19 Best Things To Do In The 7th Arrondissement Of Paris [2024]

The 7th arrondissement is one of the most elegant and prestigious neighbourhoods in Paris. Known for its stunning architecture, chic boutiques, and world-class museums, the 7th arrondissement of Paris is a hub of French culture and refinement.

The 7th arrondissement in Paris, or Paris 7, was my home for eight months. I lived on rue du Bac and found this aristocratic area of Paris a perfect location to live and explore the city.

Living close to the Eiffel Tower was never on my bucket list but I loved it. I popped over during a snowfall and when the magnolias and cherry blossoms made their appearance.

I fell for the seventh arrondissement of Paris. Here are the best things to do in the 7th arrondissement.

Where Is The 7th Arrondissement of Paris?

The 7th arrondissement of Paris is located on the left bank of the River Seine in central Paris.

What Is The 7th Arrondissement Known For?

The 7th arrondissement of Paris is well-known for several prominent landmarks, the most famous being the Eiffel Tower. The 7th arrondissement of Paris is also known for the Champ de Mars, a large public greenspace by the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay and the Musée Rodin, les Invalides where Napoleon Bonaparte is buried, and the French National Assembly. There are many wonderful things to do in the 7th arrondissement Paris.

19 Best Things To Do In the 7th Arrondissement Paris

1. Admire The Eiffel Tower

Of all the things to do in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, the Eiffel Tower is at the top of the list. The Iron Lady is the highlight of Paris 7.

You just can’t set foot in Paris without seeing the tour Eiffel. I am still surprised at the effect the Eiffel Tower has on me. It’s magical every time. It’s listed in my article on the 45 most romantic places in Paris. Would you agree?

Visit the Eiffel Tower by wandering along the Champ de Mars for fabulous views and standing at Place du Trocadero. Be sure to go up the Eiffel Tower for fabulous views over Paris. Book your skip-the-line ticket here.

2. Have A Glass Of Champagne On The Champ de Mars

The long green space leading up to the Eiffel Tower is always hopping. Vendors try to sell you chintzy Eiffel Tower paraphernalia and bottles of wine. But…the view of the Eiffel Tower is spectacular. Pop by mid-day you might also see residents of Paris 7 out with their dogs and children.

3. Visit The Hôtel des Invalides

129 rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris

You really can’t miss the golden dome of the Hôtel National des Invalides in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. Commissioned by Louis XIV in 1670 to house France’s war veterans this huge complex today hosts three museums: The Tomb of Napoleon I (right under the gilded dome), the Musée de l’Armée and the Museum of Relief Maps.

4. Stroll rue Saint Dominique

Rue Saint-Dominique is the perfect place to stroll. Lined with boutiques and cafés and glimpses of the Eiffel Tower, rue Saint-Dominique doesn’t disappoint!

5. Marvel At The Collections In The Musée d’Orsay

1 rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris

One of the best things to do in the 7th arrondissement is visit the remarkable Musée d’Orsay. Situated in a stunning, former train station, the Orsay Museum is a treasure trove of artistic masterpieces. Impressionist and post-Impressionist pieces include works of art from Vincent Van Gogh, Edgar Dégas, Claude Monet, and Auguste Renoir, to name a few renowned artists. The Musée d’Orsay houses impressive collections of sculpture and decorative arts and always has a well-curated interesting special exhibition. Book Your Ticket Here: Musée d’Orsay plus a Seine River Cruise or a Skip the-line entry and guided tour.

6. Enjoy The Musée Rodin In The 7th Arrondissement

77 rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris

Visiting the Rodin Museum in Paris is rather a dreamy experience. The stunning Hôtel Biron (the mansion) and the seven acres of beautiful gardens where Rodin’s sculptures are displayed make for a museum visit you won’t soon forget. Visit the interior of the elegant mansion showcasing Rodin’s famous sculpture The Kiss and start your exploration of the gardens at The Thinker.

Book Your Ticket Here

7. Peruse rue Cler

You’ve heard there are classic market streets in Paris. Rue Montorgueil. Rue des Martyrs. And rue Cler is always on the list. Wander. Peruse. Buy flowers for your Airbnb. Select fresh produce. Don’t miss the poissonerie, the boulangerie, the wine shop, the Italian delicatessen, and the chocolate shop! Stroll down the cobblestones on this short pedestrian block with tourists and locals alike. It’s a classic Paris experience.

8. Be Wowed At The Musée du Quai Branly

#37 Quai Branly,75007 Paris

This art museum in the 7th arrondissement is a magnificent space and displays pieces from Asian, Oceanian, American and African arts and civilisations.

I went to see the temporary exhibition of the Olmecs from Mexico and was astonished at the incredible depth and displays of the permanent exhibition.

