Around the Eiffel Tower Orientation
Getting Here
This neighborhood includes the 7e, 15e, and 16e arrondissements. The most romantic way to reach the Eiffel Tower is by boat. Alternately, you can head for RER C: Champs de Mars/Tour Eiffel. For the best view, get off at the Trocadéro station (métro Line 9 or 6) and make the short walk over the Pont (bridge) d'Iéna to the tower. For the Musée Rodin, get off at Varenne (Line 13). Use this stop, or La Tour-Maubourg (Line 8), for Napoléon's Tomb and Hôtel des Invalides.
Top Reasons to Go
Eiffel Tower. No question, the ultimate symbol of France is worth a visit at least once in your life.
Musée Rodin. A must-see for fans of the master sculptor, this magnificent 18th-century hôtel particulier (private mansion) was Rodin's former workshop. The manicured garden is a perfect setting for his timeless works.
Napoléon's Tomb. The golden-domed Hôtel des Invalides is a fitting place for Napoléon's remains. Military history buffs will appreciate the impressive display of weaponry and armor in the adjoining Musée de l'Armée.
A boat ride. Whether you choose a guided Bateaux Mouches tour or a Batobus (water bus) trip, cruising the Seine is a relaxing way to see city highlights without traffic or crowds. Book a ride after dark when all of Paris is aglow.
Making the Most of Your Time
This neighborhood is home to one of the world's most iconic sites, the Eiffel Tower. Depending on the time of year, you can wait hours to ascend La Tour (it helps to buy your ticket online or come at night, when lines are shorter), but even if you stay firmly on the ground, it's worth a trip to see the landmark up close. Afterward, explore Rue St-Dominique's shops, bakeries, and restaurants. If you're up for a picnic, grab fixings on Rue Cler (between Rue de Grenelle and Avenue de La Motte-Piquet), a pedestrian-only market street; then head back to the park at the foot of the tower.
If you have a day to spare, visit the Musée Rodin. If you're pressed for time, do a quick tour of the garden, where some of the best-known sculptures can be seen. From here it's a short walk to Napoléon's over-the-top tomb at the Hôtel des Invalides, which also houses the Musée de l'Armée devoted to military history. To appreciate art from Asia, Africa, and Oceania, spend an hour or two in the Musée du Quai Branly.
Best Cafés
Café Central. If it's apéritif time, this is the place to be. With soft lighting, loungy music, plus a generous selection of wines, cocktails, and beers, Café Central makes an ideal spot for an end-of-the-afternoon drink. 40 rue Cler, Eiffel Tower, Paris, Île-de-France, 75005. 01–47–05–00–53; www.cafecentralparis.com.
Café du Marché. On the quaint Rue Cler, this small but busy café is popular with residents. Savor your morning café and croissant here, or enjoy an inexpensive prix-fixe lunch on the popular terrasse. 38 rue Cler, Eiffel Tower, Paris, Île-de-France, 75007. 01–47–05–51–27.
Carette. Serving chic Parisians since 1927, this Art Deco tea salon on Place du Trocadéro is a hot spot for lunch or afternoon tea. 4 pl. du Trocadero, Eiffel Tower, Paris, Île-de-France, 75016. 01–47–27–98–85; www.carette-paris.fr.
