Our Neighborhood: Paris 7

The Landmarks of the 7^th 

"We, writers, novelists, sculptors, architects and lovers of the beautiful old Paris are scandalized and strongly protest, in the name of the French good taste, in the name of French art and history, against the building of this useless and monstrous tower in the heart of our beloved city...".  The petition signed by Guy de Maupassant, Alexander Dumas and many other early 20^th century artists and writers, did not alter the construction plans of the 300 meter all-metal tower which today symbolizes Paris and even France.  The Eiffel Tower, built in 1889 for the World Exhibition to commemorate the French Revolution, is one of the most visited sites in the world.  The Tower is only a five minute walk from Groupe ESLSCA’s campus.  It is a daily sight for ESLSCA students as they visit the library, attend classes, and go to their favorite corner cafés. 

Two other significant attractions of the 7^th district are Orsay Museum that houses a collection of impressionist and early 20^th century art, and the Rodin Museum, known as one of the most beautiful museums of Paris.  The latter houses an impressive collection of Rodin's sculptures including the Kiss and the Thinker. 

Among other curiosities of the 7^th, one can mention Les Invalides monument, constructed in 1671 for war invalids, is a huge complex that houses several institutions such as the Museum of the Army and the Dome where the remains of Napoleon Bonaparte are kept. The Pagode, a Japanese style villa built in late 19^th century with material brought from Japan is home to a movie theater and a teahouse. 

The Bon Marché department store, partially designed by Gustav Eiffel and built in 1863 is the oldest department store in France.  It was the first to introduce price tags and the policy of exchanging articles.