tour eiffel painting

“The Eiffel Tower” by Georges Seurat – Strokes of Brilliance

Georges Seurat’s The Eiffel Tower , painted in 1889, is a striking example of his innovative technique known as Pointillism, a method that involves applying small, distinct dots of color to form an image. This artwork captures the grandeur and modernity of the Eiffel Tower, a symbol of Paris and a marvel of engineering completed the same year Seurat painted it. Seurat’s meticulous approach and his fascination with the effects of light and color are evident in this piece, which stands as a testament to the vibrancy and dynamism of the late 19th-century Parisian landscape. The painting reflects Seurat’s scientific approach to art, as well as his ability to transform ordinary scenes into extraordinary visual experiences through his unique artistic vision.

Table of Contents

• 1 Key Takeaways
• 2.1 Pointillism and Its Evolution
• 2.2 The Eiffel Tower in Art
• 3.1 Color Theory and Composition
• 3.2 Seurat’s Interpretation
• 3.3 Seurat’s Unique Brushstrokes
• 4 Impact and Legacy
• 5.1 What Artistic Techniques Did Georges Seurat Employ in His Painting of the Eiffel Tower?
• 5.2 What Kind of Materials Is Georges Seurat Known to Have Used in His Paintings?
• 5.3 How Does Georges Seurat’s Personality Reflect in His Artwork, Including The Eiffel Tower?

Key Takeaways

• The Eiffel Tower by Seurat exemplifies his pointillism technique.
• The painting reflects the historical context of the 1889 Paris World’s Fair.
• Seurat’s work is a notable contribution to the Neo-Impressionist movement.

Historical Context

Georges Seurat, a pioneer of the French Post-Impressionist movement, captivated the art world with his masterpiece, The Eiffel Tower , created around 1889. This iconic painting showcases Seurat’s unique pointillism technique, where tiny dots and precise brush strokes combine to form an intricate and delicate representation of one of Paris’ most famous landmarks. A testament to Seurat’s skill, the painting captures a dreamy yet accurate portrayal of the Eiffel Tower, blending realism with an air of whimsy. The Eiffel Tower itself was constructed for the 1889 Paris World’s Fair, symbolizing modernity and industrial achievement.

Seurat’s painting emerges from this historical backdrop, reflecting both the structure’s architectural grandeur and its emblematic presence in Parisian culture. Measuring 24 x 15 cm, this oil-on-wood piece is small in size but powerful in its impact, encapsulating the transformative spirit of its era through a modern artistic lens. Seurat’s work sits prominently within the Neo-Impressionist movement, highlighting his innovative approach to color and form. By employing pointillism, Seurat avoided traditional brushwork, instead creating a mosaic of light and color that leaves a lasting impression. Seurat’s The Eiffel Tower not only immortalizes one of the world’s most recognized structures but also exemplifies his dedication to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression through new techniques.

Pointillism and Its Evolution

Georges Seurat pioneered Pointillism, a technique involving the application of small dots of color. This approach was intended to blend visually when viewed from a distance. Seurat’s method was influenced by scientific theories on color and perception, aiming to create vivid, dynamic compositions.

Paul Signac, a contemporary of Seurat, further developed this technique.

Neo-Impressionism emerged, characterized by precise brushwork and an emphasis on light effects. Seurat’s A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte exemplifies this style. This technique required meticulous planning and an understanding of color theory to achieve the desired optical effects.

The Eiffel Tower in Art

The Eiffel Tower was completed in 1889 for the Paris World’s Fair, symbolizing industrial innovation. Seurat captured this modern icon in his painting, emphasizing its geometric structure through pointillist dots. Placed within the context of Parisian life and modernity, Seurat’s depiction of the Eiffel Tower showcases the intersection of art, technology, and urban culture. The tower’s construction fascinated artists and writers, inspiring a myriad of creative works. Seurat’s interpretation reflects his vision of blending natural elements with industrial progress. This juxtaposition underscores the significance of the Eiffel Tower in both art history and cultural identity.

Artistic Analysis of The Eiffel Tower

Georges Seurat’s work The Eiffel Tower is a prime example of Neo-Impressionist art. This analysis will delve into Seurat’s use of color theory, his unique interpretation of the landmark, and his distinctive brushwork.

Color Theory and Composition

Seurat employed a meticulous approach to color, using small, distinct dots of pure pigment. This technique, known as Pointillism, creates a vibrant interplay of colors when viewed from a distance. He utilized complementary colors to enhance visual contrast and harmony in the painting. The application of warm hues for the structure and cool tones for the background serves to balance the composition.

By controlling these elements, Seurat achieved a dynamic yet balanced aesthetic.

Seurat’s Interpretation

Seurat’s depiction of the Eiffel Tower is characterized by its simplification and abstraction. He avoided extensive detail, choosing instead to capture the essence and geometric form of the iconic structure. This approach brings attention to the tower’s modernity and engineering marvels of the time. By framing the tower against the Parisian skyline, he emphasizes the juxtaposition between nature and human innovation.

His portrayal reflects the societal fascination with industrial advancement during the late 19th century.

Seurat’s Unique Brushstrokes

Seurat’s technique involved placing tiny dots of paint meticulously across the canvas. This pointillist method creates an optical blending effect, where colors mix in the viewer’s eye rather than on the palette. This method demands precision and patience, resulting in a textured surface that enhances the viewer’s visual experience. The brushstrokes follow a rhythmic pattern, contributing to the sense of structure and coherence within the painting.  Through this technique, Seurat adds depth and dimension, engaging the viewer in an interactive observation of color and form.

Impact and Legacy

Georges Seurat’s The Eiffel Tower has left a significant mark on the world of art, particularly within the Neo-Impressionism movement. Seurat’s use of pointillism in this painting highlights the vibrant and intricate details of the tower and its surroundings. This technique adds depth to the cityscape, enhancing its vibrancy and capturing the lively essence of Paris. Housed at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, this artwork is part of a prestigious collection, drawing numerous visitors daily. It stands alongside other notable works, including Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte and The Circus .

Seurat’s representation of the Eiffel Tower has also contributed to its iconic status, emphasizing the tower’s grandeur during the late 19th century.

The painting offers a unique perspective on the Seine and the bustling life around it, reflecting Paris’s dynamic atmosphere. The Eiffel Tower by Seurat is celebrated particularly in the United States where it continues to inspire contemporary artists and enthusiasts. Its presence in San Francisco further bridges the artistic connections between Paris and American art scenes. Overall, this painting by Seurat serves as a testament to his enduring legacy and profound impact on Impressionism and Neo-Impressionism.

