Place du Trocadéro and the Palais de Chaillot

Our tour begins at the Palais de Chaillot terrace, where the Eiffel Tower stands clear in the distance. This is the first photo spot of the day. The two buildings curving away on either side of the plaza make up the Palais de Chaillot.

The palace was built for the 1937 World's Fair, on the foundations of the Trocadéro Palace, which had been constructed for the 1878 Exposition. Despite the name, no king ever lived here; it was built purely for the fair. Like the Eiffel Tower itself, it shows just how seriously France took its World's Fairs. It also faces the tower head-on, which makes it ideal for capturing the Tower's full front view. Inside you'll find the Museum of Mankind, the Maritime Museum, the national theater and a film museum. The vast building's two wings sweep outward like open arms, and because it sits on a hill, the views stretch over the Trocadéro Gardens and the Seine to the Eiffel Tower.

This is often called the number one Eiffel Tower photo spot. Standing on the hill, you're not looking up at the tower but straight across at its full silhouette. It's also a favorite for wedding shoots, so you'll often see brides in white gowns from all over the world. Expect crowds, and take your time with the shots.