The Eiffel Tower is a Parisian icon, and it’s easy to see why! It stands proudly on the Left Bank, across the river from the Place du Trocadéro. On a recent trip, my husband and I discovered a fantastic view of the tower from the Place du Trocadéro. This spacious esplanade is lined with beautiful museums and a hub of activity – children playing with paper helicopters, vendors selling mouthwatering crepes, and countless cameras snapping photos. The atmosphere was electric!
The Jardins du Trocadéro, a sprawling green space, offered a magnificent perspective. It felt as if we were in a grand open-air theatre, with the Eiffel Tower taking center stage. It glowed like a star against the velvety night sky, and I couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement. This spot is a true gem – I can understand why many people consider it the best location for admiring the tower.
The Eiffel Tower’s Illuminations
The magic escalated when the Eiffel Tower came alive with lights! Thousands of orbs of light flashed in a mesmerizing sequence, part of the “Illuminations” show that takes place every hour from dusk to 1 am. We were lucky to arrive just in time for the show.
The spectacle was amplified by a beam of light that soared from the tower, reaching an incredible 80 kilometers. We couldn’t resist walking to the edge of the terrace, where steps lead down to the Trocadéro Gardens and the Seine River. The view from here was breathtaking, although the crowds made capturing a perfect photo challenging.
A Glimpse of Paris’s Beauty
Instead, I focused on capturing the tower with the stunning Palais de Chaillot in the background. This magnificent building, built for the 1937 World’s Fair, features symmetrical wings that are truly captivating. It houses three museums and a restaurant, making it worth a visit during the day. I longed to stroll through the Trocadéro Gardens, with their beautiful fountains, but our jetlag got the better of us, and we headed back to the hotel.
A Parisian Nighttime Adventure
Later that evening, we joined a friend for dinner at a traditional French seafood restaurant, Le Grand Café Capucines. Afterwards, he suggested we rent scooters to explore Paris’s nightlights. Initially hesitant, I agreed to give it a go. Our first stop was the Louvre Museum.
Seeing the Louvre bathed in moonlight, without the usual throngs of tourists, was an extraordinary experience. We continued to the majestic Palais Garnier, the Paris Opera House. From there, we followed the Seine River’s right bank, with the Eiffel Tower emerging in the distance. We took a break from our scooter ride near Le Grand Palais to enjoy the view. While scooters are fun, I found them a bit nerve-wracking. Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend them for everyone – they can be quite dangerous. However, we did capture some fantastic photos with the Eiffel Tower in the background.
The Seine River: A Romantic Escape
We continued our journey along the Seine River, the tower’s twinkling lights reflected in the water. We parked our scooters near the Pont de l’Alma (Alma Bridge) and basked in the quiet beauty of the scene, a world away from the bustling Trocadéro. This section of the Seine River offered a perfect perspective of the Eiffel Tower, with its lights shimmering in the water. It felt as though we had the entire scene to ourselves, creating a truly magical moment. My husband and I snapped some photos, capturing our little Parisian trio – me, him, and the Eiffel Tower. This walk along the Right Bank is highly recommended. For a shorter stroll, start at the Pont Alexander. If you’re only interested in the Eiffel Tower view, get off at the Alma Marceau Metro Station and head down to the Seine. You’ll be perfectly positioned for stunning views and fantastic photo opportunities.
Parisian Bistro Delights
For dinner, we dined at Le Procope, a charming bistro recommended by a Parisian friend. This is a place that truly embodies the essence of Parisian dining. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to experience classic French cuisine, like Duck Confit or Coq au Vin. Getting to Le Procope involved a Metro ride on line 6, which crossed the Seine River on the Pont de Bir-Hakeim (Bir-Hakeim Bridge). This bridge offered a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower and the glittering lights of the river. The surprise of this view, appearing as we glided across the Seine at night, made it one of my favorite Eiffel Tower moments. Even a simple Metro ride in Paris can feel enchanting.
A Rooftop Cocktail with a View
Curious about a special cocktail spot in Paris, I asked our concierge at Le Dokhan’s Hotel. He didn’t hesitate to recommend the Peninsula Paris. This elegant hotel, with a rich history dating back to 1908, has a fascinating past – from a field hospital in World War I to the headquarters of the German high command during World War II. The hotel’s Rooftop Bar, on the 6th floor, offers panoramic views of the 16th arrondissement, including Montmartre and the Eiffel Tower. Around the corner is the Arc de Triomphe, providing another stunning view of the Eiffel Tower from its peak. (Tickets are required for the Arc de Triomphe). Le Rooftop is a bit pricey, requiring a minimum spend of 26€ per person, but the atmosphere is charming and the view is breathtaking. For a special occasion, it’s definitely worth the splurge!
A Seine River Cruise at Night
I had previously taken a daytime Seine River Cruise, but I was curious to see Paris from the water at night. I booked a dinner cruise with Bateaux Parisiens, hoping to enjoy the Eiffel Tower bathed in its evening glory. While the pier was close to the tower, the cruise initially took us away from it. But the wait was worth it! The view of the Eiffel Tower at the end of the cruise was breathtaking, even with a little rain. The tower shimmered on the Seine River’s banks, its reflection adding to the beauty of the scene. We enjoyed this final glimpse of the Eiffel Tower as we disembarked, leaving us with a lasting impression of Paris’s charm and magic.
