Western Paris City Orientation
Top Reasons to Go
Fondation Louis Vuitton. Contemporary art meets iconoclastic architecture at this new museum designed by Frank Gehry in a sculptural mix of wood, steel, and glass.
Musée Marmottan Monet. If you're a fan of Claude Monet, don't miss this gem of a museum tucked away deep in the 16e near the Jardin du Ranelagh.
Bois de Boulogne. Whether you spend your afternoon in a rowboat or wandering gardens filled with foliage, the Bois is a perfect escape from the city.
Jardin d'Acclimatation. There's not a child under the age of five who won't love this amusement park on the northern edge of the Bois de Boulogne.
Making the Most of Your Time
If this isn't your first time in Paris, or even if it is and you've had enough of the touristy central part of the city, this neighborhood is a great choice and can be treated like a day trip. Spend the morning admiring the Monets at the uncrowded Musée Marmottan Monet, then take in the Art Nouveau architecture on Rue Jean de la Fontaine; or while away the day in the leafy Bois de Boulogne.
Getting Here
Western Paris includes the 16e and 17e arrondissements. Take Line 9 to La Muette métro stop for the Musée Marmottan Monet, or to the Jasmin stop (also Line 9) to explore Rue Jean de la Fontaine. Take Line 6 to the Passy stop for the Musée du Vin or to reach the main drag, Rue de Passy; alternately, take Bus 72 from the Hôtel de Ville or 63 from St. Sulpice. For the main entrance of the Bois de Boulogne, take Line 2 to the Porte Dauphine stop or RER C to Avenue Foch. For the Jardin d'Acclimatation, enter the park from the Les Sablons or Porte Maillot métro stops on Line 1. If you're heading out to La Défense, it's the terminus of Line 1.
Best Cafés
Café Le Passy. The plush chestnut-and-cream decor of this café is the work of one of Givenchy's nephews. Cocktails are classy, there's a good variety of beer on tap, and the food (brasserie fare such as steaks, fish, and frites) is tasty. In the evening, candlelight makes everyone look that much more glamorous. 2 rue de Passy, Western Paris, Paris, Île-de-France, 75016. 01–85–15–25–37; www.lepassy.fr. Closed Sun..
La Gare. Housed in a former train station, this restaurant-lounge is frequented by business types and chic youth alike. Sit on the large terrace or descend the wide staircase to a room bathed in natural light by day and warm golden tones at night. Reasonable set menus feature traditional and inventive French cuisine. 19 chausée de la Muette, Western Paris, Paris, Île-de-France, 75016. 01–42–15–15–31; www.restaurantlagare.com.
Villa Passy. The courtyard of this bucolic café just off Rue de Passy may make you think you've stumbled into a small village. Sit outside on a cushioned banquette shaded by ivy and order the plat du jour, prepared with fresh market ingredients. On Sunday, a €25 brunch is served from noon to 3:30 pm (last seating at 2:30). 4 impasse des Carrières, opposite 31 rue de Passy, Western Paris, Paris, Île-de-France, 75016. 01–45–27–68–76; http://la-villa-passy.lafourchette.rest. No Sun. dinner. Closed Mon..
