tour eiffel district

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Eiffel Tower

Top choice in Paris

Lonely Planet's Ultimate Guide

Explore insider tips, fascinating history and surprising secrets to make the most of your experience.

There are different ways to experience the Eiffel Tower, from a daytime trip or an evening ascent amid twinkling lights, to a meal in one of its restaurants. And even though some seven million people come annually, few would dispute that each visit is unique – and something that simply has to be done when in Paris.

Named after its designer, Gustave Eiffel, the Tour Eiffel was built for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World's Fair). It took 300 workers, 2.5 million rivets and two years of nonstop labor to assemble. Upon completion, the tower became the tallest human-made structure in the world (324m) – a record held until the 1930 completion of New York's Chrysler Building. A symbol of the modern age, it faced opposition from Paris’ artistic and literary elite, and the ‘metal asparagus’, as some snidely called it, was originally slated to be torn down in 1909. It was spared only because it proved an ideal platform for the transmitting antennas needed for the newfangled science of radiotelegraphy.

Sporting six different colors throughout its lifetime, the tower has been painted red and bronze since 1968. Work is underway to strip the previous 19 coats and apply the yellow-brown shade originally conceived by Gustave Eiffel, giving it a new golden hue in time for the 2024 Olympics.

First floor: cafe and souvenir shop

Of the tower's three floors, the 1st (57m) has the most space but least impressive views. The glass-enclosed Pavillon Ferrié houses an immersion film along with a small cafe and souvenir shop, while the outer walkway features a discovery circuit to help visitors learn more about the tower’s ingenious design. Check out the sections of glass flooring that provide a dizzying view of the ant-like people walking on the ground far below. This level also hosts the restaurant  58 Tour Eiffel . The 1st floor's commercial areas are powered by two sleek wind turbines within the tower.

Second floor: Le Jules Verne restaurant

Views from the 2nd floor (115m) are the best – impressively high but still close enough to see the city below. Telescopes and panoramic maps pinpoint locations in Paris and beyond. Story windows give an overview of the lifts’ mechanics, and the vision well allows you to gaze through glass panels to the ground. Also up here are toilets, a souvenir shop, a macaron bar, and Michelin-starred restaurant  Le Jules Verne .

Top floor: Champagne bar and 'secret apartment'

Views from the wind-buffeted top floor (276m) stretch up to 60km on a clear day, though at this height the panoramas are more sweeping than detailed. Celebrate your ascent with a glass of bubbly (€13 to €22) from the Champagne bar (open 10.15am to 10.15pm). Afterwards peep into Gustave Eiffel’s restored top-level office, otherwise known as the 'secret apartment', where lifelike wax models of Eiffel and his daughter Claire greet Thomas Edison. 

Tours, tickets and other practicalities

Visitors must pass through security at the bullet-proof glass barriers surrounding the tower's base. The two entrances to the glass enclosure are on avenue Gustave Eiffel; the two exits are on quai Branly.

Ascend as far as the 2nd floor (either on foot or by lift), from where there's a separate lift to the top floor (closed during heavy winds). Pushchairs must be folded in lifts and bags or backpacks larger than aeroplane-cabin size aren't allowed. Note that the top floor and stairs aren't accessible to people with limited mobility.

Pre-purchasing tickets online gives you an allocated time slot and means you only have to queue for security. Print your ticket or show it on your phone. If you can’t reserve your tickets ahead of time, expect lengthy waits for tickets in high season.

Stair tickets can't be reserved online. Buy them at the south pillar, where the staircase can also be accessed: the climb consists of 360 steps to the 1st floor and another 360 steps to the 2nd floor.

If you have reservations for either restaurant, you're granted direct post-security access to the lifts.

For the best view of the light show, head across the Seine to the Jardins du Trocadéro.

How to get there

The nearest Metro stop is Bir Hakeim, while the nearest train station is Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel (RER C).

Champ de Mars, 5 av Anatole France, 7e

Get In Touch

08 92 70 12 39

https://www.toureiffel.paris

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Visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris — A Complete Guide

By: Author Emily

Posted on Last updated: November 27, 2023

Going to the top of the Eiffel Tower is a quintessential bucket list item for anyone visiting Paris. However, long lines, crowded observation decks and sold-out tickets can make the excursion seem like more of a chore than the romantic experience it’s made out to be.

Don’t let these things deter you. With a little bit of planning and flexibility, you can have a truly magical trip to the Eiffel Tower summit.

This post will guide you through a perfect visit to the Eiffel Tower. We’ll break down how to get tickets (even if online tickets are sold out), explain the layout of the tower and ensure you know exactly what to expect when you arrive. We’ve filled this post with all of our best tips for reducing wait times, too, so you can have the most enjoyable time with the Iron Lady of Paris.

Let’s get started!

In this Post

Here’s what we’re covering in this post. We invite you to read the full guide or jump ahead to the section you’re most interested in.

About the Eiffel Tower

Getting around the eiffel tower — stairs vs elevators.

• How Much Does it Cost to Visit the Eiffel Tower
• Eiffel Tower Ticket Options
• Advance Tickets for the Eiffel Tower

How to Avoid Lines at the Eiffel Tower

Plan your visit, tips for visiting the eiffel tower.

The Eiffel Tower is the symbol of Paris. It was designed and built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World’s Fair. A cool 7 million people visit the Eiffel Tower annually, making it the most visited monument with an entrance fee in the world.

You can go inside the Eiffel Tower and visit three floors open to the public.

The first floor of the Eiffel Tower sits at 187 feet above ground. On this level you will find quick-service dining, gift shops and spacious, open-air seating with views overlooking Champ de Mars.

Also on the first floor is Madame Brasserie, which opened in June 2022. This restaurant is billed as contemporary cuisine with a rotating, seasonal menu. Reservations are recommended, but not required.

The second floor is the largest observation deck at the Eiffel Tower, showcasing 360-degree views of Paris. The second floor is 377 feet high, which is roughly 34 stories. Central Paris doesn’t have many other skyscrapers, so the views from here are uninterrupted and expansive.

On the second floor, there is a quick-service cafe and bar, macaron shop and gift shop. The Michelin-starred restaurant, Jules Verne, is also located on the second floor. Reservations for the restaurant are required and can be made online up to 90 days in advance.

The Eiffel Tower reaches 1,083 feet at its tallest point, but the highest publicly accessible floor sits just below that at 906 feet. The observation deck at the top of the Eiffel Tour offers a birds-eye view of the City of Lights.

The top of the Eiffel Tower comprises both indoor and outdoor (fenced-in) observation decks. There’s  a small bar at the top of the Eiffel Tower that sells Champagne, caviar and macarons. Also at the top of the Eiffel Tour is a restored replica of Gustave Eiffel’s office.

Each of the three public levels at the Eiffel Tower can be accessed by stairs and/or elevators (lifts).

Let’s start with stairs. You can take the stairs between the ground, first and second levels of the Eiffel Tower. You cannot take the stairs all the way to the top of the Eiffel Tower.

From the ground to the first floor is 327 steps, and from the first floor to the second floor is 347 steps. That’s a total of 674 steps from the ground to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. That’s roughly the same as taking the stairs to the 35th floor of a building. It takes about 30 – 45 minutes to climb the stairs to the second floor at the Eiffel Tower.

If stairs don’t appeal to you, there are two primary elevators that run in both directions between the ground floor and the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. There is a separate, single elevator that runs between the second floor and the summit.

Navigating the first floor via elevator is a bit more complicated. You can only get to the first floor on the elevator by coming down from the second floor. There is not standard elevator access from the ground level to level one or from level one up to level two. If you’re taking the elevator, it’s best to visit the first floor last on your way down.

It’s also worth noting that the second floor and top floor of the Eiffel Tower actually have two floors each. Even if you take the lift to these floors, there is a single flight of stairs required to access the primary observation deck and amenities on that floor.

Lastly, restaurant patrons at either Madame Brasserie or Jules Verne can take a separate elevator directly to the restaurants. These restaurants have special check-in locations on the ground level at the base of the Eiffel Tower.

How much does it cost to visit the Eiffel Tower?

Tickets to the Eiffel Tower vary in price based on how high you go and how you get up there.

It costs 26.80€ to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower via the elevator. This requires taking one elevator from the ground floor to the 2nd floor, and then switching to a different elevator from the second floor to the summit.

If you want to visit the summit and save a bit of money, you can select the stairs and elevator option. For 20.40€, you can take the stairs from the base of the Eiffel Tower to the second floor (674 steps), and then take the elevator from the second floor to the summit.

You can save even more money by skipping the summit completely. It costs 17.10€ to visit the second floor of the Eiffel Tower via elevator and only 10,70€ if you take the stairs.

Ticket prices for all levels of the Eiffel Tower include access to that level and all lower levels. There are also reduced ticket prices for children and visitors with disabilities. Do note that individuals with reduced mobility, including wheelchairs, are unable to access to the summit.

How to Purchase Eiffel Tower Tickets

There are two main ways to purchase tickets to go inside the Eiffel Tower.

The first option is to buy Eiffel Tower tickets online in advance. These advance tickets are often called eTickets, priority tickets or skip the line tickets.  Advance tickets for the Eiffel Tower are limited and sell out very quickly, especially tickets for the summit.

If you purchase Eiffel Tower tickets in advance, you will need to select a specific date and time for your visit. Guests with advance eTickets will have access to an expedited security queue and will be able to skip the line at the Eiffel Tower ticket office.

You can also buy tickets for the Eiffel Tower on the day of your visit from the ticket offices located at the base of the tower. Same-day tickets are for immediate entry and will not have a return time. There are two ticket office locations, one near each of the two entrances.

Please note, same-day Eiffel Tour summit tickets are limited and can sell out midday if capacity is reached.

One final way to get a ticket to the top of the Eiffel Tower is to take a paid tour. Several tour companies, such as Tripadvisor or Viator , offer tours of the Eiffel Tower. These tours are more expensive than the standard ticket pricing, and include added commentary.

If you choose to do a paid tour, do your research first. Not all tours include summit access.

How to Get Advance Tickets to the Eiffel Tower

There are a limited number of advance tickets for the Eiffel Tower available for purchase each day. Each advance ticket is for a specific date and time, which you must select when purchasing the ticket and cannot be modified.

Advance tickets for the Eiffel Tower are released 60 days in advance. Summit tickets can sell out within a few days of being released, and time slots can become limited within hours. Second floor only tickets remain available for purchase much longer.

For the best chance of getting summit tickets and the best selection of entrance times, check for tickets 60 days before your visit. Tickets are usually released around 9 AM Paris local time, so that’s the best time to snag your ideal entrance time.

The price of an advance eTicket to the Eiffel Tower is the same as tickets purchased same-day at the ticket office.

Skip the Line Tickets for the Eiffel Tower

Advance eTickets for the Eiffel Tower are sometimes called “skip the line” tickets, but that’s not exactly accurate. There are no true “skip the line” tickets for the Eiffel Tower, just “skip some of the lines” tickets.

