Summary
Elegant, tranquil, and primarily residential, Neuilly-sur-Seine is a suburb located along the western edge of Paris. While the neighborhood itself maintains a subdued atmosphere, it remains in proximity to renowned attractions, museums, and parks that visitors worldwide cherish.
The 17th, 16th, and 8th Arrondissements encircle Neuilly-sur-Seine, bringing landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe, Musée Marmottan, and Parc Monceau within easy reach. After a day of engaging with culture, dining, and nightlife, you may retreat to your serene residence by the Seine.
Let us delve into the most notable attractions in Neuilly-sur-Seine:
1. Folie Saint James
This exquisite symbol of Ancien Régime extravagance resides on Rue de Longchamp, only one street back from the river.
The estate and park were commissioned by Claude Baudard de Saint James, treasurer of the French Navy during the reign of Louis XVI. Designed by François-Joseph Bélanger in the late 1770s, Saint James instructed his architect to “Do what you wish, provided it is costly!” The site features an impressive Palladian mansion with a park that includes a Doric structure and a man-made grotto.
Recently, the house and its park underwent a two-year restoration, returning them to their 18th-century grandeur.
2. Local Sights
Although Neuilly-sur-Seine is a desirable location due to its low crime rate, fashionable shops, dining options, and upscale ambiance, there is limited appeal for tourists.
However, a leisurely stroll around the area reveals enough history to captivate those interested in its heritage.
The Château de Neuilly served as the preferred residence for Louis-Philippe I during the July Monarchy but was demolished during the French Revolution of 1848, resulting in the expansive grounds being divided into seven boulevards and nine streets.
The last surviving wing, located at 52 Boulevard d’Argenson, was integrated into a convent in 1907.
3. Arc de Triomphe
Should the weather permit, you can easily walk from the eastern side of Neuilly-sur-Seine along Avenue de la Grande Armée to one of the world’s quintessential landmarks.
The Arc de Triomphe, if you are unfamiliar, is a colossal triumphal arch inspired by the Arch of Titus in Rome.
Construction began in 1806, and it was inaugurated three decades later to commemorate the French citizens who perished in the Revolutionary War and Napoleon’s various campaigns.
Approach the arch closely to admire the battle reliefs, visit the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and ascend to the roof for an impressive view of the twelve radiating avenues.
4. Musée Marmottan
Located within a ten-minute cab ride through the Bois de Boulogne, the Musée Marmottan serves as a paradise for admirers of Monet.
Originally an exhibition space for furniture and artwork from the First Empire, the museum housed magnificent items from the era of Napoleon I.
In the 1960s, Claude Monet’s son, Michel, generously donated a collection of his father’s paintings, resulting in the museum possessing more works by this artist than any other institution globally.
With subsequent contributions, the collection now includes over 300 Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, featuring works by notable artists such as Renoir, Gauguin, and Sisley.
5. Trocadéro
Another globally recognized attraction is nearby, and it would be a mistake not to visit the Trocadéro located on the right bank of the Seine.
On the terrace of the Palais du Chaillot, most concur that this spot offers the ultimate view of the Eiffel Tower.
Regardless of the time of day, it is an exceptional place to visit; however, be prepared for potential waits or jostling for favorable photo opportunities.
The structure you stand on, along with its gardens, was completed for the Exposition Internationale in 1937. Notably, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted here in 1948, and there are also four distinct museums to explore inside.
6. Louvre
About 15 minutes door-to-door on the Métro Line 1 brings you to a monument of global culture.
The second-most visited museum worldwide, the Louvre was formerly a fortress and royal residence overflowing with art and artifacts from diverse periods and regions.
If there is a particular civilization or artistic movement that piques your interest, you will discover something riveting to examine here.
Nonetheless, two specific masterpieces are must-sees: Delacroix’s stirring Liberty Leading the People and Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic Mona Lisa.
7. Champs-Élysées
One of the essential experiences for first-time visitors to Paris, the Avenue des Champs-Élysées diagonally connects Place de la Concorde and Place de Charles de Gaulle.
As an iconic scene etched in many imaginations, the allure of the Champs-Élysées lies primarily in being present and capturing memorable photographs.
The avenue boasts boutiques featuring prestigious luxury brands, but for most, the view of the Arc de Triomphe — the finish line of the Tour de France — and the memories of momentous historical parades will ignite passion and nostalgia.
