Paris, the City of Lights, is a place that captures the heart and imagination. For a recent trip, my husband and I stayed in the 16th arrondissement, near the Le Dokhan’s Hotel. Eager to see the Eiffel Tower, we set out for the Place du Trocadéro, a grand plaza across the Seine from the iconic monument.
The Iron Lady’s Stage
The Place du Trocadéro buzzed with activity. Children soared paper helicopters, while the tantalizing aroma of freshly made crêpes drew hungry crowds. With the bustling atmosphere and the majestic Palais de Chaillot standing tall, it felt like stepping into a grand Parisian theatre. And then, the Eiffel Tower, the star of the show, emerged before us. Its silhouette glowed against the twilight sky, a magnificent spectacle. This was indeed a “pinch me, I’m in Paris” moment, a spectacular vantage point that offered the best view of the Eiffel Tower, as many Parisians attest.
The Magic of Illuminations
As dusk deepened, the Eiffel Tower came alive. A mesmerizing light show unfolded, with thousands of orbs flashing in a dramatic sequence. We had arrived just in time for the “Illuminations,” a five-minute spectacle that occurs every hour from dusk until 1 am. The tower was aglow with 20,000 flashing bulbs, and a powerful beam of light radiated upwards, reaching 80 kilometers into the night sky. It was truly enchanting!
A Parisian Night on Two Wheels
After a delightful dinner at Le Grand Café Capucines, our friend suggested we explore the city on scooters. Despite my initial hesitation, we embraced the adventure. Our night ride took us to the Louvre, a sight to behold even without the usual crowds. The grandeur of the Palais Garnier, the Paris Opera House, left us breathless. As we followed the Seine’s right bank, the Eiffel Tower reappeared in the distance, reminding us of the beauty we were witnessing.
Reflections on the Seine
We found ourselves captivated by the view of the Eiffel Tower reflected in the Seine‘s gentle waters. The tower’s twinkling lights created a mesmerizing dance on the river’s surface. This tranquil spot, far removed from the bustling Trocadéro, offered a sense of peace and intimacy with the iconic landmark. We felt lucky to experience this serene moment with the Eiffel Tower as our backdrop.
A Parisian Bistro Classic: Le Procope
For a taste of Parisian culinary tradition, we visited Le Procope, a charming bistro recommended by a local friend. This historic establishment is a favourite among Parisians and tourists alike. We savoured the authentic flavours of Duck Confit and Coq au Vin, classics that embody the spirit of Parisian cuisine.
A Magical Metro Ride
Our metro ride back to the hotel took us across the Pont de Bir-Hakeim, offering a unique perspective of the Eiffel Tower and the illuminated Seine. The unexpected view from the elevated metro platform was truly unforgettable. It’s amazing how even the most ordinary journey in Paris can turn into a magical moment.
The Peninsula Paris: A Rooftop Oasis
For a special cocktail experience, our concierge at Le Dokhan’s recommended the rooftop bar at The Peninsula Paris. This historic hotel, with its captivating past, boasts an impressive rooftop bar with breathtaking panoramic views. From Le Rooftop, the Eiffel Tower stood out, its silhouette framed against the Parisian cityscape. The views were truly spectacular, and while the minimum spend of 26€ per person might seem a bit pricey, the experience was worth every penny.
Dinner Cruise on the Seine
Our Parisian adventure wouldn’t be complete without a dinner cruise on the Seine. While the Eiffel Tower wasn’t immediately visible from the starting point, the view that awaited us at the end of the cruise was breathtaking. The tower shimmered on the riverbank, its reflection dancing in the water. Even with a touch of rain, the beauty of the scene left us spellbound.
Paris: A City that Steals your Heart
From the lively Place du Trocadéro to the serene banks of the Seine, our Parisian journey was filled with unforgettable moments. We discovered the Eiffel Tower in all its glory, from every angle. From rooftop bars to metro rides, each experience offered a new perspective on this iconic landmark. Paris truly stole our hearts, leaving us with memories we’ll cherish forever.