Guests with advance eTickets can go through expedited security and skip the queue at the ticket office. However, all guests regardless of ticket type, will have to wait in the same queue for the elevator to the summit and back.

Summit elevator queues at 11:20 AM on a June Monday morning

For that reason, we suggest selecting an early morning time for your advance eTicket if possible. While advance tickets will save you time getting to the second floor, you’ll have to wait in lines for all subsequent elevators just like everyone else. These lines will be shortest early in the day.

If you want to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower at night, try selecting a time after 8 PM for the shortest evening lines.

Pros & Cons of Advance eTickets to the Eiffel Tower

Advance eTickets for the Eiffel Tower are appealing for two reasons: they guarantee entry and eliminate wait times at the ticket office. This is important because day-off tickets to the summit of the Eiffel Tower can sell out midday if they hit capacity.

For guests who want to visit the Eiffel Tower in the evening, advance tickets make this experience substantially more pleasant. There is no stress of summit tickets selling our or multi-hour queues at the ticket office.

The down side to advance tickets, though, is that it illuminates flexibility. Advance eTickets for the Eiffel Tower are for a specific date and time. If there are changes to your travel plans or the weather doesn’t cooperate, you’re out of luck.

All this to say, advance eTickets are overall good to have, but don’t panic if you can’t get them.

If you want to avoid long queues at the Eiffel Tower, the answer might surprise you. The trick isn’t getting advance eTickets; it’s simply arriving early.

While an advance eTicket will reduce wait times at security and the ticket office, arriving early is the best way to reduce wait times at all elevator queues. How early you need to arrive at the Eiffel Tower will vary based on when you visit.

If you’re visiting the Eiffel Tower on a weekday, we suggest arriving at the scheduled open time (typically 9 AM). If your schedule in Paris requires a weekend visit to the Eiffel Tower, it’s best to arrive 30-60 minutes before it opens.

Eiffel Tower Ticket Office queue at 1 PM on a Monday in June

The Eiffel Tower is the most crowded during the summer months of June, July and August. During these months, expect wait times to get longer, faster. Even if you arrive early and get to the summit quickly, you may still experience waits for descending elevators. The waits will still be shorter earlier in the day than later.

Weather can also impact wait times. If the weather is less than ideal, you can comfortably plan to arrive within the first hour of opening and still experience minimal waits. (NOTE: The tower doesn’t typically close for poor weather, but extreme weather can cause disruptions and occasional closures.)

In our personal experience, we arrived one hour after open on a cloudy Monday in June and barely waited in any lines. However, by the time we were leaving, lines for the elevator to the summit were already quite long.

The official Eiffel Tower website has great crowd information which can help you plan for and avoid busy times. There’s also a handy live crowded tracker on their homepage .

As your Paris travel plans begin to take shape, start thinking about how your visit to the Eiffel Tower will fit into your itinerary.

In this section, we’ll breeze through some planning questions to help you pick the best month, day and time to visit the Eiffel Tower.

When is the Eiffel Tour Open?

The Eiffel Tower is open every day of the year except one — the Eiffel Tower is closed on Bastille Day on July 14. Unlike most museums in Paris that close on Tuesdays, the Eiffel Tower is open every day of the week.

On most days of the year, the Eiffel Tower opens at 9 AM. During parts of May and June it opens at 9:30 AM, so be sure to check the official hours before your visit.

What’s the best time to visit the Eiffel Tour?

The summer months and weekends are the most popular times at the Eiffel Tower. According to their website , the Eiffel Tower is the busiest from late June through early September. It’s more crowded on weekends versus weekdays, and it reaches its peak daily crowds between 11 AM – 5 PM.

If you’re looking to avoid some of the peak crowds, try targeting shoulder season in April/May and September/October. You do face a greater chance of poor weather during the spring and fall months, though. Be sure to set your expectations accordingly.

When considering specific days, we suggest visiting the Eiffel Tower on a Tuesday if possible. Most other museums are closed on Tuesdays, so it’s a great way to fill an otherwise quiet tourism day in the city. It’s also one of the least crowded days at the Eiffel Tower.

I personally believe that nothing beats Paris in the Fall. The weather is crisp, the foliage is delightful, and the fashion is on point. I would suggest visiting the Eiffel Tower on a Tuesday morning in early October for the ideal visit.

Should you go to the Eiffel Tower during the day or at night?

Day and night at the Eiffel Tower are two completely different experiences. Daytime at the Eiffel Tower will offer the clearest views of the city, but they don’t call Paris the City of Lights for nothing. The evening view from the top of the Eiffel Tower can be spectacular, too.

Personally, we would recommend daytime at the Eiffel Tower. Specifically, we recommend visiting in the early morning. The daylight allows you to find Paris landmarks around the city and appreciate the pops of color from the parks around town.

Of course the Eiffel Tower at night is magical, too. From sundown till 1 AM, the Eiffel Tower lights up with a sparkling light show. The best way to appreciate the glistening Eiffel Tower at night, though, is from the ground, not inside the tower.

If you want to see the Eiffel Tower at night, we suggest finding a spot at Trocadero Gardens at dusk. It has the best view of the tower and is the perfect place to relax after a long day in Paris.

How long does it take to visit the Eiffel Tower?

Depending on when you visit and how high up you go, a trip to the Eiffel Tower can take anywhere from 2 – 4 hours.

We suggest spending 30-60 minutes at the summit and another 30 minutes each on the second and first floors. If you’re planning on dining, we suggest eating on the first floor for the shortest waits. Lunch can take another 30-60 minutes.

In a perfect world, we’d spend two hours at the Eiffel Tower, but that does not account for wait times. Buffer in an extra 1-2 hours for queues at the ticket office and elevators.

To be safe, we would recommend blocking off 4-5 hours in your day for a leisurely visit to the Eiffel Tower. It might not take that long, but you don’t want to be rushing through it.

• Visit the Eiffel Tower from top to bottom . If you have a summit ticket, start by going all the way to the top and working your way down. This will help ensure you have the shortest waits and least crowded experience on each floor. It’s also the easiest way to access all of the floors via elevator.
• Take the stairs down from the second floor . The lines to take the elevator down can be long, but the waits for the stairs are usually low or non-existent. Even if you have an elevator ticket, you’re still allowed to take the stairs down if you choose. If you’re able to take the stairs, it’s a great way to cut out a few lines.
• Buy souvenirs and food on the first floor . There are souvenir shops on the first and second levels, and a coin press at the summit. The store on the first floor is the least crowded and has mostly the same items available as the upper floors, even the summit souvenir coin. Cafe lines are also much shorter on the first floor and the options are similar.
• Take advantage of imperfect weather. Don’t be deterred if it’s a little cloudy on the day you visit the Eiffel Tower. In fact, it will keep crowds down and might actually be better! We visited on a cloudy day and the views were still incredible.
• Buy your tickets from the ticket office near Entrance 2 . There are two entrances at the Eiffel Tower, each with a ticket office nearby. The ticket office near Entrance 1 (south pillar) is more crowded, because that’s the more popular entrance. Head to the ticket office near the eastern pillar by Entrance 2 for a shorter line.

Closing Thoughts

I’m not going to lie, I was not excited about visiting the Eiffel Tower. Reports of huge crowds and long lines made it sound awful. I also like my views of Paris to include the Eiffel Tower, which I wasn’t going to get from the Eiffel Tower.

I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by my Eiffel Tower experience. With an early arrival and weekday visit, the crowds were very low. This made the our visit low stress and super easy.

The open air observation deck at the summit feels like you’re at the top of the world. I’ve been to the top of a lot of tall buildings, but nothing quite compares to standing on that tiny observation deck at the top of the Eiffel Tower.

While I didn’t expect to love a Paris view without the Eiffel Tower in it, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t impressed. The sweeping views highlight the sheer size of the city of Paris and it’s fun to hunt down all the other icons.

The view from the second floor was way better than I expected, too. Some things (like Montmartre) were even more impressive from the second floor than from the top.

It was a real bucket-list moment that I didn’t expect to love, but did. I definitely don’t think I’d have loved it as much if I had to wait in line for 3 hours, though.

At the end of the day, I would say that a visit to the Eiffel Tower is absolutely worth it. It’s definitely something worth doing once in a lifetime in the City of Lights. I’m not sure I’ll do it again, but I’m glad I did it once.

Want even more great views of Paris, including a great view of the Eiffel Tower herself? Consider a visit to the top of Montparnasse Tower , too!

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Tips for Visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris: Complete Guide

If you’re planning a trip to Paris, chances are the Eiffel Tower is one of the must-visit places on your itinerary. This iconic monument is one of the most visited tourist sites in the world, and for good reason.

From the top of the Eiffel Tower, you will have a breathtaking view of Paris and its surroundings.

In this post, you will find all the information you need to visit the Eiffel Tower; we have already visited it three times; I hope you can enjoy the experience!

Tips to Visit The Eiffel Tower

• Book tickets online in advance to skip long lines.
• Choose your preferred time slot for the visit.
• Consider taking the stairs to the second floor for a unique experience.
• Get there early in the morning or late in the evening for smaller crowds.
• Enjoy the view from Trocadéro Gardens for great photos.
• Pack a picnic to enjoy at the Champ de Mars nearby.
• Visit during weekdays for fewer tourists.
• Learn about the tower’s history at the Eiffel Tower Museum.
• Dress comfortably, as there’s a lot of walking and waiting.
• Be cautious of pickpockets and keep your belongings secure.
• Read: The Ultimate 7-Day Paris Itinerary

How to Visit the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic monuments in Paris and the world. We tell you everything you need to know to make the most of your visit and get tickets for the date of your trip.

Visiting Tips

Before visiting the Eiffel Tower, it is important to remember some tips to get tickets for your travel dates, avoid queues, save time, and make the most of the experience.

A good idea is to plan your visit in advance, book your tickets , and choose the most convenient time for you. You can also opt for a guided tour to learn more about the history and structure of the tower.

If you are traveling with children, keep in mind that the Eiffel Tower has play areas and activities specially designed for them. It is also important to take safety measures into account, such as not climbing with dangerous objects or not running up stairs or elevators.

Visiting Hours of the Eiffel Tower

Visiting hours change depending on the season and day of the week. It is best to check the schedule when you book your tickets.

• From mid-June to early September: 9 a.m. to midnight.
• The rest of the year, from 9.30 a.m. to 11 p.m., with extended hours until midnight on weekends.

Ticket Reservation and Pricing

To visit the Eiffel Tower, it is necessary to book your tickets in advance. You can do this through the official website or other authorized booking websites .

You can buy tickets for the second floor or the top of the tower. Also, you can include guided tours, skip-the-line access, and combined activities, such as the Eiffel Tower climb and the Seine River cruise.

Ticket prices vary according to the season and the type of visit you choose. It is advisable to book in advance to ensure availability and avoid unnecessary queues.

Here are my updated recommendations since I visited the Tower last July. To get the tickets, I spent at least 2 months looking at the official website until there was a free slot for the date I needed.

