Paris, the City of Lights, has always held a special place in my heart, and a recent trip with my husband only deepened that affection. Our adventure began in the chic 16th arrondissement, staying at the charming Le Dokhan’s hotel.
First Glimpse of “La Dame de Fer”
Our first evening in Paris was dedicated to capturing the iconic beauty of the Eiffel Tower. We strolled from our hotel towards the Place Du Trocadero, a grand esplanade bustling with life. Children gleefully flew paper helicopters, and the aroma of freshly made crepes wafted through the air.
The Jardins du Trocadero offered a breathtaking panorama, with the Eiffel Tower standing majestically on a stage beneath a velvety night sky. It felt like a scene from a grand open theater, and I couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement, a true “pinch me, I’m in Paris” moment. This vantage point, with its cascading fountains and panoramic view, is often hailed as one of the best places to admire the Eiffel Tower.
And then, the tower came alive! “Illuminations,” a mesmerizing five-minute light show, occurred every hour from dusk until 1 am. We were lucky to witness this spectacle of 20,000 flashing bulbs synchronized with a radiant beam of light reaching up to 80 kilometers. It was an unforgettable experience.
Exploring Paris on Scooters
Later that evening, we joined a friend for dinner at Le Grand Café Capucines, a traditional French seafood restaurant. Afterwards, our adventurous friend suggested we rent scooters to explore Paris at night. While I was initially hesitant, we agreed to give it a try, albeit at a leisurely pace.
Our first stop was the Louvre, its grandeur even more striking under the cloak of night, free from the usual throngs of tourists. Next, we marvelled at the Palais Garnier, the opulent Paris opera house.
We continued along the right bank of the Seine, the Eiffel Tower gradually emerging in the distance. The beauty of the city unfolded before us, with each turn revealing a new treasure.
The view from the Seine was captivating, the Eiffel Tower’s twinkling lights reflected in the shimmering water. It was a far cry from the bustling Trocadero, offering a serene and intimate perspective.
Unforgettable Eiffel Tower Views
For an even more intimate view, we parked our scooters near the Pont de l’Alma and simply sat, mesmerized by the scene. The Eiffel Tower, bathed in the golden glow of the city lights, seemed to dance with the river’s gentle currents.
We concluded our scooter adventure, feeling a sense of accomplishment and a touch of Parisian magic. The city had revealed its charm, and we had soaked it all in.
Beyond the Seine: More Parisian Gems
Paris offers countless hidden treasures, and our journey continued with a delightful dinner at Le Procope, a classic Parisian bistro recommended by a local friend. The Metro ride across the Pont de Bir-Hakeim, with its breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower and the Seine’s twinkling lights, was an unexpected highlight.
For a truly unforgettable experience, our concierge at Le Dokhan’s recommended the Peninsula Paris, a stunning hotel with a rich history. The rooftop bar, “Le Rooftop,” provided an exceptional vantage point, overlooking the 16th arrondissement, Montmartre, and, of course, the Eiffel Tower.
A Farewell to “La Dame de Fer”
Our last evening in Paris was a fitting end to our adventure. We embarked on a dinner cruise with Bateaux Parisiens, hoping to capture the city’s beauty from the Seine. While the Eiffel Tower wasn’t immediately visible, it emerged majestically at the end of the cruise, its shimmering lights reflecting on the water.
The cruise provided a unique perspective, offering a farewell to the city’s iconic landmark and the perfect ending to a Parisian love affair.
