Iron lattice rises above you, an intricate web of metal that somehow feels both massive and delicate. The Eiffel Tower dominates the Champ de Mars, its presence visible from every corner of Paris but most overwhelming when you stand directly beneath it. The sound of Paris surrounds you: the chatter of tourists and locals, the clink of wine glasses from nearby cafes, the distant wail of a police siren. As evening approaches, the tower begins to sparkle, thousands of lights dancing across its frame.
\n\n
If you are planning your trip to Paris, here are some good tips what you could see and visit in the center of Paris – close to Eiffell Tower.
\n
In This Article
Palais de Chaillot and the Trocadero Gardens
\n
Chaillot Palace complex with its gardens and the Champs de Mars are among the most original architectural works of the early 20th century.
\n
Palais de Chaillot is a monumental building that replaced the old Trocadero Palace. It consists of two wings of a length of 80 m, which are directed towards the Seine river from where you can enjoy beautiful view of the Champs de Mars. The complex was constructed for the occasion of the World Exhibition in 1937. It was designed in classicizing “moderne” style by architects Louis-Hippolyte Boileau, Jacques Carlu and Léon Azema. Today it houses museums, theater and other cultural institutions.
\n
\nPalais de Chaillot as seen from Eiffel Tower, Paris, France by Yoshi
\n
There are two museums in the left wing of Palais de Chaillot:
\n
- \n
- Musée de l’Homme – anthropological and paleontological collections including the Venus of Lespugue. Open daily except Tuesdays, 9.45-17.15. Admission €7.
- Musée de la Marine – maritime history, ship models, and seafaring technology. Open daily except Tuesdays, 10.00-18.00. Admission €10.
\n
\n
\n
In the right wing:
\n
- \n
- Musée des Monuments Français – casts and life-size reproductions of French monumental art. Open daily except Tuesdays and holidays, 9.45-12.30 and 14.00-17.15.
- Musée du Cinéma Henri Langlois – world cinema history in 60 halls, featuring Reynaud’s optical theater, Edison’s Kinetoscope, and Lumiere devices. Guided tours daily except Tuesdays. Admission €7-8.
- Théâtre National de Chaillot – a large theater seating up to 1,200 visitors.
\n
\n
\n
\n
Place du Trocadéro et du 11-Novembre lies west of the Chaillot Palace and is dominated by a statue of Marshal Foch.
\n
Jardins du Trocadéro (Chaillot Palace Gardens) are pleasant especially during hot summer days, it refreshes the large pool flanked by bronze statues. An interesting spectacle brings many fountains, and especially at night when they are imaginatively lit.
\n
The Champ de Mars and Military School
\n
Champ-de-Mars – a large park covers area between the Seine and the military school. Originally a military training ground for high military school was opened to the public in 1780.
\n
\nChamp de Mars as seen from Eiffel Tower, Paris, France by Olivier Bruchez
\n
Sitting at 800 metres long and stretching from the Eiffel Tower to the Ecole Militaire, the Champ de Mars is one of the largest green spaces in central Paris. It was originally created as a military training ground for the adjacent military school and was opened to the public in 1780. Today it serves as a vast public park where Parisians and visitors alike gather for picnics, sunbathing, and evening relaxation with unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower. The park is divided into formal French gardens near the Ecole Militaire end and more informal grassy areas closer to the tower. During summer, the Champ de Mars is at its liveliest, with impromptu concerts, food vendors, and families enjoying the long evenings. The best photographs of the Eiffel Tower are taken from the central axis of the Champ de Mars, where the perspective lines draw the eye directly to the tower’s base. At night, the park fills with people waiting for the hourly sparkle show, when thousands of lights dance across the tower for five minutes at the start of every hour.
\n
Cimetière de Passy from 1850 – Here are the tombs of famous French people (Debussy, Tristan Bernard, Fernandel, etc.).
\n
École Militaire – The military school was founded in 1773 on the initiative of Madame de Pompadour, and was intended for boys from poor families, who received military training there. The building is closed to the public.
\n
Other Major Landmarks Near the Eiffel Tower
\n
Palais de l’UNESCO – a modern building just south of the Champ de Mars with a distinctive Y-shaped design completed in 1958, featuring works by Picasso and Miró. The nearby Hotel des Invalides forms one of the most monumental complexes in Paris, with its golden dome visible from across the city. Built by Louis XIV in 1677 as a hospital for war veterans, it now houses the Army Museum and the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte. The formal gardens of the Esplanade des Invalides stretch north towards the Seine, providing a magnificent vista of the river and the Grand Palais.
\n
\n
What is your favorite Eiffel Tower view? 🗼
\n
Explore more France travel guides.
\n\n
Explore More
\n
If you enjoyed this article, you might also like:
\n
- \n
- Warsaw Radio Mast in Poland – tallest structure in Europe that have ever been built – Poland
- A Visitor’s Guide to Manchester, UK – Sights
- Carcassonne – the largest preserved fortress town in Europe | France – France
\n
\n
\n
\n