Georges Seurat’s The Eiffel Tower not only captures the essence of a groundbreaking architectural marvel but also exemplifies the artist’s pioneering Pointillist technique. Through his methodical application of color and light, Seurat transforms a symbol of modernity into a vibrant mosaic of visual splendor. The painting stands as a testament to Seurat’s commitment to innovation and his profound influence on the Post-Impressionist movement. The Eiffel Tower remains a celebrated piece in art history, illustrating the harmonious blend of artistic creativity and scientific precision that defined Seurat’s career and left an indelible mark on the evolution of modern art.

Frequently Asked Questions

What artistic techniques did georges seurat employ in his painting of the eiffel tower.

Georges Seurat is famously associated with the technique of Pointillism. In this painting, he used small, distinct dots of color applied in patterns to form an image. This method allows the viewer’s eye to blend the colors from a distance.

What Kind of Materials Is Georges Seurat Known to Have Used in His Paintings?

Georges Seurat primarily used oil paints on canvas. He was meticulous in his choice of pigments, often opting for brighter and more vibrant hues to achieve the desired effect in his Pointillist technique. Additionally, he used a fine brush to apply the individual dots of paint.

How Does Georges Seurat’s Personality Reflect in His Artwork, Including The Eiffel Tower ?

Seurat’s meticulous nature and analytical mind are reflected in his precise and methodical approach to painting. His dedication to scientific principles of color theory and his innovative techniques highlight his commitment to his craft. The Eiffel Tower painting demonstrates his attention to detail and his structured, deliberate style.

Isabella studied at the University of Cape Town in South Africa and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in English Literature & Language and Psychology. Throughout her undergraduate years, she took Art History as an additional subject and absolutely loved it. Building on from her art history knowledge that began in high school, art has always been a particular area of fascination for her. From learning about artworks previously unknown to her, or sharpening her existing understanding of specific works, the ability to continue learning within this interesting sphere excites her greatly.

Her focal points of interest in art history encompass profiling specific artists and art movements, as it is these areas where she is able to really dig deep into the rich narrative of the art world. Additionally, she particularly enjoys exploring the different artistic styles of the 20 th century, as well as the important impact that female artists have had on the development of art history.

Learn more about Isabella Meyer and the Art in Context Team .

Cite this Article

Isabella, Meyer, ““The Eiffel Tower” by Georges Seurat – Strokes of Brilliance.” Art in Context. June 5, 2024. URL: https://artincontext.org/the-eiffel-tower-by-georges-seurat/

Meyer, I. (2024, 5 June). “The Eiffel Tower” by Georges Seurat – Strokes of Brilliance. Art in Context. https://artincontext.org/the-eiffel-tower-by-georges-seurat/

Meyer, Isabella. ““The Eiffel Tower” by Georges Seurat – Strokes of Brilliance.” Art in Context , June 5, 2024. https://artincontext.org/the-eiffel-tower-by-georges-seurat/ .

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The Most Famous Artists and Artworks

Discover the most famous artists, paintings, sculptors…in all of history! 

MOST FAMOUS ARTISTS AND ARTWORKS

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What Made Robert Delaunay’s Eiffel Tower Paintings So Famous?

Cubist and Orphist pioneer Robert Delaunay made countless studies of the Eiffel Tower. We look through the reasons why they are so important.

Robert Delaunay was one of the most important artists of the 20 th century. A Cubist and Orphist pioneer, he lived much of his life in Paris , as the city surged and became a cultural mecca in the wake of the industrial revolution. Of all the subjects Delaunay painted, the Eiffel Tower was his most enduring – he made a major series of works based on the Eiffel Tower motif from 1909-1912, and returned to the subject in an entirely new way between 1920 and 1930. But what was it about the tower that so captured his imagination, and kept him hooked for so much of his life? We examine the many reasons for Delaunay’s fascination with the great tower of Paris, which he called the “barometer of [his] art.”

A Symbol of Modern Paris

For Robert Delaunay and many modernists, the Eiffel Tower represented the pinnacle of human achievement during the time in which they were living . Designed by Gustave Eiffel and erected in 1889 for the Paris World Fair, the Eiffel Tower was then the tallest building in the world, soaring over the classical city of Paris with its looming latticed design. Not everyone loved the tower – some even lobbied for its removal – but many saw the great tower as a potent symbol of modernity, representing the pinnacle of human achievement so far.

It came to symbolize Parisian innovation as the city stepped forward into the modern age, a proud beacon of progress, aspiration and invention. For Delaunay, the rise of the machine age was something to be celebrated and embraced, as humanity entered a shiny new era. The Eiffel Tower encapsulated Delaunay’s positive emotions about the dawn of the machine age, as his wife and fellow artist Sonia Delaunay wrote, “The Tower was his liberated muse, his Eve of the future … The Tower addresses the universe.”

A Launchpad for Cubist Abstraction

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As Robert Delaunay became more adventurous with his art, embracing the rising avant-garde style of Cubism , he explored how the Eiffel Tower could become a launchpad for playing with ideas around fragmentation, dislocation and deconstruction. In his early series of Eiffel Tower paintings, made between 1909 and 1912, Delaunay painted the Eiffel Tower as a series of broken, faceted forms that seem to dissolve into one with the city around it.

He was tireless in his studies of the tower, as Mark Roesenthal, author of Visions of Paris: Robert Delaunay’s Series , explains: “[he] studied it from above, and below, inside and out, from near and far, by day and by night. He absorbed its every mood, perspective, and light effect.” Over time, Delaunay’s Eiffel Tower paintings became more and more abstract, as the tower form disintegrated, and Delaunay increasingly focused on ideas around structure, form and light.

A Focal Point for Studying Light, Color and Movement

By the 1920s Robert Delaunay had moved away from Cubism and instead embraced the style of Orphism , in which he broke real world subjects into vivid, symphonic patchworks of color and light, that suggest energy, movement and sensation. In his later Eiffel Tower series of 1920 to 1930, Delaunay demonstrates this stylistic shift, with geometric panels of color that interlock together into flat, quilt-like patterns. In many of his later Eiffel Tower paintings Robert Delaunay took a different viewpoint, looking down on the tower from the air, onto the ground below.

He based these paintings on aerial photographs taken by Andre Schelchner and Albert Omer-Decugis in 1909 from the basket of a hot air balloon. While Delaunay was still fascinated by the tower as the symbol of French progress and innovation, he also demonstrated how its structural shape was the ideal framework on which to build a bold and innovative new language of pure abstraction.

What Are the Differences Between Orphism and Cubism?