My brother was visiting us, so I had one or two specific days to go up.

I searched on the official website until I almost gave up, but I had Civitatis as a backup, as they are more expensive, but you can find more availability of schedules. The good thing is that on this website, I could cancel if we couldn’t go for any reason. On the official website, they are non-refundable.

Ticket prices vary from the official website to other booking websites, but they also vary depending on how far you want to go up and if you go up by stairs or elevator.

• The general price per adult to the top by elevator is 28,30€ today; you know that the price can vary every year.
• If you go up to the second floor by elevator, the price is 18,10€ per adult.
• If you go up to the second floor by the stairs, the price is 11,30€ per adult.

In either case, you can buy the entrance to the second floor once at the Eiffel Tower; you can buy access to the top only if capacity is available.

In the table below, you can see the different prices and reduced rates. I recommend that if you really want to climb the tower, book in advance, and if the first time there is no availability for the date you are interested in, check again a few days later ; if there are still no tickets available, have a look here .

I know the price difference can be significant, but unless you live here, how many times will you have the opportunity to climb the Eiffel Tower? This is the question I ask myself in similar situations.

Tours, Guided Tour, or Free Audioguide

You can visit the Eiffel Tower with a guided visit as part of a tour or with the free audio guide on your smartphone.

Free audio guide

The audio guide can be downloaded with a QR code on the tower itself. And you can make the visit following its indications. Start first with the east and west gardens, then the esplanade, and then the different floors.

You can start at the top and then go down (note that the first elevator takes you to the second floor and then you have to change elevators) or you can start with the first one, then the second one, and finally the top.

In my case, I prefer to start at the top and then work my way down, we always end up eating a macaron on the second floor and enjoying a coffee with a view.

• Eiffel Tower plus a cruise on the Seine River
• Eiffel Tower, Louvre and a Cruise
• Eiffel Tower Tour, Arc de Triomphe, and Cruise

Accessibility For People With Reduced Mobility

The Eiffel Tower is accessible to people with reduced mobility. It is possible to visit the first and second floors in wheelchairs, but not the top, since for security reasons, access is not possible.

There are also adapted restrooms and wheelchairs available for loan in the tower lobby.

If you need special assistance, you can contact the Eiffel Tower staff in advance to help you with anything you may need during your visit.

How to Get to the Eiffel Tower

You can get to the Eiffel Tower using different public transport, the most comfortable for me is the metro, but here are all the available options.

• The best metro stop is Trocadero ; you get off here and start your way with the best views of the Eiffel Tower. This is totally subjective, but I think it is the best way to get to the Eiffel Tower for the first time.

It is metro line 9 and the Trocadéro stop.

• Nearest stop: Bir-Hakeim . This is another recommended stop, the views from the metro are tremendous and you can easily reach the tower, but I still prefer Trocadéro. After your visit, tell me which stop you chose!

It is metro line 6 and the stop is Bir-Hakeim.

• Other nearby stops: Metro line 8, Ecole Militaire stop.

RER (suburban train)

• Line C (Versailles / Saint Quentin en Yvelines – Anthony / Massy – Palaiseau: stop Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel)
• 82, stops: Eiffel or Montessuy tour
• 30, stop: Eiffel tour
• 86, stop: Champ de Mars
• 69, stop: Champ de Mars
• 72, stop: Pont d’Iéna

All these stops allow you to reach the Eiffel Tower on foot in just a few minutes.

Visit the Eiffel Tower by Day and by Night

Visiting the Eiffel Tower daily and night offers unique and captivating experiences. During the day, you can marvel at the breathtaking panoramic views of Paris from the top of the Tower.

Enjoy the beauty of the city, its iconic monuments, and its vast landscapes. In addition, you can appreciate the architectural details of the Tower and its history.

On the other hand, visiting the Eiffel Tower at night is a magical experience. The tower is illuminated with thousands of golden lights, creating a dazzling spectacle that is reflected in the Seine River.

Every hour, twinkling lights add an extra touch of charm.

Whether you visit the Eiffel Tower by day to enjoy breathtaking views or by night to experience the magic of the lights, this iconic Parisian landmark will never fail to captivate you.

Don’t Forget to Visit the Gardens of the Eiffel Tower

The gardens of the Eiffel Tower offer an oasis of tranquility and beauty amidst the bustle of Paris.

Located at the foot of the iconic Iron Lady, the gardens invite you to relax and enjoy the lush vegetation, colorful flowers and green spaces.

It is the perfect place to start your visit, rest under the shade of the trees or simply admire the majesty of the Eiffel Tower from a natural environment.

Dinner at the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower offers a wide variety of options for a memorable dinner. From the elegant restaurants on the upper floors to the charming food stalls on the esplanade, there are alternatives for all tastes and budgets.

If you want to dine at the Eiffel Tower, you have two options, the Jules Verne restaurant or Madame Brasserie.

Madame Brasserie is located on the first floor of the tower, and you can enjoy an exceptional lunch or dinner. Chef Thierry Marx is in charge of the kitchen.

Reserve your dinner here. You can also have lunch at noon , the price is half the price of dinner. Both options are a unique experience.

Le Jules Verne is a Michelin-starred restaurant located on the second floor of the tower. Here you can live a unique luxury experience. Undoubtedly, it is an exceptional place.

The prices at Restaurant Jules Verne are higher than Madame Brasserie, the midday menu is 160€, and the 5-course tasting menu dinner is 255€, excluding drinks.

You have to make your reservation at least 2 or 3 weeks in advance; you can do it here, on the official website .

Views from the Eiffel Tower

Here you will find the best views and the most important places you can see from the Eiffel Tower.

The Best Views

From the Eiffel Tower, you can see many of Paris’ most famous monuments. Some of the best views include:

• Notre Dame Cathedral
• The Arc de Triomphe
• The Louvre Museum
• The Basilica of the Sacred Heart

In addition, from the Eiffel Tower, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Seine River and the beautiful Trocadero gardens.

Another thing we all tend to do is to look up where our city or country is located.

The History Of The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous monuments in the world. If you are planning to visit, it is important to know its history.

Built for the Universal Exposition of 1889, the Eiffel Tower symbolizes the city of Paris and is a marvel of engineering.

Designed by engineers Alexandre Gustave Eiffel and Maurice Koechlin, the Eiffel Tower was built in only two years and remained the tallest structure in the world until the construction of the Chrysler Building in New York in 1930.

Although there was controversy at the time over the tower’s construction, today, it is an iconic landmark and a must-see for anyone visiting Paris.

The Creation Of The Tower

The Eiffel Tower was built by Alexandre Gustave Eiffel’s company for the Universal Exposition of 1889, which was held in Paris. The goal was to create an impressive structure that would symbolize the technological advancement of the time.

The tower’s design was the work of Maurice Koechlin and Émile Nouguier, two engineers working for Eiffel’s company. The project was approved and presented to the French Society of Civil Engineers.

Construction of the tower began in 1887 and was completed in two years, two months, and five days.

How High is the Eiffel Tower

The tower structure is composed of four iron pillars that meet at the top. In total, the tower is 324 meters high, including the antenna.

How Many Steps Does the Eiffel Tower Have?

The Eiffel Tower has about 1665 steps, keep this in mind if you are thinking of climbing the Tower by stairs. My recommendation is to take the elevator up and the stairs down.

How Many Floors Does the Eiffel Tower Have?

The Eiffel Tower has 3 levels that we can visit, the first at 57 meters, the second at 115 meters; these two levels can be climbed by stairs or elevator, and the third level, at 276 meters, you must climb by elevator.

The Tower Controversy

Although the Eiffel Tower is a symbol of Paris today, not everyone agrees with its construction. Many Parisians considered the tower to be an eyesore and a blight on the cityscape.

In fact, more than 300 artists and writers signed a petition against the tower, which was published in the newspaper Le Temps in 1887. The petition said the tower was “useless and monstrous” and should be destroyed after the exhibition.

Fortunately, the tower was not destroyed, and today it is one of the most visited monuments in the world. Can you imagine going to Paris and the Eiffel Tower not being there?

Crowd Avoidance Tips

Best time to visit the eiffel tower.

If you want to avoid the Eiffel Tower crowds, planning your visit carefully is important. One of the best times to visit the Eiffel Tower is early in the morning, just after it opens.

If you arrive before 9 a.m., you are likely to encounter fewer crowds and be able to enjoy the tower at your leisure.

How to Avoid Crowds

To avoid crowds at the Eiffel Tower, it is recommended that you buy your tickets in advance. You can book your tickets online to save time and avoid queues at the entrance.

* The queue for the security check is mandatory. If you go in high season, be aware it can take half an hour to queue for the controls.

Visiting The Eiffel Tower In Low Season

If you want to avoid the crowds at the Eiffel Tower, it is recommended that you visit in the low season. The winter months are usually less crowded, so you can enjoy the tower with more peace of mind.

In addition, if you plan your visit on weekdays instead of weekends, you will also find fewer crowds.

Other Activities Near The Eiffel Tower

In addition to visiting the Eiffel Tower, there are many other activities you can do in the surrounding area.

Seine River Cruises

A charming way to see the city of Paris is through a cruise on the Seine River . There are many options available, from sightseeing cruises to romantic dinners. Some cruises even offer priority access to the Eiffel Tower.

Visit to the Arc de Triomphe

Another impressive attraction near the Eiffel Tower is the Arc de Triomphe . This historic monument offers spectacular city views and is a popular place to take photos. Be careful when taking pictures in the middle of the street!

The Arc de Triomphe can be visited and enjoy the view of the Champs Elysées. If you go at Christmas, I recommend that you visit just when they turn on the lights, it is very cool.

A Visit To The Trocadero Gardens

The Trocadero Gardens are located just across the Seine River from the Eiffel Tower. These beautiful gardens offer breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower and are a popular place to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Visiting the House of Japanese Culture in Paris

Visiting the House of Japanese Culture in Paris is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Japanese culture’s rich tradition and beauty.

Located in the heart of the French capital, this institution offers a wide range of exhibitions, events and activities highlighting the history, art and customs of Japan.

The Japan House of Culture provides visitors with an authentic and enriching experience, from art and craft exhibitions to film screenings and traditional music concerts.

It also offers workshops and classes that allow participants to immerse themselves in Japanese arts, such as ikebana (flower arranging), calligraphy, and tea ceremony.

Touring the Fields of Mars

Touring the Champs de Mars is a breathtaking experience in the heart of Paris. This vast green space extends to the foot of the Eiffel Tower and offers a perfect place to relax, have a picnic or enjoy the iconic views of the tower.

The Champs de Mars is also popular with Parisians and visitors for sports, jogging or simply strolling.

In addition, this place comes alive during special events and festivals, where people gather to celebrate and enjoy outdoor concerts and fireworks.

Visit the Quai Branly Museum

To visit the Quai Branly Museum is to enter a world of diverse cultures and civilizations.

