buff, art enthusiast, foodie, or simply desire to discover the beauty of Paris, the 7th Arrondissement offers an unforgettable experience in the City of Lights.