8. Parc Monceau
Ranked among the most picturesque parks in the city, Parc Monceau features an English garden style with winding paths and gentle lawns instead of a formal French parterre.
The park was originally designed for a cousin of Louis XVI, who was executed during the Reign of Terror.
Eventually, it came under municipal control and became the first public park created by Baron Haussmann.
Remnants of an earlier era can still be observed.
At the northern entrance stands a rotunda from 1787, which once served as a toll gate part of the Wall of the Farmers-General.
Moreover, the park houses a classical colonnade and a pyramid-shaped ice house constructed for its original owner.
9. La Défense
This city’s futuristic business district lies on the opposite bank of the Seine and was conceived in the 1960s to keep modern architecture away from Paris’s center.
You are nearby enough to cross the bridge for an hour or two of exploration.
Standing on Avenue Charles de Gaulle, while the Arc de Triomphe is visible to the east, the Grande Arche stands in the west; an impressive structure completed in 1989. Designed by Danish architect Johan Otto von Spreckelsen, it soars 110 meters high, constructed of reinforced concrete clad with glass and Italian Carrara marble.
10. Musée Jacquemart-André
Édouard André and his wife Nélie Jacquemart were distinguished art collectors during the 19th century.
Endowed with a substantial banking inheritance, they traveled annually to Italy, leading them to amass one of France’s most notable collections of Italian art.
This remarkable collection is housed in their splendid mansion, especially constructed in 1875 by architect Henri Parent.
The Italian Museum contains paintings by Canaletto, Botticini, Donatello, Uccello, and others, as well as access to the couple’s ornate state apartments, private quarters, and winter garden.
11. Jardin d’Acclimatation
This amusement park is conveniently located within minutes in the Bois de Boulogne.
Providing activities for younger family members, it offers a distinctive change of pace from the city’s cultural attractions geared toward adults.
Admission is quite reasonable at €3; however, additional costs may apply for some fairground rides. Fortunately, the petting zoo, aviary, and playgrounds are all accessible without charge.
The park retains an old-world charm, thanks to its 19th-century architecture and traditional recreational activities, including donkey rides and puppet theatre performances.
12. Musée Cernuschi
Similar to the Musée Jacquemart-André, this museum also resides in the affluent 8th Arrondissement and was the former residence of a banker with a passion for art.
Henri Cernuschi had a particular fondness for Asian art; during the 1800s, he accumulated approximately 5,000 pieces, primarily from China.
Thanks to subsequent donations, the museum’s collection has expanded to more than 12,500 artifacts, some dating back as far as 17,000 years.
Admission to the permanent exhibition is complimentary, featuring remarkable works from the Han, Tang, Northern Wei, and Sui dynasties.
Additionally, visitors can view a large bronze Buddha from Meguro, Japan, dating to the 1700s.
13. Bois de Boulogne
Once a royal hunting ground, the Bois de Boulogne is the second largest park in Paris, providing a vast leafy retreat located just south of Neuilly.
In the 1850s, the area underwent significant gentrification, incorporating avenues, lakes, an ornamental waterfall, and a racecourse still associated with horse racing.
If you seek additional sporting activities, the southern portion of the park features several celebrated venues.
The most prominent is Roland-Garros, which hosts the French Open for two prestigious weeks at the beginning of summer.
Additionally, nearby Parc des Princes serves as the home ground for PSG, one of Europe’s premier football clubs.
14. Fondation Louis Vuitton
Located just a short walk away, the Fondation Louis Vuitton is the most recent addition to the city’s cultural landscape.
Opened in 2014, this architectural marvel was created by Frank Gehry.
The roof consists of “sails” made from 13,500 square meters of curved glass that required special manufacturing.
The venue features a permanent gallery detailing Gehry’s project history, while primarily hosting temporary contemporary art exhibitions focusing on individual artists, collections, or specially curated themes.
15. Marché Poncelet
Just a ten-minute journey on Métro Line 1 will lead you to one of the city’s most beloved markets.
Marché Poncelet is situated in the affluent 17th Arrondissement, an area rich with Haussmann-era streets adjacent to stately townhouses.
The market spans across the charming pedestrian roads of Rue Poncelet and Rue Bayen, operating daily except on Mondays and Sunday afternoons.
Visitors can enjoy lively vendors promoting their products, whether purchasing top-quality provisions for their stay or ready-made options like rotisserie chicken.
It serves as the singular destination for premium fish, charcuterie, freshly baked bread, pastries, cheese, fruits, and vegetables.
