Rue Cler is a charming, pedestrian street located in the 7th arrondissement or Eiffel Tower district, metro Ecole Militaire. Paris is dotted with small street markets or open-air food markets frequented by neighborhood Parisians. Rue Cler boasts one of the most lavish and upscale, permanent street markets in all of Paris.

When exiting the Ecole Militaire metro stop onto rue de la Motte Picquet, walk one block northeast to rue Cler. This bustling spot is nearly center of the triangle formed by Ecole Militaire, the Eiffel Tower, and les Dome Invalides (where Napoleon’s Tomb is located). Rue Cler abuts rue de la Motte Picquet at one end and rue St. Dominique at the other.

Rue Cler’s street is cobbled and a mere three blocks long, but wide by Parisian standards. The open-air food market of Rue Cler lines both sides of the street for two blocks. The shops in the market offer delectable fresh vegetables, fragrant flowers, bountiful fruits, aromatic cheeses, elegant chocolates, perfect pastries and breads, wines, all varieties of fresh fish, meat and poultry, a delicatessen, inviting restaurants, busy cafes, several boutique hotels in the vicinity, a drugstore, a bank, a grocery store, a post office and even a corner crêperie.

While visiting Rue Cler’s open-air market, one is presented a smorgasbord of shops and gives meaning to Hemingway’s statement, “Paris is a movable feast”. The shops along Rue Cler offer a variety of foods such that any taste or mood can be satisfied, from a quick snack to a gourmet meal. As the Eiffel Tower is nearby, consider purchasing a picnic basket and fill it with wine, bread, and delicacies. For less than the cost of a restaurant meal, you can enjoy lunch with one of the most captivating views in the world.

Rue Cler truly is the quintessential Parisian neighborhood. One could live quite well in these few blocks of Paris with little need for venturing outside and still experience most of what Parisian living has to offer. But it is Paris after all, the City of Light, so Rue Cler is the perfect jumping off point for exploring what is arguably the most beautiful city in the world.

Rue Cler is within walking distance of a number of the most famous sites in all of Paris. Consider the following:

Eiffel Tower (4 blocks)
Parc Champ de Mars (3 blocks)
les Invalides, (2 blocks)
du Musée Rodin (3 blocks)
the Seine (5 blocks)

Many feel the best way to experience Paris when visiting is to stay in an area that allows one to see Paris as much from a Parisian’s view as possible. Rue Cler offers just such an opportunity.