By Rosie Lesso MA Contemporary Art Theory, BA Fine Art Rosie is a contributing writer and artist based in Scotland. She has produced writing for a wide range of arts organizations including Tate Modern, The National Galleries of Scotland, Art Monthly, and Scottish Art News, with a focus on modern and contemporary art. She holds an MA in Contemporary Art Theory from the University of Edinburgh and a BA in Fine Art from Edinburgh College of Art. Previously she has worked in both curatorial and educational roles, discovering how stories and history can really enrich our experience of art.

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Le Pont de Passy et la Tour Eiffel

Marc Chagall French

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Lines and planes converge at the center of this composition, the subject of which is the urbanization and modernization of the city of Paris. Chagall painted this picture in 1911, one year after he first saw the Eiffel Tower during his travels to Paris from Russia, his native country. The dynamic composition centers at the famous Parisian monument. A blood-red road leads the eye inward with a perspectival rush towards the focal point. Powerlines on the right create a sharp receding diagonal that are mirrored by the blue skyline on the left. Below, a brick-red wall creates a dynamic thrust into the painting and is interrupted on the left by the new Pont de Passy, above which travels the city’s new Métro line. For all of its linear energy, Chagall intensifies the composition with consciously jarring juxtapositions of color. A painting about transportation, communication, and speed is met with a contradictory sense of timelessness suggested by the presence of a horse, Chagall’s personal imagery reminiscent of home.

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Title: Le Pont de Passy et la Tour Eiffel

Artist: Marc Chagall (French, Vitebsk 1887–1985 Saint-Paul-de-Vence)

Medium: Oil on canvas

Dimensions: 23 3/4 x 32 in. (60.3 x 81.3 cm); Framed: 34 1/4 x 42 1/2 in. (87 x 108 cm)

Classification: Paintings

Credit Line: Robert Lehman Collection, 1975

Accession Number: 1975.1.161

Rights and Reproduction: © 2024 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

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Eiffel Tower Paris, France

The Eiffel Tower was built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Exposition Universelle, which was to celebrate the 100th year anniversary of the French Revolution. Its construction in 2 years, 2 months and 5 days was a veritable technical and architectural achievement. "Utopia achieved", a symbol of technological prowess, at the end of the 19th Century it was a demonstration of French engineering, and a defining moment of the industrial era. As France’s symbol in the world, and the showcase of Paris, today it welcomes almost 7 million visitors a year, making it the most visited monument that you have to pay for in the world.

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The Eiffel Tower by Georges Seurat

According to Gustave Coquiot, this work was painted in 1890, the year after the tower was opened for the Paris World's Fair-at which it provided the main attraction. Completed on March 31, 1889, the tower is 984 feet tall and is composed of 12,000 metal parts held in place by 2,500,000 rivets.

Impressed by the intricate calculations involved in this piece of architectural engineering, no doubt also indulging his fondness for the vertical, Seurat shows us the tower from across the Pont d'Iena, soaring into a sky spangled with vibrant dots. This is a tribute to "the great lady" who, at the time, made the public uneasy. Two years before its completion a number of writers protested, among them J.-K. Huysmans, who called it "the spire of a junkyard Notre Dame."

Here Seurat's dots are rounded, like so much blue and orange confetti. They are running in every direction, up, and down, making circular swirls and contrapuntal contrasts. The work is fresh, highly colorful, and firmly set against the Paris sky-Seurat's sky.

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Robert Delaunay's Eiffel Tower

Robert Delaunay, "Eiffel Tower," 1924. Oil on Canvas, 161.6 cm x 96.8 cm. Saint Louis Art Museum, Saint Louis.

Robert Delaunay, an artist who lived in Paris between 1900 and 1940, is best known for his paintings the  Eiffel Tower Series . He painted the first series between 1909 and 1912 and a second series between 1920 and 1930. [i]  This painting from 1924 is from the second series where Delaunay paints in a style known as Orphic Cubism, where color is used to envision form through planes and lines of contrasting colors. As Delaunay wrote in his journal, the Eiffel Tower was the “barometer of [his] art,” a symbol of Paris and its success as a modern haven. [ii]  Delaunay saw the Eiffel Tower as the pride of France as the country stepped boldly into the modern age. [iii]  Like other artists that relayed their urban experiences by painting cityscapes, Delaunay used the structure as a template upon which he conveyed his imagined visions and perceptions of Paris. Unlike the German Expressionists’ typically chaotic and dark paintings of urban scenes, Delaunay’s post-war Eiffel Tower series celebrates the enthusiastic feeling for progress that the modern metropolis would allow. By 1924 Paris was a center of innovation and recreating the Eiffel Tower as he imagined it allowed Delaunay to communicate his own optimism for modern life.

Georges Seurat, "Tour Eiffel,"Oil on Canvas. 24 x 15 cm. The Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco, San Francisco. 

Robert Delaunay, influenced by the Post-Impressionists and the Fauvists, transformed the expression of color on canvas by painting the effect of “simultaneous contrasting colors.” [iv]  Color, more than any visual element of a painting, can engage the sensation of sight and activate the eye of the viewer. Beginning in the 1880s in Germany and France, artists began manipulating color outside of its accepted purpose as a pictorial element that mirrored pigment, light, and color as it was in reality. Georges Seurat took a scientific approach in applying color theory with his pointillist paintings, while later on the Fauvists began creating imagined forms with flat planes of bright colors. Comparing  Eiffel Tower  to Seurat’s painting of the monument from 1889, it is apparent that Delaunay’s particular use of certain colors and careful placement thereof to mimic the effects of light on the monument is similar to Seurat’s scientific use of color theory (Figure 1). However, Delaunay has flipped Seurat’s notion of capturing light by varying only application and intensity of a realistic color. Instead, he sought to capture light only through bold and imaginitive Fauvist-inspired pigment.

Robert Delaunay, "Eiffel Tower," 1910. Oil on Canvas, 20 cm x 16 cm. Solomon Guggenheim Museum, New York City.

The more Delaunay painted the Eiffel tower, the more abstracted it became. According to Mark Roesenthal, author of  Visions of Paris: Robert Delaunay's Series , by the time Delaunay painted the monument in 1924, the artist had “…studied it from above, and below, inside and out, from near and far, by day and by night. He absorbed its every mood, perspective, and light effect.” [v]  Over years of study, he was able to conquer the structure by mastering perspective of the tower from all possible dimensions and aspects. Initially, as in  Eiffel Tower  1910, (Figure 2),   Delaunay focused on deconstructing the tower in its space so that it emerges from a variety of elements, standing tall in a swirling environment. He paints in Cubist style, choosing to deconstruct via lines and shapes rather than by color. Only once he was able to branch away from Cubism around 1913 and focus on color as the pictorial device to fragment did Delaunay pioneer Orphic Cubism. By his painting in 1924, his shift in style is evidenced by the Eiffel Tower no longer being a singular form emerging from fragmented space but rather as the object of fragmentation itself. As the viewer comes closer to the painting, the Eiffel Tower loses its sense of solidness as a whole form and instead becomes a grid work of shapes and lines. Thus, Delaunay’s fixated study of the Eiffel Tower during his life was due to both an artistic fascination with its form as well as to his perception of the tower as a shining beacon of France’s strength in progress. 

