I first met Benoît and his wife, Anne, as my landlords in the 7th arrondissment of Paris. Little did I know, despite confinements, curfews and their travel schedule that we would become friends.
It was my first time staying on the left bank and Paris’s 7th district turned out to be a winner. The 7th arrondissement of Paris and rue du Bac, in particular, was my home for eight months during COVID-19.
I had the great pleasure of interviewing Benoît to find out his insights on living in the 7th district of Paris. The 7th, in the spiral of Paris arrondissements, (read more on the arrondissements of Paris) is neighbours with Saint-Germain des Prés. You’ll find locations mentioned in this interview in the 7th and 6th arrondissements of Paris.
A long time resident of the left bank of Paris, Benoît’s answers are both charming and authentic. I hope you enjoy reading this interview as much as I had doing it.
And Who Is Benoît?
I am a Parisian who likes his city but also likes to go on trips!
I’ve lived in Paris for 40 years and lived in the 18th and 7th arrondissements. In the 18th, our neighbour was Jean Marais. He parked his Citroën 2CV beside my old, rotten Renault 5. I was impressed by his beauty, even though he was 80 years old.
(Jean Marais was a French actor and film director)
What Are Your Favourite Things About The 7th?
I like the elegance of the 7th district, even if with our friends, we look a bit like dinosaurs with our fairly formal outfits and our particular dress codes. I like living as if in a village.
What Are Your Favourite Things To Do In Your Neighbourhood, the 7th?
I particularly like to walk, to stroll to the Luxembourg where I will read, draw, chat. Or go along the Seine by the quays, at water level.
Which Is Your Favourite Park In The 7th District Of Paris?
My favourite park is the Luxembourg because it overlooks the very beautiful Luxembourg Palace and has a multitude of nooks, each with its own particular atmosphere.
On the other hand, I don’t really like the Tuileries, although they are closer to my home because they are invaded by dust due to their long straight and somewhat dreary alleys.
Read More | Read about the Luxembourg Gardens and how to enjoy yourself as the French do.
Tell About Some Of The “Best” In Your Quartier
Benoît and Anne’s Favourite Restaurant in the 7th District, Paris
My favourite restaurant is le Petit St. Benoit (rue St Benoit), because they serve good, traditional French cuisine and we always meet friendly people there because the restaurant is set up with large tables where we are happy to meet and strike up a conversation.
Anne’s Favourite Café in the 7th District
My wife’s favourite café is Le St. Germain, an exceptional observation point between rue du Bac and Blvd. St. Germain, where regulars go to the counter for a coffee and homemade croissants.
The Three Best Places To Flâner On The Left Bank
To stroll, you have to go to the Place Furstenberg, in the shadows of the St. Germain des Prés church, or to St Sulpice and the small adjacent streets or go to rue du Bac and rue St. Placide.
Read More| Not sure how to flâner or how to embrace the magic of being a flâneur/flâneuse? Here is how to flâner in Paris.
What Are The Hidden Gems Of The 7th District?
The hidden treasures of the 7th district are the mansions, generally, from the 18th century, whose lounges adorned with gilding, the ceremonial stairs and the wooded parks are never visited. To enter, you have to know the inhabitants of the “hôtel particulier” (mansion), with a few exceptions, more or less open to the public such as the town hall (mairie) of the 7th district, certain embassies or religious institutions (foreign missions), or ministries.
Note: Some of the embassies and the Missions Etrangères may be open during Heritage Days in September. Check the schedules here.
Is There A Local Historical Anecdote Or Story That You Would Like To Share?
I live on rue de l’Université, a straight street just like rue de Lille and rue de Verneuil because all three were alleys in the garden of Queen Margot, which she had bought from the University of Paris at the beginning of the 17th century. Thus the street layout is based on a 400-year-old plan!
And the district became part of the construction of Pont Royal which replaced the old ferry and opened up the entire area.
Note: At the end of rue du Bac, there was once a ferry that carried the aristocracy over to the Louvre Palace. The replacement of the ferry (bac) with the Pont Royal, opened the left bank and the 7th district up! ( Of course, I learned this from Benoît).
And What About The Shopping?
Books, of course at la Procure (St Sulpice), chez Gallimard (Bd Raspail) or at l’Écume des Pages (Bd St Germain).
Read More | If you’re looking for English bookstores in Paris here are my favourite bookstores.
What Is Your Favourite Way To Spend A Saturday In Paris?
On Saturdays, depending on the weather, I go for a walk or see an exhibition, then I dine by the fire face to face with my wife: seafood platter, sweetbread or beef ribs, all elegantly paired with a wine carefully chosen from my cellar.
The Parisian Life: Is There Something Else You Would Like To Share?
Parisian life is exhibitions, theatre, operas, ballets, and above all friends: for me coming back to Paris means planning wonderful evenings with the people I love, filling my eyes with beauty, novelty, and leaving happy for new journeys.
Et voilà ! I hope Benoît gave you a feel for the village life in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. I bet you’ll never walk over the Pont Royal again without thinking of the “bac” from long ago.
Until next time,
Other Parisian Interviews In The Series:
Iva lives in the Marais district in Paris. Here are all her insider tips for le Marais.
More Travel Info…
Paris Travel Resources:
All my Paris resources are right here on this page. The guide to all 20 arrondissements is a popular post that will help you plan a fabulous trip.
Where To Find That Village Feel in Paris:
Le Marais is one of the oldest areas of Paris. Once marshland, it is full of boutiques, cafés, gorgeous old mansions and museums. Read my full guide to le Marais.
Montmartre feels like a small village. This post on Montmartre leads you to the most popular sites as well as some lesser-known places on the hill.
Ile Saint-Louis is still one of my favourite spots in Paris. On Pont Saint-Louis, you’ll almost always find some street music.
Don’t forget to stroll by the canal under chestnut trees by Canal Saint-Martin and eat at some great restaurants in Canal Saint-Martin.
And the 14th arrondissement. Most people think of the tall black tower looming over the Paris skyline or the train station. This guide on Montparnasse uncovers some marvellous things to discover in the 14th arrondissement.
If you like being by the water, Ile aux Cygnes in the Seine might be for you! The Statue of Liberty, views of the Eiffel Tower and locals walking their dogs!
Food Suggestions: Read about where to find the best croissants in Paris. And, if you have a sweet tooth like me, check out these best pâtisseries to try. If you are travelling to Paris in January, keep your eyes open for this very delicious treat.
What about cheese? Here are suggestions of which French cheese to savour and which fromageries are the best in Paris.
Travelling to Paris alone? This article on navigating Paris alone is full of tips and tricks for the solo traveller.
Paris Tips: This page has all my articles on Paris that will help you plan out your trip, including day trips from Paris. I hope you subscribed to my newsletter to get my free download – An Amazing 2-day Itinerary in Paris.
France Travel Information: If you are going further afield in France, make sure to check out my page on France.
Enjoyed reading your interview, Alison! Seems like your stars were aligned when you rented your Paris apartment from Benoit and Anne! So happy for you that you are back in your beloved Paris xx
Thanks, Pam! I’m always so happy to return!