The 7th arrondissement of Paris, situated on the Left Bank, is one of the city’s most desirable and upscale districts. Known for its world-famous landmarks–including the Eiffel Tower–plus elegant architecture, and a tranquil atmosphere, it offers an exceptional quality of life.
It’s also a popular landing spot for expats, with a wide range of embassies, international organizations, and American educational and cultural centers in particular.
This article explores some of the best reasons to live (or not) in the 7th arrondissement. If you’re looking for a quiet, safe, and beautiful neighborhood to settle in, we suggest you keep reading.
| Sommaire |
About the 7th arrondissement of Paris
The 7th is the second-most expensive arrondissement to rent or buy in Paris. This area has been home to nobility and aristocracy since the 17th century, having moved here for its lack of pollution and available land. In fact, French nobility is sometimes referred to as “Le Faubourg,” a former name for the 7th arrondissement itself.
The 7th is also a key administrative center in the city. It’s home to the Prime Minister’s residence and the General Assembly, as well as the Gendarmerie (National Guard), UNESCO, and numerous foreign embassies.
The arrondissement has hosted five Universal Exhibitions during the 19th century (1855, 1867, 1878, 1889, 1900). It was for these that the Eiffel Tower and Musée d’Orsay building were constructed.
Today, the 7th is home to many of the city’s rich and famous. But even if you can’t count yourself among them, there are still good reasons to consider a life in this ultra-chic arrondissement.
Where is the 7th arrondissement?
Sitting between the 6th and 15th arrondissements on the banks of the Seine, its borders are as follows:
- The left bank of the river Seine to the north
- Rue des Saints-Pères to the east, and Rue de Sèvres to the south-east
- Avenue de Suffren to the south-west
A huge stretch of the 7th arrondissement runs along the Seine, from Pont des Arts all the way past Pont d’Iéna. Few arrondissements have such easy access to the river, particularly this close to the city center.
What are the key attractions in the 7th arrondissement?
The 7th is one of the arrondissements most densely populated with sites to visit. These include:
- The Eiffel Tower and the Champ de Mars.
- The Musée d'Orsay, the second-most visited museum in Paris after the Louvre (and considered by many to be a better visiting experience).
- The Musée Rodin, with its collection of sculptures and paintings in the artist’s beautiful former workshop.
- The Palais Bourbon, where the General Assembly meets.
- Hôtel Matignon, the residence of the French Prime Minister.
- The shining gold dome of the Hôtel des Invalides, which is also Napoleon’s tomb.
- The Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac, dedicated to anthropology and world cultures.
- Le Bon Marché, the oldest and finest department store in Paris. La Grande Épicerie is a high-end destination for gourmet food.
Hôtel des Invalides
The 7th is also home to many government departments including the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of National Education.
Why live in the 7th arrondissement?
You’ll doubtless have your own criteria for choosing your neighborhood and the house or apartment within it. But if you’re considering the 7th arrondissement, here are a few of the key reasons many people settle here.
The Eiffel Tower views
It may be a bit of a cliché, but plenty of people dream of dining on their balcony with a view of the Eiffel Tower. If you live in the 7th, this may indeed be possible. Renting in such a location will be highly competitive and almost certainly expensive, but a view of this world-famous landmark is available for the right price.
You may be equally excited by a view of the golden Invalides dome, regular access to the Musée d’Orsay, or simply being near the Seine. All of this is achievable for residents of the 7th.
Musée d’Orsay
The fine dining
It’s only natural that such a chic neighborhood would also be home to plenty of high-end restaurants. Two notable names include the Jules Verne restaurant, which sits on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower, and L’Arpège, Alain Passard’s Michelin three-starred restaurant, is also in the 7th.
All across the arrondissement, you’ll find well-rated (and often highly priced) eateries, with the classy clientele to match.
The other fine things
It may not have the flagship fashion shops of the Champs Élysée or Rue St Honoré in the 1st arrondissement, but the 7th is full of fancy stores, fine food sellers, and bourgeois boutiques. Le Bon Marché in particular is world-renowned as a purveyor of high-quality goods, and Rue Cler is a pedestrian-only market for gourmet cheese, meats, fruit, and more.
