Attractions in 7th Arrondissement (Paris)

Saint-Louis des Invalides

Built between 1679 and 1708, this religious building is commonly known as the "soldiers' church," in honor of the great military leaders who have been laid to rest here. Its crypt contains (among others) the remains of Rouget de Lisle (who composed the Marseillaise, the French national anthem), while hanging up in its nave are flags taken from enemies during the course of numerous battles. In 1837, the great classical composer Berlioz composed his Requiem here. Memorial services often take place in the church. The anniversary of the death of Napoléon Bonaparte, for example, is celebrated here each year on May 5, while the anniversary of the church's consecration takes place in September. When at the Invalides, the église du Dôme and the Musée de l'Armée are well worth visiting!

American Church in Paris

The American Church in Paris, a Protestant house of worship attended by a few French and foreigners from the world over, has taken advantage of the acoustic quality of its beautiful nave by establishing itself as an important concert venue in Paris. Various concerts are held here, including free recitals Sundays at 6p and a magnificent annual Christmas concert just before the holidays.

Napoléon's Tomb

Napoléon Bonaparte (b.1769) died in exile on the Isle of St. Helena in 1821. Apparently the French thought better of him after his death and in 1840 his remains were returned to France and this magnificent memorial that was built between 1843-53 now serves as his final resting place. Visitors can observe the giant sarcophagus. The layout has a total of five gigantic blocks. Along the walls is etched a chronicle of Napoléon's victories that add counter-point to the grandeur of the vault. Napoléon's Tomb sets in Les Invalides that was built by Louis XIV originally as a hospital for injured soldiers. On the grounds is also the Musee de l'Armee, the French war museum.

Rive Gauche (Left Bank)

Some of the best antiques and art dealers have shops in this neighborhood. Take a walk from Musée d'Orsay to the Académie des Beaux Arts and get enthralled with the treasures you discover. This is a great place to pick up some Asian and Middle Eastern antiques and if you're lucky, you might even stumble upon Louis XVI's chairs! One word of advice though - make sure you have enough space on your mantelpiece at home.

UNESCO Building

France joined the UNESCO on 4th November, 1946. This building is located behind Military Academy, where you will find many hotels and commercial buildings. It also hosts exhibitions from time to time. UNESCO meetings and conferences are frequently conducted here; it is definitely worth a visit.

Bateaux Parisiens

See Paris through the eyes of Bateaux Parisiens and enrich yourself with the experience. Offered in 13 languages, these one-hour cruises are packed with fun and learning. The cruises offered, which include Sightseeing, Lunch, Enchanted, School, Dinner, and Private Charters, can be boarded from two spots for your convenience. And if you want to gift a cruise to someone, personalized invitations are available.

Vedettes De Paris

It's okay if you can't go for a cruise on river Seine in a gondola but then who wants an arched black boat in Paris? Your guided tour lasts a whole hour on the intoxicating Seine. Take in the lovely breathtaking sights of the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, with or without your loved one.

Chapelle Notre Dame de La Médaille Miraculeuse

Every year millions of people come to pray at the Chapelle de la Médaille Miraculeuse, where, in 1830, Sister Catherine Labouré (now St. Catherine) thrice saw an apparition of the Virgin Mary. During these visitations, the Holy Mother promised that graces would be poured upon all those who prayed at the chapel's altar or who wore a special medal around the neck. Over the centuries, many have claimed to have had miraculous results from following these holy instructions. Skeptical? Drop by anyway – the simple chapel is a serene place to sit and reflect in an otherwise hectic quarter. -Barbara Diggs

Basilique Sainte Clotilde

In the 19th-century, this was the most posh basilica in Paris. This neo-Gothic beauty is best known for its magnificent twin spires. The open space in front of the basilica is a heartbreakingly beautiful scene, with children playing ball, watched by parents relaxing in the lush garden.

Église Saint-Jean

This Lutheran church in Paris' 7th arrondissement features an organ dating from 1911 and hosts choral and classical concerts throughout the year.

Temple de Pentemont

This protestant church was originally constructed in 1747 and later remodeled in 2005. Today it opens its doors to cultural events and classical concerts. It features a magnificent organ, and generally hosts concerts on Friday nights at 20h and Saturday nights at 18h.

Musée des Égouts de Paris

The idea of visiting the sewers of a major city may not seem very appealing at first. Nevertheless, it is an original way to discover part of Paris foundations. With over two kilometers (one mile) of galleries, the museum presents an exhibition about the city water system through a historical approach of the sewer's evolution. A display of machines and models illustrate the techniques used through the ages to deal with the water cycle. The museum also presents the way manpower was involved in its maintenance.