View of the Eiffel Tower and Champs de Mars, Paris . Photograph reproduced in Mark Rosenthanl, Visions of Paris: Robert Delaunay’s Series (New York, NY: Guggenheim Museum, 1997), 61.

In  Eiffel Tower,  painted in 1924, an aerial perspective of the tower and the range of colors used make it seem near at hand, while simultaneously magnificent in its awesome size and vertically stretching orientation. The aerial perspective on the Eiffel Tower creates an aura of grandiosity and heavenward verticality. The top of the tower is cut off and the entire piece framed as if viewed from a higher window. Delaunay paints as if the observer was looking down on the entirety of Paris through a window but could only see the Eiffel Tower, communicating the dominance of the Eiffel Tower over the entirety of Paris as one observes it from above. A contemporary photograph of the monument at the time period from the same perspective illustrates how vertical and domineering the tower truly looked from above (Figure 3). This mobile perspective in  Eiffel Tower  also implicates the viewer as an observer and the artist as the imaginer, emphasizing that Delaunay’s imagination has ordered the visual elements at his disposal to paint  Eiffel Tower .

The range of contrasting colors, Delaunay’s main focus, creates an optical effect where every color zone is pushed forward or backward in space by its neighbor. Delaunay wrote about this idea of simultaneous colors (or simultaneity) as  “…a certain combination of colors, in harmonic contrast with each other, can reproduce the movement of light.” [vi]  Delaunay realized that light was “actualized through color” and thus when contrasting colors to intensify them one could capture the movement of light that occurred within each hue. [vii]   Eiffel Tower  combines many complementary and dissonant colors, ultimately each working together so that color has taken over the function of solid form. Additionally, light seems to be reverberating throughout the entire canvas because of the ordered layering of colors. The flatness of the painting only becomes apparent upon close viewing, because the juxtaposition of darker colors with passages of white creates a sculptural sense of recession into space. The colors in  Eiffel Tower  communicate the vibrancy and dynamism of the urban environment in Paris.

By being “imaginative, not imitative” Delaunay transforms the image of a recognizable monument to a personally relevant image conveying the energy of urbanism and modernity. [viii]  The Eiffel Tower was a universal symbol for human growth in the metropolis and a personal connection to innovation Delaunay sought over the course of his career. His pioneering of Orphism culminates the century-long exploration by artists to extract the properties of color and manipulate them to give new meaning to it as a communicator of sensation and thought. In contrast to German Expressionists, Delaunay forgoes personal relevancy to his subject matter in favor of more aesthetic exploration. Meidner and Kirchner could not truthfully embrace a nationalistic identity at a time when Berlin seemed to be collapsing. Instead, they sought to transform thoughts of pessimism on modernity and personal visions of ruin into expressive images of city life and the cityscape of Berlin. Delaunay’s work reflects French optimism in the immediate years after its victory over Germany in World War I; hence he creates a nationalistic piece with a monument to urbanism in  Eiffel Tower .   

[i]  Gustav Vriesen and Max Imadahl,  Robert Delaunay: Light and Color  (New York, H. N. Abrams, 1969), 66.

[ii]  Vriesen and Imadahl,  Robert Delaunay: Light and Color . 71.

[iii]  William Thompson, “The Symbol of Paris: Writing the Eiffel Tower,”  The French Review : 1130-40, accessed February 1, 2015.

[iv]  Mark Roesenthal, “Visions of Paris: Robert Delaunay’s Series,” 77.

[v]  Roesenthal, “Visions of Paris: Robert Delaunay’s Series”

[vi]  Herschel Chipp, “Orphism and Color Theory,”  The Art Bulletin:  55-63, accessed February 1, 2015.

[vii]  Roesenthal, “Visions of Paris: Robert Delaunay’s Series” 89.

[viii]  Vriersen and Imadahl,  Robert Delaunay: Light and Color , 88.

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18 best paris tours of 2024: food, versailles & more.

Enhance your visit to the City of Love with one of these specialized tours.

The Best Paris Tours

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From the Eiffel Tower to the Moulin Rouge – plus day trips to Versailles, Normandy and beyond – there are so many things to do in Paris . To make the most of your trip, it can be helpful to rely on the expertise of a few locals via a guided tour. Read on to discover some of the top-rated Paris tours for a variety of interests.

Bike About Tours – Hidden Paris Bike Tour

Price: Adults from 45 euros (around $49); kids 3 and younger from 20 euros (about $22) Duration: 3.5 hours

On this roughly 3.5-hour cycling trip, a guide takes you on back streets to both notable and lesser-known attractions throughout Paris. Along the way, guides share historical and cultural anecdotes. Sights include the Place des Vosges, Jardin des Plantes and the Paris mosque, to name a few. Reviewers love seeing an array of attractions at a leisurely pace and applaud the expertise of the guides. Bike About Tours also offers cycling excursions through Versailles.

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Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Price: Adults from $45; kids 4-12 from $25 Duration: About 2 hours

Create your own Parisian adventure with the Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour. Double-decker, open-top buses take you to 10 stops near top attractions, including the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, Musée du Louvre and the Grand Palais. All buses are equipped with a prerecorded audio tour in 11 different languages. Reviewers love the convenience of the bus, but some express disappointment that buses are often overcrowded.

Buses run from around 10 a.m. to about 7:30 p.m. daily and typically frequent stops every seven to 15 minutes. If you choose to ride the whole route, you'll be on the bus for two hours and 15 minutes. Ticket discounts may be available if you book online in advance. Big Bus also offers two-day passes, a night tour and combo tours that include a river cruise.

Paris Charms and Secrets

Price: From 59 euros (about $64) Duration: 3.5 to 4 hours

If you're a sucker for a good story, a secret passageway or a long-forgotten historical tale, the Paris Charms and Secrets tour will be right up your alley. On this roughly 12-mile tour, a guide will lead you through the city on an electric bike, stopping at some of Paris' most famous attractions and storied monuments. Hear the legends of Élysée Palace, the controversies of the Eiffel Tower and the curious past of the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Reviewers love the knowledgeable guides and the unique stories.

