7th Arrondissement

The Basics

For first-time visitors, the 7th arrondissement is the perfect place to begin an exploration of Paris. Take a sightseeing tour to see the district’s highlights and enjoy a great introduction to Paris culture, history, and architecture. You’ll admire views of the Eiffel Tower, wander the Musée Rodin Sculpture Garden, discover quaint cobbled side streets, and sample traditional French foods.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The 7th arrondissement is a must for first-time Paris visitors.

• Book a walking tour to see neighborhood highlights and hidden treasures.

• Wear comfortable shoes and plan to spend a lot of time walking.

• Book Eiffel Tower tickets and tours in advance to avoid long wait times.

How to Get There

It is easy to get to the 7th arrondissement using public transportation from anywhere in Paris. Metro lines 6, 8, 10, 12, and 13 service the arrondissement with stops including Bir-Hakeim (for the Eiffel Tower), Musée d'Orsay, and Varenne (for Les Invalides and Musée Rodin).

When to Get There

The 7th arrondissement is worth exploring any time of year. If visiting during the summer months, consider booking tours and museum admission tickets ahead of time to avoid long lines. If you’re on a budget, you’ll find the best deals visiting November through February and also enjoy less tourist crowds, though with fewer services.

Shopping in the 7th Arrondissement

The 7th arrondissement boasts a vast array of shops, from small speciality stores and consignment shops to high-end boutiques and large department stores. Fashion enthusiasts must visit Le Bon Marché, Paris’s oldest and most prestigious department store. Showcasing the finest designer brands and gorgeous window displays, Le Bon Marché is like an art gallery for fashion lovers.

Ways to explore

For first-time visitors, the 7th arrondissement is the ideal place to begin exploring Paris, whether independently or via an array of sightseeing tours or hop-on, hop-off bus tours. Book skip-the-line tickets to the Eiffel Tower, learn about Impressionist art on a guided tour of the Musée d’Orsay, or stroll around the sculpture garden at the Rodin Museum.

Other popular highlights of the 7th arrondissement include touring Les Invalides, picnicking in the Champ de Mars with Eiffel Tower views, and food tasting at the many bakeries, cheesemongers, and wine merchants along Rue Cler. Take a River Seine cruise to pass by the Eiffel Tower and under the 19th-century Pont Alexandre III.

Accessibility

Most attractions are accessible, but some of the area’s cobblestone lanes may pose problems for wheelchair users. The Invalides RER station is accessible, as are all Paris buses.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, photo ID (required by law in France), reusable water bottle, binoculars (for views from the Eiffel Tower)

What to wear

Flat, comfortable shoes—you’ll be doing plenty of walking—and layered clothing, as Paris weather is notoriously changeable.

Not allowed

Rental e-scooters, large bags and suitcases (prohibited at most attractions)

Amenities

Restaurants, hotels, cafés, park benches, picnic areas, public restrooms, drinking water fountains, free Wi-Fi hotspots

Address

The 7th arrondissement is located along the Left Bank in central Paris, bordered by Avenue de Suffren, Rue de Sèvres, Rue des Saints-Pères, and the Seine riverside. It is accessible on foot or by public transport from anywhere in Paris.

Driving

Driving in the 7th arrondissement is not for the faint-hearted: expect heavy traffic, a tricky-to-navigate one-way system, and astronomical parking fees. Take a taxi if you must, but public transport is generally quicker.

Public transportation

Several metro stations serve the 7th arrondissement: Bir-Hakeim (6) for the Eiffel Tower, La Tour-Maubourg (8) and Varenne (13) for Les Invalides, or Assemblée Nationale (12) for the Musée d’Orsay. RER trains (C) also alight at Invalides, Pont de l’Alma, and Champ de Mars Eiffel Tower. Bus lines 30 and 82 stop by the Eiffel Tower.

Best times to visit

Arrive in the early morning for the best chance of a quiet visit. However, the golden hour—around 4pm to 6pm—and evening illuminations are both worth braving the crowds for.

Best days to visit

Weekend crowds can be overbearing, and several museums close on Mondays, so opt for a midweek visit if you can. For a livelier vibe, the Saturday morning market on Rue Cler is a local favorite.

Best months to visit

If you’re not dead set on visiting during summer or at Christmas, the shoulder months of May, June, September, and October are the sweet spot for Paris sightseeing, with a good chance of sunny weather, fewer crowds, and a more local atmosphere.

Special events

The Eiffel Tower provides the iconic backdrop for Paris’ Bastille Day (July 14) and New Year’s Eve fireworks. The Champ de Mars hosts open-air concerts as part of the Fête de la Musique in June. Many museums and attractions offer free entry or special exhibitions for European Heritage Days in September.