Esplanade du Trocadéro
THE head-on view of the Eiffel Tower from the esplanade.
The story of the place
The place takes its name from the Battle of Trocadero, a Spanish fort guarding Cádiz that French troops captured in 1823. The hill of Chaillot first carried the Palais du Trocadéro, built for the 1878 World's Fair and replaced, for the 1937 exposition, by the Palais de Chaillot designed by Jacques Carlu, Louis-Hippolyte Boileau and Léon Azéma. Its architects opened a central esplanade aligned with the Eiffel Tower. It was inside that palace that the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, on 10 December 1948.
Getting there
Nearest metro station: Trocadéro (6/9). The spot is in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. Open walking directions.
The light
Exceptional golden hour (5/5): the spot is open and catches the full low sunlight at sunrise and sunset. This is the slot to aim for.
Where to go after the shoot
A few addresses within a short walk, to make the moment last.
Art Deco tearoom open since 1927, with a terrace on the square: pastries and hot chocolate steps from the esplanade.
Brasserie right on the square, non-stop service from 7.30am until late, terrace facing the Palais de Chaillot.
Old-fashioned neighbourhood bistro, banquettes and traditional cooking, on a quiet street five minutes from the esplanade; closed on Sundays.
Addresses checked in 07/2026. Places change — check opening hours before you head out.
Photo spots nearby
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Esplanade du Trocadéro?
Nearest metro station: Trocadéro (6/9). The spot is in the 16th arrondissement of Paris.
When is the best time to photograph Esplanade du Trocadéro?
Exceptional golden hour (5/5): the spot is open and catches the full low sunlight at sunrise and sunset. This is the slot to aim for. Come at dawn to have it (almost) to yourself.
Can I book a photographer for a shoot at Esplanade du Trocadéro?
Yes. SnapSpot Paris connects you with Paris-based photographers who know the location. A single session can cover several nearby spots — the photographer adapts the route to the light of the day. Avenue de Camoëns, Pont de Bir-Hakeim, Champ-de-Mars / Tour Eiffel, Arc de Triomphe.