Luxury Real Estate

Courtesy of: Nicola Christinger of HomeHunts

It’s true that the 7th arrondissement is considered one of Paris’ most elegant residential areas. Luxurious townhouses, government ministries and embassies abound – setting up home in this area is one step closer to heaven.

And it is also one of the richest neighborhoods for certain other luxuries in life like art and antiques. Strolling around rue de Beaune or rue de Verneuil is like taking a walk through a French history book. The multitude of highly competent antique shops and galleries display century’s worth of artistic tradition and heritage.

The best time to discover the 7th is during the week because if you decide to go gallery browsing on a Saturday strangely enough a good many of the shops will be closed. If you are looking for great shopping in Paris, it doesn’t get much better than the 7th.

From the very upscale department store, Le Bon Marché on the rue de Sèvres to the irresistible home furnishings shops along rue du Bac not to mention the antique shops and art galleries behind Boulevard Saint Germain.

The best that Paris has to offer is at your fingertips. The exquisite salon du thé at the Musée d’Orsay has a fabulous view overlooking central Paris, plus the Art Nouveau furniture collection downstairs.

Since the 7th arrondissement is so elegant and wealthy, it is only fitting that many of Paris’ best residences and restaurants are found here. Le Voltaire on the Quai Voltaire has been owned by the same family since the 1930’s and a recent opening of Café Constant by Christian Constant of nearby “Violon d’Ingrès” fame has also taken the area by storm. (139, rue Saint Dominique) The restaurant/cafe L’Esplanade at the corner of rue de Grenelle and rue Fabert around 7pm in the evening is a fabulous place to watch the sun set over Les Invalides, you definitely feel like you are on top of the world.

For property in the 7th Arrondissement, the area is made up of four residential quartiers. It is located at the south bank of the Seine River and shares borders with the 15th arrondissement in the south, the 16th, 8th and 1st in the north, and the 6th arrondissement in the east.

Quartier Saint-Thomas d’Aquin: a very aristocratic area which is home to many famous people. The quarter is also the one which houses more old prestigious hotels, nowadays transformed into Universities, private schools or offices.

Quartier des Invalides: this quarter was named after the famous monument Hotel des Invalides. The Palais Bourbon, the Chamber of Deputies, is also to be found in this quarter.

Quartier de l’Ecole-Militaire: this part is rather “cold” area in comparison which houses more administrative buildings than residential ones. A large part of the area is covered by the Military School, after which it was named. The quarter also displays some nice houses of Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI architectural style.

Quartier du Gros-Caillou: this quarter is much livelier as it houses the Eiffel Tower. Before 1860 the area was a suburb with the same name. The area developed a lot thanks to the Universal Exposition and the construction of the Eiffel Tower. The 7th arrondissement is the second most expensive in Paris, after the 6th (its neighbour)

The 7th arrondissement includes two locations with breathtaking views: top floor apartment residents along the Eiffel Tower “Champs de Mars” and “Esplanade” where residents enjoy the nearness of the golden Invalides dome and the stylish Alexandre III Bridge over the Seine.

Undoubtedly the most expensive quarter is Saint Thomas d’Aquin which is a very aristocratic area. Some narrow lanes in the vicinity of the “Champ de Mars”, for example avenues “Charles Floquet” and “Elisée Reclus”, are particularly highly sought after by people seeking a quiet and green neighbourhood.

Triplex property for sale – Champs de Mars: triplex of 480 m2 on the champ de Mars with a private garden of 200 m2 just in front of the Eiffel tower. This exceptional residence offers 9 rooms including 5 bedrooms with their own bathroom and garage parking for 7 cars. Price on request.

(above) Privileged address, brightness, peaceful are the keywords for this charming luminous apartment of 102m² located at the 3rd floor of an old stone sized building. Excellent condition: entrance gallery, double lounge, US kitchen, two bedrooms (possible for 3) bathroom with window, numerous built-in cupboards. Possibility to purchase a parking space close to the apartment. Price. 1,130,000 euros.

PLACE VAUBAN (FACING DOME DES INVALIDES) Superb 3 BEDROOMED apartment (below) very large reception ( 100m²) kitchen with breakfast room, 3 bedrooms , 2 bathrooms , shower , parking place. Price: 3,200,000 euros

Because of its prestigious address and the confidential wishes of owners, many properties are not advertised, however we have a number of stunning properties available in this area so if you are looking for this, or any other district of Paris, please email us and we will be happy to discuss your search. info@home-hunts.com

Photo credits:

Boulevard de Tour Maubourg © Marie-Lan Nguyen / Wikimedia Commons

www.lameredefamille.com, eiffelparis.com, www.parisperfect.com