Older children and teens are welcome to ride their own bikes if they meet the height and weight requirements; a child seat must be reserved ahead of time for younger kids (for 12 euros).

Paris By Mouth – North Marais Food Tour

Price: 130 euros (about $141) Duration: 3.5 hours

If you want an intimate look at one of Paris' most fashionable and beautiful areas, snag a spot on Paris By Mouth's North Marais Food tour. This 3.5-hour tour welcomes up to eight participants to create a more personal feel. For the first part of the tour, your guide will bring you to some of the neighborhood's most prestigious shops, which specialize in bread, cheese, pastry and charcuterie. The second part of the tour stops at a wine shop and includes a seated tasting with wine pairings. Paris By Mouth's guides are experienced food journalists, chefs and foodies – a highlight among reviewers.

The tour is recommended for adults, though children older than age 12 can join. The tour runs daily at multiple times. Paris By Mouth also hosts tours of Saint-Germain-des-Près, south Marais and the Left Bank.

Retro Tour Paris – Retro Classic

Price: From $75 Duration: 40 minutes

Hop into the vintage sidecar of an experienced motorcycle driver and cruise through the city with views of the Champs-Élysées, the Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars and more on the Retro Classic tour of Paris. Local guides will share unique stories and provide an experience worlds apart from a typical city tour. Reviewers rave about the thrill of riding in the sidecar and the local insight.

If you love your first sidecar experience, you can also opt for the company's 90-minute tours, as well as a ride through Paris after sunset (with a Champagne tasting, naturally).

Blue Fox Travel – Versailles Bike Tour

Price: Adults from 109 euros (around $119); kids from 95 euros (about $104) Duration: 9 hours

The Versailles estate encompasses 2,000 acres, and there's no better way to see it than on a bike with Blue Fox Travel. Spend roughly nine hours with an expert guide and a small group (up to 14 people) touring the royal grounds, including the Grand and Petit Trianon chateaus, Marie Antoinette's private domain and the grand palace with a skip-the-line pass included in your ticket. Guides tell stories of French royal history, including the conquests of the Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King, the controversies surrounding Louis XV, the French Revolution and Marie Antoinette. Reviewers love biking the grounds at a leisurely pace and rave about the expertise of the guides, as well as the picnic lunch with finds from one of the local farmers markets.

Tours include train tickets to and from Paris. Blue Fox Travel also guides visitors on cycling tours of Paris at night and the city's top attractions.

Secret Food Tours Paris – Montmartre

Price: Adults from 109 euros (about $119); kids from 99 euros (about $108) Duration: 3.5 to 4 hours

Peruse and stroll through the Parisian dining scene like a local with Secret Food Tours. On this up to four-hour tour of one of Paris' most picturesque and lively arrondissements, dessert is first (c'est la vie!) . You'll gather chocolates and macarons from local specialty shops, followed by baguettes, cheeses, meats and crêpes – all while learning more about food and Parisian traditions from your local guide. When your bag is full, the guide will lead you to a prime picnic spot to enjoy your bounty with a few wine pairings. Reviewers love the historical tidbits and local insights, as well as the animated and entertaining tour guides.

An upgraded drinks package is available for an additional charge. Tours run daily at several different times, depending on the day. Secret Food Tours also hosts walks through other Paris neighborhoods, such as Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Le Marais.

Intrepid Urban Adventures – Paris Marais Bites and Sights Tour

Price: From $97 Duration: 2 hours

Wander through Paris' gorgeous Marais with a local guide and a lineup of French treats. Intrepid Urban Adventures' Bites and Sights Tour takes you through the well-preserved (and very fashionable) area of the Marais. Throughout the approximately two-hour tour, you'll hear local insights and historical tales as you admire Marais' treasured architecture. Stories are accompanied by stops in neighborhood shops for pastry and macaron samples, plus a French cheese platter and two glasses of wine. Reviewers appreciate the expertise and entertainment provided by the guides, as well as the intimate and conversational environment.

Children 5 and younger can tag along for free, as long as they sample items from their parents' plate. Paris Urban Adventures also offers tours of bohemian Paris and several private excursions.

Paris by Martin & Friends – Walking Tour

Price: 70 euros (about $76) Duration: 2.5 hours

For a truly bespoke experience with a passionate local, take a tour with Martin Muda and his friends, all residents of Paris. On the 2.5-hour walking tour, Muda or one of his tour guides will lead you to treasured spots throughout the city, with stories that give life to Paris' history and legends. Reviewers give high praise for the tour guides and their attention to detail, as well as the customization of each tour.

Tours are available at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily. Children younger than 3 can join the tour for free. Inquiries can be made through the website. The company also offers walking picnic tours at night and electric bike tours.

Fat Tire Tours – Versailles Bike Tour

Price: Adults from 109 euros (about $119); kids from 95 euros (about $103) Duration: 8.5 hours

To see Versailles in all of its glory, take a ride with Fat Tire Tours. On this daylong tour (approximately 8.5 hours), a guide will take you through the Versailles open market to grab a picnic lunch before visiting the Petit Trianon, the Grand Trianon and the estate gardens. The tour also includes skip-the-line access to the palace and an audio guide. Riders love the bicycles and tour guides, and appreciate the sweeping views of the iconic palace and grounds.

Tours are offered Tuesday through Sunday and all depart before 9 a.m. Kids younger than 4 are free to join the tour. Fat Tire Tours also offers a variety of biking excursions around Paris – including an "Emily in Paris"-inspired tour – and the surrounding region, as well as guided walks and Segway rides.

SANDEMANs NEW Europe – Montmartre Free Walking Tour

Price: Free; tips appreciated Duration: 2.5 hours

Stroll through one of Paris' most famous and charming neighborhoods with the help of SANDEMANs NEW Europe. This 2.5-hour tour will take you by the area's most photographed sights, including the Moulin Rouge and up the steps to Sacré-Coeur. You'll recognize streets featured in paintings and in cinema as guides share tales of Montmartre's famous artists, musicians and other notables, including Van Gogh and Picasso. Tourgoers appreciate the guides' expertise and recommend the tour for art history lovers.

Tours depart daily at 4 p.m. (Spanish language) and 5 p.m. (English language). Tickets are free, though tips are appreciated. If you're looking to explore more of the city, the company offers an array of other tours covering Latin Quarter, the Seine River and more.

Boutique Bike Tours – Versailles Food & Palace Bike Tour

Price: Adults from 145 euros (about $158); kids 5 and older from 99 euros (about $108) Duration: 9 to 10 hours

If you're looking to escape the city, let Boutique Bike Tours take you on a ride and stroll through the gardens of Versailles. On this approximately nine- to 10-hour tour, guides lead the way through the sprawling estate before stopping for a picnic lunch with provisions purchased from the market in town. After lunch, you'll skip the line at the famous palace to explore the rooms and hallways of Versailles. Reviewers enjoy the leisurely pace, a day full of activities and informative guidance.

