Built in 1937 for the International Exposition of Arts and Technology in Modern Life, which was held to celebrate the achievements of the modern era, this grand complex located in the Trocadéro area of Paris was designed by architects Louis-Hippolyte Boileau, Jacques Carlu, and Léon Azéma, having replaced the original Palais du Trocadéro, previously erected for the 1878 World's Fair.

The Palais de Chaillot is famous for its grand architecture and stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River. The complex consists of two large wings connected by a central section, which houses the esplanade and the Jardins du Trocadéro. The main façade is adorned with sculptures, reliefs, and fountains, all of which celebrate the arts, science, and industry.

The palace houses several museums and institutions, including the Musée de l'Homme, dedicated to the study of anthropology, the Musée National de la Marine, showcasing France's naval history, and the popular performing arts venue, Théâtre National de Chaillot, that hosts a range of shows, including theater, dance, and music.

Throughout its history, the Palais de Chaillot has been the site of several important events, including the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, the G7 summit in 1982, and the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) in 2015. Today, it remains an important cultural and historical Parisian landmark, attracting visitors who come to admire its grand architecture, enjoy its cultural offerings, and take in its breathtaking views.

Tip:
Exercise caution and remain vigilant of your belongings while in this popular location.

Equally grand from whatever angle you look at it, whether just walking past or watching it from a distance, day or night, the Eiffel Tower lives up to its iconic status easily. The wrought-iron lattice structure on the Field of Mars in Paris was designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel and built between 1887 and 1889. Known locally as the "Iron Lady," it was the centerpiece of the 1889 World's Fair, celebrating the centennial of the French Revolution.

Illuminated by gas lamps at night, the tower was a major attraction from the very beginning, although not to everyone's taste. Before its construction even started, a group of prominent French artists and intellectuals, including writer Guy de Maupassant, condemned the tower as a "monstrous" and "useless" structure that would overshadow Paris' landmarks. By 1918, however, it had become an iconic symbol of Paris – and France – and since then has been one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.

Standing at 330 meters (or 1,083 feet), the Eiffel Tower is the tallest structure in Paris. It has three levels for visitors, with restaurants on the first and second. The top level, at 276 meters (or 906 feet), offers the highest public observation deck in the European Union. Visitors can ascend via stairs or lift, with 600 steps required to reach the second level. The third level, typically accessed by lift, features a private apartment once used by Gustave Eiffel, where he hosted honorable guests like Thomas Edison.

In recognition of their contribution to the construction, the tower is engraved with the names of 72 French scientists, engineers, and mathematicians.

Unlike other high risers, the Eiffel Tower is there for visitors only. In Paris, where tall buildings are still in short supply, the bird's eye view from the top of the tower is truly unique and indeed breathtaking. In 2022, the tower welcomed nearly six million visitors, becoming the most visited paid monument globally.

The Eiffel Tower is painted in three shades: darker at the bottom, getting progressively lighter towards the top to complement the Parisian sky. Originally reddish brown, it changed the color to bronze, known as "Eiffel Tower Brown," in 1968. In what is expected to be a temporary change, the Eiffel Tower was painted gold in commemoration of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Tip:
Remember to bring along some warm clothes, because it can get much colder up there, especially when it's windy.
During the day, if it's hot, bring an umbrella, too, to get some shade, and lots of water.

Of all the beautiful bridges spanning the Seine in Paris, the Alexandre III Bridge is celebrated as the city's most ornate and extravagant. Built as part of the preparations for the 1900 World Exhibition, it epitomizes the architectural and artistic grandeur of the Belle Époque. The bridge connects the Champs-Élysées quarter to the areas near the Invalides complex and the Eiffel Tower. In recognition of its historical and cultural significance, it was declared a French historic monument in 1975.

Named after Tsar Alexander III of Russia, who solidified the Franco-Russian Alliance in 1892, the bridge features elaborate Beaux-Arts styling with Art Nouveau elements, including ornate lamps, cherubs, nymphs, and winged horses at both ends. This aesthetic continuity aligns with the Grand Palace across the river, emphasizing a cohesive visual narrative across the cityscape. The foundational stone was placed by Tsar Alexander's son, Nicholas II, in 1896, reinforcing the diplomatic symbolism the bridge carried.

