Travel Writing

Rue Saint Dominique. That’s where I spent almost two years of my life living, studying, shopping, wining, and dining. While I attended the American University of Paris, I decided to live right around the corner so I wouldn’t have to worry about rushing to class in the morning. Thankfully, I’ve had a lot of time to explore my beautiful neighborhood. Here are some of my favorite things to do in my area.

Most known for the Eiffel Tower, there is much more to this neighborhood than this classic landmark.

1.  Shopping at Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche

Go shopping at the oldest department store and the only one on the Rive Gauche. The mall itself is a work of art, and you’ll enjoy a range of high-end brand goods. Foodies will also enjoy stopping by the food hall. In my experience, Le Bon Marché food hall is definitely a spot used more by locals than Galeries Lafayette.

2. Spend Time at Musée d’Orsay and Musée Rodin

The 7th arrondissement is home to two of my favorite museums. My recommended first stop is Musée Rodin. Here you’ll be able to walk through Hôtel Biron where Rodin lived and worked, which has now been converted into a museum. The best part of the museum, in my opinion, is the quiet gardens and grounds of the museum. Once you’re done in the museum (which can be a little cozy at times), spread your legs, walk around the grounds, and admire the various Rodin statues.

Just a short walk away is Musée d’Orsay. If you want to take the more scenic route, make sure to walk past Invalides, admire Pont Alexandre III along the Seine, and you will quickly find yourself in front of Musée d’Orsay.  

This museum is my favorite one in Paris. Not just because it’s in the 7th, but not only because it’s beautiful, it hosts one of the largest impressionist collections in the world, but it is such a unique location that leaves you in awe. The Louvre might be what people think of when they think of Paris, but I always think of Musée d’Orsay as my go-to museum. It’s far less busy than the Louvre, and its Beaux-Arts style and breathtaking clocks are fun to explore.

Musée d’Orsay was originally constructed as the Gare d’Orsay for the 1900 Exposition Universelle and was designed by three famous architects: Lucien Magne, Émile Bénard and Victor Laloux. The location continued to be used as a railway terminus until 1939. It later operated as a mail center during World War II.

Both of these museums are included on the Paris Museum Pass, which I recommend purchasing if you plan on spending a few days in the city.

3. Take a Walk Down Rue Cler

Rue Cler is a quintessential market street, maybe a little touristy, but it is pedestrian-only and full of visitors and locals alike. So whether you want to build a picnic basket for lunch under the Eiffel Tower or do a little window shopping, this is the place for you.

The best lunch spot on this small rue is definitely Cafe Du Marché. After class, I spent many afternoons grabbing a salad and frites here with my classmates. My favorite bar by far is Le Petit Cler, where you can find fantastic cocktails to share with your friends. The interior is fun if you can find a spot inside.

Outside of food shops, there are skincare shops, clothing stores, floral shops, and a pharmacy along Rue Cler.

4. Have a Picnic at Champ de Mars

Grab your picnic items from Rue Cler and post yourself under the Eiffel Tower. Even when I lived there, this is something my friends and I did very frequently. Drinking in public is socially acceptable in Paris, so make sure you bring enough wine to your picnic. There are a few grocery stores within walking distance from the park, but most close early. My most affordable recommendation that is open until 9pm is the G20 at 143 Rue Saint-Dominique, 75007 Paris, France. Otherwise, you’ll pay for overpriced wine at the tourist shops or liquor stores that are open late.

5. Hop on a Bateaux Mouche

Okay, this might be cheating a little, but the Bateaux Mouches depart just across the river from the 7th arrondissement. This is my favorite tour take with anyone who visits. It’s the best way to see the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame and the Louvre at night as you are on the river. It’s super fun, and if you are only staying in the city for 48-72 hours, it’s the perfect way to cross off several landmarks off your list at once.

6. Walk Along the Seine in the 7th

Paris takes advantage of every inch of space for its citizens – and the area closest to the Seine is no different. This is the perfect starting point to rent a bike and ride to the heart of the city, grab lunch at one of the numerous restaurants (in the summer), or grab a drink at my favorite river bar – Rosa Bonheur.

7. The surprise finale – Musée des égouts de Paris

The finale might not be what you expect. It’s smelly, and no – it’s not the Métro. It’s the Sewer Museum of Paris! You won’t see this on most travel lists of Paris, but it is unique to the 7th and not something you can see in most cities. I’ve never taken a visiting friend or family member to this spot, but I do think it’s worth mentioning. My professor made us tour this spot on my first trip to Paris, and I’m so glad she did. While it’s currently closed for the pandemic, it’s worth a visit once it opens up again.