No trip to Paris is complete without plenty of taking in the gorgeous Eiffel Tower. As the founder of En Route to Rêverie I am in Paris often and I still delight at my first glimpses of La Tour Eiffel!
And while you’re bound to see it peeking out as you explore the city, there are some views that are just better than the rest.
Best Views of The Eiffel Tower In Paris
But first a little history lesson! The Eiffel Tower is a wrought-iron lattice tower located in the 7eme arrondissement on the Champ de Mars in Paris. It is named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower. A visit to Paris now must include an Eiffel Tower viewing!
Locally nicknamed “La dame de fer” (English for “Iron Lady”), it was constructed from 1887 to 1889 as the entrance to the 1889 World’s Fair. I love the story that it was initially criticized by some of France’s leading artists and intellectuals for its design but now we can’t imagine Paris or France without it! It is one of the most recognizable structures in the world and the most-visited paid monument in the world.
I for one still find magic whenever I see the Eiffel Tower come into view and when it sparkles at night it is one of the most beautiful sights I have ever laid eyes on.
Landen and I put our minds together and have curated a comprehensive list of what we feel to be some of the best views of the Eiffel Tower in Paris – I hope you’ll find this helpful for your next visit!
Are you looking to know more about the French way of life and get insider tips for an upcoming trip to Paris? I would love to work with you! Book an En Route to Rêverie plan with me today.
The Trocadéro
The most famous place to view the Eiffel Tower is from The Trocadéro which is the site of the Palais de Chaillot in Paris’ 16th arrondissement. It sits just across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower and offers sweeping views of the Eiffel Tower. It is gorgeous both at night (above) and at dawn (below). You can easily get here by Metro and some of the best photo spots are the stairwells just past the entrance.
Beware of your belongings at this spot as pickpockets target those distracted by photo opportunities. It’s not recommended to have anyone take your photo who offers either.
The Tour Saint-Jacques
The Tour Saint-Jacques is a lesser visited destination that offers panoramic views of Paris but be warned that you’ll need tickets for a guided visit and it’s only open from June through early November on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. And be ready for a bit of a workout as you’ll need to climb a lot of stairs to reach the views! Head here for more information on visits. Source: Paris with Landen / Landen Kerr.
Pont de Bir-Hakeim
The Pont de Bir-Hakeim is a personal favorite of mine for photos. The Pont de Bir-Hakeim, formerly the Pont de Passy, is a bridge that crosses the Seine connecting the 15th and 16th arrondissements. There’s a little alcove perfect for photo opps (above) but also under the bridge is striking as well (below).
Seine River Cruises
Planning to do a bateaux mouche ride down the Seine while in Paris? I like to time mine to dusk so you can see the Eiffel Tower sparkle as you return following your 60 minute cruise down Paris’s famed Seine River.
Tuileries
No trip to Paris is complete without a stroll or hang in the Tuileries just outside the Louvre. From the gardens you’ll also be able to catch a sweet little glimpse of the Eiffel Tower in the distance.
Gigi Paris
If you score the right table at Gigi Paris, you’ll be able to take in a great view of the Eiffel Tower from either inside or outside. The food here is mediocre – as it is at most of this restaurant group’s properties – but they typically come with pretty good views so it is a tradeoff.
Arc de Triomphe
I love climbing the Arc de Triomphe’s steps to see over Paris – particularly in the Fall as the colors of the trees begin to change.
Once atop the structure, you’ll also score some pretty stellar views of the Eiffel Tower as well. Win/Win.
Rue Saint Dominque
The Rue Saint Dominque in Paris’s 7th arrondissement is a lovely stroll full of shops and some delightful restaurants but it also sits under beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower. You’ll be hard pressed to miss it but do be sure to look up as you walk the street! This particular photo was taken between Boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg and Rue Cler. Source: Paris with Landen / Landen Kerr.
Avenue de Camoens
After you visit the Pont de Bir-Hakeim head over to the tucked away Avenue de Camoens in the 16th arrondissement. Now famous due to Instagram, this small residential street offers striking views of the Eiffel Tower.
Galeries Lafayette Rooftop
The Galeries Lafayette rooftop offers some of the best free views to overlook Paris and see the Eiffel Tower in the distance alongside the beautiful Parisian rooftops on a clear day.
Printemps Rooftop
If you’d like even more free rooftop views, pop over to Galeries Lafayette’s grand magasin department store neighbor Printemps to see their similar rooftop views as well. Source: Paris with Landen / Landen Kerr.
La Terrasse at Hotel Raphael
La Terrasse at Hotel Raphael is a wow moment as soon as you step out of the elevator. It is the perfect special ocassion spot in the summer to enjoy a cocktail and take in 360 degree views of Paris. Seating is very limited so arrive early to avoid a wait. And do note that drinks here run about 30 euros a piece and you will need to purchase a drink in order to enjoy the view. But these are some of my favorite views of Paris!
