Last spring we invited Oliver of The Earful Tower and his lovely wife Lina of Parisian Postcards to leave their home in Montmartre and stay with us in the 7th arrondissement. If you follow us on Instagram then you probably saw some videos of that time. Oliver and Lina spent all of lockdown in 30 square meters and still created some creative content, like their entertaining Saturday night pub quizzes and Paris-inspired watercolors (See and order Lina’s art here). We offered them Left Bank apartments with more space, and so with that, Oliver and Lina moved into the Bergerac, followed by Calvados and Montagny. Their excitement for our properties was infectious!
After spending these two months in the 7th, we asked Oliver and Lina if they’d put together their ultimate guide to our favorite district! The third of seven installments is showcasing the seven best spots to see the Eiffel Tower in the 7th arrondissement.
Your turn, Oliver!
Best Eiffel Tower Views in the 7th
The main tourist attraction of Paris is undoubtedly the Eiffel Tower. And while climbing the tower itself is a wonderful experience and absolutely worth doing at least once … the Grand Old Lady is perhaps best enjoyed from the ground. Here are seven spots around the seventh where you can admire her beauty from a variety of different viewpoints.
The Champ-de-Mars
This is one of the most obvious points in the list, so let’s get it out the way first. Head to the south side of the tower and you’ll find an enormous park, often filled with tourists. The further you walk into the park, the better the view of the tower. For the optimum spot, head to the point just before the park is cut in two by Avenue Joseph Bouvard. Even better, get there for the hourly sparkle show at night with the vast expanse of parkland in front of you. Picture perfect. The other great spot in the park is at the continuation of Rue du Maréchal Harispe. As soon as you get into the park, follow the footpath and you’ll find an old fashioned lamp post with trees surrounding it, and the tower looming magnificently behind it.
The Far Side of Rue de l’Université
Ah, rue de l’Université. Or Roo de Loo, if you’re famed American expat in Paris Julia Child who lived at number 81. But you’ll have to head to the far western edge of the street for one of the most stunning views of the Eiffel Tower. Here it seems larger than life, only meters from the buildings on either side of the street, and perfect for a photo op. But be warned: The savviest Instagrammers have figured this one out, so you might not be alone. In fact, this little cul-de-sac is almost better for the people watching than the tower views … almost.
Carousel View
Do you want the Paris photo that will make your Francophile friends drool? Head to the Carrousel de la Tour Eiffel on the Promenade Quai Branly. But be sure to stand behind it, so the carousel is between you and the tower. Then get down low and aim your camera upwards, so it features both the carousel and the tower. In fact, if you’re an Instagram user, take a 15 second video, post it as a story, and add some Charles Aznavour music to the background. That’s what I’d do. 😉
In Front of the Hôtel des Invalides
There’s a really nice surprise view of the Eiffel Tower near the entrance of these army museums. Specifically, you want to be near the intersection of rue de Grenelle and rue de Constantine, so you’ll get the view of all the cannons facing the Seine River with the Eiffel in the distance, popping up over some beautiful Haussmannian buildings. Bonus view: Head inside the nearby Square d’Ajaccio park for the most beautiful surprise view of the Iron Lady through the trees.
Rue de Monttessuy
As we’ve pointed out before, Rue de Monttessuy offers the most spectacular backdrop of the Eiffel Tower from a street perspective. You’ve got Haussmannian buildings on both sides leading down to the tower on a usually quiet street. There’s a florist at the end of the street where you can grab a flower to spruce up your picture. See more Insta-famous spots here.
Rue Saint-Dominique
This is a classic Eiffel Tower street, you’ve maybe seen pictures from along Rue Saint-Dominique before. If you head to the Thoumieux restaurant at number 79 you’ll see the tower almost bursting into the sky from the far end of the street. And in the foreground you’ll have the ideal Parisian scene, often complete with chic people walking their chic dogs. Be sure to visit it at several different times of the day for the full experience with busy Parisians, the sunset and sparkling Eiffel Tower lights in the background. Rue Saint-Dominique itself will give you a good feel of the seventh district, it’s crammed with cafes, bars, and shops… and Robert de Niro’s favorite Paris restaurant is halfway along at the Fontaine de Mars. Can’t find it? Why, simply look beside the beautiful 200-year-old fountain with the same name.
Marché Saxe-Breteuil
Here’s one where you can enjoy the view of the Eiffel Tower as a local would. The Marché Saxe-Breteuil is open on Thursdays and Saturdays, and you can find it running along the Avenue de Saxe in the 7th arrondissement. And if you walk along the market from the south to the north, you’ll be graced with the looming presence of the Iron Lady herself. The market is an excellent spot for fresh produce and local treats, and you’ll feel like a real local when you get home again with a bag full of fresh food from an authentic fresh market. Note: The market (and its surroundings) are totally worth visiting even if you don’t buy a thing – it’s a great way to get a feel for Parisian daily life in the 7th arrondissement.
There you have it — the best Eiffel Tower views in the 7th arrondissement, according to Oliver and Lina. If you’re looking for more inspired walks in Paris, check out these sensational walks throughout Paris. Stay tuned for more in this series showcasing the best of the 7th arrondissement.
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