It's only logical that if we are viewing the Eiffel Tower from the Trocadero, that we should walk down to the river, cross over Pont Iena and see it up close. I never get tired of seeing and photographing the Eiffel Tower (I refer to it as ET). I do not, however, like to be up close and personal; it's just too crowded.
You can see how much rain they've had in France judging by the high water level. In May it was very close to flooding the quai and the river was moving quite fast.
It is possible to see the Eiffel Tower peaking through at various locations around Paris...
You just never know when you are going to catch a glimpse.
Since I don't usually spend much time under the tower, I had never noticed this bust before. Gustave Eiffel is the engineer who designed the tower for the 1889 Universal Exposition. The Eiffel Tower is the most visited paid monument in the world.
If you don't have a reservation, you must stand in line to take your turn to ascend by lift. (Lines are much longer in summer.) I have been up to the upper levels but it was many years ago before I developed a fear of heights. Back then, there was no waiting for hours in line and there definitely was no such thing as 'reservations'. Of course if you are in great shape, you can take the stairs to the first level and second levels.
On the upper levels are restaurants, souvenir shops and telescopes; you can even mail a postcard with a special Eiffel Tower postmark.
This is a view from the top looking down at the Trocadero. You are able to see 360 degrees, 30 miles or so on a clear day.
Studying the structure from this point of view is incredible. It looks so light and airy then you realize all the parts that went into building it and it is even more awesome.
I prefer to look at it from the bottom up. You don't have to go far to be away from the crowds and get a totally different view.
This photo was taken next to a little pond with ducks. You couldn't see the hoards of people at all.
The absolutely BEST time to view the tower is after dark.
From the Trocadero terrace, you can see the Eiffel Tower and the fountains lit up.
It has such a warm glow; there is a search light on top. Then, every hour after dark, which in Spring is not until 10 pm in France, you can see the incredible "light show". 20,000 sparkling lights dazzling for about 10 minutes.
It's hard to believe that 100 years ago the Parisians wanted to dismantle it...communications and the wars saved it from demolition and kept it in use. It is still used to broadcast radio and TV signals today.
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