Champ de Mars
The most obvious place to see the Eiffel Tower is of course up close and personal on the grounds of the Champ de Mars park. It’s a wonderful place to have a picnic, sit on a park bench and enjoy the view and of course don’t miss taking in the sparkling lights at night.
And, if you go in the springtime, you may just get lucky and be able to see the Eiffel Tower surrounded by cherry blossoms!
Related: 15 Best Things To Do in Paris in Spring
École Militaire
Right at the end of the Champ de Mars is the École Militaire which looks out North at the Eiffel Tower. Source: Paris with Landen / Landen Kerr.
Pont Alexandre III
Pont Alexandre III is one of Paris’ grandest bridges and a personal favorite of mine. It offers some of the best views of the Eiffel Tower in the distance. The Pont Alexandre III is a deck arch bridge that spans the Seine and connects the Champs-Élysées quarter with those of the Invalides and Eiffel Tower.
Pont d’Iéna Northern Entrance
As you walk from the Trocadero to the Eiffel Tower you’ll pass over the Pont d’Iéna. The view of the Eiffel Tower from the right side of the bridge is beautiful and often framed by the trees lining the Seine.
Pont de l’Alma
Pont de l’Alma is one of the best bridges to view the Eiffel Tower – particularly at sunset. If you are looking for a drink nearby, I recommend dressing up and heading to Le Bar at the Four Seasons Hotel George V nearby.
Rue de l’Université
Rue de l’Université in the 7th arrondissement offers one of the best up close shots of the Eiffel Tower and is usually the sight of many Instagrams being taken so arrive early in the morning for the best photo opp. You’ll find this spot where Rue de l’Université ends – right at the Eastern entrance to the tower.
Avenue Rapp
Right near the Rue De l’Universite and usually a little less hectic with photographs is Avenue Rapp and Square Rapp. This street also in the 7th arrondissement will also allow for close up peeks and photo opps of the tower.
L’Oiseau Blanc at The Peninsula Paris
The restaurant of the famous Peninsula, a luxurious hotel located near the Arc de Triomphe, L’Oiseau Blanc offers some of the best fine dining views in Paris. If you don’t want to splurge for a meal here, dress up and arrive for drinks instead. Sex & the City fans will recognize this restaurant from the final season of the show. Source: Paris with Landen / Landen Kerr.
Le Rooftop at The Peninsula Paris
And for warmer months in Paris, don’t miss Le Rooftop of The Peninsula for pricey drinks that boast a beautiful view along with their price tag. Sitting atop the hotel, Le Rooftop offers panoramic views over Paris. While going at sunset is lovely, if you arrive after dark you’ll get to enjoy your cocktail alongside the sparkling lights of the Eiffel Tower. Do note there is a dress code for this location and a one drink per person minimum. Source: Paris with Landen / Landen Kerr.
Rue de Grenelle
For a pretty street scene with the Eiffel Tower day or night – head to Rue de Grenelle. The street truns from the 6th to the 7th arrondissement but this shot is just before Boulevard des Invalides. Source: Paris with Landen / Landen Kerr.
Place de la Concorde
The Place de la Concorde is one of the major public squares in Paris and is located in the 8th arrondissement, at the eastern end of the Champs-Élysées. It features the beautiful Luxor Obelisk, regal fountains and views of the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomph and the Tuileries. Source: Paris with Landen / Landen Kerr.
Pont de la Concorde
Montparnasse Tower
While I think of it as an eyesore, this building actually offers cool views of the city. The Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck offers you a panoramic visit of Paris, its monuments and districts from 210 meters in the air.
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For even more Eiffel Tower views, be sure to head to Notre Dame once it has been restored and is back open.
Where Is Your Favorite View of the Eiffel Tower?
I’d love to hear your favorite place to enjoy views of the Eiffel Tower! Do share below any tips or favorite spots of yours!
Want even more insider tips for your trip to Paris? Book En Route to Rêverie with me for a custom travel plan for your trip to the city of lights!
Awe I loved this little escape to Paris today, Meghan! All of the spots are so beautiful!! I am definitely book marking this for the future for when I can finally take my trip to France 🙂 Happy Wednesday!
Libby
http://premedwearspearls.blogspot.com/
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Libby!!
The shots of the Eiffel Tower made my day! For a few minutes I could escape the world we have been living in for the past ten months and enjoy the change of scenery. You have provided me with a few more vantage points to view the Eiffel Tower on my next trip to Paris..
Aw I’m so glad you enjoyed the escape! I can’t wait till we can all return to Paris!