Pop up to the rooftop restaurant, Les Ombres, for amazing views and food!

9. Be Trendy At Le Beaupassage In The 7th Arrondissement

Accessed from rue du Bac, rue de Grenelle and Blvd Raspail

Looking for one of the tastiest things to do in the 7th arrondissement? Wander through the inner courtyard called Le Beaupassage and take your pick from Thierry Marx Boulangerie, Le Café Pierre Hermé and restaurants MerSEA and Polmard

I love everything at Thierry Marx Boulangerie. I swear he has the best baguette in Paris and his pâtisseries are to die for. Swing by for a coffee and French pastry or a sandwich at lunch time.

10. Enjoy Les Berges de la Seine

Stretching from the Quai Anatole France in front of the Musée d’Orsay and along the Quai d’Orsay to the Pont de l’Alma is a lively and well-used pedestrian walkway. Inaugurated in 2013, it is hard to imagine that traffic raced along in this exact space where Parisians are walking, running, exercising, lazing in hammocks, and exploring the floating islands. Stand on the pedestrian bridge (passerelle Léopold-Sédar-Senghor) and watch the fitness classes, enjoy the art installations and don’t forget to schedule an apéro on the floating barge, the Rosa Bonheur. Not the right time for an apéro? There are ice cream and crépes to round out one of the best things to do in the 7th arrondissement.

11. Have Lunch At Café Varenne

36 rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris

Café Varenne is one of those classic Paris cafés. Period. The terrasse is always bustling, the service is great and the food is always delicious.

Choose from the chalkboard menu, sit back and soak up the Paris neighbourhood vibe. Café Varenne is a great place to people-watch, write, or sip a glass of crisp rosé. One always feels welcome and never hurried. Café Varenne is one of my favourite cafés that I return to again and again.

12. Shop At The Classiest of Department Stores: Le Bon Marché

When figuring out things to do in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, shopping has to be on the list! There are plenty of delighful independent boutiques and also Le Bon Marchè! My Parisian friends tell me that Le Bon Marché is the best of all the Paris department stores. Le Bon Marché is also the oldest department store in the world! Everything about Le Bon Marché is classy, upscale, and elegant. Stop by Le Bon Marché during the sales in January and June for incredible deals.

13. Browse La Grande Épicerie

One of the non-negotiable things to do in the 7th arrondissement is to visit La Grande Épicerie. It will blow your socks off! It’s called a “landmark food hall” and sells over 30,000 items. Take your time. It’s a great place to find gifts to take home or something for supper. There are gourmet items from all over the world. Don’t miss the champagne and wine section downstairs and the two restaurants upstairs. Calling all foodies to the 7th arrondissement. You’ll be in heaven.

14. Savour French Cheese At Iconic Fromageries

The 7th arrondissement has four iconic cheese shops. Stop by for the experience at one of these fromageries and select some delectable French cheese for a picnic by the Seine River.

• Quatrehomme 62 rue de Sèvres
• Barthélemy 51 rue de Grenelle
• Androuet 37 rue de Verneuil
• Anne Cantin 12 rue du Champ du Mars

Read my insider’s guide to Fromageries in Paris.

15. Be Curious At Deyrolle In Paris 7

46 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris 

Who’d have thought that one of the things to do in the 7th arrondissement of Paris would be to stand beside a polar bear or a zebra?

If you’re strolling on Rue du Bac, don’t miss the chance to wander through Deyrolle at #46. In existence since 1831 and its current location since 1888, Deyrolle is a natural history museum, taxidermy shop and as they call themselves, a cabinet of curiosities. 

On the main floor, you’ll find a gorgeous gardening boutique with unique gifts to buy the gardener in your life. Don’t stop here. Head upstairs to find the real cabinet of curiosities. Small and large animals are all frozen in time, waiting to be studied. Entomologists will be in heaven. And then there are sea creatures, butterflies and moths, poultry, shells and fossils.

The sign indicating that these animals were not hunted to be stuffed but come from zoological reserves, will help animal lovers breathe a little.

16. Marvel At #29 Ave Rapp

One of the most popular things to do in the 7th arrondissement is to stand in awe in front of the magnificent façade at #29 ave Rapp. An outstanding example of Art Nouveau architecture in Paris, it was built in 1901 by Jules Lavirotte. 29 ave Rapp was the winner of the City of Paris façades competition in 1901. True to the Art Nouveau style, it has a flowing form and plenty of floral and vegetal design. It is purely whimsical and a joy to look at while appreciating its intricate details!

Another building by Lavirotte is just around the corner at #3 Square Rapp where you will also find a secret and fabulous view of the Eiffel Tower. 

