France Day 6
On our second day in Paris, we covered some of the city's most iconic landmarks. We began with the Eiffel Tower. From there, we visited the Hôtel des Invalides, home to Napoleon’s tomb and a fascinating military museum. Next, we marveled at the imposing Arc de Triomphe before heading to the elegant Opéra Garnier, a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture. We ended the day at the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre, where we watched the sun set over the Paris skyline from the steps of the hilltop church.
For the best photos of the Eiffel Tower, we headed to the Trocadéro, just across the Seine from the tower, where the grand terraces of the Palais de Chaillot offer one of the most iconic and unobstructed views in all of Paris. Often referred to as the “summer palace” because of its elegant architecture and open-air design, this spot is especially stunning at sunrise or sunset, when the tower is beautifully lit against the sky.
The Eiffel Tower, now one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, was originally built as the entrance arch for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair), held in Paris to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. Designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel and his team, the tower was a groundbreaking feat of iron architecture at the time. Standing at 324 meters (1,063 feet) tall, it was the tallest man-made structure in the world until the completion of the Chrysler Building in New York in 1930. Though initially met with criticism from artists and intellectuals who called it an eyesore, the Eiffel Tower quickly gained popularity and eventually became a beloved symbol of modernity and French ingenuity. Originally intended to be dismantled after 20 years, it was saved in part due to its usefulness as a radio and military telecommunication tower. Today, it remains a celebrated monument of engineering, drawing millions of visitors each year.
After visiting the Eiffel Tower, we took a taxi to Les Invalides. As we approached, the striking golden dome of Les Invalides came into view, glowing in the sunlight. Once we arrived, we were captivated by the historic complex, especially knowing it houses Napoleon’s tomb and several military museums.
The Arc de Triomphe, standing proudly at the top of the Champs-Élysées, is one of Paris’s most famous monuments and a powerful symbol of French national pride. Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806 after his victory at Austerlitz, the arch was designed to honor the French army and commemorate those who fought and died during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. It wasn’t completed until 1836, long after Napoleon’s downfall. Beneath the arch lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, added in 1921, with an eternal flame that burns in memory of unidentified soldiers who died in World War I and later conflicts. The monument’s massive reliefs and engravings celebrate military triumphs, while its rooftop offers a panoramic view of Paris and the twelve radiating avenues that form the Place Charles de Gaulle, historically called Place de l’Étoile.
After visiting the Arc de Triomphe, we took a taxi through the lively streets of Paris to the magnificent Opéra Garnier. As we arrived, the grand façade of the opera house took our breath away with its ornate sculptures and golden details. Inside, we were amazed by the lavish interior—the marble staircase, intricate ceiling frescoes, and the famous chandelier hanging above the auditorium. The experience felt like stepping into a different era, full of elegance and artistic beauty.
Our last stop was the magnificent Sacré-Cœur Basilica, perched high on Montmartre hill in Paris. Its brilliant white domes stood out against the sky, and as we climbed the steps, the city gradually unfolded beneath us. Inside, the quiet, golden light illuminated the vast mosaic of Christ with open arms, creating a peaceful and reverent atmosphere. From the top of the dome, we took in breathtaking views of Paris stretching in every direction. Ending our journey there felt perfect—a moment of reflection and awe before saying goodbye to the city.
We ended the trip with an incredible seafood feast, indulging in all kinds of seafood—from fresh oysters and plump shrimp to grilled lobster, scallops, and a decadent plateau de fruits de mer (seafood platter) overflowing with crabs, mussels, clams, and razor clams. Each bite was a celebration of the ocean’s finest flavors, paired perfectly with chilled white wine. As the Paris sun set late, casting a golden light over the city, it felt like the ideal way to cap off our Parisian adventure, surrounded by the flavors of the sea and the beautiful evening sky.