The Grand Axis: Arc de Triomphe to the Eiffel Tower, a Self-Guided Paris Walk
2h30. 2.0 miles. From Arc de Triomphe to Trocadéro / Eiffel Tower view.
The monumental Paris of postcards, walked properly: the Arc de Triomphe, the sweep of the Champs-Elysees, the gardens toward the Seine, and the single best spot to photograph the Eiffel Tower.
The local move
Save the Eiffel Tower for last and approach it from Trocadero. Coming over the hill, the tower rises across the river in one shot. That's the view, not the one from underneath.
Best time to go
Late afternoon into golden hour, so you reach Trocadero as the light softens and the tower sparkles on the hour after dark.
The stops
Arc de Triomphe
Napoleon's triumphal arch at the top of the Champs-Elysees, ringed by twelve avenues.
Tip: Use the underground passage to reach it, never cross the traffic circle. Climb the top for a great view down the axis.
Avenue des Champs-Élysées
The most famous avenue in the world, flagship stores and cafes running downhill toward the gardens.
Tip: Walk the lower, greener half toward Concorde; the upper half is mostly chain stores. Window-shop, don't linger.
Grand Palais
A vast Beaux-Arts exhibition hall with a spectacular iron-and-glass roof.
Tip: Worth timing with a show. Even from outside the glass dome is a sight; the Petit Palais opposite is a free museum.
Place de la Concorde
The grand square where the guillotine once stood, now centered on a 3,000-year-old Egyptian obelisk.
Tip: Stand by the obelisk and line up the axis: Arc behind you, Louvre ahead, Assemblee across the river. All deliberate.
Pont Alexandre III
The most ornate bridge in Paris, gilded statues and Art Nouveau lamps, framing the Invalides dome.
Tip: The photo bridge. Walk to the middle for the golden statues with the Invalides golden dome behind.
Palais de Tokyo
A modern art center in a 1937 building, with one of the best terraces facing the river.
Tip: A good contemporary counterpoint, and its cafe terrace has an Eiffel view with far fewer people.
Place du Trocadéro
The terrace across the river from the Eiffel Tower, and its unbeatable head-on view.
Tip: This is the money shot. Come at dusk; on the hour after dark the whole tower sparkles for five minutes.
About these walks
This is one of the free self-guided Paris walks written by the Chic Trip team, locals who plan and book full Paris trips for American travelers. Get our free insider Paris guide at chic-trip.com/free-paris-guide, or have us plan your whole trip at chic-trip.com/paris-travel-planner.