17. Pray For a Miracle At The Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

140 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris

If you’re looking for a miracle, look no further than the little tucked-away church at 140 rue du Bac in Paris 7eme.

It was here in 1830 that sister Catherine Labouré witnessed three apparitions of the Virgin Mary. The voice she heard told her to have a medal made. “Have a medal made according to this model. For those who wear it with confidence, there will be abundant grace.” 

For close to 200 years, people have come from all over the world to the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal to pray and ask for the Virgin Mary’s protection. 

As you wander up rue du Bac, possibly on your way to the Grande Épicerie or Le Bon Marché, stop by for a quiet moment in the chapel and if it feels right, purchase a medal.

18. Hum A Tune At Serge Gainsbourg’s House

5 bis rue de Verneuil, 75007 Paris

I first heard La Javanaise in a backyard concert just outside of Paris. What struck me was the effect this Serge Gainsbourg (1928-1991) song had on the entire audience. People of every age stopped their chattering and sang. Passionately.

Little did I know that living in seventh arrondissement I was neighbours with Serge. Or at least, his home. It’s not hard to miss. The stone wall outside the courtyard is a living tribute to Serge Gainsbourg. Spray-painted representations of Gainsbourg will stop any curious bypasser or dedicated fan in their steps. Take photos. The images change often. 

Serge Gainsbourg’s home, La Maison Gainsbourg, opened to the public in the fall of 2023. Book tickets well in advance to this iconic landmark in the 7th arrondissement Paris. Not only can you visit Gainsbourg’s house but across the street at 14 rue de Verneuil is Le Gainsbarre a café by day and a piano bar in the evening.

19. Linger On Pont Alexandre III

One of the best things to do in the 7th arrondissement is to linger on Pont Alexandre III, one of the most beautiful and iconic bridges in Paris. It spans the Seine River, connecting the Champs-Élysées with the Eiffel Tower and the Invalides. This stunning bridge is adorned with intricate sculptures, ornate lampposts, and exquisite Art Nouveau details, making it a favourite spot for photographers and tourists alike. Linger for sunset or simply admire the views from the riverbanks.

Other Places To Explore In 7th Arrondissement

Typical Paris… there are seriously a million things to do in the 7th arrondissement. Here are a few more to add to your list:

• the Assemblée Nationale (the National Assembly) in the Palais Bourbon which is the centre of Parliamentary life,
• the Musée Maillol 59-61 rue de Grenelle
• the Pagoda (under renovation) The historic Pagode Cinema on rue de Babylone
• the first Protestant cemetery at 30 rue des Saint Peres
• the Peace Garden at the UNESCO Building
• the Jardin Catherine Labouré, the market on Avenue Saxe
• Les Egouts (the Paris sewer museum)
• École Militaire whose most famous student is Napoleon Bonaparte. The Ecole Militaire can only be visited during European Heritage Days in September.

Where To Stay In Paris

Hotels in the 7th Arrondissement Paris:

There are 7 hotels in the 7th arrondissement with Eiffel Tower views in this article

You might also like:

Hotel Juliana Paris which has great reviews

Hotel Verneuil Saint Germain in a great location.

Other hotels 7th arrondissement and hotels in the nearby 6th arrondissement.

Hotels In Other Paris Arrondissements:

Affordable Hotels In Paris: Check out this curated list of 13 best affordable Paris hotels.

Boutique Hotels In Le Marais: 11 Charming Boutique Hotels in le Marais

Apartments In the 7th Arrondissement: How about this gorgeous apartment just a 4-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower?

Guided Tours Of Paris

Guided Tours of Paris: Have you tried these popular tours of Paris? A wine, cheese and pastry tour? The evening Seine cruise? The skip-the-line ticket to the Louvre? An audio guide and entrance ticket to the Palace of Versailles?

Paris Travel Resources

If you enjoyed all the things to do in the 7th arrondissement, you might also like guides to:

• Saint Germain des Prés iconic Paris is right beside the 7th arrondissement
• 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 and also insider Marais tips from a local.
• 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.
• Canal Saint-Martin and eat at some great restaurants in Canal Saint-Martin.
• The 11th arrondissement is authentic and lively. Here is a guide on how to see the best of the 11th arrondissement.

Travelling to Paris alone? This article on navigating Paris alone is full of tips and tricks for the solo traveller.

I hope you enjoy these 19 things to do in the 7th arrondissement as much as I do.

Until next time,

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Author: Alison BrowneCreator and Founder of Dreamer at Heart Alison, a Francophile from a young age, is following a long-held dream and has been living in Paris since 2020. Her passion for uncovering Paris and discovering the regions of France has resulted in an expertise about France that she loves to share in her articles. Also a solo traveller, Alison shares her experiences of solo travel to many corners of the world. Alison helps over 65000 readers a month plan their trips.

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