This noble district (faubourg) was once the centre for Parisian aristocracy. The Revolution brought this to an end, and today it is the home of the National Assembly and government ministries. It has, however, retained something of its late-18C atmosphere, when several religious orders were established here. With its museums – Orsay, Rodin and Maillol – and a busy corssroads, the district boasts almost as many attractions as its neighbour, Saint-Germain-des-Prés.