7th Arrondissement

Tour Eiffel, or the Eiffel Tower, is the huge iron tower that has became an international landmark representing Paris and the whole of France. Not surprisingly, it is one of the most visited attractions in the city.

Musée d’Orsay is a museum that showcases collections of French art, particularly works of famous impressionist painters.

Les Invalides, on the other hand, is composed of several buildings that house museums and other monuments related to French military history. A hospital and a retirement home for war veterans are also located within the complex.

Musée Rodin is another museum which showcases the works of sculpture Auguste Rodin and of artist Camille Claudel.

Sights & Activities

Few people in the world would fail to recognize the Eiffel Tower, being one of the famous landmarks of the world. Built in 1889, it was the tallest structure of the world during that time. Located on the Champ de Mars and overlooking the Seine river, this iron structure is about 325 meters tall. Visitors have the choice of walking up the stairs or using the lift when accessing the first two levels. The third level is only accessible through a lift. During winter, an ice skating rink is operational in the first level. Every night, however, visitors and locals alike are enthralled by the tower’s light show, adding further illumination to this self-proclaimed city of lights. The observation deck on the third level is a good vantage point to take in the beauty of the city.

Along Quai Anatole France is the Musée d’Orsay, a famous museum in Paris. It main collections are that of French art, most created during the later half of the 18th century to the early years of the 20th century. Of particular importance are the impressionist paintings of Monet and Renoir. It also has items related to decorative arts, architecture, and photography. The museum is housed in a structure that used to be a railway station, the Gare d’Orsay. It was converted in 1977 and the museum formally opened in 1986. After visiting the museum, visitors should also take the time to head out to its neighbor in the western side, the Palais de la Légion d’Honneurm, or the Palace of the Legion of Honor. This 19th century structure houses the Musée national de la Legion d’Honneur or the National Museum of the Legion of Honour.

Les Invalides is a complex of historic buildings that house institutions of historic and military importance. Of particular interest is the chapel built in 1679, the magnificent Église du Dôme that bears resemblance with the domed St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Les Invalides also has tombs of notable French figures, including that of Napoleon Bonaparte. This complex, located along Avenue de Tourville, is also set in a expansive open space laid out in a formal way and extends all the way to the river bank. The Musée de l’Armée, also located within the complex, is a popular military museum in the country.

On the western side of Les Invalides and located along Rue de Varenne is the Musée Rodin. The museum is housed within the Hôtel Biron and was established to showcase the works of sculptor Auguste Rodin, who had lived in the building in the later part of the his life. The museum also displays the works of other notable painters like van Gogh and Renoir. The works of Camille Claudel, one-time lover of Rodin, is also included in the museum’s collections.

All the attractions mentioned are located with in the VII arrondissement of Paris.

Eating Out

Visitors to the Tour Eiffel need not go far to dine. The tower itself is home to two eating establishments. The Altitude 95 is located in level 1 of the Tour Eiffel and serves traditional French cuisine. The more exclusive Jules Verne is located on level two and can be accessed through its own private elevator. For tourists who wish to have their dinners at this restaurant, reserving months before your trip would be a prudent thing to do. Lunch is less difficult to obtain, though reservation is still one way of ensuring visitors get to experience good meals and spectacular views. Elsewhere in the VII arrondissement are numerous dining establishments catering to varied visitors who flock to this particular part of the city. Among the good choices is the La Frégate on Rue Bac, which is near the Musée d’Orsay and the Arpege Restaurant along Rue de Varenne.