Face it, everyone is looking for the best spot to get the "IT" shot of the Eiffel Tower. I have been going there most of my life and I continually play in search of new and better locations for it. So, the question is, what kind of shot do you want of it?
Place du Trocadero
The Eiffel Tower with the Warsaw Fountains
If you are looking for the typical shot that everyone has, then this is where you go for your shot!
Good news: Sunset here is beautiful!
Bad news: Pretty much no matter the time of year, this is the most popular and crowded location to get pictures of the Eiffel Tower, but you have to do it at least once. The views are amazing and to get pictures with the Warsaw fountains and the tower in it are priceless.
On / Under / Directly around the Eiffel Tower
Of all of my pictures of the Eiffel Tower, this is hands down my favorite one!
Good news: You still can get some really unique pictures. The views from the Eiffel Tower are some of the best on a clear night.
Bad news: With all the security concerns, you need to have a ticket to do this. You will have to go through a check point, have any bags checked and depending on the time of year you are probably better off getting tickets online ahead of time or you will have to wait in a long queue but it is the Eiffel Tower so it is worth it!
Go down to the River Seine
View of the Eiffel Tower from the Seine
Great news: This will give you a different point of view and the best part is it is not crowded for some reason. It is like nobody knows this exists. You get a different perspective than Place du Trocadero and you get a merry-go-round as well!
Bad news: Sorry, I cannot find anything wrong with this location!
Champ de Mars
Located directly on the opposite side of the Eiffel Tower from Place du Trocadero, this is a great place to get pictures.
If you are looking for a space with some leg room, Champ de Mars is it!
Good news: While there may be many people here, this is a large space so spread out, find your angle and wait for sunset. You see a lot of pictures here the spring when the trees are in bloom.
Bad news: The colors may not be as vibrant because of the direction you are facing.
The Peace Wall
Located opposite the Ecole militaire military school.
The Eiffel Tower from the Peace Wall.
Good news: Whether you want to take pictures here at sunset or not, this is a unique place to get pictures of the Eiffel Tower. It is generally not crowded and most people still do not know it exists.
Bad news: The sky may not be as vibrant but if the background is, who cares. This can make for some truly special pictures.
Pont de Bir-Hakeim
I did this for the first time in September 2019.
The Eiffel Tower from Pont de Bir-Hakeim.
Good news: You can get some really great shots from here of the Eiffel Tower, especially if you decide to include Pont and the beautiful lights! Just something different for sure and it is only about a 5-7 minute walk away.
Bad news: There were many newlyweds getting pictures taken so we decided to move on.
Pont Alexander III
The amazing view from Pont Alexander III of the Eiffel Tower.
Great news: This is my favorite bridge in Paris and as you are heading towards the Eiffel Tower for sunset pictures there is a good chance you will be passing this beauty. As the sun is setting, the light makes the gold statues on it look like they are on fire. It is something not to be missed! While there will be people on it, they won't be hanging out here for long so you should be able to get the shot you want because chances are they are headed to the Eiffel Tower also. Even in shadow, it is truly impressive!!!
Bad news: None!
Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Russian Orthodox Spiritual and Cultural Center
This is located near the tower and you can’t miss these beautiful onion domes.
One of the more striking shots you can get in Paris of the Eiffel Tower!
Great news: A truly unique shot! The contrast of architectures in one picture is striking.
Bad news: Haven't found one yet!
Walking along Avenue de New York
The Eiffel Tower from Avenue de New York
Good news: Don't count this out! As you are walking to / from the Eiffel Tower, you can see it peaking through the trees. There are some great shots to be had from here. The best part is you don't have to deal with the crowds.
Bad news: I usually seeing this view as I am leaving it. For me, leaving this landmark is always a downside.
Place de la Concorde
Ok, so I am sure this is probably due to me reminiscing on days gone by but this place holds a very special place in my heart. The first time I saw the Eiffel Tower was from this spot.
Paris Place de la Concorde
Good news: The beautiful fountains are still there and some amazing shots can still be taken from here.
Bad news: It is now a massive traffic circle. If you can get a shot without cars in it, more power to you!
While there are so many places to see the Eiffel Tower in Paris, these are my personal favorites. The great news about all of these is that you can easily do them within one day. Most of them are free, minus actually going on the Tower itself, and they all give you a different point of view of it.
What is your favorite place to see the Eiffel Tower? Let me know in the comment section below.
I hope you enjoyed the short View Thru My Lenz.
Nina Zee
© 2020 Nina Zee