A genuine feat of engineering for its time, showcasing a 6-meter-high single-span steel arch, it was designed to preserve unobstructed views along the Champs-Élysées and towards the Invalides, integrating the structure seamlessly with its surroundings.

Prominently, the bridge is adorned with statues by various sculptors, adding layers of artistic merit. Four gilt-bronze statues of Fames, resting on large masonry socles at each end of the bridge, symbolize different aspects of French culture and achievement. These include the Fame of the Sciences and the Fame of the Arts on the Right Bank and the Fame of Commerce and the Fame of Industry on the Left Bank, each flanked by corresponding figures representing different eras of France, from Charlemagne to Louis XIV to Contemporary France.

The piers and groynes supporting the lower part of the bridge are also impressive, especially for those who sail underneath it.

The center of the bridge features hammered copper nymph reliefs, commemorating the Franco-Russian Alliance, with one facing toward Paris and the other toward Imperial Russia. This symbolic decor is echoed in the Trinity Bridge in Saint Petersburg, also a Franco-Russian memorial, underscoring the deep cultural and political connections between the two countries.

Tip:
If you happen to be on the bridge at night, make sure to walk down the stairs and check out its underbelly for some truly amazing photos.
Also, look out for a small antiques market down there, along the riverfront, for some vintage fashion, excellent silver flatware, and knick-knacks of various sort.

The Great Palace of the Champs-Élysées, or more commonly the Grand Palace, is a historic Parisian site, recognized as a monument by the French Ministry of Culture. Built between 1897 and 1900 for the Universal Exposition, it replaced the Palace of Industry demolished shortly before that. Its creation coincided with the construction of the Small Palace, another key attraction of the 1900 World Fair.

Designed to celebrate French art, the Grand Palace showcases a unique blend of Classical and Art Nouveau architecture. Creating its iconic 8-ton glass roof - the largest in Europe - reportedly took more steel than the entire Eiffel Tower! The Beaux-Arts façade, intricate stonework, and cutting-edge use of iron, light steel, and reinforced concrete together reflect the architectural ambitions of the era.

Four architects collaborated on the palace's design, creating a glass-and-iron pavilion ideal for art exhibitions, featuring paintings and sculptures. Over time, the structure also hosted innovative shows on aviation and automotive technology.

The palace has a storied past. Having served as a military hospital in World War I, it then housed Nazi forces and later the French resistance during World War II, which ultimately resulted in fire damage. While postwar plans envisioned replacing it with a modern museum, the Grand Palace was saved and declared a historic monument in 1975.

The building comprises three main areas: the Main Hall, the National Galleries, and the science-focused Palace of Discovery. Seasonal attractions include a cinema, restaurant, and even a skating rink. Curiously enough, the facility also suits for and, in fact, regularly hosts... horse shows!

At night, when brightly illuminated, the Grand Palace becomes a stunning sight, showcasing its architectural beauty in a play of lights and shadows.

Tip:
Should you decide to visit, don't miss the Small Palace too, just across the street, while you're there!

The Élysée Palace is a truly emblematic property of the French capital, located just a few steps away from the Madeleine church, not far from Champs Elysées. Constructed in the early 18th century and initially owned by the Count of Evreux, it can be found on Rue Saint-Honoré, one of the most prominent streets of Paris.

Lavishly enlarged and repainted during the Second Empire in the fashionable style of that period, the palace has retained much of its original appearance dating back to the days of its first owner. The distinguishable, vast grounds allowed the architect Armand-Claude Mollet to give it something of an air of a small castle. Later, one of the most influential French architectural theorists Jacques-François Blondel described the palace as having the "air of magnificence" and being "the most beautiful mansion in the Paris region".

Having changed hands several times, the palace finally became residence of a French President in 1873. The actual office of the head of state, the Gold Room, has changed very little since. The terrestrial globe, a significant element of the interior, was brought in by Charles de Gaulle. Today, the French Government holds regular meetings at the palace.

In the underground section, there is a room with the red button pushing which the President of France can activate the country's nuclear arsenal. The room is also fitted with large screens and communication module linking the President directly to the Minister of Defense and strategic air force commander.

It so happens that presently, with the exception of the European Heritage Days, it is almost impossible for ordinary people to get into the palace. Still, it is well worth the while to view it from the outside. So, whenever you're in Paris, just make sure to walk by.

