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Best things to do in Paris 15th district
Today I’ll be sharing with you all about the best things to do in Paris 15th district. Running along the Eiffel Tower until the Montparnasse Tower on Paris’ Left Bank and extending into Southwestern Paris, the 15th district or arrondissement is actually the largest! More than 10% of all Parisians call this calm, residential quarter home. Since the 15th district is outside of the more touristy areas, there are plenty of hidden gems to discover there! Keep reading to learn about my recommendations of the best things to do in Paris 15th district.
Visit the Musée Bourdelle
First on my list of best things to do in Paris 15th district is one of Paris‘ most underrated attractions. Tucked away in a quiet corner just outside the busy Montparnasse area, lies the Musée Bourdelle. This gorgeous museum is a transformed mansion and was once home to French artist and sculptor, Antoine Bourdelle. He was the star student of Rodin, another notable French sculptor. The museum rends homage to Bourdelle’s inspiration and you can visit the original apartment and studio where he worked. The artists’ most famous works are on display throughout the museum, so this is the perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon. During the week, the museum isn’t usually busy, so feel free to take your time while visiting.
16-18 Rue Antoine Bourdelle, 75015
Discover the Île aux Cygnes
The next stop on my list of best things to do in Paris 15th district is the Île aux Cygnes. This little island in the Seine river is one of the most beautiful places for a walk in Paris. Grassy pathways and tree-lined riverbanks make the Île aux Cygnes one of the calmest parks in all of Paris. The stunning views of the city skyline and the Eiffel Tower from the island are some of the best and most unique in the city. Actually, at the very end of the park you can see the Statue of Liberty, a reciprocal gift from the Americans to the French in 1889. Though this statue is a smaller version than the one in New York, it’s still quite impressive and definitely worth seeing!
Perfect for an afternoon stroll or an evening aperitif, the Ile aux Cygnes is a Parisian escape from busy city life. You can access the island from a marked stairway on the iconic Bir-Hakeim bridge, which also boasts gorgeous architecture and the perfect place to get your iconic Eiffel Tower photo.
Hunt for vintage treasures at the Puces de Vanves
One of the best things to do in Paris 15th district is shopping at the Vanves Flea Market. There are actually two huge vintage flea markets, or marché aux puces in Paris! One in the North at Porte de Clignancourt, and the other in the South at Porte de Vanves. The Vanves Flea Market is lesser-known and is where the locals go to hunt for old treasures. You can find everything from vintage clothes and jewelry to books, paintings and even furniture!
This market is open on Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m, and gets pretty busy late in the morning until closing time. Try to arrive early around 7:30 or 8 to avoid the crowds and really experience the market. If you get there early, you will also have the best selection and the Vanves Flea Market is a great place to pick up some unique souvenirs!
14 Avenue George Lafenestre, 75015
Take a hot air balloon ride at Parc André Citroën
Did you know that you can take a hot air balloon ride in Paris? The Parc André Citroën is another of Paris’ best kept secrets, and one of the best things to do in Paris 15th district. The park is located just next to the Seine and has over 35 acres of green space, greenhouses, gardens and playgrounds, not to mention a hot air balloon ride! For just €12 you can take a hot air balloon ride and marvel at exceptional views of Paris monuments like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame.
The best time to take a hot air balloon ride is in the morning, or at sunset. The park opens at 9:30 a.m. and on weekends or during Summer months, the lines can get really long. Since you don’t want to spend your precious time in Paris queuing, I would recommend arriving when the park opens in the morning. Plus, depending on the time of year, you’ll get to see Paris under the gorgeous morning light.
Get a bird’s eye view at the Montparnasse Tower
One more of the best things to do in Paris 15th district is to see the view from the top of Montparnasse Tower. The Montparnasse Tower is actually the only skyscaper in Paris. Standing 59 stories tall, the rooftop observatory offers the absolute best view of Paris and the Eiffel Tower! At the very top, you can visit the terrace observatory, and enjoy a drink at their rooftop restaurant and bar, the Ciel de Paris. You can buy your lift tickets in advance on their website for specific time windows. I would definitely recommend this if you plan to visit at sunset (the most beautiful time!) or during the weekend.
That just about sums up my recommendation for the best things to do in Paris 15th district. I hope you enjoyed reading this article and that you’ll love exploring the sights of this unique Parisian neighborhood. What are your favorite things to do in Paris 15th district? Share your recommendations with us in the comments!
As always, please let us know if you would like any information about anything or if you have any questions. See you soon in Paris!