Located on the banks of the Seine River in the heart of Paris, this museum is dedicated to the arts and civilizations of Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas.

Its impressive collection houses thousands of objects and works of art representing the richness and diversity of these cultures.

From African masks to Asian treasures, the Quai Branly Museum offers a unique and enriching perspective on different traditions and artistic expressions.

Visit the Military School

Visiting the École Militaire de Paris is to delve into France’s history and military prestige. Located in the city’s 7th district, this institution is the training ground for the country’s future military leaders.

Visitors can explore its impressive buildings and stroll through its extensive grounds, discovering the monuments and statues honoring prominent figures in French military history.

In addition, the Military School offers guided tours that allow you to learn more about the life and training of the cadets.

Summarizing

After visiting the Eiffel Tower, you will surely be left with an unforgettable impression of this iconic Paris landmark. The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic structures in the world and is the symbol of Paris.

From the top, you can enjoy breathtaking city views, making it a must-see if you are in Paris.

In addition, the Eiffel Tower is a very popular place, so planning your visit in advance is essential. You can buy your tickets online to avoid long lines and save time.

You can also choose to visit the Eiffel Tower at different times of the day, such as at sunset or at night, to enjoy spectacular city views.

If you want a unique experience, consider dining at the Eiffel Tower restaurant. It offers an exceptional dining experience with breathtaking views of the city. Please note that reservations must be made well in advance.

Plan Your Trip to Paris

• Tips for your first trip to Paris
• What to see for free in Paris
• The secret places of Paris
• Visit the Catacombs
• Visiting the Louvre Museum
• Visit the Musée d’Orsay

This post may include affiliate links. This means that we will receive a small fee if you make a purchase through our links. It has no additional cost to you. It’s a win-win!

Hi there! I’m Vero! I’ve always loved traveling! I have been living in France since 2018. And traveling around this awesome country. I love road trips and traveling by van, and also, some comfy getaways :) Check out: Touristear.com

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What Do In Paris’ 7th Arrondissement, The Eiffel Tower District

The 7th arrondissement of Paris exudes elegance, with its history as a hub for aristocratic mansions and significant monuments. Today, it’s celebrated for its array of museums and the iconic Eiffel Tower, Paris’s most famous tourist attraction.

Originally, the 7th was largely undeveloped land. In the 18th century, however, nobility began returning to Paris and constructed grand mansions. Many of these historic buildings have since been transformed into government offices or museums, including the splendid Hotel Biron and the Palais Bourbon.

Additionally, the 7th arrondissement boasts one of Paris’ premier museums, the Musee d’Orsay, renowned for its impressive collection of Impressionist art. The district is also peppered with smaller, lesser-known museums, each offering its own hidden treasures.

Apart from the monuments, the 7th arrondissement has a human scale, with a renowned market street (Rue Cler) and Art Nouveau architecture along the Avenue Rapp.

Where Is The 7th Arrondissement?

The 7th arrondissement is located south of the Seine River on the Left Bank. It’s bordered by the Saint-Germain-des-Pres neighborhood to the east and by the 15th arrondissement to the south and west.

Snapshot Of Things To Do in The 7th Arrondissement

• Eiffel Tower
• Champs de Mar
• Musee du Quai Branly
• Rodin Museum
• Pont Alexandre III
• Les Invalides
• Palasi Bourbon
• Musee d’Orsay
• Musee Maillol
• UNESCO House
• Avenue Rapp
• Tintoretto’s Last Supper
• Rue St. Dominique
• Le Bon Marche

If you want a pro to show you around this area, you can book a 3 hour guided walking tour .

Things To Do In The 7th Arrondissement

1. eiffel tower.

The  Eiffel Tower  is one of the most iconic landmarks in France . It’s a lacy iron edifice towering over the Champs de Mar park.

The 1,063 foot Eiffel Tower was built for the World Fair in 1889 in record construction time. It was intended as a statement of France’s technological wizardry.

When it debuted, the Eiffel Tower was the world’s tallest and most innovative building. Predictably, architectural critics and Parisians shunned the new monument.

It was dubbed a “hollow candlestick” and a “black smokestack.” Now, it’s a beloved grand dame and the very symbol of Paris.

The tower offers up great views, which extend up to 45 miles on a clear day. There are three levels with observation platforms, at roughly 200, 400, and 900 feet.

They are all connected by elevators and stairs. In 2014, a vertigo-inducing glass floor was added to the first level.

At night, there’s a top-of-the-hour light show when 20,000 lit bulbs sparkle and gleam every 5 minutes on the hour until 11:45 pm.

Ticket prices vary depending on how high you want to go and whether you take the elevator. If you are willing to hike up the stairs instead of taking the lift, you won’t have to wait as long in line.

But it’s 704 steps to the second level. You’ll need to be in good physical shape to make that long vertical ascent. From there, pick up a second elevator to the summit.

If you want to dine at the Eiffel Tower, reserve at the Jules Verne restaurant .

The line to visit the tower is never-ending; over 7 million people visit annually. You can wait for hours.

So, it’s absolutely necessary to pre-book a skip the line ticket or tour. Here are some options:

• skip the line ticket with summit access
• guided tour with lift access
• guided tour by elevator
• private 2 hour tour with summit access

2. Champs de Mars

The park surrounding the Eiffel Tower is the Champs de Mars. It extends from the Ecole Militaire to the Eiffel Tower. It’s named after the Campus Martius in Rome , a tribute to Mars (the Roman god of war).

The park was initially laid out as a parade ground of the Ecole Militaire . This was where France celebrated its first Bastille Day, an occasion where the reigning monarch, Louis XVI, was forced to recognize the new constitution.

Its grassy areas are the perfect spot for picnicking. The park is especially pretty in the spring when magnolias and cherry blossoms are blooming.

The Champs de Mars is also an excellent place to watch the Eiffel Tower lights sparkling at night.

3. Musee du Quai Branly – Chirac

Tired of the usual Paris museums? If you want to a unique thing to do in the 7th arrondissement, head to the Musee du Quai Branly . It’s only one block from the Eiffel Tower.

Opened in 2006, the museum was the brainchild of former President Jacques Chirac. His goal was to elevate non-Western art to the same pinnacle as more traditional Western art.

So, Chirac founded a museum entirely devoted to tribal and non-Western art. It’s housed in an ultra modern building designed by Jean Nouvel.

The museum houses 300,000 works from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. The exhibits are shown in a multi-level open floor plan that you can wander at your leisure.

Here’s my complete guide to the Quai Branly . Tickets are 12 euros and you can pre-book one  here .

4. Rodin Museum

The Rodin Museum is a spectacular single artist museum dedicated to Auguste Rodin, the father of modern sculpture. It’s one of the most popular and best things to do in the 7th arrondissement.

Rodin toiled away for years in obscurity before finding success, at age 38, with the Age of Bronze . By his mid-40s, he was internationally acclaimed.

The permanent collection consists of over 6,000 art works. It’s housed in Rodin’s former residence, the magnificent 18th century chateau-like Hotel Biron and its exquisite gardens.

There are no less than 27 sculptures set amid the pointy shrubs of the gardens alone. And you’ll have stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and Les Invalides from them.

The museum displays works by Rodin, works by his muse-lover Camille Claudel, and some Greco-Roman sculptures. Rodin donated all the sculptures to the French state.

Rodin’s most famous works are here, including The Thinker , The Gates of Hell , The Burghers of Calais , Balzac , and The Kis s.

Here’s my complete guide to the Rodin Museum . Click  here  to purchase a skip the line ticket.

If you need a coffee or bite to eat, you can stop in at the Rodin Museum cafe, Café L’Augustine. 5 minutes away is one of Paris’ most popular cafes, Cafe Coutume.

5. Pont Alexandre III Bridge

The Pont Alexandre III is the most beautiful and elegant of Paris’ 37 bridges. 23 of the bridges are part of Paris’ Banks of the Seine UNESCO designation.

Built for the Universal Exposition of 1900, the bridge is a Belle Epoque confection that links Les Invalides to the Champs-Élysées. It was named in honor of Tzar Alexandre III, the son of the last tzar of Russia.

The bridge is decorated with nymphs, garlands, trumpet-blowing angels, birds, cherubs, dolphins, starfish, and sea monsters. It was the first bridge in which electric lighting, in the form of ornate candelabras, was installed.

From the bridge, you’ll have breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower, the Petit Palais , and the Grand Palais.

6. Les Invalides

The iconic gold dome of Les Invalides is a gleaming landmark visible from all over Paris. It sits at the end of the glamorous Pont Alexandre III Bridge and is one of the best things to do in the 7th arrondissement.

Louis XIV originally built Les Invalides as a hospital for veterans. After Versailles, it’s the Sun King’s most famous architectural project.

Today, Les Invalides is a complex of military museums and monuments. You can visit the Musee de l’Armee, the Musee des Plans-Reliefs, the Musee de l’order de la Liberations, and the Church of St.-Louis-des-Invalides.

Most famously, Les Invalides is the final resting place of Napoleon I.

Napoleon’s tomb is right under the gold dome of the church, which was designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart. The church initially was a royal chapel, but became an imperial mausoleum when Napoleon’s ashes were interred there.

If you want to see Napoleon’s real tombstone, check out the left hand side of the church exterior. Now in 3 pieces, the tomb is hidden at the foot of a tree behind a small thicket.

Of the three military museums on site, the Army Museum is the most important, with one of the world’s largest military collections. You’ll find artifacts from antiquity to WWII.

Click here to book a skip the line ticket to Les Invalides.

7. Palais Bourbon

When the Sun King Louis XIV died in 1715, the Parisian nobility were delighted to return to Paris from Versailles.

One of the ornate homes they built was the Palais Bourbon , which is now the home of the elected deputies of the National Assembly.

The palace was built between 1722-28 for the Duchess of Bourbon (the legitimized daughter of Louis XIV and Madame de Montespan). The architecture was inspired by ancient temples and the Church of La Madeleine .

In 1795, during the French Revolution, the French government confiscated the building.

The palace has a magnificent library decorated with frescos depicting the History of Civilization by Romantic era artist Eugene Delacroix.

From the Place de Palais Bourbon, you can see an astonishing contemporary sculpture in the center of the main courtyard.

It’s a black granite sphere created by Walter de Maria. The sculpture stands on a base of white marble and conceals within its core a second (invisible) solid gold sphere.

You can visit the Palais Bourbon on heritage days or make an appointment for a tour.

8. Musee d’Orsay

The Musee d’Orsay may be Paris’ most beloved museum. It’s housed in a dramatic 19th century train station.

The museum is famously home to the world’s largest collection of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism art works from artists born after 1820.

This was a hugely important period in art history, where artists rejected academic conventions and adopted a radical new approach to color and composition that would go on to influence Picasso and Matisse.

The Orsay is where you go to see pieces by Van Gogh, Monet, Manet, Cezanne, Seurat, Renoir, and Rodin. The museum also has rich collections of academic art, Realism, decorative arts, and photography.