By far the most popular avenue in France, Champs-Élysées is a household name and has been described as the "most beautiful avenue in the whole world". Stretching for about two kilometers from Concorde Square to Charles de Gaulle Square, this major thoroughfare boasts exuberant shopping, luxurious dining, and world-class entertainment, not to mention some of the top photographic panoramas of the French capital.

Once a farmland, the area was made into a promenade in 1667, when it was designed as an extension of the Tuileries Garden. Originally called the "Grand Promenade," this wide boulevard lined with elm trees adopted its current name in 1709. The name “Champs-Élysées” is the French for the Elysian Fields, the resting place for dead heroes and blessed souls in Greek mythology.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the avenue saw significant expansions and renovations, becoming increasingly fashionable, flanked by noble properties such as the Élysée Palace, currently serving as the official residence of the Presidents of France. The Triumphal Arch, commissioned by Napoleon and finished in the 1830s, added grandeur to the area. During Napoleon III’s reign, it was redesigned in an English garden style, introducing winding paths and chestnut trees, while the Universal Expositions of 1855 and 1900 further transformed it, giving rise to the Grand and Small Palaces, now housing a bunch of art galleries.

Throughout French history, the avenue also has been a symbolic site of military parades celebrating victories like that in the First World War, in 1919, and the liberation of Paris in 1944. Once a year, it also sees the finish of the annual Tour de France cycling race.

As a staple destination for foodies, the avenue offers a choice of gourmet eateries fit to spoil even the most discerning gluttons. Among the places particularly noteworthy are: bistro Atelier Renault; Flora Danica – the Danish brasserie, renowned for its caviar; Fouquet's restaurant – aged over 100 years; the famous Ladurée tea room; as well as L'Alsace Bistro specializing, just as the name suggests, in the Alsace regional cuisine and open 24 hours a day.

Those craving entertainment will find it here, too, in rich supply. Cinema Gaumont, France's #1 screen for movie premiers; the world-famous cabaret Lido; the bar and club Montecristo; Le Queen nightclub with some of the top DJs in town, plus the Marigny Theatre are just some of the local entertainment options to consider.

Whatever the season, day or night, Champs-Élysées never fails to impress. And if you come around Christmas, you'll be in for a special treat!

A spot at the end of the Champs Elysées Avenue was always considered fit to accommodate some sort of a landmark monument. However, it wasn't until 1806 that Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte finally decreed that a triumphal arch, dedicated to the glory of his army, should be placed there. Napoleon's architectural projects made clear his desire to identify his regime with the glory of Imperial Rome, and this particular design was inspired by the Roman Arch of Titus.

The measure of Napoleon's audacious ambitions can be seen in the sheer size of the Triumphal Arch: a colossal 45 meters wide by 50 meters high, making it almost certainly the biggest triumphal arch in the world. Nowadays, the presence of The Great Arch of the Defense on the western horizon of Paris makes it hard to appreciate the Triumphal Arch's original impact on the cityscape. Back then, it was the most prominent and massive object for miles around – the hegemony retained until the construction of the Eiffel Tower in the 1880s.

Inevitably, the arch quickly became an object of national pride and subsequently the world-famous symbol of French patriotism. Built in the era when war was undoubtedly the "overriding argument of kings", the arch was intended primarily for triumphal entrances into Paris by victorious French troops. Napoleon himself had a chance to pass beneath its mock-up replica only once, in 1810, together with his bride Marie-Louise, the Archduchess of Austria. The other Napoleon – Napoleon III – was more fortunate in this respect, and was able to ride underneath the completed Arch of Triumph upon his ascending to the throne in 1852.

As for the proper victory march, the Triumphal Arch saw it for the first time only in 1919. The aftermath of World War I, however, shifted the French public interest away from war, and, since 1921, the arch has been solely the place of commemoration of the fallen soldiers. It has the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Flame of Remembrance.

Tip:
The roundabout encircling the Triumphal Arch is referred to by Parisians as "the Star" for the 12 avenues emanating from it. Climbing the stairs to the top of the arch, you will see the star-shaped pattern of the radiating streets and enjoy a panoramic view of the Champs-Élysées leading towards Concorde Square and the Louvre Museum in the distance.