Tours generally depart Tuesday and Friday through Sunday; expect to leave at 8 or 9 a.m. and return around 6 p.m. The company also hosts an evening bike and boat tour of Paris.

2CVParisTour – Legendary Paris Tour

Price: From 160 euros (about $175) Duration: 2 hours

If you're looking for a memorable and personalized drive through Paris, allow 2CVParisTour to take you for a whirl in a Citroën 2CV, a classic French car. Take in sights like the Arc de Triomphe, Luxembourg Gardens, Palais de l'Élysée ,  Église   Saint-Sulpice and more as you cruise through the Paris streets for two hours. Reviewers praise the classic car experience and entertaining guides.

Champagne can be added to the tour for an extra charge. Tours depart at multiple times daily, starting at 11 a.m. and ending after 10 p.m. If you can't get enough of the vintage car experience, you can also sign up for a tour of Montmartre, one that features a picnic and others.

City Wonders – Paris Catacombs Underground Tour

Price: Adults from $119 Duration: 2 hours

City Wonders will take you on a two-hour tour of what's below Paris: a network of tunnels, crypts and tombs that are home to nearly 6 million skeletons. On this Paris Catacombs tour, you'll skip the line with a small group to explore the Port Mahon gallery, the Sacellum Crypt and Gilbert's Tomb. Throughout the tour, you'll hear historical anecdotes from insightful guides. Along with the entertaining guides, reviewers also appreciate the skip-the-line access and recommend this experience in lieu of a self-guided tour.

Ticket prices may increase during busier times of the year. Tours depart Tuesday through Sunday at several times each day. City Wonders also hosts traditional aboveground tours of the Louvre, Versailles and the Eiffel Tower.

Paris City Vision – Half Day Guided Tour of Giverny Monet's Gardens from Paris

Price: From 89 euros (about $97) Duration: About 5 hours

On this roughly five-hour tour, a guide will take you through the life of celebrated painter Claude Monet as you explore his home and garden in Giverny. His garden is what inspired some of his most prized works, including "Irises" and "Water Lilies." Reviewers value the views and insight provided by tour guides, though others warn that the company can be disorganized.

Tours generally run daily at 8:15 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. The company hosts a number of other tours throughout Paris and greater France , including tours to Normandy .

Street Art Tour Paris – Murals XXL

Price: From 26 euros (about $28) Duration: About 2 hours

There's no museum pass needed to see some of the city's largest artwork with Street Art Tour's Murals XXL. An expert guide leads groups through the city to view contemporary works created by the world's most famous and talented muralists, such as Jorge Rodriguez-Gerada and Obey. Reviewers love the insider information and find the tour reveals details (and murals) often overlooked. Plus, the route is accessible for those with limited mobility.

Tours last just over two hours and run Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2 p.m. Discounts are available to groups of five or more. Street Art Tour Paris also offers tours in Montmartre and Belleville, among other options.

Babylon Tours – Louvre Museum + Orsay Museum Guided Combo Tour

Price: Adults from 199 euros (about $217); kids from 159 euros (about $173) Duration: 5.5 hours

View Greek sculpture and famous paintings by greats like Renoir, Monet, da Vinci and Van Gogh during this 5.5-hour tour. As you explore the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay, guides will regale you with stories of art history. Plus, you'll bypass the long lines at the attractions. Travelers praise the guide's knowledge and appreciate the small groups (no more than eight people can go at once).

Tours run at 10 a.m. from Wednesday to Saturday. Fees include access to the museums. Babylon Tours also operates outings to the Musée de l'Orangerie, the Rodin Museum and individual outings to the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay.

XL Tours – Segway Tour

Price: From 75 euros (about $82) Duration: 2 hours

During this two-hour tour, you'll glide by some of Paris' must-see sights like the Eiffel Tower, Trocadero Gardens and the Musée d'Orsay. You'll also ride in style on Bel & Bel Segways, which are designed to resemble the iconic Vespa scooters. Travelers say the Segways are a great way to see the city and the guides provide clear instructions.

Tours are available daily at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 6 or 7 p.m. You may be required to book at least two riders for your tour if you book directly through the company's website. Participants must be at least 12 years old. XL Tour also runs electric bike tours through the city.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Hotels in Paris
• The Best London Tours
• The Best International Travel Insurance

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There's now an Eiffel Tower in Indy on Georgia Street. Really.

Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated where the Eiffel Tower will go after the U.S. Olympics Trials. No decision has been made.

The French took more than two years to build the Eiffel Tower. But in just a few weeks this spring, dozens of Hoosiers built their own.

A much smaller Eiffel Tower now stands on Georgia Street and South Capitol Avenue, welcoming visitors and attendees to the Olympic swimming trials at Lucas Oil Stadium. This tower is much smaller than the original, measuring seven stories high and weighing a mere 18,000 pounds.

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As hundreds of swimmers prepared to descend on Indianapolis for the trials that start this weekend, local welders, engineers and sheet-metal suppliers raced to finish a project that some say might have otherwise taken years to complete.

“I saw this as a really crazy experiment,” said Brian Hull, owner and founder of Maker Factory and an engineer on the project, which was sponsored by Indiana Sports Corp.

“It was a great opportunity to bring some of the most talented Hoosiers in engineering and construction together to make a monumental thing happen right downtown."

Why Indy has an Eiffel Tower

The Indiana Sports Corp. formed a committee to create a project that would capture the spirit of both Central Indiana and the Paris Olympics.

They settled on a miniature Eiffel Tower.

“They were trying to make a connection or a relationship with Paris with this project,” Hull said. “I was reading it like an art piece.”

Most of the original design ideas proposed towers emblazoned with the Indy logo or other Hoosier-related themes, but the committee eventually settled on a simple design identical to the tower’s Parisian inspiration, only smaller with no stairs or elevator.

How to build an Eiffel Tower

The Latinas Welding Guild, a local non-profit that provides underprivileged communities with industry certifications, were commissioned to do most of the work.

Once the tower’s appearance was settled, the hard part began: Engineering it so it would stay upright. Hull designed an intricate digital model of the tower that specified every measurement down to the shapes of the connections between beams.

The original design for the tower was only 50 feet tall, but the engineers realized that would make it too easy to climb, so they increased the size of the trusses so the tower grew to 66 and eventually 70 feet.“To me, it seems like a small building at this point," Hull said. "It’s not really the scale that a sculpture would be."