Some of the masterpieces you’ll see include Van Gogh self-portraits, Manet’s Olympia and Dejeuner sur l’Herbe , and Monet’s haystacks, water lilies, and cathedrals.

The central aisle of the museum displays mostly 19th century Neo-Classical sculpture. The most notable piece is Carpeaux’s The Dance , which was once on the facade of the Opera Garnier .

The second floor has a sculpture terrace. One quarter of it is devoted to the works of Rodin. You’ll also find the famous Hercules the Archer by Émile Antoine Bourdelle.

Here’s my complete guide to the masterpieces of the Musee d’Orsay and my must know tips for visiting the Orsay . You can book a skip the line ticket on Get Your Guide  or  Viator . You may also want to book a guided tour .

9. Rue Cler

Rue Clear is a lively market street and one of the best things to do in the 7th Arrondissement. Most of the street is pedestrianized with its original cobblestones.

Rue Cler a great spot to buy groceries or pick up supplies for a picnic on the Champs de Mar. You’ll find fresh produce, cheese shops, patisseries, and fancy gelato shops. You can visit Laduree for macaroons.

If you want to sit town and relax, there are many tiny bistros that spill out onto the street. A couple popular spots are L’Eclair (great cocktails), Le Petit Cler, and Cafe du Marché.

10. Musee Maillol

The Maillol Museum is a secret hidden gem and an unusual thing to do in the 7th arrondissement.

It houses a full range of Aristide Maillol’s works and works by his contemporaries Matisse, Dufy, Bonnard, Rodin, and Gauguin. The museum also hosts some blockbuster temporary exhibitions.

Maillol was an early 20th century sculptor who helped shape the course of modernism. The artist’s lifelong obsession was the female nude. 

Maillol’s model and muse, Dina Vierny, opened the museum in 1995. It’s interesting to pair a visit here with the Rodin Museum. Maillol’s abstract and classicizing sculptures are in stark contrast to his contemporary’s emotional subjects.

Here’s my complete guide to the Musee Maillol . Tickets are € 14 and € 5 for audio guide. (The museum is not included in the  Paris Museum Pass .)

11. UNESCO House

UNESCO House is a secret art museum hiding in plain sight in the 7th arrondissement. It’s a stunning seven floor Modernist building designed by some of the world’s most famous architects, including Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius.

In 1995, Tadao Ando added a unique “meditation space” in the form of an irradiated concrete cylinder with flowing water. Ando’s intent was to create a space where people from all races and religions could pray for peace.

You’ll also find a Zen garden, a panoramic terrace, and 600 works of art by artists like Picasso, Henry Moore, Joan Miro, and Alexander Calder.

In the foyer of the Conference Halls sits Picasso’s largest work, the Fall of Icarus from 1958. Back outside, you can admire the Japanese Garden created by Isamu Noguchi.

Visits can be organized for the general public. Contact  [email protected](link sends e-mail)  to register for a guided tour. The building also hosts concerts and has an interesting bookstore.

12. 29 Avenue Rapp

At 29 Avenue Rapp, you’ll find what I think is Paris’ most gorgeous door. It’s right near the Eiffel Tower in the 7th arrondissement. 

It’s considered an Art Nouveau masterpiece by Jules Lavirotte. The flamboyant door evokes a lush Garden of Eden.

At the top of the door, is a bust of the architect’s wife, Ms. Jules Lavirotte. She’s flanked by Adam and Eve sculptures and sinuous vines, in near ornamental delirium.

Below her is a door adorned with a giant inverted phallus. It has a central glass panel and two oval shaped glass panels. The sexual symbolism was intentional and considered scandalous at the time.

13. Tintoretto’s The Last Supper

Are you a fan of the Venetian Renaissance? If so, one of the best hidden things to do in the 7th arrondissement is a visit to St.-François-Xavier Church .

Don’t be put off by the rather ugly exterior. Inside lies a little known masterpiece by Tintoretto, one of the great masters of the Venetian school.

His painting of The Last Supper is in the “wedding sacristy.” It’s the only Tintoretto to hang in a Paris church.

Christ is in the center with a gold halo. The focus of the painting is which apostle will betray him. Though his back is turned away from the viewer, you can see Judas clutching a purse of silver pieces.

You can only visit the church on Saturday from 9:00 am to noon or make an appointment at www.sfx-paris.fr.

14. Rue du Bac

You can’t go to the 7th arrondissement without a stroll down the iconic Rue du Bac.

It’s a quintessential Paris street and provides a flaneur-type break from all the monuments in the 7th arrondissement. It’s full of chic boutiques, cheesemonger shops, flower shops, and charming cafes.

You can get Paris’ best hot chocolate at Angelina and sample more chocolate goodies at Chapon .

15. Rue St. Dominique

This is another beautiful street in Paris that was once in the village of Grenelle (before it was absorbed into the city of Paris). It’s near the Eiffel Tower, just 15 minutes away.

Like Rue du Bac and Rue Cler, shops, cafes, bakeries, and boutiques line the lively street. If you want to live like a Parisian, this is a great place for one stop shopping.

You’ll also find chic brasseries and hotels. You can also see the Eiffel Tower from the street.

16. Le Bon Marche

Le Bon Marche is on the corner of Rue du Bac and Rue de Sevres. It’s Paris’ oldest department store.

It’s the only Grand Magasin on the Left Bank. The others (Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, La Samaritaine) are on the Right Bank.

Le Bon Marcher was founded in 1852 by a husband and wife duo Aristide and Marguerite Boucicaut.

It was designed by Louis-Charles Boileau and the Gustav Eiffel Company. The multi-purpose store has an open plan and dazzling geometric dazzling escalators.

Le Bon Marche has cool high end luxury brands and the best selection of products from skincare to clothes. Each floor is designed to house different collections in little salons.

It’s also where the Parisians like to shop, so you’re sure to look stylish after a shopping spree.

Just across the street, La Grand Epicerie is another Le Bon Marche store. It’s a gourmet food emporium with over 30,000 products. Many of them are made on site. The store is a must see for every foodie.

Where To Stay In The 7th Arrondissement

Want to stay in this area? There are loads of options.

Shangri-La Paris is an extremely elegant luxury hotel in the former palace of Prince Roland Bonaparte. It boasts unmatched views of the Eiffel Tower from its rooms.

You can also check out Le Narcisse Blanc Hotel & Spa (so very chic), Hotel la Comtesse (4 star hotel with a Turkish steam room), or Le Cinq Codet (luxury boutique hotel).

The Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel is a popular four star hotel located right at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. You don’t even have to spring for a suite to get an Eiffel Tower view. Most of the standard rooms have views too.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to best things to do in the 7th arrondissement near the Eiffel Tower. You may enjoy these other Paris travel guides and resources:

• 5 Day Itinerary for Paris
• 3 Day Itinerary for Paris
• 2 Day Itinerary for Paris
• One Day In Paris Itineraries
• Tips for Planning a Trip to Paris
• Tourist Traps To Avoid In Paris
• Top Attractions in Montmartre
• Top Attractions in the Latin Quarter
• Top Attractions in the Marais
• Best Museums In Paris
• Hidden Gems in Paris
• Secret day trips from Paris

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Last Updated on January 9, 2024 by Leslie Livingston

Home > Neighborhoods - Districts of Paris > 7th Arrondissement of Paris: Where To Eat, Play & Stay In the Eiffel Tower District

7th Arrondissement of Paris: Where To Eat, Play & Stay In the Eiffel Tower District

Introducing the 7th arrondissement of paris.

Without leaving Paris’ Rive Gauche and following the Seine River upstream, we are going to move from Saint Germain’s winding and cobbled lanes to the Eiffel Tower district, one of the most elegant Arrondissements of Paris .

The 7 th  arrondissement of Paris is delimited by the Seine in the North, rue des Saints Pères and rue de Sèvres in the East and avenue de Suffren in the West. Paris 7 is not very big but there’s a lot to walk to see its main sights! This is the Eiffel Tower district but of course, there is much more to explore.

The 7th District of Paris is divided into 4 neighborhoods: Quartier du Gros Caillou , Quartier de l’École Militaire , Quartier des Invalides , and Quartier Saint Thomas d’Aquin .

From Le Marais to Faubourg Saint-Germain

The seventh arrondissement is one of the most bourgeois districts of Paris and one of the most expensive arrondissements to live. It includes the historical aristocratic neighborhood of  Faubourg Saint-Germain , and it is also the district of the  National Assembly , several ministries, beautiful foreign diplomatic embassies, and big avenues.

Paris seventh Arrondissement is the result of the city’s extension beyond Ile de la Cité and Le Marais. Since the 17th century, it became the new residence of French highest nobility who decided to change their beautiful private mansions of Paris 3  and  Paris 4 for urban mansions in the clearer and less polluted Faubourg Saint-Germain . Some beautiful examples of these mansions include  Hôtel Matignon  (today the prime minister’s official residence),  Hôtel Biron , and  Hôtel de Salm .

DID YOU KNOW?  The neighborhood of Faubourg Saint-Germain was so classy and linked to the French nobility that the term “le Faubourg” is used to describe French aristocracy ever since.

After the French Revolution , many of these mansions were confiscated and turned into national institutions. During the following centuries, the district’s political influence will come and go but Paris 7th Arrondissement will always be the center of the French upper class’s social life.

The Eiffel Tower District

The 7th district of Paris is also the district of the Eiffel Tower . Paris 7 hosted during the 19th century five World Exhibitions and some of its main sights, as well as the district’s general layout, is the result of these special occasions. Check out where to find the best views of Eiffel Tower for some memorable pictures.

Without any further ado, let’s explore this elegant district of Paris.

Top Sights in Paris 7th Arrondissement

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1- The Eiffel Tower –  is the symbol of Paris and France. Climb up the Eiffel Tower to learn more about its history and for awesome views of Paris: it’s a once in a lifetime experience!

2- Les Invalides –  Commissioned by King Louis XIV in the 17th century, Les Invalides was a hospital and a retirement home for war veterans. Today, it contains monuments and museums related to the military history of France.  

3- Rodin Museum –  learn about the famous French sculptor, admire his most famous sculptures and enjoy the gardens of this beautiful private mansion in Paris 7.

4- Quai Branly Museum  – The Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac is a museum by the River Seine featuring the indigenous art and cultures of Africa, Asia, Oceania, and America. We especially like the section of Oceania.

5- Seine River Cruise  –  A night cruise along the Seine River is one of the most iconic things to do in Paris. Most of the Seine boat cruises depart from Paris 7, not far from the Eiffel Tower.

6- Maillol Museum –   Aristide Maillol is the French sculptor author of the monumental female statues at the Tuileries Garden. The Maillol Museum is the best place to admire his works (drawings, engravings, paintings, sculptures, decorative art, original plaster, and terracotta work).

7- Orsay Museum –  This beautiful museum located in a former train station by the Seine River, displays French art from 1848 to 1914.

