This article will take you on a romantic journey through the City of Lights, showcasing the Eiffel Tower from different perspectives and offering you a glimpse into the Parisian experience. Get ready to fall in love with the magic of Paris!
A Majestic Glimpse: The Trocadero
The Eiffel Tower stands proudly on the Left Bank of the Seine, in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. Just across the river, a magnificent plaza awaits – the Place du Trocadero. During a recent trip, my husband and I stayed in the chic 16th arrondissement, at the charming Le Dokhan’s hotel. We embarked on a delightful stroll towards the Place du Trocadero, eager to catch our first evening glimpse of “La Dame de Fer” – the Iron Lady.
The Place du Trocadero is an expansive, paved esplanade lined with impressive museums. The air buzzed with the energy of children flying twirling paper helicopters and the enticing aromas of delicious crepes being made. Cameras clicked incessantly, capturing the perfect Parisian moment. And for good reason! As I gazed out over the Jardins du Trocadero, it felt as though we had stepped into a grand open-air theatre, with the Eiffel Tower taking center stage. It was a breathtaking scene, a mesmerizing spectacle against the velvet twilight sky. I had a “pinch me, I’m in Paris” moment. This was an extraordinary viewpoint, and I understood why many consider it their favorite spot for views of the Eiffel Tower.
A Symphony of Lights: The Illuminations
Suddenly, the Eiffel Tower came alive! Thousands of twinkling orbs of light flickered on and off in a captivating sequence. I had forgotten about the Illuminations, the dazzling five-minute light show that takes place every hour from dusk to 1 AM. Our timing was perfect. To add to the spectacle, a powerful beam of light radiated from the tower, reaching up to 80 kilometers. It was mesmerizing. We continued our walk toward the end of the terrace, where a series of steps led down to the Trocadero Gardens and the Seine River. The view from there was even more spectacular, but capturing a good photo was a challenge amidst the throngs of visitors.
A Daytime Delight: The Palais de Chaillot
Instead, I opted to take a few pictures of the Eiffel Tower with the stunning golden statues of the Palais de Chaillot in the foreground. The Palais was constructed in 1937 for the World’s Fair, as were the Trocadero Gardens. Its symmetrical wings create a striking architectural masterpiece. This beautiful building houses three museums and a restaurant, making it a worthwhile destination for a daytime exploration. I longed to stroll down the steps and admire the Jardins du Trocadero and its enchanting fountains. We might have also had better luck with a photo there, but our jet lag caught up with us, and we decided to head back to the hotel. It had been a magical first evening in Paris.
A Nighttime Adventure: Scooter Tour
We joined our friend for a delicious dinner at Le Grand Café Capucines, a traditional French seafood restaurant. After dinner, our adventurous friend, a sprightly 22-year-old, suggested we rent scooters to see some of Paris’s iconic sights at night. I was initially hesitant about riding a scooter in Paris, but we agreed to give it a go, proceeding very cautiously.
Our first stop was the Louvre. It was a sight to behold at night, its grandeur even more impressive without the usual daytime crowds. We continued our scooter journey to the beautiful Palais Garnier, the iconic Paris opera house.
We followed the path along the right bank of the Seine River, and soon the Eiffel Tower emerged in the distance, a majestic silhouette against the night sky. We passed by the Le Grand Palais and stopped to take a break. The scooters were fun, but I found them a little nerve-wracking. I wouldn’t recommend them for everyone, as they can be quite dangerous. But we managed to capture some fun photos with the Eiffel Tower as our backdrop.
A Romantic Stroll: The Right Bank of the Seine
We continued our journey along the Seine, and the view grew even more enchanting. The tower’s twinkling lights were reflected in the river’s shimmering surface. We parked our scooters just beyond the Pont de l’Alma (Alma Bridge) and sat down to admire the breathtaking scene. The Right Bank of the Seine was the perfect place to appreciate the Eiffel Tower at night. We were at a distance that allowed us to see the entire structure in all its glory, while still feeling close enough to be truly present. The boats gliding along the river and the twinkling lights added to the romantic ambiance. It felt as if we had the scene to ourselves, just us and the majestic tower. My husband and I decided to snap some photos of this magical Parisian trio: me, Sean, and “La Tour Eiffel.” I highly recommend a walk along the Right Bank of the Seine. For a shorter stroll, begin at the Pont Alexander. If you just want to enjoy the Eiffel Tower view, get off at the Alma Marceau Metro station and walk down to the Seine. You’ll be in a prime location for a beautiful view and exceptional photo opportunities.
Parisian Classics: Le Procope
We were eager to experience some Parisian classics and followed the recommendation of a Parisian friend, who suggested Le Procope for a delightful dinner. This historic bistro, with its rich history, is a popular spot for both tourists and locals. It’s the perfect place to savor traditional French dishes like Duck Confit or Coq au Vin. To reach Le Procope, we took the Metro line 6, which crosses the Seine on the Pont de Bir-Hakeim (Bir-Hakeim Bridge). This bridge offers an incredible view of the Eiffel Tower and the illuminated Seine River. The unexpected beauty of this vantage point made it one of my favorite Eiffel Tower views of the entire trip. Even a simple Metro ride can feel magical in Paris.
A Parisian Splurge: The Peninsula Paris Rooftop
I inquired about the best place for a special cocktail in Paris with our concierge at Le Dokhan’s. He didn’t hesitate for a second: The Peninsula Paris. This stunning hotel, built in 1908, boasts a fascinating history. It served as a field hospital during World War I, and later, during the German occupation of Paris in World War II, it was the headquarters of the German high command. Between the wars, it housed the French Ministry of Defense. The rooftop bar, known as “Le Rooftop,” is located on the 6th floor of the hotel, offering breathtaking views across the 16th arrondissement of Paris. In one direction, you can see Montmartre, and in the other, the Eiffel Tower. Just around the corner is the Arc de Triomphe, where you can enjoy another magnificent view of the Eiffel Tower from its summit. (Remember to purchase a ticket.) Le Rooftop is on the pricier side, with a minimum spend of 26€ per person, which essentially covers the cost of a special cocktail. But it’s a charming and beautiful place, and if you ask me, special cocktail experiences in special places are always worth the splurge.
A River View: Dinner Cruise on the Seine
I had previously enjoyed a daytime cruise on the Seine River, so I decided to try a dinner cruise with Bateaux Parisiens, hoping to capture the magic of Paris from the water at night. The pier is conveniently located near the Eiffel Tower, but the cruise begins by heading away from it. So, it wasn’t until the end of the trip that we got to savor the breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower. But the wait was worth it; the view was spectacular. Even with a few raindrops on this September evening, the Eiffel Tower shimmered on the banks of the Seine during the final minutes of the cruise. Its reflection in the water added to the enchanting scene, which we continued to enjoy as we disembarked.
A Parisian Love Story: The Eiffel Tower
My Parisian adventure was filled with unforgettable experiences, each one showcasing the Eiffel Tower from a different angle. From the grandeur of the Place du Trocadero to the romantic glow of the Right Bank of the Seine, and the unexpected beauty of the Pont de Bir-Hakeim, the Eiffel Tower served as a constant source of awe and inspiration. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, the magic of Paris and the allure of the Eiffel Tower will leave a lasting impression on your heart.
