A stroll along the Seine River in Paris is a photographer’s dream come true. It’s more than just the iconic Eiffel Tower, though that’s a must-see, of course! The city’s bridges, each with its own unique charm, offer breathtaking views. You’ll be surrounded by photographic opportunities galore. Just pick a direction and let the river guide you!
I always find myself captivated by the Seine. This time, I was on a quest for the perfect shot of the Eiffel Tower, but discovered so many other treasures along the way.
A Neighborhood Stroll and a River Walk
My journey began close to home, in the neighborhood surrounding my apartment. It was an extension of my usual neighborhood loop, taking me down Boulevard Saint-Germain, then to the Seine River and Quai d’Orsay. The direction? Towards the Eiffel, naturally!
A Glimpse of History and Architecture
My eye was immediately drawn to the Ministère des Armées (Ministry of Armed Forces) at 266 Boulevard Saint-Germain. The intricate doorway and the engraved war memorial on its adjacent wall told stories of the past.
Another building at #270 caught my eye. Its elegant facade whispered tales of a bygone era.
Bridges and Views
Pont Alexandre III was my first planned photo stop on my way to the Eiffel Tower. Did you know that there are 37 bridges spanning the 13 kilometers of the Seine as it flows through Paris? I adore Pont Alexandre III, dating back to 1900, for its photographic potential. It’s brimming with details! But for a nighttime view of the Eiffel Tower, Pont Bir Hakeim (20th century) is equally captivating.
A Bridge of Memories
The Pont d’Alma evokes a mixture of beauty and melancholy. It’s a massive thoroughfare, yet its connection to Princess Diana’s tragic passing in 1997 lingers. I crossed the bridge for the Flame of Liberty, a life-size replica of the flame atop the Statue of Liberty. Made of gilded copper on a marble base, it’s quite impressive!
A plaque at the base reads: “The Flame of Liberty. An exact replica of the Statue of Liberty’s flame offered to the people of France by donors throughout the world as a symbol of the Franco-American friendship. On the occasion of the centennial of the International Herald Tribune. Paris 1887–1987.”
It’s worth noting that Gustave Eiffel was brought in to complete the Statue of Liberty project after Eugène Viollet-le-Duc’s unexpected death. Having a replica of a part of the Statue and Eiffel’s own creation, the Eiffel Tower, in a single photograph is quite a unique experience.
The Eiffel Tower Awaits
I made a detour from Voie Georges Pompidou to Avenue de New York, following the bend in the river. This route would lead me to my ultimate destination: Place Trocadero. For those simply seeking photos of the Eiffel Tower, you can easily get here by metro. Just hop on line 9 and get off at the Alma-Marceau stop.
From the Passerelle Debilly, a footbridge that’s one of the Seine’s 37 bridges, you can catch a glimpse of the high arch structure.
A Breathtaking View and a Touch of Disappointment
My aim was to reach Place Trocadero as the sun dipped low in the sky. With the sun at my back, the views of the Eiffel Tower were promising to be spectacular. But upon climbing the steps to Place Trocadero, my heart sank a little. The reflecting pool, usually a shimmering mirror reflecting the Eiffel Tower, was drained and empty. However, the cherry trees were in full bloom, and I couldn’t let a little disappointment dampen my spirits. I paused halfway up the steps, snapping a photo and catching my breath.
The top of the steps was bustling with tourists, soaking up the sun and the magnificent view. Despite the crowd, it wasn’t hard to find an unobstructed perspective.
A Stroll Through History
After taking in the view for a while, I decided to embark on a little quest: to find Benjamin Franklin.
I walked towards the back of the two buildings, Musée Nationale de la Marine and Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine, which curve around Place Trocadero, and turned left. There, nestled within this neighborhood, stood a statue of Franklin. Franklin resided in Paris for over 7 years and served as the first U.S. ambassador to a foreign country, beginning his post in France in 1778.
Following the sidewalk around the building, I turned left onto rue le Tasse. I discovered that the Trocadero Gardens extended all the way to the back of this building. As I descended into the gardens, the bustling sounds of Paris faded away, replaced by the soothing melodies of birdsong and the gentle sound of a small pond with a running water feature.
A Golden Farewell
At the end of rue le Tasse, the Eiffel Tower awaited me once again. The setting sun cast a golden glow upon it, creating a truly captivating sight.
Thanks for joining me on this photographic adventure. If you’re interested in purchasing a print or other item featuring one of my photos, I would be doubly grateful!
