Ah, Paris! The city of love, romance, and, of course, the Eiffel Tower. This iconic structure has captured hearts for over a century, and my recent trip was no exception. From the moment I stepped onto Parisian soil, I was smitten with the city’s charm and beauty.
My husband and I were lucky to be staying in a delightful hotel in the 16th arrondissement, Le Dokhan’s. We wanted to see the Eiffel Tower, and we decided to head straight for the Place du Trocadero, which offers a stunning view of the iron lady.
The Place du Trocadero, with its magnificent museums, is an expansive plaza teeming with life. The air was alive with the sounds of children playing with their toy helicopters and the aroma of freshly made crêpes. A lively atmosphere filled the air as countless visitors paused to capture the moment with their cameras. The view was breathtaking; it felt like we were standing in a grand theatre, with the Eiffel Tower as the star on a velvet stage. It was a truly magical moment, a moment I will never forget.
The Eiffel Tower’s Sparkling Symphony
As dusk descended upon the city, the Eiffel Tower transformed into a breathtaking spectacle. A dazzling display of lights, known as “Illuminations,” flickered on and off in a mesmerizing sequence. This five-minute show, happening every hour from dusk to 1 am, was a sight to behold.
Standing at the edge of the Trocadero Gardens, we were treated to a breathtaking panorama. The view from this vantage point was even more spectacular than from the Place du Trocadero.
The tower’s shimmering lights danced across the Seine River, reflecting their brilliance in the water. The beauty of the scene was almost surreal. We were mesmerized by the spectacle.
Exploring Paris by Scooter
Later that evening, we met a friend who suggested we rent scooters to explore the city’s iconic landmarks. The idea of riding a scooter in Paris was a bit daunting, but we decided to give it a try.
Our first stop was the Louvre Museum, a majestic building that looked even more impressive under the Parisian night sky. We then rode to the opulent Palais Garnier, Paris’s iconic opera house.
We continued our journey along the right bank of the Seine, with the Eiffel Tower peeking out in the distance. The sights were truly captivating. I had a moment of hesitation about the scooters, as they were a bit nerve-wracking, but the experience was ultimately rewarding.
A Romantic Evening Stroll
After our scooter adventure, we decided to walk along the Seine, seeking a more relaxed view of the Eiffel Tower. We parked our scooters near the Pont de l’Alma (Alma Bridge) and sat, taking in the breathtaking scene. The lights of the city reflected in the water, creating a truly magical ambiance.
It was a truly unique and romantic experience. The beauty of the Eiffel Tower against the backdrop of the Seine, with the twinkling lights of the river boats, was simply unforgettable.
Dining with Parisian Flair
Later that week, our Parisian friend recommended a traditional French seafood restaurant, Le Grand Café Capucines. The ambiance was authentic and the food was delicious.
We also ventured to Le Procope, a charming bistro that has been a Parisian institution since the 17th century. This is the place to savor classic French dishes like duck confit or coq au vin.
While enjoying dinner at Le Procope, we took a Metro ride on line 6, which crosses the Seine on the Pont de Bir-Hakeim (Bir-Hakeim Bridge). The view of the Eiffel Tower and the river lights from the bridge was simply magical.
A Rooftop Cocktail with Parisian Views
Paris offers a wide array of cocktail bars, but our hotel concierge recommended The Peninsula Paris. This elegant hotel boasts a rooftop bar, “Le Rooftop,” located on the 6th floor. It’s the perfect spot for a special cocktail and an amazing view of the city.
The view from Le Rooftop is absolutely stunning. You can see Montmartre in one direction and the Eiffel Tower in the other. The Arc de Triomphe is just around the corner, offering another gorgeous view of the Eiffel Tower.
Even though Le Rooftop is expensive, it’s worth a splurge for a special cocktail experience.
A Seine River Cruise at Night
On my previous trip to Paris, I had enjoyed a daytime cruise on the Seine River, but this time I decided to try a dinner cruise with Bateaux Parisiens.
While the cruise began by heading away from the Eiffel Tower, the view at the end of the trip was spectacular. The tower appeared shimmering on the banks of the Seine, reflected in the water. The rain only added to the charm, creating a sense of magic and wonder.
Even though we had enjoyed several incredible views of the Eiffel Tower, the Seine River cruise was the perfect way to end our Parisian adventure. We felt as if we had truly captured the essence of the City of Lights.
