Wondering if you can picnic in Trocadaro Square. RS does not say this is an option.... we were there in 1997 and had a picnic at twilight with our niece and it was magical. Maybe this has changed? Also, are there benches available? As an alternative, we might like to eat at a cafe after the sun goes down with views of the Eiffel Tower....any recommendations? RS guidebook doesn't offer much help.
Cafes, not expensive restaurants. Whether we go first thing in the morning (Sept. 30, 2019) and picnic at Trocadaror for lunch, or go to ET mid-late afternoon to linger into the evening for the light up of the ET depends a bit on the picnic thing. Later climb would result in seeing the ET all lit up after sunset, but may result in longer lines. Then we could eat dinner wherever. We are planning on that Monday to take the stairs, without tickets, regardless of the time, unless I can get them beforehand. Right now the tickets for stairs at ET are available on Sept. 23, three days before we leave. Advice?
Posted by
Chicago
8166 posts
For get Trocadero Square there is no where to sit it is too crowded; that is where many tourist try to take a picture as the traiin station stop is down the stairs and there are touts everywhere trying to sell you Eiffel tower tchotchkes; I would try the area west of the Trocadero the Jardins du Trocadero for a picnic.
Nothing is the same in Paris as 5, 10, 15 , 20 years ago
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14741 posts
I agree with Jazz+Travels on the west side of the Trocadero gardens. Here is a link to a walk done by Paris guide Corey Frye. He starts a few blocks west of the gardens and then ends up seeing things right along the western edge. I looked for the cool things he points out on my last trip to Paris then walked back thru the garden toward the ET. I was surprised how uncrowded this area was - there were benches and people were also sitting on the grass, a little stream, some ducks. Very nice!
Posted by
OP
Minneapolis
208 posts
Thank you both for your replies--very helpful! It was so long ago when we were there, I may have confused where we picnicked, thinking it was the square. From your descriptions, it sounds like we were probably in the Jardins du Trocadero. Pam, thanks for sending the link to Corey's walk! I perused it very briefly and will watch it more thoroughly when I have more time, but it really looks interesting and informative! I may use it as a blueprint for exploring the area.
I am feeling that our best chances for avoiding long lines at the Eiffel (without tickets) is to arrive, as RS says, 30 minutes before opening time and get in line for the stairs then. Then maybe making our way to the Jardins du Trocadero for lunch. We can always come by on another evening to see the Eiffel lit up at dusk and after sunset, rather than try to combine it with our ascent up the tower.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14741 posts
I'd probably see how your weather looks that day. If it's nice, I'd go for your idea of doing it the first thing and then "retiring" to the gardens to rest your legs and see what you have seen!
Do watch the rest of the videos (and others of his!). He gives some great off-beat sights and information!
Posted by
Chicago
8556 posts
People picnic on steps and the gardens below the square where the big fountains are and there is a great view of the Tower. No benches but people manage. Our favorite picnic spots are Tuilleries and Luxembourg Gardens both of which have hundreds of movable chairs which makes finding a nice shady spot to eat easy to manage.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
I've eaten on the grass between the square and Eiffel Tower. It's nice to watch the fountain. It is crowded, especially around the square and tower.
My favorite picnic spot is Arenes de Lutece. It was the arena during Roman days (Paris was called Lutetia). Now just part of a park that most tourists never visit. If you eat lunch there, you will be eating with locals taking their lunch break while kids play, and old men toss boules, on the arena floor.
The two are night and day different. Try both and see which you prefer.
Posted by
Chicago
8556 posts
First time we saw the Arena Lutece we just stumbled on it while out and about; I had never heard of it before then. It was one of those delightful 'Easter eggs' like the time we stumbled on the Island of Grande Jatte by accident. One of the pleasure of walking around Paris is having these little moments..
Posted by
OP
Minneapolis
208 posts
I'll have to check out Arenas Lutece! Sounds wonderful