15th Arr

Paris 15th Arrondissement

A residential neighborhood (and a section of Montparnasse), the 15th arrondissement might be best left for those needing a less expensive hotel, or those who are on their second trip to Paris and are ready to explore more than the usual tourist sites. But once here, what should you do? Start at Parc Andre Citroen and take a ride in the world's largest hot air balloon (actually, it's really helium). For those who crave museums, you can't go wrong with the Musée Pasteur, where you can view many of the scientists instruments and scientific work, and afterward, stroll outside to find his rather wild mausoleum. France's largest exhibition center, the Parc des Expositions can be found here. If you have absolutely nothing better to do, you can always visit the not so exciting Tour Montparnasse (think the Empire State Building without any charm). You'll get to see all of Paris, but usually through a very hazy sky.

Destinations in the 15th Arr

  • Ecole Miltaire

    (Tuesday, 22 July 2008)
    Founded in 1750, the Ecole Miltaire has been the prime education for many of France’s finest cadet’s. The idea behind it is to make college available for everyone, even those who do not have the means to afford it. Napoleon Bonaparte is just one of many illustrious graduates.
  • Front de Seine

    (Tuesday, 22 July 2008)
    This high rise district along the Seine, also known as Beaugrenelle, boasts the Eiffel Tower on its southern most side as well as the La Defense business district. It is also home to nearly all of Paris’ tallest buildings.  
  • Hotel des Invalides

    (Tuesday, 22 July 2008)
    Built in 1670 by King Louis XIV, this building originally began as a place to stay for soldiers that were both wounded and homeless. Today it hosts three museums, Napoleon’s tomb, and the gorgeous Eglise Saint Louis Des Invalides.
  • Jardin Atlantique

    (Tuesday, 22 July 2008)
    This garden has a bird’s eye view as it is set on an old railway line. As the name implies, it has an oceanic theme which can be seen through the “waves” in the lush foliage and calming color palette. There is also a child play area that features a real boat mast and sandboxes.
  • La Ruche

    (Tuesday, 22 July 2008)
    Though many of these small artist communities were swept away in the 1970’s renovation of Paris, La Ruche is one of the few that remains and still operates. It is a three story circular building that offers starving artists a place to sleep, eat, and do what they do best – focus on their art. Walking tours are the best ways to see La Ruche. There are also a handful of other similar communities around including La Bateau-Lavoir.
  • Montparnasse neighborhoods

    (Saturday, 28 June 2008)
    Paris’ tallest skyscraper Tour Montparnasse marks the area that is suitable for both business and pleasure. There is the Porte de Versailles and Front de Seine, bustling with commerce and the business minded.
  • Musee Bourdelle

    (Tuesday, 22 July 2008)
    Artist and sculptor Antoine Bourdelle’s old house, gardens and studio were transformed into a commemorative museum gallery upon his death.
  • Musee Pasteur

    (Tuesday, 22 July 2008)
    Opened in 1936, the museum is also considered the “Institut Pasteur” and keeps the ideas and works of Louis Pasteur alive and well. Pasteur was a 19th century French scientist who made many important discoveries in the health field including the beginnings of “pasteurization.”
  • Palais des sports

    (Tuesday, 22 July 2008)
    When it was built in the 1960’s, the Palais des Sports was the largest sporting arena in Paris at 4,500 seats. Today it still holds many sporting events, concerts, and other performances and events and though it isn’t the largest, it remains one of the most pioneering complexes in France.
  • Parc Andre Citroen

    (Tuesday, 22 July 2008)
    This park is considered a very urban green space. It was designed by four architects with four very different ideas. There is a free growth garden, a fragrance garden, and water garden among other things.
  • Porte de Versailles

    (Tuesday, 22 July 2008)
    This exhibition center, located in the spot of the ancient Thier gateway, is one of the largest and most top notch in the world. The calendar boasts many international and renowned events including Paris’ esteemed fashion week. Within the complex is the Parc des Expositions and the Palais de Sports. Other sister expo centers under the Paris Expo logo are the Carrousel du Louvre and Coeur Defense.

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