5. GALLERIES LAFAYETTE
The inside of Galleries Lafayette is stunning, but book it straight up the escalators to the viewing deck for some one-of-a-kind views of the City of Lights. Get a clear view of the back of Opera Garnier (it doesn’t compare to the front of the epic Opera House — be sure to walk over there later). Gaze over the rooftops to see the Eiffel Tower standing proudly in the distance.
4. ARC DE TRIOMPHE
You’ll have to pay the entry fee, but the tippy top of the Arc De Triomphe has a little perch with the perfect Eiffel Tower Kodak Moment.
3. NOTRE DAME
The top of Notre Dame Cathedral is not for the faint of heart. A long line (it starts outside on the left side of the building) along with claustrophobic steep staircases and a finale of a caged catwalk-like path between two bell towers may leave some queasy. But the close-up views of the gargoyles and the panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower are worth the climb and any hyperventilating.
2. BENEATH THE EIFFEL TOWER
There’s nothing like walking straight up the Eiffel Tower itself and staying put. The problem with going up the Eiffel Tower is that you can’t see the Eiffel Tower! Watch the glittering light show from below or from the nearby park. The nightly show sparkles every hour on the hour.
1. THE TROCADERO
The number one must-see view of the Eiffel Tower is from The Trocadero, especially at night. There’s nothing more to say except that it’s incredible.
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
We are visiting Paris this Christmas – very helpful information about the best spot to take a photo of the Eiffel Tower. I have been in Paris before, but just gazed at it from a distance. I will follow you on facebook.
Thanks for the insights…
Thanks, Tet! Have a great time in Paris! It should be even more magical than usual. I’m jealous!
Check out http://www.picaspot.com for the best spots to take pictures in any city
Gotta say the roof of the Tour Montparnasse is my favourite place to do this, partly because of the perfect view of the whole city and partly because of the nearby cemetery and markets.
Ooh, I’ll have to check that out next time I’m there! Thanks for the tip!
Great list! And I totally agree, the Trocadero is the best spot. I would add the Champ de Mars to the list though – especially when the weather is good. I once had a birthday picnic there with baguette, cheese, ham and a birthday tartelette aux fraises. Delicious, beautiful, and plenty of great pictures with the field and some trees in the frame.
Umm…that sounds like my kinda birthday! Seriously perfect. Thanks for the comment and the suggestion!
Some great photos here. Paris is so photogenic!
I know! I took SO many pictures. I couldn’t stop!
Amazing photos and I really like the different angle you focused on for this article! I’ll remember this article if I make it to Paris sometime soon!
Thanks! Definitely come back here if you’re going to Paris. I’ve written a few posts about it with more to come!
One of our favorite Eiffel tower photos was at the top of the Jardin des Tuleries, just before you go down into the Place de la Concorde. Also a nice view while walking up to the top of the Sacre Cuer. Amazing viewpoint, especially in late afternoon.
Ooh, good to know! Thanks for the tips! When I was at Sacre Cuer it was insanely foggy. I’ll have to go back!