Unique Things to Do in the 7th District Paris

In our Paris Arrondissement Guides , we like to encourage people to beat the crowds and explore Paris beyond its main sights. Despite being one of the most touristy districts of Paris, there are many unique things to see and do beyond the Eiffel Tower.

We don’t visit this district very often but when we do, we like to wander around the historical neighborhood  Sèvres-Babylone , with its beautiful shops and Grands Magasins, art galleries, and quirky sights.  

Below, the list of unique things to do in Paris 7th Arrondissement we believe you shouldn’t miss:

8- Last remains of the first Protestant Cemetery –   in the 16th century Protestants had to bury their dead in secret, sometimes private places. The first Protestant cemetery in Paris is well hidden in the courtyard of a private building.

9- Monument of the Human Rights –  Have a closer look at this intriguing monument, full of esoteric and masonic symbols.

10- Discover Jules Lavirotte’s beautiful Art Nouveau architecture  – Jules Lavirotte is one of the best architects of the Art Nouveau movement in France. He designed 3 buildings in Paris 7, at 29 avenue Rapp, 151 rue de Grenelle, and 12 rue Sedillot.

11- Be amazed by the unique architecture of the boutique Hermès – built in the former Lutetia swimming pool,  a listed historical building, this is an amazing place combining Art Nouveau architecture and Hermès’ creativity.

12- Explore the city’s sewer system at  Musée des Égouts de Paris – this is one of the coolest places to visit in our  Paris Underground Guide .

13- Create your own Cabinet of Curiosities at Magasin Deyrolle –  this shop for taxidermy passionates is one of the quirkiest places in all Paris!

14- Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Chapel – Learn the story of Catherine Labouré at this special church in Paris, where people from all the world go to get their own “Miraculous Medal”.

Best Restaurants in the 7th Arrondissement Paris

Foodies in Paris will love rue Cler , a colorful street with very fine establishments whether it’s for cheese, fish, charcuterie, or butchers.

Don’t you know where to find the best restaurants in the 7th Arrondissement? Here, some of our favorite restaurants in Paris 7 proposing good French cuisine.

» Brasserie Thoumieux –   79 rue Saint-Dominique, 75007 Paris. Brasserie Thoumieux is one of Hotel Thoumieux’s places to eat, a Belle Époque brasserie from 1923 that combines red benches and mirrors with brasserie dishes reinterpreted. This is a “sure” address that triumphs especially with its lunch set menu and its brunch.

» Les Ombres –    27 quai Branly 75007 Paris. If you are looking for a special place to celebrate a special event, head to Les Ombres, the rooftop restaurant of Musée du Quai Branly. Les Ombres proposes a refined cuisine with dishes beautifully presented with an amazing view of Paris and the Eiffel Tower.

» LE BEM – Le Bistrot d’Eleonore et Maxence –   39 avenue Duquesne 75007 Paris. This is a cute bistro with a welcoming staff and cozy atmosphere with benches, candles, and cushions. The cuisine is colorful and generous, always made with fresh produce, the wine is good and the service is perfect.

Click here for more restaurants in Paris 7

7th Arrondissement Hotels

The hotels in the Eiffel Tower Arrondissement tend to be more expensive than in other areas and it’s hard to find budget hotels (-100€ /night) in Paris 7th district.

A ROOM WITH EIFFEL TOWER VIEW

If you are traveling to Paris for a few days and you can afford it, why not treating yourself with a hotel with Eiffel Tower views ? Some of the best hotels in Paris 7 offer just that! If you prefer a home from home, there are also cute apartments with view of Eiffel Tower .

Booking.com is the best site for booking hotels in Paris. They have good rates and a huge selection of hotels of all kinds plus it is possible to cancel for free if, in the end, you cannot make it to Paris.

Click here for the best hotels in Paris 7

X HOTEL EIFFEL RIVE GAUCHE ; Paris 7, $$$

This is a beautiful mid-range hotel set in a Haussmannian building near Champ de Mars and the Eiffel Tower. Hotel Eiffel Rive Gauche proposes comfortable rooms decorated in warm tones, some of them with a private patio or Eiffel Tower views.

Click here for the Latest Prices

HO TE L LE WALT : Paris 7, $$$$

Hotel Le Walt is a design hotel with a great location, one of the best hotels with Eiffel Tower views from the room. We love how the hotel combines contemporary design with classic artworks. The Walt features a private garden-terrace, where guests can relax with a drink or enjoy breakfast.

HOTEL DUQUESNE : Paris 7, $$$

Located at a stone’s throw from Champs de Mars and the Eiffel Tower, the Hotel Duquesne Eiffel offers comfortable rooms, some of them with a perfect view of the Eiffel Tower. We especially like its super location and common spaces.

SHORT TERM RENTALS IN PARIS 7

Hotels are still the most popular option in Paris but if you dream of living the Parisian lifestyle, then an apartment is the best way to get a feel for the local atmosphere. Enjoy Paris in the comfort of your own Paris furnished apartment , regardless of the length of your stay.

Click here for the best Apartments in Paris 7

Paris Seventh Arrondissement Directory

Eiffel Tower: Camp de Mars 5 avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris

Les Invalides: 129 rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris

Rodin Museum : 77 rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris

Quai Branly Museum: 37 quai Branly, 75007 Paris

Seine River Cruises: Bateaux Parisiens, Vedettes de Paris and Batobus have a stop at Port de Suffren or Port de la Bourdonnais, in Paris 7. Check out the best Seine Cruises in Paris.

Maillol Museum: 59-61 rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris

Orsay Museum: 1 rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris

First Protestant Cemetery:  30 rue des Saints-Pères, 75007 Paris

Monument to Human Rights:  avenue Charles Risler, 75007 Paris

Hermès Boutique Paris 7: 17 rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris

Paris Sewer Museum: 93 quai d’Orsay 75007 Paris

Magasin Deyrolle: 46 rue du Bac, 75007 Paris.

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Chapel : 140 rue du Bac, 75007 Paris.

Want to Explore Beyond Paris 7?

Click here for Other District Guides

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About WORLD IN PARIS

Quirky parisian explorers with a preference for lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas and tips to bring you the best of the city of light read more about us ., we’re elisa, norbert, valérie, and cédric, four travel bloggers and friends living in paris. quirky explorers with a preference for the local side of our city and its lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas to enjoy the best of paris & around . do you want to go beyond the louvre museum or the eiffel tower keep clicking for first-hand information & our best tips learn more about us.

• Things to do in the Eiffel Tower district
• (Re)discover the districts around the Olympic sites

Head for the beating heart of the City of Light , at the foot of the tour Eiffel . For some it is the ultimate romantic spot, while others see it as a tourist trap. Above all, the Champ-de-Mars is a place for togetherness and festivities . And to prove it, various sporting events draw thousands of supporters to this site, as do the Bastille Day celebrations on 14 July when the Eiffel Tower is lit up by a colourful fireworks display.

In keeping with these values of sharing, in 2024 the Champ-de-Mars will be transformed into a temporary outdoor arena, becoming the Stade tour Eiffel , which will host the beach volleyball and cecifoot events. The temporary Grand Palais will become the Arena Champ de Mars to host the Judo , para judo , wrestling and chair rugby events. Get your boots on, and let’s get started!

Behind the scenes of the Eiffel Tower

The eiffel tower.

She needs no introduction. Shining her light on the river Seine and the Champ-de-Mars, the great Iron Lady of France has lost nothing of her original splendour. Built in 1889 for the Paris World Fair and the centenary of the French Revolution, the tour Eiffel still amazes us by its gigantic scale : 330 metres tall, 10,100 tonnes… Enough to make you dizzy. Do not miss this symbol of the History of France and the capital city.

Remember to book well ahead to visit the Eiffel Tower, to avoid the queues and get the most from your experience. The Eiffel Tower has 3 floors. The most courageous visitors take the steps up to the first 2 levels… Ready for the 674 steps challenge?

Eiffel Tower restaurants

The Eiffel Tower provides some thrilling sensations . For example, behind its metallic exterior are two restaurants where you can enjoy a high-flying culinary experience.

On the first floor of the Eiffel Tower , some 57 metres above the ground, take a seat at Madame Brasserie , a modern restaurant where you can sample the incomparable cuisine of chef Thierry Marx . The pleasant, refined decor of wood panelling and metal structures was created by designer Ramy Fischler and architect Nicolas Delon. An ethical choice of sustainable materials in keeping with the culinary approach taken by chef Marx, whose cuisine is here based on high-quality, seasonal ingredients produced in the Paris region and supplied by local farmers . Relish an exceptional dining experience and a stunning view over the city of Paris.

Or move upmarket and up to the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower, to dine at the Jules Verne gourmet restaurant perched 115 metres above the ground . Be sure to book your table a few months ahead, because this Michelin-starred restaurant is in great demand. Nesting at a place that defies the rules of 19th-century architecture, symbolising the achievements and utopian dreams of its day, the Jules Verne could not have been more aptly named. It is a showcase for cuisine of excellence. Here, you’ll delight at the dishes prepared by triple-starred chef Frédéric Anton , one of the best of his generation, while admiring the dizzying view that unfurls before you. An outstanding experience that puts your head in the clouds.

An alternative visit to the Eiffel Tower

Go back down to the bottom of the tower. If you fancy straying off the beaten track for your exploration of the Eiffel Tower district, there’s a more amusing and less conventional way: virtual reality . With Viality Tour , you can take a stroll through the Paris of the 1880s, when this monumental structure was being built. From the Ecole Militaire, you’ll cross the Champ-de-Mars to reach the Eiffel Tower. During this 360° immersive experience lasting over an hour , you’ll witness the different stages of construction of this architectural feat. A great experience to share with your family or friends .

Next to the Eiffel Tower

Japanese culture centre.

Fancy a change of scenery? A stone’s throw from the Eiffel Tower, this time in the 15th arrondissement , walk along the Seine for a journey to the land of the Rising Sun . With its beautiful façade of glass and steel, the Maison de la culture du Japon , which opened in 1997, is truly a gem of modern architecture. Japanese painting, decoration, design, dance, exhibitions and films… The fascinating events hosted here do credit to both past and present Japan . And if you’re into artistic expression, you can even sign up for a lesson in origami, calligraphy or floral art.

Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac Museum

Your voyage continues at the musée du Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac , located between the Alma bridge and the Debilly footbridge. Between the Eiffel Tower and Les Invalides, this magnificent, modern museum was built in 2006 under the supervision of Jean Nouvel and at the initiative of Jacques Chirac, who was then President of the French Republic. This world-famous multicultural venue boasts an outstanding collection of objects from Africa, the Americas, Asia and Oceania.

The first thing that strikes you is the very sight of this modern glass-and-metal structure (a nod to the Eiffel Tower) with its warm colours and impressive vegetation. Indeed, the museum features a beautiful 18-hectare garden and some luxuriant plant walls.

