What to Do in Passy: A Local's Guide Near the Eiffel Tower
Escape the crowds! Discover what to do near the Eiffel Tower. The Amourette team shares their favourite local spots: Maison de Balzac, Île aux Cygnes, and more.
Beyond the Eiffel Tower
You've seen the Eiffel Tower, you've taken your photos at Trocadéro. Now what? Just a 10-minute walk west brings you to Passy. This is where the tourist crowds thin out and real Parisian life begins. At Amourette, our restaurant sits right on the edge of this neighbourhood. Guests often ask us what they should explore before joining us for dinner. Here is our personal guide to Passy.
The Bir-Hakeim Bridge & Île aux Cygnes
Instead of the crowded bridges right next to the Eiffel Tower, walk to the Pont de Bir-Hakeim. It's a famous two-tiered iron bridge (you might recognize it from the movie Inception). From the middle of the bridge, take the stairs down to the Île aux Cygnes. It's a man-made island in the middle of the Seine with a beautiful, tree-lined walkway leading to a scale replica of the Statue of Liberty.
Palais de Tokyo & Modern Art
If you love art but want to avoid the massive queues at the Louvre, cross over to the Palais de Tokyo on Avenue du Président Wilson. It's one of the largest centers for contemporary art in Europe. The building itself is raw and impressive, and it's open late. Right next door is the Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris, where the permanent collection is completely free.
Maison de Balzac
Tucked away on a hillside at 47 Rue Raynouard, this is the only surviving Parisian home of the famous French writer Honoré de Balzac. Even if you haven't read his books, you should visit for the garden. It is a hidden, peaceful green space offering a stunning, quiet view of the Eiffel Tower.
The Covered Market of Passy
Want to see how Parisians shop for food? Head up to Rue Bois-le-Vent to the Marché Couvert de Passy. It's an authentic indoor market filled with cheese vendors, butchers, and fresh produce. It's a great place to soak in the local atmosphere, especially on a Saturday morning.
Sunset at Amourette
After a day of exploring, you'll be ready to sit down. Walk over to our terrace on Boulevard Delessert. By 6:00 PM, the string lights under our lime trees are turning on. Order a refreshing Aperol Spritz or our signature Miss Amourette cocktail, share some crispy calamari or a creamy tarama, and enjoy the Parisian evening exactly how the locals do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Passy neighbourhood safe for tourists?▼
Absolutely. Passy (the 16th arrondissement) is one of the safest and most affluent residential neighbourhoods in Paris, making it perfect for relaxed evening strolls.
How far is Passy from the Eiffel Tower?▼
It is very close! From the Eiffel Tower, crossing the Seine to Passy (and our restaurant on Boulevard Delessert) takes about 10 to 15 minutes on foot.
Do I need to book tickets for Maison de Balzac?▼
The permanent collections and the beautiful garden (which has an amazing view of the Eiffel Tower) are free to enter. You only need a ticket for temporary exhibitions.
