7th Arrondissement of Paris: Best Hotels & Neighborhood Guide

👉 Jump to: Meet the 7th Arrondissement | Best 7th Arrondissement Hotels | Areas to Stay | Tips | FAQ

One of my first jobs in France was in the 7th arrondissement, on the Left Bank. I’ve always lived on the Right Bank, but the more time I spent in the 7th, the more enchanted I became. In fact, I now believe it’s the perfect place for first-time visitors to stay!

The 7th is so much more than the Eiffel Tower, though, that’s what many people think about in this area. It’s home to multiple monuments and beautiful residential streets, incredible dining, and luxury at all prices! 

My favorite hotel in this area is Hôtel d’Orsay – Esprit de France, which is a great mid-priced hotel with a central location and gorgeous rooms. 

But if you’re looking to go more upscale, Le Narcisse Blanc will meet your needs with its luxe décor. Meanwhile, budget travelers will find bargains at Hotel Muguet. Prices can fall under 200 euros a night in the low season!

En bref, as the French say, the 7th arrondissement is definitely a Parisian neighborhood you should know about. Here’s why!

Affiliate Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!

Meet the 7th Arrondissement: Paris’s Best Spot for Newcomers

❤️ Why We Love the 7th: A lot of Paris neighborhoods combine French luxury with visitor-friendly amenities, but none do it better than the 7th. This is truly where to stay in Paris for first-timers.

The wide boulevards, narrow streets, gorgeous buildings, and amenities make the 7th both lovely and practical. The Eiffel Tower will also pop into view at surprising points as you walk around! But the charm of the area isn’t limited to its most famous monument.

In fact, the 7th is so full of top Paris attractions that it makes perfect sense to stay here on a first trip! You’ll find the Musée d’Orsay here, full of Impressionist and post-Impressionist art. But that’s hardly all: the Musée Rodin, Napoleon’s tomb, the Musée de l’Armée, UNESCO, and tons of other attractions await.

There are also lots of great institutions that will make homesick Americans feel right at home. The 7th is where you’ll find the American University of Paris, the American Library, and the American Church! The latter two institutions are excellent community hubs. Check out their events while you’re in town.

Meanwhile, you can eat like royalty in the 7th. Some of the best food in town is here, including a handful of my favorite Parisian restaurants! For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you can splurge at the Michelin-starred Le Jules Verne within the Eiffel Tower.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Who This Neighborhood Is For: The 7th is a great place to stay if you’re visiting Paris for the first time. This applies to almost every kind of traveler! It has tons of family-friendly attractions, and larger apartments can be surprisingly affordable. For couples, the Eiffel Tower will add a romantic backdrop to your trip. 

But the area’s also good for solo travelers, as it’s a generally safe part of the city. If you have mobility issues, there are good public transportation links in the area. Just be sure to plan how you’ll get around Paris beforehand. Large sections of the 7th lack metro and bus stations, but taxis are plentiful. 

For travelers seeking proximity to attractions without being right in the middle of the hustle, the 7th offers a perfect balance. The streets closest to the Eiffel Tower are always busy. But exploring slightly farther afield will lead you to quieter streets just a short walk from top Paris experiences.

📍 Areas in the 7th: The 7th arrondissement has four quarters. I find them to be more similar than quarters in other arrondissements. But they definitely have important differences! Clockwise from the northwest, these quarters are: 

• Gros-Caillou
• Invalides
• Saint-Thomas d’Aquin
• École Militaire

🚲 Getting Around the 7th: The basic guidelines for getting around Paris apply in the 7th. However, keep in mind that big monuments and green spaces can make metro stations scarce. Metro lines 8, 12, and 13 run through the district. The commuter train RER C runs along its north edge. Metro line 10 runs along most of its south edge. And there are plenty of buses in the middle.

Overall, first-time visitors to Paris will find a ton of charm, lots of important sites, and great restaurant and hotel options. 

Best Places to Stay in the 7th Arrondissement

If you only have time for a quick glance, these are my top hotel picks: 

• 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – Hôtel d’Orsay – Esprit de France, Saint-Thomas d’Aquin
• 📍 Best Location – Hotel du Champ de Mars, Gros-Caillou
• 💎 Best Luxury Hotel – Le Narcisse Blanc, Invalides 
• 👨‍👩‍👦 Best for Families – Hôtel de Varenne, Invalides
• 🔔 Best Boutique – Hôtel Duc De St-Simon, Saint-Thomas d’Aquin
• 💆🏻‍♀️ Best Hotel with Spa – J.K. Place Paris, Invalides
• 🛏️ Best Budget – Hotel Muguet, Gros-Caillou
• 🇫🇷 Best for Eiffel Tower Views – Hôtel la Comtesse, École Militaire

Before you pick a hotel, though, consider the quarter your hotel is in. For example, you won’t want to stay at the Hôtel la Comtesse if you want a super-central location. But it’s great if you want access to luxury shopping and dining! 

