Cité Chaillot better known as Trocadéro is perched on a hill directly facing the Eiffel Tower across the Seine. Beyond its postcard-perfect views, the site blends history, architecture, public art, and museums, making it an essential stop for first-time visitors and Paris regulars alike.
Unrivaled viewpoint of the Eiffel Tower: The Trocadéro esplanade frames a straight, symmetrical sightline to the tower—ideal for daytime portraits and sparkling night shots.
Vibrant public space: Broad steps, sweeping terraces, and dramatic fountains turn the square into a lively urban stage.
Easy access: Well connected by metro and buses, with a direct pedestrian axis over Pont d’Iéna.
Name origins: “Trocadéro” commemorates the Battle of Trocadero (August 31, 1823).
The 1867 World’s Fair: The original Palais du Trocadéro was built as a grand concert hall by Gabriel Davioud, featuring two wings and two towers in a style often described as “Moorish” with Byzantine elements.
A historic aquarium: Beneath the complex, in former quarry spaces, a large aquarium once displayed freshwater species from French rivers.
Gardens and fountains: Landscape designer Jean-Charles Alphand created a dramatic sequence of basins and jets between the palace and the Seine.
Demolition and rebirth: In 1937, the Palais du Trocadéro made way for the modernist Palais de Chaillot.
Architects: Louis-Hippolyte Boileau, Jacques Carlu, and Léon Azéma retained the twin arc-shaped wings but separated the building masses and removed the central dome.
A global stage: On December 10, 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) here. The complex also served as NATO’s temporary headquarters while the Palais de l’OTAN (now Université Paris-Dauphine) was under construction.
Musée National de la Marine (Naval): A journey through French maritime history.
Musée de l’Homme (Anthropology): Human societies through cultural and scientific lenses.
Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine: Including the Musée des Monuments Français—a treasure trove for architecture lovers.
Théâtre National de Chaillot: A national theater beneath the esplanade with a strong contemporary dance and performing arts program.
Timing: Early morning for soft light and fewer crowds; blue hour to night for the tower’s sparkle.
Favorite spots: The centerline of the esplanade, the main staircase, and the fountain edges. For symmetry, line up with the axis of Pont d’Iéna.
Weather & seasons: Spring and autumn bring dramatic skies; in summer the fountains often run. Pack a small tripod for long exposures.
Metro: Trocadéro (Lines 6 and 9) is the most convenient stop.
Bus: Several routes serve the square; check current schedules.
On foot: Cross Pont d’Iéna from the Eiffel Tower side or approach via the Chaillot hill for grand descending views.
to enjoy 20% VIP Discount online and at all stores plus 50,000 points that you can use for your initial purchase
at checkout
12-14 December 2025
