Paris 7e Arrondissement

Background

The elegant 7e arrondissement has been one of the most sought after sections of the city since the 17th century when the upper classes began moving away from the Marais district in search of a less populated and less polluted area in which to build their mansions. The Faubourg Saint Germain soon became the new home of the aristocracy (the term Faubourg is still used to describe the French nobility) and the 7e became home to some of Paris’ most impressive mansions (hôtel particuliers) including the Hôtel Matignon, which is now the official residence of the Prime Minister of France. Although, after the revolution, many of these residences were seized and transformed into national institutions and embassies but the neighbourhood nevertheless maintained its reputation as home to the Parisian high society.
During the 19th century the arrondissement hosted a total of five Universal Exhibitions which transformed the Parisian cityscape and led to the construction of some of the best known landmarks including the Eiffel Tower and the Musée d’Orsay station. Other important structures in the 7e are the beautiful École Militaire military school and the Palais Bourbon, home to the French National Assembly.  

Profile

With its many institutes and ministries as well as the National Assembly located nearby, residents of the 7e include a number of politicians, dignitaries and diplomats while international institutions such as UNESCO and several embassies also ensure a variety of nationalities in the area – especially Italian and Americans. This is the arrondissement with the highest concentration of foreign residents. The 7e is enjoyed by families thanks to the possibility of finding large properties in historic buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly apartments of 5 or 6 rooms which have been refurbished. However, unlike other areas of Paris, it is not uncommon to find newer properties offering modern comforts and amenities. The four quartiers of the arrondissement are Saint Thomas d’Aquin, Invalides, École Militaire and Gros Caillou. The first is the most desirable and the most prestigious, especially on the Rue du Bac or around the Musée d’Orsay which are popular with celebrities. The properties located near the Eiffel Tower are also in high demand.