Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Explore: Eiffel Tower & Western Paris
With its hourly sparkles that illuminate the evening skyline, the Eiffel Tower needs no intro-
duction. Ascending to its viewing platforms will offer you a panorama over the whole of
Paris, with the prestigious neighbourhood of Passy (the 16e
arrondissement
) stretching
along the far banks of the Seine to the west. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Passy was home
to luminaries such as Benjamin Franklin and Balzac. Defined by its sober, elegant buildings
from the Haussmann era, it was annexed to the city only in 1860.
While most of the area today won't send the same frisson of excitement down your spine
as taking the lift to the top of the tower, Passy is nonetheless home to some fabulous mu-
seums, and culture fans will certainly be busy. There's the Musée Marmottan Monet, with
the world's largest collection of Monet paintings; the hip Palais de Tokyo, with modern-art
installations; the Musée Guimet, France's standout Asian art museum; the underrated Cité
de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine, with captivating sculptures and murals; and a host of
smaller collections devoted to fashion, crystal, wine and even sub-Saharan art. On the Left
Bank is the prominent Musée du Quai Branly, introducing indigenous art and culture from
outside Europe, while at the city's western edge is the leafy refuge of the Bois de Boulogne.
Beyond this lies the business district of La Défense.
Local Life
Museum hopping
Parisians flock to this part of town for its fine museums.
Green space
Leafy Bois de Boulogne is where city-dwellers escape the concrete on
bikes, skates or by
footing
(jogging).
Daily commute
More than 150,000 people squeeze onto morning trains to La Défense,
the city's business district, where skyscrapers rub shoulders with art.
Getting There & Away
Metro
Line 6 runs south from Charles de Gaulle-Étoile past the Eiffel Tower (views are
superb from the elevated section); line 9 runs southwest from the Champs-Élysées.
RER
RER A runs west to La Défense; RER C runs east-west along the Left Bank, with a
stop at the Eiffel Tower.
