Oh, Paris! The city of lights, romance, and, of course, the Eiffel Tower. It’s no surprise that this iconic landmark has captured hearts worldwide. But what about the best spots to truly appreciate its beauty? My recent trip to the City of Love unveiled some incredible vantage points, each offering a unique perspective on this Parisian gem.
We arrived in Paris eager to soak in its splendor. Our base was the chic Le Dokhan’s hotel in the 16th arrondissement. Our first evening was dedicated to capturing the majesty of the Eiffel Tower. We made our way to the Place Du Trocadero, a spacious plaza lined with impressive museums, and teeming with life. Children soared paper helicopters, the sweet scent of crepes filled the air, and eager tourists snapped photos. But what truly stole the show was the view. From the Trocadero, we gazed upon the Jardins du Trocadero, feeling as if we were in a grand theatre, with the Eiffel Tower taking center stage, radiating against the velvet night sky. It was a moment of pure Parisian magic, a “pinch me, I’m in Paris” moment.
As the clock struck the hour, the Eiffel Tower transformed into a dazzling spectacle of light. Thousands of orbs danced in a dramatic symphony, illuminating the night. This captivating light show, known as “Illuminations,” happens every hour from dusk until 1 am. We were lucky to witness this enchanting display, and it only enhanced the magical feeling of the evening.
We walked towards the edge of the terrace, where a broad staircase led down to the Trocadéro Gardens and the Seine. The view was even more breathtaking from this vantage point, but the crowds made capturing a perfect photograph nearly impossible. We managed a few shots, but the sheer number of people made it a challenge.
Discovering Hidden Gems
To escape the crowds, we explored the Palais de Chaillot, a grand architectural masterpiece built in 1937 for the World’s Fair. Its symmetrical wings house three museums and a restaurant, offering a delightful escape for daytime adventures. Its statues and fountains were a welcome sight after the bustling Trocadero. We envisioned ourselves strolling through the Jardins du Trocadéro, perhaps catching a better shot of the tower, but jet lag got the better of us. We decided to call it a night and head back to the hotel.
Later that evening, we met a friend for dinner at a traditional French seafood restaurant, Le Grand Café Capucines. Afterwards, he suggested a night adventure on scooters. While I was a bit hesitant about navigating Paris on two wheels, we agreed to give it a go, albeit at a leisurely pace. Our first stop was the Louvre, a sight to behold even at night, free from the daytime crowds.
Next, we stopped at the magnificent Palais Garnier, the Parisian opera house. We continued along the right bank of the Seine, and soon the Eiffel Tower emerged in the distance, a beacon in the night. We passed Le Grand Palais, and took a break from our scooter escapade. I find scooters a bit nerve-wracking, but they do offer a fun way to explore the city. However, I wouldn’t recommend them for everyone, as they can be dangerous. We did manage to capture some fun photos with a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower.
A Romantic Stroll Along the Seine
As we rode along the Seine, the view grew even more enchanting. The twinkling lights of the tower reflected in the water, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. We parked the scooters just beyond the Pont de l’Alma (Alma Bridge) and sat mesmerized by the scene. It was a complete contrast to the bustling Trocadero, offering a peaceful and intimate perspective of the iconic tower. The river boats, the shimmering lights, and the gentle breeze combined to create an ambiance of pure magic. It was a moment we cherished, just the three of us: my husband, our friend, and La Tour Eiffel.
For those seeking a similar experience, I highly recommend a stroll along the Right Bank. Start at the Pont Alexander for a shorter walk, or disembark at the Alma Marceau Metro station and walk down to the Seine for a quick, but stunning, view of the Eiffel Tower. It’s an excellent spot for capturing those Instagram-worthy photos.
A Parisian Bistro and a Magical Metro Ride
Our Parisian adventure took us to Le Procope, a historic bistro that has welcomed both Parisians and tourists for centuries. Our Parisian friend highly recommended it, and we were not disappointed. It’s the perfect place to indulge in classic French cuisine, like Duck Confit or Coq au Vin.
Getting to Le Procope required a Metro ride on line 6, which crosses the Seine on the Pont de Bir-Hakeim (Bir-Hakeim Bridge). This bridge offered an unforgettable view of the Eiffel Tower and the glistening river. The surprise of this elevated perspective made it one of my favorite Eiffel Tower views of the trip. Even a simple Metro ride can be magical in Paris.
High-Flying Cocktails and Historical Elegance
Our quest for the perfect Parisian cocktail led us to the Peninsula Paris, a stunning hotel with a captivating history. Its grand architecture and rooftop bar, “Le Rooftop,” on the 6th floor, offer breathtaking panoramic views across the city. To the north, you can see Montmartre, while the Eiffel Tower is visible to the south. Just around the corner is the Arc de Triomphe, providing another vantage point to admire the tower.
While Le Rooftop is on the pricey side, with a minimum spend of 26€ per person, it’s worth the splurge for a truly special cocktail experience in a truly special place.
Dinner Cruise with a Touch of Romance
I had enjoyed a daytime Seine river cruise on a previous trip, but this time, I decided to try a dinner cruise with Bateaux Parisiens, hoping to capture the city’s magic from the river in the evening. The pier is close to the Eiffel Tower, but the cruise initially took us away from it. However, it was worth the wait, as the final moments of the cruise presented a truly spectacular view of the tower, shimmering on the banks of the Seine. Even with a little rain on this September evening, the view was breathtaking, with the tower’s reflection dancing in the water.
Our Parisian adventure was filled with unforgettable moments, each offering a unique perspective on the Eiffel Tower. Whether from the bustling Place Du Trocadero, the serene banks of the Seine, the Parisian bistro, the historic hotel rooftop, or a romantic dinner cruise, the Eiffel Tower’s timeless beauty captivated us in every way.