Step inside this temple to ethnic civilisations to admire the 3,500 exhibits. The very design of this airy, open-space museum invites visitors to enjoy an unguided tour via the senses, for an original visual experience. Its fascinating collection and diversity of films, music, documents and workshops makes it the perfect museum for families. Hosting all sorts of concerts, dance shows and other performances, this museum is an iconic culture hotspot of the city of Paris.

Eiffel Tower on the banks of the Seine

Fancy sailing away ? Drift down the Seine aboard one of the Vedettes de Paris boats, for a sightseeing cruise that offers a chance to admire the great monuments of Paris from an alternative angle . For over 40 years, the Vedettes de Paris vessels have offered picture postcard river trips that are perfect for a romantic moment or a family outing. And in the summer, you can admire the surroundings from the terrace on top of the boat. There are different routes and themes for these trips with commentary in three languages, so you’re bound to find just the right one for you!

A stone’s throw away, the Bateaux Parisiens also do lovely Seine cruises aboard their trimarans. Their modern multi-hull vessels allow you to admire the views without leaving your seat, but that doesn’t stop you making the most of the fresh air on deck if you want to.

And you can prolong your experience by booking a table at the Bistro Parisien . This floating bar and restaurant belonging to Bateaux Parisiens serves traditional, seasonal dishes that you can enjoy out on the panoramic deck or inside. All with a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower and the Trocadero .

Right Bank, opposite the Eiffel Tower

The paris aquarium.

It’s now time to cross the river Seine into the 16th arrondissement and the Trocadero district, for a plunge into the underwater world! In the gardens near the Palais de Chaillot , the Aquarium de Paris is a delight for children and adults alike. You’ll gaze in awe at more than 500 species of fish and invertebrates that live in the aquarium’s 43 pools. The highlight? An enormous shark pool that holds over 3 million litres of water and 32 specimens of four different species… A fascinating experience!

Musée de l’Homme

This museum of humanity also stands on the Place du Trocadero. Built in 1937 for the World Fair, this giant of neoclassical architecture is home to the musée de l’Homme . The tour of its multidisciplinary exhibition combining anthropology, philosophy and biology invites you to retrace the history of mankind . It proposes a highly interactive tour for an enjoyable way to learn, through hands-on experiences and sound effects, as well as workshops, meetings and lectures organised throughout the year. You may even come across the palaeontologists and anthropologists in the middle of their research work, proof that there’s always something to get excited about at this museum. And if you get peckish, you can take advantage of the breathtaking views from the terrace of the Café de l’Homme . You’ll see, it’s well worth a visit.

The architecture & heritage centre

Stay in the Palais de Chaillot and pop into the Cité de l’architecture et du patrimoine , which occupies an entire wing of the monument. This urbanism and architecture museum takes you back a thousand years through the history of France’s built heritage studying it via an aesthetic and social dimension. On the ground floor, stop in the casts gallery to admire the incredible reproductions of iconic monuments, such as the cathedrals of Paris and the Arc de Triomphe. A rare opportunity to see them close up! Upstairs, the Cité de l’Architecture offers an overview of contemporary and modern architecture , from the famous Eiffel Tower to the works of Le Corbusier. This museum has plenty for the children too. Enquire at reception about the fun tours available to them.

To round off your visit, treat yourself to a gourmet break inside the museum, surrounded by the delicious 1930s decor of the restaurant Girafe . Huge mirrors, velvet upholstery and enormous green plants, all in an extravagant setting where you can enjoy a generous seafood platter. And if you can’t get enough of the sight of the Eiffel Tower, admire the Iron Lady of Paris from the terrace while sipping a cocktail.

Also to be discovered

• Copyright image: CRT IDF/Helsly

Expired session

Guided tour to the Top

The most comprehensive tour.

Enjoy a thrilling trip to the Top and visit the entire Eiffel Tower accompanied by a guide

A tour of the Eiffel Tower is a thrilling and emotional experience. Accompanied by a member of the Eiffel Tower family who is enamored with the monument, you will hear about momentous and everyday moments in its history, and learn more about the life of the Tower and the company that operates it, while visiting all three levels of the Tower.

An unforgettable tour, available in French or English and lasting around 90 minutes, in groups of no more than 12 people! Your Official Eiffel Tower Guide will ensure that everything goes smoothly on your visit while helping you access the different levels, especially the elevators. And to enhance this experience, the Eiffel Tower can offer you outstanding 10% discounts on a selection of products available in the stores (Exclusive Eiffel Tower Collection) and certain restaurants (bistro on the First Floor and the buffet on the esplanade).

Advantages of the guided tour

The tour experience

01: See you on the Esplanade

Meet your guide 15 minutes before the start of the tour at the Official Guided Tours meeting point (don't forget the security checks at the site entrances, which may take 10 to 20 minutes). Your guide will take care of you, and you will benefit from easier access to the Top.

02: Discover how the historic elevators work

From an exceptional and perfectly preserved vantage point over the hydraulic elevator shaft dating from 1899, you will gain a complete insight into the workings of this machinery found nowhere else in the world.

03: The magic of the ascent and the Top

You can then savor the thrills of the ascent to the Top. Throughout the visit, your Official Guide will be happy to share tales of momentous and everyday moments in the Tower's history with you, from the monument to the company, and from the past to the present.

04: Back down to the heart of the structure

After regaining the Second Floor (by elevator), you will take the stairs to the First Floor, at the heart of the structure. Your Guide will tell you more about the structure of the monument and the history of its construction.

05: Don't leave us without obtaining your privileges!

Once you reach the First Floor, it will be time to say goodbye to your Guide, but you can extend your visit and explore this floor a little longer, where you can take advantage of the benefits on offer by presenting your guided tour tickets. For a bite to eat, you will receive a 10% discount on a special menu served at the first-floor bistro (located in the Ferrié Pavilion) depending on the time of your visit (breakfast, lunch/snack or afternoon snack). This offer also applies to the buffet on the Esplanade! You will also benefit from an exceptional 10% discount in our official gift shops on all products in the exclusive Eiffel Tower Collection, which promotes French expertise.

Also available

Guided tour to the Second Floor

Official and exclusive guided tours of the Eiffel Tower. Get an easy access to the Second floor then visit the 1st floor of the Eiffel Tower with an Official Eiffel Tower Guide.

Please be on time to meet us on the Esplanade near the Information Point, 15 minutes before the time stated on your ticket.

Before reaching the Esplanade, security checks are carried out at the entrance to the site. But you are authorized to use an entrance specially reserved for "Official Guided Tours". Allow 10 to 20 minutes to complete these checks.

This tour is not accessible for people with reduced mobility and not recommended for people with baby strollers.

Your guided tour ticket entitles you to an exceptional 10% discount on items in the exclusive Eiffel Tower Collection in our gift shops and on special menus at the buffets located on the First Floor and on the Esplanade.

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Which Arrondissement is the Eiffel Tower in? A Guide to Its Location

Have you ever wondered which Paris neighborhood houses the emblematic Eiffel Tower that paints a perfect French sky portrait? Join us as we unpack this question, guiding you through the captivating cityscape of Paris to reveal the exact arrondissement where this majestic iron lady stands. We promise it’s not just about finding your way – embracing the journey and the story it tells. Brace yourselves because we’re peeling back layers of history, culture, and architectural marvels en route to answering: In which arrondissement is the Eiffel Tower located?

The Eiffel Tower is located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. This district is known for its elegant neighborhoods, ministries, foreign embassies, and big avenues. It is also home to other notable sights such as Les Invalides , Rodin Museum, Quai Branly Museum, and various enjoyable activities like Seine River Cruises.

Table of Contents

An Overview of Paris’s Arrondissements

The eiffel tower and its parisian neighborhood, the eiffel tower’s district, must-see sights around the eiffel tower, navigating to the eiffel tower from each arrondissement, using the paris metro, exploring paris by foot, living in the eiffel tower’s arrondissement: pros and cons, best hotels with eiffel tower view.

Known as the City of Light, Paris is a sprawling metropolis that’s divided into twenty arrondissements. Each district has its own unique character, boasting architectural designs, culture, and amenities. The arrondissements are numbered arithmetically in a clockwise spiral starting from the center of the city at the first arrondissement.

Whether you’re looking for chic neighborhoods with designer boutiques, cultural hotspots, or food hubs, there’s an arrondissement to suit your taste.

For instance, those interested in art often gravitate towards Montmartre’s neighborhood in the 18th arrondissement, which hosts numerous galleries and artist studios. Marais in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements is popular among fashion enthusiasts due to its trendy boutiques.

Regarding iconic landmarks in Paris, none beats the Eiffel Tower. It sits at the heart of the 7th arrondissement and is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations for visitors to Paris.

As mentioned before, each neighborhood has its own unique character and flavor – this is especially true for the Eiffel Tower’s district. Located in the elegant 7th Arrondissement close to other notable sights like Les Invalides, Rodin Museum , and Musée d’Orsay.

The area surrounding the Eiffel tower is known for its expensive bourgeois neighborhoods containing ministries, foreign embassies and big avenues but has a peaceful atmosphere despite being a tourist hotspot.

Visitors can sample local French cuisine in cozy bistros like LE BEM or fine dining restaurants such as Brasserie Thoumieux. But rather than just sampling delicious local cuisine, why not explore some of the other unique attractions nearby?

Some off-the-beaten-path activities around the Eiffel Tower include exploring Jules Lavirotte’s beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and discovering the city’s sewer system at Musée des Égouts de Paris .

Other notable sights in the 7th arrondissement are Les Invalides, Rodin Museum, Quai Branly Museum, Seine River Cruise, Maillol Museum and Orsay Museum.

For a relaxing afternoon with an incredible and unique view, consider visiting rooftop restaurant Les Ombres that offers a magnificent panoramic scene of the Eiffel Tower.

As you can see, there’s so much to explore beyond just the Eiffel Tower, making it a destination worth spending some extra time getting to know.

• The Eiffel Tower, located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, sees nearly 7 million visitors each year according to the Office du Tourisme de Paris.
• According to a survey conducted by the City of Paris, the 7th arrondissement scored a 92/100 satisfaction rating for architectural interest among residents and tourists alike in 2020.
• There are approximately 57,000 inhabitants residing in the 7th arrondissement as of the latest French census data from INSEE (National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies) in 2021.

See Related: Guided walking tour of the Covered Passages of Paris

The Eiffel Tower is situated in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, located on the Champ de Mars on the left bank of the Seine River. Tourists and locals alike flock to this district to take in the iconic Parisian landmark. Beyond its towering presence, the 7th arrondissement brims with upscale neighborhoods, grand avenues, and exquisite architecture, making it one of the most sought-after areas for tourists visiting Paris .

As you stroll through the streets surrounding the Eiffel Tower, you’ll notice a host of ministries and foreign embassies in addition to numerous museums and restaurants catering to different tastes.

Apart from visiting the Eiffel Tower itself and savoring breathtaking panoramic views from its heights, there are numerous other experiences waiting to be had in this magical district.

