15th arrondissement of Paris: What to see, do, and eat

The 15eme arrondissement is not one that most tourists head to. Most of it includes office buildings and family-oriented neighborhoods. If the north of Paris is a bit grungy and unclean, the 15th arrondissement is the opposite, with large boulevards and residential quiet streets.

However, that is not to say there is not plenty to see and explore in the area.

There are some wonderful restaurants in the area and plenty of hidden gems to explore. And if you have some time, take Metro Line 6 which is above ground and gives you a wonderful view of residential Paris.

What to see: Top attractions

Tour Montparnasse

Montparnasse tower is the ugly building in the center of Paris that rivals the Tour Eiffel in height. Unlike other office buildings and skyscrapers that were relegated to the La Défense district outside the city, the Montparnasse tower was one of those tall buildings that were authorized in the 1970s, along with certain buildings in the 13th.

While the building may not be prettiest, the view from Montparnasse, which provides excellent photos of Paris that include the Tour Eiffel. The restaurant at the top is not too shabby either.

Musée Libération Leclerc Moulin

One of the newest museums in Paris is the Musée Libération Leclerc Moulin which opened in 2019. It is meant to commemorate the events of World War II and the impact that it had on the French people at the time.

It is named after Jean Moulin, a major figure of the French Resistance and General Leclerc who was a general in the Free French forces during the war.

It was opened on the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Paris in 1944. Entry to the museum is free. You can find more free museums in Paris here.

Statue of Liberty on Île aux Cygnes

And if you are looking for a quirky bit of history, you can find a smaller version of the Statue of Liberty in the 15th arrondissement. It is located a few 100 yards away from the Eiffel Tower (which is in the 7th) on Pont de Grenelle bridge on the island of Île aux Cygnes.

The mini Statue of Liberty given by the U.S. to France in 1889 to France to celebrate the French Revolution. This was 3 years after the main statue in New York was inaugurated after being given to the U.S. as a gift by the French.

Originally, the statue was turned towards the east in order to face the Eiffel Tower. In 1937, it was turned towards the west so that it would be facing the original statue in New York.

Musée Bourdelle

Musée Bourdelle is a small museum in the 15th arrondissement that is dedicated to French sculptor Antoine Bourdelle. It is located in his old studio and contains more than 500 works including marble, plaster, and bronze statues, paintings, pastels, and sketches.

It also contains Bourdelle’s personal collection of works by other French artists like, Eugène Delacroix and Auguste Rodin. It is one of the 14 museums of the City of Paris that have been incorporated since 1 January 2013 in the “Paris Musées“.

Shopping

In terms of shopping, the 15th arrondissement is home to the Centre Commercial Beaugrenelle mall. It is a mix between a department store and a shopping mall, and is home to 120 shops and restaurants as well as a movie theatre, and more.

Where to eat: Restaurants, Brasseries, and Bistros

The 15th arrondissement has no shortage of restaurants, with quite a variety. Some local favorites are:

• Le Ciel de Paris Restaurant – on top floor in Montparnasse Tower with views of Paris. At 56ème, Av. du Maine, 75015 Paris
• L’Argument – French brasserie at 121 Rue de la Convention, 75015 Paris
• La Plage Parisienne – classic French at Port de Javel Haut, 75015 Paris

You can find more ideas and ways of spending an evening in Paris here.

Bars and Nightlife

There is quite a variety of bars and nightlife in this area, so don’t hesitate to walk around and explore. Some popular favorites are:

• Tout le Monde en Parle restaurant festif club – club with outdoor terrasse at 4 Rue du Départ, 75015 Paris
• Eclectic – club at 2 Rue Linois, 75015 Paris
• Rhinocéros Bar – bar with terrasse at 35 Rue de Lourmel, 75015 Paris

You can find more bars and nightlife options around Paris here.

Where to stay: Hotels and other accommodation

The 15th arrondissement near the Eiffel Tower doesn’t have as much nightlife as some other parts of the city, but its wide boulevards and quiet streets are very popular with the locals. Some recommended hotels in the area are:

• €€€ –  Hôtel Vic Eiffel
• €€€€ – Hotel Eiffel Blomet (with swimming pool)
• €€€€ – Hôtel Gustave

You can find more accommodation options for the 15th arrondissement here.