lavender

Not interested in climbing Eiffel Tower but would like to find a great vantage spot around sunset and watch the Tower when it is lit up.

Have previously seen it from the Seine but this time thought it might be a fitting way to end a walk??

Any suggestions for cafes or picnic spots? We don't need an expensive restaurant.

Thanks

MelJ

From the top of the Arch d Triumphe. Trust me.

StuDudley

Directly in front of it, on the Champ du Mars......

Stu Dudley

Andrew

I've photographed the Tower from on top of the Arc at dusk, but not before being harassed by security guards who told me I could not use my tripod up there without a license!

But I agree with Stu: see it from the Champ du Mars.

avalon

Fron the Jardins de Trocadero

Suzanne2

I second the Trocadero. There is also a magical feeling I get standing directly under it.

tomboy

Trocadero would be good.
Also, from the park to its south; is that Champs du Mars?
There's a structure at the far end (south) of the mall-like area, against which we leaned our backs, not having a chair.

Is there a bad vantage point?

tod

Definitely without a shadow of a doubt - the open space between the two buildings of the Trocadero! There is a cafe` up there as well but maybe a little on the expensive side.
A glass or two of Kir Royal shouldn't hurt?!
Get there just before sunset , around 9-9.30pm in Summer,
and listen to the North Africans down below near the fountains playing their bongo drums in the soft twilight.
On the hour - maybe 10pm sometime 11pm, The Lady of Light will show her stuff, presenting you with her dazzling diamonds!

luvparee

The cafe is Cafe L'Homme and sitting on their terrace drinking a glass of "whatever" or having dinner watching the Tower is magical!

Enjoy!

joy/luvparee

avalon

"Also, from the park to its south; is that Champs du Mars?"

The park is the Jardins de Trocadero. The Champs de Mar is across the river and behind the Toer leading up to Invalides

Michel_Paris

Trocadero, without a doubt!

Michel_Paris

From a bit further, some of the bridge sover the Seine (Pont des Arts, ones from Ile de la Cite to the Right Bank) have some nice "combo" views of the tower.

Michel_Paris

P.S. You don't have to 'climb' the tower

lavender

Thanks for all the great suggestions- getting goosebumps already!!

Woyzeck

The last couple of times in Paris, I've gathered a picnic basket around Rue Cler in the late afternoon - baguette, cheese, some fruit, and a bottle of wine. Then I just sit around in the Parc du Champs de Mars relaxing and enjoying the scene while the sun goes down.

WVMountaineerinTX

Absolute no brainer...I agree with the first poster...top of the Arche de Triumphe!!

kvfawcett

I agree completely about seeing the Eiffel Tower from the vantage point of the Trocadero. But there's something incredibly special about seeing it from the water. There are some small(er) barges on the Seine. Now talk about goose bumps if you're with someone whom you .....love?

Karen
http://www.bonjourparis.com

inspired_traveller

I will go with those who said champ du mars. Was just strolling there when it happened... I strucked by the spectacular beauty of the construction with the lights (I was honestly not a big fan of the tour, before that). The next day I came back just to see it lit up once again before leaving Paris.

Langcraft

I like the view from the fountain at the Palais de Chaillot.. if you can avoid the skateboarders... they are a nuisance!!

Gordon_R

Top of Tour Montparnasse
http://www.tourmontparnasse56.com/uk/