Eiffel Tower

Now, on to one of the big questions for a limited trip: Should you go to the Eiffel Tower? It’s been photographed millions of times, from all angles, so is there anything new to find?

Unless you’ve seen and photographed it already, then yes, you should go. Every photograph is unique in some way, and I still see pictures of the tower that offer something new. It is also a fascinating structure, and sometimes a small change of angle or lighting can make a big difference. Read on for details on how best to shoot the Eiffel Tower.

Fujifilm X-E1, 18mm, ISO 400, 1/170s, f/10

Visitor Information

At 324 meters, the Eiffel Tower is the tallest building in Paris. It was built in 1889 for the World’s Fair amongst much protest. Some thought it was impossible to build, while others that it would be ugly and overshadow the historic sights of Paris. When it was built, the tower was the tallest structure in the world—and it remained so for the next 41 years. The Eiffel Tower was originally due to be demolished after 20 years. However, it was fitted with radio transmitters to interfere with German transmissions during World War I, thus contributing to the Allied victory and ensuring it would stay in place.

Location

The Eiffel Tower is located at Champ de Mars on the left (southern) bank of the Seine in the 7th arrondissement. The closest stations are Champ de Mars on RER line C, Bir-Hakeim on Metro line 6, and Trocadéro on Metro lines 6 and 9. The hill at Trocadéro, the site of the Palais de Chaillot, is a good and very popular starting point for views of the tower.

When to Go

One ideal time for photographing the Eiffel Tower is at sunrise in the winter. From Trocadéro, the sun rises behind the tower, giving you the option to compose with the sun showing through the tower structure or to one side.

Otherwise, the tower still looks good in strong sunlight because it’s a stark metal structure. Golden hour can provide a nice warm glow to the metal, though.

Automatic sensors illuminate the tower after sunset, so the time that it’s lit varies throughout the year. You can, however, count on it being soon after sunset. Another set of bulbs is then activated each hour on the hour to provide a sparkle effect. It’s great to watch, but the standard illumination is the better bet photographically.

The Eiffel Tower is open every day of the year. Opening times can be found at the LatourEiffel website.

Viewpoints

You can see the Eiffel Tower from across the city, so it often serves as an important component of a wider cityscape photo. In this section, however, I’m going to concentrate on shots from nearby in which the tower is the clear subject of the shot.

Trocadéro

Trocadéro offers an elevated view and plenty of flat areas for both full-size and mini tripods. Statues to each side can be used for foreground interest. In this flat open area, sellers of cheap scale models of the tower gather to greet those arriving by coach.

Fujifilm X-E1, 55mm, ISO 200, 1/30s, f/16

Down the steps, and level with the foot of the tower, are fountains and more statues that can add a foreground feature to your photo. During the Christmas season, you’ll also see market stalls and a small ice-rink. As you walk toward the tower, you’ll spot a children’s carousel to the right that can provide some interesting and colorful shots, whether in motion or static. Consider walking along the river for a few minutes while you’re here. As you head east toward the center of the city, you immediately find options for using tree branches in the foreground to frame the tower itself.

Below the Tower

Crossing the river via the Pont d'Iéna (“pont” means bridge), you reach the tower itself and the Champ de Mars park area. Spend a bit of time exploring the surroundings. You can get very close to the legs of the tower to vary the perspective, or try a longer lens to emphasize the detail in the construction of the tower.

Fujifilm X-E1, 18mm, ISO 200, 1/60s, f/7.1

Champ de Mars Park

Although the central area is open, many walkways and avenues of trees in the park offer different views. You can use the trees to provide foreground detail and a sense of scale.

Fujifilm X-E1, 55mm, ISO 400, 1/680s, f/14

Peace Monument

If you walk away from the tower through Champ de Mars, you reach a glass-and-stone monument called Le Mur Pour Le Paix (the wall for peace). You will find plenty of good options here, with the tower as a backdrop. It’s an ideal location for portraits, too. Try framing the tower within the central opening in the monument, or experiment with shooting through the glass of the monument itself.

Canon EOS 350D, 47mm, ISO 100, 1/125s, f/16

Wherever you look, you’ll see people selling miniatures of the tower. The models themselves can make an interesting shot, whether bunched together, or framed in front of the actual tower (an increasingly popular shot).

Nearby Sights

The Pont de Bir-Hakeim, the next bridge to the west, offers some great architecture and a walkway/cycleway under Metro line 6. This is a prime location for wedding shoots and film production (in fact, the spot was featured in the film Inception).

The golden dome of Napoleon’s tomb at Invalides is about 15 minutes from the tower on foot. Walk another 20 minutes away from Trocadéro via Avenue Kléber to find the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées.