The seventh arrondissement of Paris? There's really no need to spend many words on that. Because: the Eiffel Tower. For that reason alone, this part of town is world-famous. But precisely because of this, it is also crowded. Very busy. While this district has so much more to offer. Sas takes you on a surprisingly green route through the seventh arrondissement - with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop, but without the crowds.
Tips for a day out in Paris in the seventh arrondissement
You come to the seventh arrondissement for the Eiffel Tower, but stay for so much more. This district is bursting with Parisian icons: from the stately Hôtel des Invalides with Napoleon's tomb to the charming Musée Rodin, where art and garden blend seamlessly. And then there is the Musée d'Orsay on the edge of the district - housed in an old train station - as well as the wide avenues and squares full of classical architecture. No wonder this district is so popular. But that is precisely why it is smart to approach the district differently. With this itinerary, you will discover the seventh arrondissement from its quiet, green and surprisingly local side. Come, I'll take you with me!
Travel itinerary for the seventh arrondissement
Fancy discovering the seventh arrondissement in a different way? Of course you will want to see the Eiffel Tower for a while, but soon leave the crowds behind and discover the other things the seventh has to offer.
Stop 1: hotel in the most beautiful street in Paris
Do you insist on going up the Eiffel Tower? Then it's smart to give months' notice your ticket online buy. That way, you avoid the longest waits, although it always remains crowded. But it can also be done differently. In one of the most beautiful streets of the seventh arrondissement - with perhaps the best view of the Eiffel Tower - lies hotel Le Pavillon. An eco-hotel in a former monastery, with a green courtyard garden and an all-organic breakfast. By the way, that street is so photogenic that photo shoots with brand-new bridal couples take place throughout the day. A cheerful scene to watch with a cup of coffee from the cosy terrace next door (Brasserie au Canon des Invalides), While you calmly start your day.
Hotel tip in Paris: the eco-hotel Le Pavillon totally fits your greener list and you can almost touch the Eiffel Tower! Watch the video we made about this beautiful sleeping spot.
Stop 2: cycling through the seventh arrondissement
From your fancy eco-hotel you step on a Vélib bicycle - these are parked around the corner - to explore the neighbourhood. After your organic breakfast, get your saddle right, and then hup: off in the early morning. First stop: the Eiffel Tower. With a bit of luck, it will still be quiet and you can stroll around it in complete silence and take a few photos. Whether you climbed it or just admired it from the ground: get back on your bike afterwards, because this is how you really get to know the seventh arrondissement. Many of the nicest places are just a bit further apart. Cycling allows you to see more, go faster and pick up more atmosphere along the way. Here are a few iconic streets you will definitely want to take on your bike ride: Rue de Verneuil, Rue de Varenne, Rue de Bac, Rue Cler and Rue Saint-Dominique (the latter two are so worthwhile that they are a separate stop in the day - save that one for later in the day if necessary).
The Eiffel Tower is something you'll want to see while in Paris, of course. But also grab a bike so you can explore the neighbourhood's other quiet streets.
Stop 3: Soaking up Parisian atmosphere on Rue Cler
Whatever you do: don't skip Rue Cler. Just a few minutes' bike ride from the Eiffel Tower, this atmospheric street is ideal for a stopover. You'll find a daily market, cosy cafés and terraces like you only see in Paris. Order a coffee or lunch, sit back and use this moment to further plan your afternoon. You'll be in exactly the right place.
Stop 4: choose your afternoon programme - classic or city vibes
After your coffee break on Rue Cler, it's time to decide how to spend the afternoon. Will it be a classic from the seventh arrondissement? Then you can choose from such gems as the serene Musée Rodin, the impressive Hôtel des Invalides with the tomb of Napoleon or the beautiful Musée d'Orsay in an old train station - technically just over the district boundary, but definitely worth it. Of course, you can still go up the Eiffel Tower if you want to seize that moment. More of the cityvibes? Then just hop back on your bike and ride to bustling Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the sixth arrondissement. Tips for an itinerary in the sixth read here.
Stop 5: drinks with the locals on Rue Saint-Dominique
Before you know it, afternoon is over again. Time to freshen up at the hotel, and then settle down on a terrace in your own neighbourhood - because it's just really nice. Even if you stay somewhere else: Rue Saint-Dominique (and the surrounding streets, such as the wide Boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg) together form a beautiful piece of Paris that should not be missing on your itinerary. Especially around drinking time or during dinner, this is a lovely place to explore. You will find lovely restaurants and fine cafés with pretty terraces, such as Le Recrutement and Le Centenaire. Both perfect for an apéro overlooking the street, Parisian life and maybe just a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower. Order something tasty, let the day sink in and enjoy the atmosphere.
Navigate to Rue Saint-Dominique and you will find yourself in a beautiful street of Paris. Settle down on a terrace and enjoy the view of the Eiffel Tower.
Stop 6: eating out in the seventh
Time to eat. Needed a changé? In the seventh arrondissement, you have plenty of choice, from atmospheric to chic. Le Restaurant Chiquette is in the stylish Hôtel Le Cinq Codet and serves inventive dishes using local and sustainable products. The cuisine is responsible and refined, the decor is a nod to the Art Deco period, and live jazz plays on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.
Paring tips for a day in the seventh arrondissement
Hopefully you now have a nice route - or rather a greener one itinerary - for a day in Paris's seventh arrondissement. From iconic buildings to unexpected quiet spots, there's more to this part of town than just the Eiffel Tower. Do you have another great tip for this neighbourhood? Let us know! We love to share our readers' best discoveries!
More Parry tips:
- See also The itinerary for popular Le Marais.
- See also The itinerary for nearby Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
- See also The itinerary for cosy Oberkampf.
Photo credits: thegreenlist.nl.