Here’s what you should consider when picking where to stay in the 7th.

Areas to Stay in the 7th Arrondissement

Gros-Caillou

👉 Best Area For Views | ✨ Best Gros-Caillou Hotels: Hotel du Champ de Mars • Hôtel Le Cercle Tour Eiffel • Hotel Muguet

The Gros-Caillou area, in the northwestern corner of the 7th, is a natural location for first-time visitors to consider. The heart of the quarter is the Eiffel Tower and its surrounding park, the Champ-de-Mars. The random, up-close views of the tower between buildings are a delight!

Many parts of Gros-Caillou don’t have great public transportation links, so plan to walk or get taxis. But the enormous green space and views of both monuments and the river make this an incredible place to stay. In fact, the hotel with the best location in this area, the Hotel du Champ de Mars, is just two streets from the park. 

And while Gros-Caillou can be expensive, it doesn’t have to be. The modern Hotel Muguet, located on a calm street, has low prices for this area. As of this writing, stays in January and February were under 200 euros a night. This is a great price for Paris generally, but it’s especially good for the 7th arrondissement.

Pros of Staying in the Gros-Caillou Neighborhood:

• Proximity to Eiffel Tower
• Chic, leafy streets
• Many, varied amenities 

Cons of Staying in the Gros-Caillou Neighborhood:

• Food and lodging can be expensive
• Area near the Eiffel Tower is crowded
• Transport links are somewhat lacking

Invalides

👉 Best Area For Museums | ✨ Best Invalides Hotels: Le Narcisse Blanc • J.K. Place Paris • Hôtel de Varenne

Sandwiched between Gros-Caillou and Saint-Thomas d’Aquin is Invalides. This area is named after its most famous monument, the enormous Hôtel des Invalides. Here, you’ll find three museums alone. It’s also the location of Napoleon’s tomb. 

Around the corner is one of my all-time favorite Paris museums: the Musée Rodin. This museum focuses on the works of sculptor Auguste Rodin. It includes a gorgeous park featuring some of his sculptures, surrounding the mansion where he lived. 

Your own lodgings in the Invalides quarter can be just as luxurious and even more comfortable! If you’re after luxury, Le Narcisse Blanc is calling your name. Its understated but classic decor, quiet location, and spa with sauna make this the perfect place to pamper yourself. 

But if a spa is what you’re looking for, J.K. Place Paris is your destination. Not only do they offer spa services, but their facilities are incredible. Think: plunge pool, swimming pool, and fitness and wellness centers. 

My favorite hotel for families, the Hôtel de Varenne, is also in the Invalides quarter. Its suites and family rooms make accommodating multiple people easy and comfortable.

Pros of Staying in the Invalides Neighborhood:

• Tons of museums and attractions
• International residents
• Mixture of large boulevards and smaller streets

Cons of Staying in Invalides Neighborhood:

• Can feel non-residential
• Limited transportation links 
• Lodging can be expensive

Saint-Thomas d’Aquin

👉 Best Area For Central Location | ✨ Best Saint-Thomas d’Aquin Hotels: Hôtel Duc De St-Simon • Hôtel d’Orsay – Esprit de France • Hotel de L’Universite

On the northeast side of the 7th, bordering the 6th arrondissement, is the Saint Thomas d’Aquin quarter. I love this area for how central it is. You can walk to most top Parisian attractions from here. And while it’s close enough to experience the benefits of the 6th, it’s somewhat quieter and slightly more upscale.

One big exception is the Musée d’Orsay and surrounding areas. Check locations carefully before booking accommodation. At the same time, proximity to the museum is a huge benefit if you’re an art lover!

The Saint-Thomas d’Aquin neighborhood is also home to my favorite 7th arrondissement hotel, Hôtel d’Orsay – Esprit de France. This 42-room hotel is small enough to feel welcoming but not intrusive. Its 18th-century building is gorgeous, while its amenities and staff are top-notch. The antique furniture is a nice touch!

You’ll also find my favorite boutique hotel, the Hôtel Duc De St-Simon, here. Some rooms have terraces, and there’s an inner courtyard. The location is central. As a bonus, the wallpaper in the rooms is fabulous and extremely French!

Pros of Staying in the Saint-Thomas d’Aquin Neighborhood:

• Easy to access all of Paris
• Great river views in the north
• Charming residential streets
• Good amenities and transport links

Cons of Staying in the Saint-Thomas d’Aquin Neighborhood:

• Can be crowded in areas around the Musée d’Orsay
• Can be more expensive than other areas of the 7th

École Militaire

👉 Best Area For Quiet Luxury | ✨ Best École Militaire Hotels: Hôtel la Comtesse • 1.75 Paris La Trêve • Hotel De Suede Saint Germain

In the south of the 7th arrondissement, you’ll find the École Militaire district. It’s named after the military college in the quarter. While students can generally be a bit boisterous, the school is well-contained and the area is generally peaceful. 