Just a stone’s throw away from the Eiffel Tower lies Les Invalides, one of France’s key military museums housing Napoleon’s tomb as well as impressive collections of weaponry and armor. The museum also has exhibitions detailing France’s involvement in World War I and II.

Nearby is Musée Rodin , showcasing sculptures by Auguste Rodin in a beautiful garden setting, while the Quai Branly Museum boasts four floors of art from indigenous people around the world.

Meanwhile, art lovers will appreciate Musée d’Orsay’s collection of Impressionist masterpieces by Van Gogh, Monet, Manet, among others. The Maillol Museum houses works by Aristide Maillol inspired by French classicism.

If exploring history is your thing, then head over to Musée des Égouts de Paris (the museum of sewers), where visitors can tour underground tunnels that once served as central thoroughfares for transporting everything from drinking water to waste throughout Paris.

After exploring these must-see sights, it’s time to delve into another key aspect – Navigating to the Eiffel Tower from Each Arrondissement.

• In addition to visiting the iconic Eiffel Tower, there are several other attractions and museums in the area worth exploring. Les Invalides is a key military museum displaying Napoleon’s tomb and an impressive collection of weaponry and armor. Musée Rodin showcases sculptures by Auguste Rodin in a beautiful garden setting, while the Quai Branly Museum exhibits art from indigenous people around the world.
• Art lovers will appreciate Musée d’Orsay’s collection of Impressionist masterpieces, and the Maillol Museum houses works inspired by French classicism. For those interested in history, the Musée des Égouts de Paris offers underground tours of tunnels once used for transporting water and waste throughout the city. After visiting these attractions, visitors can also learn about navigating to the Eiffel Tower from each arrondissement.

Whether you’re just arriving in Paris and looking for something to do or have been living here for a while and are heading to the Eiffel Tower for the n-th time, getting there shouldn’t be an issue. You’ll enjoy discovering the right route as it offers great views of iconic landmarks.

See Related: Jewish Memorial Walking 1-Day Private Tour in Paris

The Parisian metro is undoubtedly one of the most efficient ways of navigating around the city, with affordable rates that offer easy accessibility within its arrondissements. To reach the Eiffel Tower via metro, simply identify which arrondissement you’re coming from and which station is closest to your location. From there, it’s a matter of selecting the right line(s) and transferring where necessary.

For instance, if starting from Châtelet-Les-Halles (1st arrondissement), head towards line 7 on the metro and alight at Ecole Militaire. Trocadéro (lines 6 and 9) and Bir-Hakeim (line 6) are excellent options; they offer stunning panoramic glimpses towards the tower.

Extra tip: Use free Wi-Fi at stations or purchase a French SIM card to access high-speed internet while outside.

While navigating various streets and neighborhoods may seem complicated initially, once you understand how each street flows into another, it’s easier than expected. One can see many hidden gems not typically visible when using public transport. Moreover, following specific routes will generally take one past other key attractions worth visiting en-route.

However, walking throughout Paris isn’t necessarily feasible for everyone. The elderly might face difficulties with extended walks, while those with disabilities face further constraints toward mobility.

The complexity of Paris’s metro network means that getting onto the wrong line, even by one station, could lead you miles off the right track. Fortunately, it’s an easy-to-use system, and most ticket machines have multi-language options, making purchasing tickets a breeze.

For individuals who have opted to stay in a remote location away from the city center and Eiffel Tower district, metro rides are still accessible and affordable. One might have to factor in longer travel times compared to arrondissements closer to the tower but still arrives at their destination relatively stress-free.

For example, from Nation (12th arrondissement), board line 1 towards La Défense and transit at the Franklin Roosevelt station within the 8th arrondissement. The first two stops of line 6 would bring you closer toward towering chateaus like Les Invalides before switching routes to line 8 or 9.

Ultimately, Parisian public transport provides numerous options for getting around if walking is out of the equation.

Exploring Paris by foot is an engaging way to take in the sights and architectures of this beautiful city. The area around the Eiffel Tower is undoubtedly among the most picturesque parts of Paris, with vibrant gardens and neighboring streets that capture the grandeur and spirit of Parisian life.

One great way to explore the Eiffel Tower’s arrondissement is through a walking tour. You’ll have the opportunity to take in historical landmarks like Les Invalides or Pont de Bir-Hakeim from a fresh perspective. You can also enjoy stunning views of the Seine River, see the Eiffel Tower light up at night, and meander through charming streets like Rue Cler where you can find unique cafes and boutiques.

Of course, there are many more things to discover beyond the immediate vicinity of the Eiffel Tower. Paris has so much to offer, from museums like The Louvre and Musée d’Orsay to charming neighborhoods with century-old architecture. Don’t be afraid to get lost in the city’s maze-like streets – therein lies some of Paris’s charm.

See Related: Hotel Saint-Germain

If you are considering living near the Eiffel Tower arrondissement, it’s essential to know about its pros and cons before making any significant decisions.

The 7th arrondissement where Eiffel Tower stands, offers something for everyone – opulent avenues lined with embassies, ministries, museums, notable restaurants, fashion industry boutiques with plenty of trees-lined walking paths & sitting arrangements. However, these come at a cost as it is one of the most expensive districts in Paris, which means higher housing costs.

On one hand, living close to one of Paris’s landmarks has its advantages in terms of accessibility; you can make quick trips whenever you want, enjoy breathtaking sights, and marvel in its magnificence. On the other hand, living right next to a popular tourist attraction may also mean dealing with large crowds, heavy traffic, and lots of noise at all hours.

When deciding whether to live in an area such as Eiffel Tower’s arrondissement, make sure that you weigh your preferences appropriately. If you value peace, then living elsewhere in Paris may be a more viable option. However, if you prioritize convenience and accessibility to a landmark, then it’s worth considering –especially if you have a high budget for rent.

Another point to consider is that the Eiffel Tower’s arrondissement is relatively safe compared to other districts in Paris. This neighborhood also has useful amenities like hospitals and schools within walking distance. You can also find some fantastic restaurants that offer an incredible dining experience while soaking up the city’s beauty.

Related Resources:

• Paris Private Food Tasting Tour with a French Gastronomy Expert
• Tootbus Paris discovery hop-on hop-off and night bus tour
• Rodin Museum Paris 2-Hour Private Guided Tour

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7ème Arrondissement

Top ways to experience 7ème Arrondissement and nearby attractions

• Saint-François-Xavier • 4 min walk
• Varenne • 4 min walk

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

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7ème Arrondissement - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (0.18 mi) Hotel De France Invalides
• (0.23 mi) Hotel Muguet
• (0.24 mi) Hôtel Le Tourville by Inwood Hotels
• (0.23 mi) Le Cinq Codet
• (0.21 mi) Hotel Duquesne Eiffel
• (0.09 mi) Le Vauban
• (0.07 mi) Cafeteria du Musee Armee
• (0.06 mi) Le Carre
• (0.10 mi) Le Carré des Invalides
• (0.22 mi) Pasco
• (0.01 mi) Monument au Maréchal Galliéni
• (0.02 mi) Statue of Marie Emile Fayolle
• (0.02 mi) Monument La Victoire De Wattignies
• (0.08 mi) Dôme des Invalides
• (0.17 mi) Musée Rodin

Restaurant de La Tour Eiffel

Written by Tom Fitzmorris September 07, 2011 17:18 in

From 1936 until 1981, a major restaurant operated at the 562-foot level of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Among its customers were Picasso, Bardot, deGaulle, Chaplin, Hitler, and thousands of honeymooners. During a restoration of the tower, the restaurant was found to be too heavy for the structure. It was removed entirely; the company that did the work was allowed to keep all the pieces in exchange for its fee. Everything was packed in freight containers and stored. A new, smaller restaurant was put in its place.

In 1983 Chef Daniel Bonnot—the founding chef of Louis XVI Restaurant and one of the best French chefs in our city's history—got wind of this. He and Louis XVI's business manager John Onorio negotiated the purchase of the restaurant's fixtures for $900,000 and had them shipped to New Orleans. While waiting, the ground was prepared and plans drawn. Ultimately, it cost $1.7 million dollars—a very large sum for a restaurant in those days.

A bad omen appeared. During the time the parts of the old restaurant were in storage, water got into them, and most of the woodwork was ruined beyond repair. Nevertheless, the project went on. A superstructure designed by local architect Stephen Bingler went up across St. Charles Avenue from the Pontchartrain Hotel. It lofted the restaurant to sixteen feet above ground, and in its design suggested the restaurant's old home. Then the work of reassembling the 11,062-piece puzzle began--not without at least a little confusion about what went where.

Restaurant de la Tour Eiffel opened on St. Charles Avenue on the day after Thanksgiving, 1986. It was not what anyone expected. It was very French, of course. It was also very good—Daniel Bonnot knew what he was about. But he focused more on country French cooking and a bistro style than the grand French food he had been cooking. This was ahead of its time—that's the only kind of French food you can find here anymore. But in 1986 it puzzled the customers who filled the place.

If you're accustomed to the food at La Crepe Nanou or Café Degas, you have a good idea of what they served at Tour Eiffel. Mussels mariniere, duck terrine, escargots, onion soup a la Halles, steak au poivre, and duck confit. Chef Daniel reached a little farther than the average French bistro, though, and had crepes with caviar, filet mignon zingara (made with a spicy Gypsy-inspired sauce made with beef tongue, although he never told anyone that), choucroute garni, rack of lamb Nicoise, and occasionally really ethnic French food like tete de veau.

And he made hot soufflees. Savory soufflees, like the oyster Rockefeller soufflees he'd created at Louis XVI. And even more dessert soufflees. The plan was to keep the place open into the wee hours and serve elaborate desserts and Champagne (it came out in an ice bucket made in the shape of a top hat).

That idea provided me with one of the most memorable evenings of my life. At a party for the New Orleans Opera, a number of young female models from the Mannequins Club were in attendance. The host of the party asked me—since I was single and perceived as sophisticated—to take the girls out for a late snack. I suggested soufflees and Champagne at the Eiffel Tower. So we went: ten beautiful women and me. Chef Daniel sent out thirteen different hot soufflees. I do not expect any aspect of that evening to repeat itself in my lifetime.

One of the most surprising aspects of the Eiffel Tower was that it was very inexpensive. Even the priciest entrees were barely over ten dollars (except, of course, for things like caviar). It seemed too affordable.

And it was. The place was quickly in financial trouble. The food declined, and volume followed--or perhaps it was the other way around. The Eiffel Tower had a problem. As distinctive as the structure was, it was set so far back from the avenue that it was hidden among the high buildings on either side. You could drive in front of it a hundred times and not see it. This remains true, and it is at least partly to blame for the string of other failures at that address. At this writing, it's a very hip restaurant and bar called Eiffel Society.

Restaurant de la Tour Eiffel left Bonnot and Onorio in bad shape financially. Daniel Bonnot had to begin his career all over again, with the grubby but excellent Chez Daniel on Metairie Road. It was a short run for such a distinctive and expensive project. But it still sparkles in the minds of everyone who ever dined there, especially in its first year.