Paris’s 16th arrondissement is commonly characterised as posh, but it is far more than a quiet residential quarter. The leafy slice of the city mixes sophistication with cultural edge, boasting everything from bold modern art spaces to storied architecture and sporting thrills. For travelers staying in luxury vacation rentals or boutique holiday apartments here, you’ll discover that the wide boulevards and hidden cultural gems deserve exploration at a leisurely pace.
Why Choose the 16th Arrondissement for Your Paris Stay
The 16th arrondissement is an outdoor catalogue of Parisian splendour. Historic monuments sit alongside impressive modern buildings, which gives the neighbourhood its special charm. Here you’ll see the Trocadéro and the Palais de Chaillot (an excellent spot for a view of the Eiffel Tower), and a short trip away is a modern architectural wonder, the Fondation Louis Vuitton, with exhibits. Sports fans head for the Parc des Princes, while elegant Art Deco facades dominate thoroughfares like Avenue Foch. It is a neighbourhood where history, art and culture braid together seamlessly.
Essential Landmarks Every Visitor Must Experience
Trocadéro: The Ultimate Eiffel Tower Viewpoint
Address:
1 Pl. du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre.
Access:
24 hours
Metro:
Trocadéro (Lines 6, 9) – Perfect for vacation rental guests
If there is one place in Paris that offers a postcard-perfect perspective of the Eiffel Tower, it is the Trocadéro. Dominating Place du Trocadéro, the Palais de Chaillot is a 1937 masterpiece of neoclassical architecture with expansive terraces and gardens that direct your gaze right to the Eiffel Tower. More than just picture-perfect views, the palace is also home to two intriguing museums: Musée de l’Homme, where the story of anthropology and human history is told, and the Musée National de la Marine, which celebrates France’s maritime heritage. Surrounding gardens and fountains invite visitors to pause, stroll, or just bask in the Paris skyline. Open 24 hours, the Trocadéro presents a different kind of charm depending on the time, golden morning light, teeming afternoons or the magic of the Eiffel Tower twinkling against the night sky. It is the ideal hub from which to walk the 16th.
Fondation Louis Vuitton: Architectural Marvel in the Woods
Address:
8 Av. du Mahatma Gandhi, Bois de Boulogne.
Hours:
Monday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Metro:
Les Sablons (Line 1) + 10-minute walk
Nestled in a forest of green in the Bois de Boulogne, the Fondation Louis Vuitton is a work of art before you even step inside. It was designed by the architect Frank Gehry, and its glass “sails” appear to float above the trees, dramatically capturing light. Inside, the venue comprises an alternative exhibition programme of contemporary art and installations, as well as cultural events that have brought audiences from all over the world. Whether you’re lovesick for art or merely curious, the building itself is worth the trip; it’s a landmark of modern Paris. Throughout the year, the foundation becomes a bustling cultural hub, hosting concerts, talks and family-friendly workshops. Pair a visit with a wander through the Bois de Boulogne for a contrast between urban creativity and leafy serenity.
Parc des Princes: Football History and Electric Atmosphere
Address:
24 Rue du Commandant Guilbaud.
Metro:
Porte de Saint-Cloud (Line 9)
For football lovers, nowhere smells quite like the Parc des Princes. Constructed in 1897 and subsequently reconfigured into a modern stadium, this historic home to Paris Saint-Germain is among the most glamorous of global clubs. And when there are match days, the whole district comes alive with cheers, colours and an electric atmosphere that spills out onto the surrounding streets. Even when no games are on, the Parc des Princes is equally impressive. Guided tours bring you behind the scenes, from the locker rooms to the pitch, to show you what happens before players hit the field. And don’t forget the PSG shop, for souvenirs or your team jersey. Far more than a football stadium, this venue has notched up concerts and the defining moments in French sporting history, and is a must-visit for tourists who want to connect with Parisian culture beyond museums and monuments.
Avenue Foch: Art Deco Architecture Paradise
Metro:
Charles de Gaulle-Étoile (Lines 1, 2, 6, RER A) to Porte Dauphine (Line 2)
Running grandly through the 16th, Avenue Foch is one of the broadest and best streets in Paris. Graced by trees, gardens and noble buildings, it reflects the district’s reputation for graciousness. Your jaw will drop at the Art Deco mansions and embassies that line this stretch, formidable examples of the style with geometric details and bold facades that showcase the design movement that flourished in the 20th century. There are other gems scattered around the arrondissement from this era, making it ideal for an architectural walk. If you follow a path through the 16th, you’ll, in turn, see graceful balconies, elaborate doorways, and lovely details, all of which display the workmanship of the era. It’s a quieter, no less remarkable side of Paris that beckons you to slow down and soak it in.
Cultural Treasures Along the Way
Exploring the 16th can easily fill a day. Start at the Trocadéro for Eiffel Tower views, then wander down to Avenue Foch for a taste of Art Deco elegance. From there, hop on the metro or take a leisurely stroll to the Fondation Louis Vuitton for a dose of contemporary creativity. End your day with a tour or evening match at Parc des Princes. Along the way, pause at local cafés – perfect for a coffee, a pastry, and a moment to people-watch.
