Apartment Simone is located in the prestigious 7e Arrondissement of Paris, home to some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the iconic Eiffel Tower and Les Invalides. This chic and upmarket neighbourhood has been home to the French aristocracy since the 17th century, but today the elegant townhouses serve as head office to a number of French national institutions and foreign embassies.
One of the most popular districts of this area is Gros Caillou, home to some of the city’s most emblematic monuments such as the Champ-de-Mars and the Quai Branly museum. Featuring an urban landscape and a lively atmosphere, Gros Caillou is one of the busiest neighbourhoods in Paris and is famous for its permanent market, iconic views and alleys of chestnut trees.
During your stay you’re sure to want to visit the Eiffel Tower, the most iconic monument in Paris and a global cultural icon. One of the most recognisable structures in the world, the tower offers the most magnificent views of the whole city and features restaurants on the first and second level in addition to the observation platform at the top. It’s worth noting that there are around 300 steps between levels, although the top level is normally only accessible via a lift.
The Champs de Mars is another iconic area that is well worth a visit, a park that extends over 24 hectares and named after the Roman god of war. Bordered by the Eiffel Tower, this beautiful open green space is the perfect spot for lazy picnics and is often the setting for sporting and major national events. History lovers will enjoy staying close to the Quai Branly museum, which features the indigenous art and cultures of Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas. The museum houses over a million objects, photographs and documents in both permanent and temporary thematic exhibits.
The Region
Fall in love with la ville lumière during your time in Paris, one of the most famous capital cities in the world.
Everyone has different reasons for visiting this beautiful city. Perhaps you hope to visit some of Paris’ fine museums and art galleries, climb the Eiffel Tower or shop to your hearts content along the iconic boulevards. You may prefer to simply wander around the city parks, enjoy leisurely lunches on the left bank before strolling across Pont Neuf to admire the grandeur of the Louvre.
Discover the many charming neighbourhoods of Paris following the footsteps of famous writers, artists and philosophers. Start off on the right bank in Le Marais, the Jewish quarter, with its boutiques, old bakeries and kiosks selling delicious falafel (expect a queue!) – take a guided walking tour to learn all about this neighbourhood’s heritage. On the other side of the river, soak up the student ambience of the Latin Quarter, home to La Sorbonne, and sip coffee on a café terrace on Boulevard Saint-Germain for a truly iconic Parisian experience.
Meanwhile, a walk around Jardin du Luxembourg is a must, especially for families who will adore the little boats by the fountain, donkey rides, carrousel and a popular new playground (with an entry fee). Pack a picnic and sit on a bench beneath the shady trees as you people watch Parisians and tourists alike making the most of this atmospheric park.
Keen shoppers will appreciate the likes of Galeries Lafayette as well as the luxury stores of the Champs-Elysées. If you are visiting Le Centre Pompidou, you could also walk up to the vast Forum des Halles for recognisable brands in central Paris. Not forgetting the many markets from the twice-weekly Bastille Market selling delicious food to the sprawling weekend flea market at Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen that dates back to the late 19th century.
Embrace the romantic ambience of Paris when you walk by the river on La Rive Droite with beautiful views as you pass Île Saint-Louis and Île de la Cité. It’s especially lovely as evening nears with vibrant bars by the riverside whilst children will love the play areas and climbing walls as you stroll. Look out for the Eiffel Tower in the far distance which sparkles so magically on the hour from dusk.
