A redeveloped district near the station

Situated near Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Musée d’Orsay can be found on the left bank of the Seine, a few hundred yards from the Assemblée Nationale. The name Orsay comes from the provost of the traders who laid the first stone of the quay, now known as Quai Anatole France. Many figures from entertainment, business, and politics have chosen to make their home here. A lively residential district, it is a pleasant area within easy reach of Les Invalides and the Eiffel Tower on the one side, the Latin Quarter and Saint-German-des-Prés on the other.

Cultural walks by the Seine

The main attraction in the area is the Musée d'Orsay. The site is actually a former train station that was transformed into a museum in 1986. With the largest collection of painings in the world, the Musée d’Orsay has more than 5,000 works by famous artists including Cézanne, Gauguin, Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Pissarro. Opposite the Musée d’Orsay, the Musée de la Légion d’Honneur presents the history of the objects of this institution, founded in 1804 by Napoleon. In the nearby streets, embassies and mansions mark the area as being home to the French Ministries.

Getting around and eating

Line 12 of the metro is the only one that passes through the area, stopping at the Rue du Bac, Solferino, and Assemblée Nationale stations. Still retaining a transportational function, the Gare d’Orsay train station now serves as a stop for the RER C. For shopping, the 8 à Huit convenience store on Rue de l’Université is the main place for general food shopping in the area.