Paris by the Numbers – 7th and 8th

My Paris by the Numbers series continues this week with the 7th and 8th arrondissements. As I mentioned last week, there are 20 arrondissements in Paris and I’m covering each and every one over the next few months. The landmarks I have chosen in each neighborhood are the ones that appealed to us, so this won’t be an inclusive list of sites for each neighborhood.

As I have mentioned previously, theTravelsketcher and I have been very fortunate to have visited Paris often when we lived in Normandie; alors (so), we became familiar with this enchanting city.

The 7th is famous for Le tour Eiffel, Musée d’Orsay, Musée Rodin, just to name a few famous sites in the neighborhood. Le tour Eiffel is one of the most popular sites in Paris, and is absolutely stunning at night when it lights up the skyline.

Built for the 1889 World’s Fair, it was not very popular with the locals at that time. We visited with a crowd of other visitors when our daughter was a teenager. At the conclusion of our visit, when we were getting ready to enter the elevator at the top, the crowd was so thick that I was physically pushed away from my husband, daughter and the elevator door! Not a pleasant memory, but the view from the top is spectacular.

We have visited Musée Rodin on multiple occasions, but never tire of seeing the works of France’s most famous sculptor. Housed in a stunning manor house built in 1732, it was called Hôtel Biron when Rodin rented a number of rooms on the first floor where he and other artists lived and worked. It was acquired by the government in the early 1900s and turned into a museum. The museum opened to the public in November 1919.

Auguste Rodin is considered one of the most influential French sculptors. His work exemplifies the many stages and emotions involved in human existence, from birth to old age. No matter how many times I visit the museum, I am always moved by the intense emotion, struggle, anguish and pain he presented in his works.

Musée d’Orsay, located on the left bank of the Seine in the 7th, houses the largest collection of impressionist art in the world, including works by Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir and many other famous artists. In addition to the amazing paintings, you’ll find sculptures, photography and other works of art dating from the mid 1900s to the 20th century.

The original building was designed by French architect, Victor Laloux, as a train station, Gare d’Orsay, which opened on May 28, 1900. Because the station could accommodate only short trains, rather than the longer, more modern trains, it was eventually closed and turned into a museum. Seeing these amazing paintings up close, is truly an emotional experience.

Comme d’habitude (as usual), wandering through the neighborhood is always a treat.

The 8th arrondissement, home of the Champs-Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe, is one of my least favorite neighborhoods. It’s overpriced, packed with high end, name-brand stores, lots of tourists and is one of the few places in France where we were treated quite rudely by a shop clerk. I have just a few photos from here. Please let me know if you feel differently about this neighborhood; I try to always keep an open mind.

This wraps up the 7th and 8th arrondissements. Slow but sure, I’ll manage to get to the 20th! I would love to hear your thoughts on this series, so feel free to leave a message.

Wishing you grand adventures,

Tricia