The Eiffel Tower: a symbol of Paris, a beacon of love, and a testament to human ingenuity. My husband and I, staying in the 16th arrondissement at the luxurious Le Dokhan’s hotel, found ourselves drawn to the Place Du Trocadero, a grand plaza directly across the Seine from the iconic tower.
This was our first glimpse of “La Dame de Fer”, the Iron Lady, and it was love at first sight. The Place Du Trocadero, with its impressive museums and bustling activity, felt like the perfect stage for the Eiffel Tower’s grand performance. Children twirled paper helicopters, lines formed for delicious crêpes, and cameras clicked incessantly. It was a picture-perfect Parisian scene.
As I gazed out over the Jardins du Trocadero, the Eiffel Tower shimmered against the velvet evening sky. It was like stepping into a grand open-air theatre, with the tower taking center stage. A “pinch me, I’m in Paris” moment. This vantage point, favored by many, offered a breathtaking perspective of the Iron Lady.
The Eiffel Tower Comes Alive
The night truly came alive when the Eiffel Tower’s “Illuminations” light show commenced. Thousands of lights flickered in dramatic sequence, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that left me speechless. Every hour, from dusk until 1 am, the tower transforms into a radiant masterpiece.
We made our way to the terrace’s edge, where steps descended to the Trocadéro Gardens and the Seine. The view from here was even more stunning, but the crowds made capturing a good photograph challenging. I settled for a few photos of the tower with the Palais de Chaillot’s majestic golden statues in the foreground.
A Parisian Night on Scooters
After a delightful dinner at Le Grand Café Capucines, a traditional French seafood restaurant, our friend, a sprightly 22-year-old, proposed a thrilling adventure: exploring Paris by scooter. Although I was initially hesitant, the allure of a Parisian night ride proved too tempting to resist.
Our scooter journey led us past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. We marveled at the Louvre’s majestic facade bathed in moonlight, a sight far less crowded than its daytime counterpart. The stunning Palais Garnier, the Paris opera house, added to the spectacle.
We followed the Seine’s right bank, the Eiffel Tower gradually appearing in the distance. The Eiffel Tower’s twinkling lights reflected in the water created a magical scene. We found a quiet spot to park our scooters, savoring the view with hardly a soul around. It was a world away from the bustling Trocadéro.
A Parisian Bistro and a Stunning Metro Ride
Our Parisian adventure continued at Le Procope, a charming bistro with a rich history. We indulged in classic French dishes like Duck Confit and Coq au Vin, savoring the authentic Parisian atmosphere.
Returning to our hotel, we took the Metro, and as we crossed the Seine on the Pont de Bir-Hakeim (Bir-Hakeim Bridge), a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower and the illuminated river unfolded before us. It was a serendipitous moment, a highlight of our Parisian journey.
Rooftop Cocktails and a Seine River Cruise
My quest for a special cocktail in Paris led me to the Peninsula Paris, a luxurious hotel with a fascinating history. Its rooftop bar, “Le Rooftop”, offered panoramic views of the city, including Montmartre and the Eiffel Tower.
For a different perspective, I decided to try a dinner cruise on the Seine with Bateaux Parisiens. While the Eiffel Tower wasn’t visible at the start of the cruise, it was a breathtaking sight at the end. The tower shimmered against the backdrop of the illuminated Seine, a truly romantic and memorable experience.
A Parisian Farewell
Our Parisian adventure was filled with breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower, from bustling plazas to quiet riverbanks. Whether you’re exploring on foot, by scooter, or even on a Metro ride, Paris offers countless opportunities to be captivated by the magic of the Eiffel Tower.
This city, full of history, romance, and delicious food, is a place that will stay in your heart long after you leave.