This isn’t the best place to stay if you want to party in your neighborhood. The surroundings are generally sedate and upscale. On the other hand, if you’re looking for designer shopping and elegant architecture, you’ll love the École Militaire quarter! It also makes a great base to relax away from bustling central Paris crowds.

The caveat to this is to book accommodation away from large boulevards. Avoiding areas directly adjacent to the military school and UNESCO is also a good idea. That way, the “quiet” part of “quiet luxury” remains.

At the edge of this area, you’ll find the best hotel in the 7th for Eiffel Tower views: Hôtel la Comtesse. Make sure to request a room with a view when booking. The hotel itself is contemporary and convenient. There’s a fitness center and a hammam. You’ll also be very close to the École Militaire metro station, making getting around Paris all the easier!

Pros of Staying in the École Militaire Neighborhood:

• Peaceful, residential streets
• Elegant Haussmann architecture
• Many amenities

Cons of Staying in the École Militaire Neighborhood:

• Public transportation options are limited
• Few attractions within the area
• Local restaurants can be pricey
• Little nightlife

Tips & Things to Know about the 7th Arrondissement

#1 – Be Vigilant Near the Eiffel Tower

As Paris’s most famous monument, visiting the Eiffel Tower also means constant crowds. This makes it a target for pickpockets and scammers. Plan on wearing a zipped crossbody bag to visit the attraction. Don’t engage with anyone who seems suspicious, and generally follow Paris safety advice.

#2 – Book Things in Advance

The 7th is full of amazing attractions, which is great! The only problem is that you can’t always do what you want to do, when you want to do it. For special restaurants and attractions, book in advance. Most museums and monuments will allow you to do this. This will help you avoid long lines or even sold-out tickets.

#3 – Check Out Local Events

The 7th arrondissement is bustling with events year-round! This past summer, I saw a horse show in front of the Eiffel Tower. Check the Eiffel Tower events page for special attractions. The websites of local, English-speaking institutions are also good resources. Specifically, check out the American Library of Paris.

#4 – Bring Some Formal Clothing

Don’t get me wrong – you don’t have to bring a tuxedo or a ballgown to Paris! (Unless you’re going to a function where those are appropriate.) But if you’re going to a restaurant that takes reservations, upscale casual is the minimum dress code. 

Check out my Paris packing list for suggestions on how to bring versatile pieces!

#5 – Prioritize Residential Areas for Peace

With so many attractions, parts of the 7th can be very busy. Use the street view feature on Google Maps to take a look at the area you’re considering. Generally, the farther away you are from major attractions, the quieter a neighborhood will be.

#6 – Check Sunset Times Before Booking Eiffel Tower Tickets

To upgrade your Eiffel Tower experience, go at sunset. This is when the tower lights up. Search for “Paris sunset time + [your desired visit date].” Then, book your ticket for around 15 to 30 minutes before that time. 

#7 – Check Menus Before Picking a Restaurant

I’ve recommended a few of my favorite restaurants in the 7th, but those are general suggestions. Many French restaurants have more limited menus than their American counterparts. If a bistro you’re thinking of visiting is only serving snails or another local dish you won’t eat, it’s better to know in advance.

FAQs

Is the 7th arrondissement safe for tourists?

The 7th arrondissement is very safe in general. It has a lot of embassies and government buildings, putting a lot of security in the area. Beware of pickpockets and scammers around popular attractions, though.

Where should I stay in the 7th arrondissement?

Stay in the Saint-Thomas d’Aquin area of the 7th arrondissement if you’re looking for a general “best” part of the district. It’s central, has a ton of great hotels and restaurants, and has good transport links.

Is the 7th arrondissement good to stay in?

The 7th arrondissement is great to stay in, particularly if it’s your first time in Paris! It combines Parisian charm with famous attractions that are likely on your list. Meanwhile, it has lodging and restaurants at all price points.

What is the 7th arrondissement known for?

The 7th arrondissement is known for its wealth, embassies and government buildings, and museums.

Is the 7th arrondissement expensive?

The 7th arrondissement can be incredibly expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. By staying in a less-expensive hotel, you’ll cut costs considerably. Check out my guide to Paris on a budget for my advice on saving money on your trip!

***

Thanks for exploring the 7th arrondissement with me! See my other neighborhood guides for more hotel & area recommendations in Paris:

• 1st Arrondissement
• 3rd Arrondissement
• 4th Arrondissement
• 5th Arrondissement
• 6th Arrondissement