The Iron Lady
As I'm here sitting and waiting at Fiumicino Airport in Rome for my friend Vanessa to arrive, I started thinking I hadn't been blogging for a while. I have the chance to live in what I think is the most beautiful city on earth, yet I haven't really shared what I love most about this place. I guess when anyone thinks of Paris, they probably think: Eiffel Tower, baguette & foie gras. So why don't I share with you my favourite photos of the iron lady, the iconic Parisian infrastructure.
Firstly, this 324-meter high iron piece of art was built for the 1889 Paris World's Fair by Gustave Eiffel. Can you believe that this tower was originally criticized a lot by public figures and the population in general? People said it was too high, ugly, and ruined Paris' landscape. They were comparing it to a giant street light, a skeleton and even just a mass of unflattering pipes. Not only, the tower was supposed to be deconstructed after the end of its 20-year concession agreement. Thank god it's still there! Now it's the most visited touristic monument in the world!
Today I would like to share some of the best spots to admire La Dame de Fer.
1. Place du trocadéro
This definitely has to be the most popular spot to take photos of the stunning tower. I only got one tip for you: come as early as you can. If you come at sunrise, you'll barely have anyone on your photos. Otherwise, don't forget to take photos in the stairway.
2. Champ-de-mars
This long field is located on the other side of Place du Trocadéro. It gives another perspective on the tower, and you can easily bring food and drinks and enjoy a picnic there (please pick up your trash though)!
3. Tour Montparnasse
The only other big tower in Paris, which has also attracted lots of bad critics, is Montparnasse tower. I personally get the chance to work in this tower every day, but there is a panoramic rooftop and a restaurant on the top floor which are both open to public. Hurry up, because the tower will be closed for the next few years due to its reconstruction as of 2019.
4. GALERIES LAFAYETTE / PRINTEMPS
Those two shopping malls are located right next to each other, and will both give you an amazing view on the Eiffel tower. Galeries Lafayette has a nice bar (Cube Bar) on its rooftop, which is nice, whereas from Le Printemps you will see some gorgeous golden structures.
5. Arc de Triomphe
Even though almost every tourist visits the Champs Elysées, not everyone thinks of climbing to the top of Arc de Triomphe. Well, first of all you need to find out how. You'll need to walk through an underground tunnel to access the entrance, then you'll find yourself in the middle of Place de l'Étoile (or Place des 2 Étoiles since we won the World Cup 😉). From there, you'll need to take the stairs (sorry, no elevator) up to the top!
6. Alexandre III Bridge
Ah, the most prestigious bridge of Paris! Not only is it worth visiting this bridge, there are a few bars right underneath for you to chill there, but you'll get a nice view too :)
7. Perchoir Marais
This rooftop bar is located at the top of BHV Marais shopping center, in the heart of Le Marais. It has a super chill atmosphere, and you will overlook the Hôtel de Ville as well as the Eiffel Tower. I highly suggest going there for sunset.
8. Montmartre
Montmartre has a lot to offer, from the Sacré-Coeur Basilica to the Place du Tertre, it has some museums as well as tons of little cafés. It's one of my favourites, if not my favourite neighbourhood in Paris. Located on top of a hill, you'll definitely get to see the Eiffel Tower from there too. There's a nice place you can go to if you want to have some food or drinks while admiring the view, it's called Terrass" Hôtel.
9. Parc de St. Cloud
This huge park is located just outside Paris on the other side of La Seine river. You can go there for a walk or a bike ride, and therer are cute little restaurants in the middle of nature where you can enjoy a light meal or ice cream. The viewpoint from the park gives a really nice view too!
There are tons of other places where you can spot the tower, including some private rooftop apartments, but here was a short list of the main places where I suggest going! What about you, where's your favourite place to admire the Eiffel Tower?