The Eiffel Tower, a towering symbol of Paris, stands proudly on the city’s Left Bank in the 7th arrondissement. Across the Seine River, the Place Du Trocadero offers a breathtaking panorama of the Iron Lady. During our recent stay at the elegant Le Dokhan’s hotel in the 16th arrondissement, we embarked on a captivating journey to discover the best vantage points for admiring this iconic landmark.
Our first stop was the bustling Place Du Trocadero, a spacious esplanade lined with magnificent museums. Children gleefully flew paper helicopters, while the aroma of freshly baked crepes wafted through the air, enticing passersby. Cameras clicked incessantly as visitors captured the magnificent scene before them. Standing amidst the vibrant energy, I gazed out over the Jardins du Trocadero, feeling as though we had stepped into a grand open-air theater, with the Eiffel Tower gracing the stage below. The star of the show shimmered against the velvet sky, prompting an ecstatic “pinch me, I’m in Paris” moment. This exceptional vantage point quickly solidified its status as a favorite among those seeking the most stunning views of the Eiffel Tower.
A Symphony of Lights
As dusk settled, the tower transformed into a dazzling spectacle. Thousands of lights pulsed in a mesmerizing sequence, creating an unforgettable symphony of illumination. The five-minute light show, known as “Illuminations,” occurs every hour from dusk until 1 am, a serendipitous discovery for us. Adding to the enchantment, a powerful beam of light projected upwards from the tower, reaching up to 80 kilometers. It was a breathtaking display that left us spellbound.
We strolled towards the edge of the terrace, where broad steps descend to the Trocadéro Gardens and the Seine River. The view from this perspective was even more captivating, but the throngs of tourists made capturing the perfect photograph a challenge.
Alternative Perspectives
Instead of battling the crowds, I turned my lens towards the exquisite golden statues of the Palais de Chaillot. This architectural masterpiece, built in 1937 for the World’s Fair, boasts symmetrical wings that command attention. Home to three museums and a restaurant, the Palais invites exploration during daylight hours. Our jetlag compelled us to return to the hotel, leaving us longing to wander through the enchanting Jardins du Trocadéro and its cascading fountains.
A Nighttime Scoot Through Paris
Later that evening, we joined our friend for dinner at Le Grand Café Capucines, a traditional French seafood restaurant. After a delicious meal, our adventurous friend suggested a nighttime scooter tour. Initially hesitant, we decided to embrace the experience and explore the city at a leisurely pace.
Our first stop was the Louvre Museum, a captivating sight even in the quiet of the night. We then ventured to the majestic Palais Garnier, Paris’s renowned opera house. Continuing along the Seine’s right bank, we were treated to a breathtaking glimpse of the Eiffel Tower in the distance. A brief pause at Le Grand Palais allowed us to savor the moment and take a break from the scooter. While exciting, the scooters were undeniably nerve-wracking, and I wouldn’t recommend them for everyone due to their inherent danger.
The Right Bank’s Magical View
The Seine River transformed into a mirror reflecting the Eiffel Tower’s twinkling lights, creating an unforgettable spectacle. We parked our scooters near the Pont de l’Alma (Alma Bridge) and basked in the tranquil beauty of the scene. The Right Bank offered a secluded vantage point, allowing us to fully appreciate the tower’s magnificence without the crowds. The gentle sway of boats and the twinkling lights on the river enhanced the ambiance, creating a magical atmosphere.
Parisian Delights: From Bistros to Rooftop Bars
Our Parisian journey led us to Le Procope, a historic bistro recommended by a local friend. This charming establishment, a popular spot among Parisians, serves classic French dishes like Duck Confit and Coq au Vin. Our dinner at Le Procope required a Metro ride on line 6, which crosses the Seine on the Pont de Bir-Hakeim (Bir-Hakeim Bridge). As we passed over the river, we were treated to a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower bathed in the warm glow of the city lights. The surprise element of this unexpected perspective made it one of our favorite views of the trip.
In search of an unforgettable cocktail experience, we sought the advice of our concierge at Le Dokhan’s, who immediately recommended The Peninsula Paris. This grand hotel, built in 1908, boasts a rich history, having served as a field hospital during World War I and the headquarters of the German high command during the German occupation of Paris in World War II. Between the wars, it housed the French Ministry of Defense. Le Rooftop, the hotel’s rooftop bar on the 6th floor, offers breathtaking panoramas of Paris’s 16th arrondissement. In one direction, Montmartre stands proudly, while the Eiffel Tower graces the skyline in the other. The Arc de Triomphe, a short distance away, offers another stunning perspective of the Eiffel Tower from its summit. While Le Rooftop is on the pricier side, with a minimum spend of 26€ per person, the charming ambiance and exceptional views make it a worthwhile splurge.
A Seine River Cruise Under the Stars
No trip to Paris is complete without a Seine River cruise. On a previous visit, I had enjoyed a daytime cruise, so this time, I opted for a dinner cruise with Bateaux Parisiens, hoping to experience the city’s beauty from a different angle. While the pier is located near the Eiffel Tower, the cruise initially steered away from the landmark. However, the wait was well worth it, as the tower emerged in all its glory towards the end of our journey. Even a light September rain couldn’t dampen the spectacle, as the tower shimmered against the Seine’s backdrop. The reflection in the water created a breathtaking scene that we enjoyed as we disembarked.