Rue de Grenelle has open air markets on Wednesdays and Sundays, with Sundays also featuring antiques. Pont de l’Alma, meanwhile, has the largest open air market in Paris on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Both markets include affordable farm-grown staples, but because it’s the 7th, you’ll find a higher calibre of goods here than in many other farmers’ markets.
The work opportunities for expats
Dozens of embassies sit in the 7th, including those of Austria, China, Finland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden and Switzerland. You also have the grand UNESCO headquarters on Rue de Fontenoy, housing thousands of international staff. The 7th is also close to the 6th and 16th arrondissements, home to many more embassies and international organizations.
Outside of work, the 7th is particularly popular among American expats as the site of the American University, American Church, American Library, and the Franco-American Community Center Of Paris. There’s a strong expat community here, especially for Americans.
The high-quality educational facilities
If schools and higher education institutes are a key concern, the 7th includes some of the very best. Sciences Po, the famous university for political science and legal studies is here, as is the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts.
For younger students, the Lycée Victor Duruy and bilingual École Active Bilingue Jeannine Manuel are highly rated and sought after. And there’s the added benefit of being close to leading international organizations and world-famous museums.
Peace and quiet
Despite being in central Paris, the 7th is known as a spacious and relatively quiet part of town. With so many public buildings in the neighbourhood, the population is more sparse. As long as you’re not too close to the main tourist sites, expect peaceful weekends and a calm atmosphere, particularly appealing to families.
Even the Champ de Mars, while popular with tourists, is spacious, plus you have lovely areas like Square Samuel Rousseau to explore. And you can always walk along the Seine any time you like.
The neighborhood is not a particular hotspot for nightlife, which is also a plus if you prefer the peace and quiet.
Why not live in the 7th arrondissement?
The 7th is without doubt one of the most luxurious and desirable parts of Paris to live in. But it’s not a perfect fit for everyone. Here are a few key reasons why you might choose not to live in this glamorous neighborhood.
High costs of living
As noted above, the 7th is one of the most expensive arrondissements to live in. Only the 6th has a higher average price per square meter to buy, and rental prices are similarly high. For many, the cost of living–accommodation in particular–may make living here a difficult proposition.
You can also expect stores, restaurants, and other amenities to be similarly costly. The neighborhood caters to international travellers and people who like the finer things, with prices to match.
The lack of nightlife
For residents of a certain age, the 7th has the reputation of being a little boring. There are certainly ample restaurants and cafés, but few Parisians visit the 7th for parties, clubs, or events. It’s predominantly a location for administrative matters and a great fit for families, but it’s not a party destination.
This arrondissement is often described as “stately” and “staid,” rather than lively or exciting.
Limited diversity
Some arrondissements are true cultural hubs within Paris, showcasing the wide array of backgrounds the city’s residents come from. Le Marais in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, the 10th and 18th around Gare du Nord, or the Chinatown districts in the 13th and 20th are all good examples.
But the 7th isn’t really one of them. Here you can expect to find a more typically French ethnic makeup, and plenty of western expats. Which might be exactly what you’re looking for. But if you prefer a more eclectic range of cultural activities and restaurants, you’ll probably be happier elsewhere.
Build a quiet life in the center of Paris
The 7th arrondissement is an obvious choice if you’re seeking a more refined and tranquil lifestyle. Families and older residents tend to appreciate the safe and quiet ambiance, along with excellent schools. And many expats are drawn to the prestige, cultural landmarks, and upscale amenities.
As the home of the Eiffel Tower, you’re constantly reminded that you live in one of the most famous and incredible cities in the world. With its breathtaking views, rich history, and elegant charm, the 7th arrondissement offers a quintessential Parisian living experience that appeals to a wide range of residents.
If that’s what you’re looking for, here’s the best range of furnished apartments for rent in the 7th arrondissement.
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