The 7ième Arrondissement is home to the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d'Orsay, Les Invalides, Les Bateaux Mouches, Champs de Mars and several government palaces and official buildings. Some of the architecture of this district is extraordinarily ornate; if you wander the streets you will discover old mansions that have been brought up to date and refurbished.
It is said that the 7th is the most boring of all of the districts in Paris as it has very little to offer the resident after the government offices close. If you are not a tourist, this might well be true, but there is still plenty to see and do in the district, and some lovely hotels in which to stay.
Mairie du 7e
The official site of the "city hall" for the 7th District. In French.
7th District Map
Lots of detail, street-by-street clickable.
The Eiffel Tower
The official site, in English.
Invalides
Napoleon, who died in exile, was returned to France in 1840... his body was put to rest in a temporary tomb at Invalides until his crypt was completed in 1861. The museum also houses an ancient and contemporary display of weapons.
Musée d'Orsay
The building, once the Gare d'Orsay -train station- is as beautiful as the art it holds. It opened as a museum in 1986, when the Impressionist art from the Jeu de Paume across the Seine was moved into this large, light space. It is one of the most popular museums in the world.
Rodin Museum
This museum not only holds a collection of the artists' work (paintings and a sculpture garden) but a collection of the artists' collection as well, including antiquities, Van Goghs and Renoirs.
Assemblée Nationale / Palais Bourbon
Originally built for the daughter of King Louis XIV and completed in 1728, the Bourbon Palace is now home to the National Assembly. France's Parliament consists of the Senate and the Assembly... this is the U.S. equivalent of the House of Representatives. The Website, in English, offers a history of the Assembly and important dates for upcoming legislative agendas.
Bateaux Mouches
By day or night, these Seine River boat tours offer the best value in Paris. Located at the foot of Pont D'Alma.
Marché Saxe-Breteuil
The Saxe Breteuil market is open on Thursday and Saturday mornings, and is known as one of the most beautiful street markets in the city.
Les Egouts (Paris Sewers)
Take a tour of the Paris sewers, located near the Pont d'Alma. There's a whole museum dedicated to these interesting labarynths as well.
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