The engineers divided the Indy Eiffel Tower into multiple sections separated by giant metal plates, allowing three different construction firms to work on it simultaneously. Then, workers assembled the sections like a colossal French Lego set.

F.A. Wilhelm Construction constructed the bottom, Poynter Sheet Metal the middle and the Latinas Welding Guild the top. Construction took just a few weeks, as the teams raced to finish. Collaboration was key.

“There were just tremendous deadlines that were probably unrealistic,” Hull said. “If one person doesn’t hit a deadline, then it can’t go to the next one, or the next, and it holds everybody up.“

Inside the Latinas Welding Guild

The Latinas Welding Guild has a small workshop compared to larger companies. They’re a teaching facility, so between small booths used for student practice are boxes full of scrap welding projects.

At one point, employees from Poynter came to visit the workshop, said Conseulo Lockhart, the Guild's founder and executive director, because they and the guild were constructing identical legs of the tower.

“They came in and they were like, ‘Where’s your crane?’ They didn’t understand how we were able to do the same projects without the same equipment they would have,” Lockhart said. “We’re all really scrappy. I was telling them when they were here, ‘I’ve done more with less.’”

The Guild team double- and triple-checked that they had all the parts. Then, it was time to weld. Welders used welding guns to shoot molten steel wires across a seam, linking two large metal beams together, said Tito Calderon, a welder and fabricator. Completing the tower involved about 10,000 welds, each of which takes a couple of minutes to do.

Meanwhile, at Wilhelm, employees worked through a weekend to dry assemble the tower’s base. The Wilhelm team encountered a small problem. The pieces in the base of the tower didn’t quite line up, leaving gaps in the seams. The team discussed custom-bending the pieces to fit, but time was running out. Instead, they filled the gaps with weld.

Still, Hull said the structure is sturdy.

“As long as you get the proper weld on there, it’s all going to be stronger than you can imagine,” Hull said. “One square inch of weld can hold 20,000 pounds.”

A little Paris on Georgia Street

At the Guild, one completed piece of the tower nearly reached the 18-foot ceiling. Calderon and his colleagues proved that even with the larger trusses, one could still climb from beam to beam.

When the Guild finished their biggest chunk of the Eiffel Tower, they faced a fresh challenge: Getting it out of the building without a crane. They flipped the vertical piece sideways.

“It barely fit through the door,” Calderon said. “We had some forklifts on both ends and then we kind of had one (going backwards) in neutral and then the other one was pushing. It was kind of sketchy, but we got it out of there and up in the air.”

Then, there was nothing to do but wait for Wilhelm workers to install the tower.

Can you climb Indy's Eiffel Tower?

As of Monday morning, the Indy Eiffel Tower stands deceptively short against the Indiana Convention Center.

The structure is strictly off limits for climbers. There will be 24-hour security in front of it to ensure that no one attempts to scale or damage it.

About 20 people have already inquired about getting married under it, according to Lockhart. Indiana Sports Corp has received several proposals for where the tower should go after the trials but a final decision has not been made.

Now that the Indy team has proved it can do this, Lockhart said the town of Paris, Illinois, has reportedly requested its own miniature Eiffel Tower.

“I feel like a lot of people were doubting that we were even going to have the capability of doing this,” Calderon said. “But we all came together as a team and really, really showed up.”

Alex Haddon is a Pulliam Fellow. You can email her at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: There's now an Eiffel Tower in Indy on Georgia Street. Really.

USA Swimming News

Olympic trials schedule preview: june 16.

by USA Swimming

Whether you’re looking for the perfect family day or a great gift for Father’s Day, the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Swimming has you covered. Join us on Sunday, June 16, to make memories that will last a lifetime. Check out the schedule for day two below and purchase your tickets today !

9 a.m. - Toyota Aqua Zone Retail Open

• Stop by the Aqua Zone at the Indiana Convention Center and visit the retail superstore to pick up limited edition event merchandise. 

10 a.m. - Lucas Oil Stadium Doors Open for Prelims

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.: prelims.

• Order of Events:  M 200 Freestyle, M 400 IM, W 100 Breaststroke, M 100 Backstroke, W 200 Freestyle

1- 7 p.m. - Toyota Aqua Zone Activations Open | Free to Attend

• Come visit the Aqua Zone between sessions to participate in sponsor activations, get athlete autographs, and more!
• Autographs: 1-2 p.m. Nathan Adrian,   4-5 p.m. Tony Ervin, 5-6 p.m. Dana Vollmer, 6-7 p.m. Amanda Beard*
• Content Lounge:  5x Olympian Brett Hawke will be recording his podcast “Inside with Brett Hawke” from 2:00-4:00 p.m.. Stop by and check it out.

1 - 7 p.m. - USA Swimming Live Presented by Purdue University| Free to Attend

• Find your way to Georgia Street and visit the “Swim Up” Bar for refreshments, check out incredible art displays, and stop for multiple photo opportunities with the giant goggles, All Lanes Lead to Indy splash, and the 66ft replica Eiffel Tower.
• Don't miss The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Cello Ensemble as they perform at the Eiffel Tower from 1:00-2:00 p.m.
• Hear from "When Everyone Swims" documentary producer Jerald Harkness as he talks with Olympian Summer Sanders about her swimming journey from 1:30-2:00 p.m.
• Catch DJ Annie D from 2:00-4:00 p.m. followed by Kristen Ford from 4:30-5:00 p.m.

5:30 - 7 p.m. - John Driskell Hopkins at OneAmerica Financial Concert Series 

• Head over to the OneAmerica Financial Stage for a free concert!

6:30 p.m. - Lucas Oil Stadium Doors Open for Finals

7:15 p.m. - pre-show.

• Join Olympic Gold Medalists Brendan Hansen and Kaitlin Sandeno for an entertaining pre-show before finals. 

8 – 10 p.m. - Finals | Family Night

• Meal Deal:  Get dinner for 50% off at the venue with our meal deal including 4 hot dogs, 4 Lays chips, and 4 fountain sodas for just $25.
• Order of Events:  M 400 IM Final, W 100 Butterfly Final, M 200 Freestyle Semi, W 100 Breaststroke Semi, M 100 Backstroke Semi, M 100 Breaststroke Final, W 200 Freestyle Semi
• What to Watch For:  June 16 offers a rematch of the 400M IM at the 2023 World Aquatics Championships. See Carson Foster and Chase Kalisz compete for a chance to represent the USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

*autograph schedule subject to change

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This Parisian Palace Hotel Has the City's Only Michelin-starred Chinese Restaurant and Incredible Eiffel Tower Views

Here's our review of the Shangri-La Paris, an iconic Parisian palace hotel with Eiffel Tower views.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

Food and Drink

Activities and amenities, family-friendly offerings.

