Paris 7th : the true art of living “A La Francaise”
It has preserved its aura and prestige, and has long been a dream for both Parisians and foreigners who admire its splendid freestone buildings, hidden courtyards, boutiques and art-galleries. A well-to-do arrondissement, the most expensive in Paris after the 6th, the 7th arrondissement offers a diverse array of accommodation, including many exceptional properties. Focus on this desirable neighbourhood with two different facets…
Associated with the French aristocracy and nobility, home to embassies, ministries, large museums such as the Musée d’Orsay and Musée Rodin as well as the Hôtel des Invalides, the 7th arrondissement symbolizes a particularly enviable art of living. As confirmed by Paola Rossignol, manageress of the Deluxe Confidential agency : “The 7th arrondissement has a special aura, a discreet blend of peacefulnessness and elegance. It is a well-protected, reassuring neighbourhood which has retained some very smart addresses. Highly-prized, it is, in fact, the choice of noble families and large French fortunes. Here you can find real gems of leafy residences, very select buildings, private mansions, and surface areas ranging from maid’s rooms to apartments with 5 main rooms. It is an area which is also very well connected to other arrondissements in Paris via metro lines and buses. The finest monuments, art-galleries, boutiques for home decor and design, the famous Bon Marché department store, museums, but also the open-air market on the Place de Breteuil, one of the finest in Paris, all contribute towards a life-style which appeals to both French and foreign buyers. For Americans, Italians and Brazilians, it is the Left Bank or nothing ; and since the past few years, Saudi clients, previously drawn by the 8th and 16th arrondissements, now want to live in the 7th”.
Stretching from the Rue des Saint Pères to Avenue de Suffren, the 7th arrondissement can be split into two areas with two distinct property markets. Jules Caris, director of the Galerie de l’Immobilier, explains : “Schematically speaking, the 7th arrondissement can be divided into two parts. The first lies between the Rue des Saint Pères and the Place des Invalides, the second between the Place des Invalides and Avenue de Suffren. They are two different worlds in terms of prices, population and characteristics. In the first part, one finds old buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, in the second, more recent residences. The difference in prices is considerable, sometimes as much as 30%. The average starting price in the first part is 12,000 euros per sq. metre, which can rise to 20,000 euros or more for certain properties or popular streets such as Rue de Verneuil, Rue de l’Université, Rue de Lille or Rue Las Cases. In the second part, the average price per sq. metre is close on 9,000 euros and does not exceed 15,000 euros. Like other arrondissements, the 7th has felt the effects of the crisis, though a property here with top-quality appointments still sells today at the same price as it would have two years ago”.
One of the most sought-after arrondissements in the capital where transactions are legion, the 7th attracts a demanding clientele, as described by Nathaniel Mock, director of the Agence Canizo : “A client looking for an apartment in the 7th near Saint Germain will refuse an apartment in the 7th over towards Le Champs de Mars, even if its appointments are exactly what he is looking for. It’s only in this arrondissement that one sees this type of thing ! The 7th after Les Invalides meets the expectations of clients also wanting to live in the 6th. There is that special atmosphere, specific architectural features, and that “intellectual” aura which is still much appreciated. The other part of the 7th is completely different, though no less appealing. Offering closeness to the Eiffel Tower, it is more residential, quieter, not so showy. There is a real community life and an old-fashioned ambiance, with little shopkeepers who have been there for decades. All in all, both of the “7ths” defend their interests extremely well ; we in fact spend more time looking for available properties than for buyers. It is a very well-balanced arrondissement with very strong appeal”.
