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If you’ve never been to Paris, what is the first thing that pops into your mind when you think of the city? The Eiffel Tower, right? You’re not the only one, and it seems that most people head straight to this iconic landmark as soon as they get to the city, and understandably so. Of course, I’m not like most people, and I had spent five days in the city doing things like exploring the Catacombs and visiting a flea market before I decided to venture to Paris’ most popular attraction. But visit I did, hand in hand with my wife, wandering down the Champ de Mars, the Tour de Eiffel rising up before us. We stopped in the park just before the maddening crowds for a picnic lunch of baguette, camembert, olives and wine, while overlooking the iconic structure.

Eiffel Tower, Paris

Eiffel Tower Vertical Panorama

Eiffel Tower, Paris

Eiffel Tower, Paris

Eiffel Tower, Paris

The next night we returned to see the Eiffel Tower all lit up to enjoy the true beauty of the tower. We arrived just after sunset and sat and snuggled on the lawn while a chilly breeze blew up the Champ de Mars. As the sky turned to different shades of blue and purple, the lights suddenly came on on the tower, unveiling its magnificence. After a while, some other lights came on, sparkling all over the tower for a short period of time in a show that I didn’t know existed, before disappearing as quickly as it had begun. By the time we left it was close to 11pm, but if it wasn’t for the cold, I probably could have stayed here all night. The City of Light impresses me again.

Eiffel Tower at night, Paris

Eiffel Tower at night, Paris

Eiffel Tower at night, Paris

Eiffel Tower at night, Paris

 Have you been to the Eiffel Tower? When is your favourite time to visit?