• Sustainability and Accessibility
• How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay

Elizabeth Rhodes/Travel + Leisure

Any hotel that averages several proposals weekly must have some pretty romantic views. And with windows looking out over Parisian rooftops and the sparkling Eiffel Tower, the Shangri-La Paris certainly delivers on the French fairy-tale experience — and so much more. 

In April, I checked into the Shangri-La Paris, located in the 16th arrondissement, just a short walk from the Seine. One of the remarkable Parisian palace hotels, the building was once the residence of Prince Roland Bonaparte. And some of the prince’s regal rooms, including his former private residence-turned-suite and event spaces that transport you to Versailles, are still open to guests today.

Of course, Shangri-La has also added its Asian influence in the artwork and furnishings throughout the hotel and the food and beverage program — home to the only Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant in Paris — for a fresh take on the classic French luxury hotel. I studied abroad in Paris for about seven months in college and have visited many times since, but seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkling on the hour each night after dark — and hearing the city collectively cheer for the routine yet magical event every time — from my room was dazzling. 

And now, this summer, the hotel’s already fantastic location will be even more sought-after as the Olympic Games take place, with some of the Games' arenas just a short walk away. Seven venues will be within walking distance of the hotel, including those hosting beach volleyball, wrestling, athletics, fencing, and more. You may even glimpse the opening ceremony on the Seine from your room, a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.  

Here is our review of the Shangri-La Paris. 

Shangri-La Paris

• The Parisian palace hotel is built in the former residence of Prince Roland Bonaparte.
• It's home to the only Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant in Paris.
• Some rooms, including the stunning La Suite Shangri-La, feature jaw-dropping views of the Eiffel Tower.
• This summer, the hotel offers a prime location for Olympic Games attendees and revelers.

Elizabeth Rhodes/Travel + Leisure

One of the very best hotels in Paris , The Shangri-La Paris offers 100 rooms and suites ranging from superior rooms to La Suite Shangri-La with its expansive terrace overlooking the Eiffel Tower. I stayed in an Eiffel View Room with dreamy views of the iconic Parisian sight and the Seine from the large windows. I took dozens of photos of the postcard-worthy view during my two-night stay and even took my room service breakfast in front of the window to gaze at the Eiffel Tower while eating my pain au chocolat. The room also featured an extremely comfortable king bed, a large marble bathroom with a deep soaking tub, Guerlain toiletries, and a well-stocked minibar. I also visited La Suite Shangri-La, a stunning and luxuriously large suite with a furnished terrace overlooking the Eiffel Tower, and the historic  L'Appartement Prince Bonaparte, which certainly looks fit for a king or queen with gilded crown moldings and spacious living area decked out in royal blue and yellow gold. 

Paris’s only Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant, Shang Palace, is the crown jewel of the hotel’s culinary program. The restaurant offers Cantonese fine dining with signature dishes, including dim sum and Peking duck, and everything I tasted here was delicious. La Bauhinia is the hotel’s all-day dining establishment; I'm still dreaming about the famous profiteroles — a delightful, rich take on the classic French dessert. Inspired by Roland Bonaparte’s love for botany and travel, La Bar Botaniste features a curated menu of unique craft cocktails; my favorite was the Beskan, made of rose pisco, pistachio orgeat, and sumac syrup. Les Lounges, located near the entrance on the ground floor, offers French tea with pastries and casual dining from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. And while the restaurants were all lovely, the room service breakfast also stood out, thanks to perfectly cooked eggs, fresh buttery croissants, and one of the best fruit salads I've ever had.

Courtesy of Shangri-La Paris

Beyond the hotel’s fantastic dining outlets (don’t miss the beautiful outdoor patio at La Bauhinia overlooking the courtyard on a sunny day!), Shangri-La Paris has a spa and fitness center with a stunning swimming pool at the center. Built into the former stables of the royal residence, the plush lounger-lined pool faces a wall of windows that look out onto lush greenery for a serene atmosphere that feels removed from the busy Parisian streets nearby. The Health Club has all the cardio and strength machines you’d need to stay active while on vacation (if you so choose).

Shangri-La Paris’s French-Asian fusion takes the form of body and facial treatments at Chi, The Spa. The spa is named for “qi,” a traditional Chinese concept of “vital energy.” Treatments range from intensive Hydrafacials and microneedling to massages inspired by traditional Chinese medicine. A spa treatment is always a good idea after a long-haul flight, in my opinion, and the 45-minute Lift and Glow facial was just what I needed to combat jetlag and reduce airplane puffiness. Makeup lovers won’t want to miss the perfect souvenir: Le Rouge Français x Shangri-La Paris chic red lipstick sold at the spa. It's a universally flattering shade of red that I wore nonstop during my trip.

While this hotel is perhaps best suited for a romantic Parisian escape, families will appreciate connecting family suites that can accommodate up to six guests. There are also unique family benefits for Shangri-La Circle members, like complimentary breakfast for up to two children under 7 years old and a discount for kids ages 7 to 11. 

Sustainability and Accessibility 

The hotel has taken steps to become more sustainable, including installing two beehives on the hotel rooftop and sorting waste with Take a Waste. Large-format Guerlain products are available in the bathroom. Accessible rooms are available, and public spaces, including the lounge, restaurant, bar areas, and reception, are accessible — contact the hotel directly with your specific accessibility concerns to see how they can accommodate you. 

Shangri-La Paris is located in the 16th arrondissement, within walking distance of the Seine, Trocadero, and Eiffel Tower. There are several museums within a short walk, too, including the Palais de Tokyo, Yves Saint Laurent Museum, Galerie Dior, and more — making this a great hotel for fashion and art lovers. Want to see more of the city? We took a vintage car tour with Parisi Tour , who picked us up in vintage 2CVs from the hotel and drove us up to Montmartre for a day in Paris's quaint little village on a hill.

The closest subway station is Iéna, located on the Métro Line 9. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and Paris-Orly Airport are 45 and 30 minutes away by car, respectively. 

How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay 

The Shangri-La Paris is a luxury hotel with a price tag to match, with rates starting at $1,850 per night. To get the most out of your stay, join the Shangri-La Circle , Shangri-La’s hotel loyalty program that awards points for stays. The program has four levels (Gold, Jade, Diamond, and invite-only Polaris) corresponding to nights stayed and offering increasingly exclusive benefits. That said, even entry-level members can score significant perks, including special members-only offers, complimentary meals for children under 6, and the ability to earn and use points for future stays.

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