Watching the sunrise over the Eiffel Tower is a truly magical experience in Paris. Although many travel guides suggest Trocadero Square as the best sunrise spot in Paris, we found that not only is Trocadero more crowded, but part of the sunrise can be obstructed by trees depending on the time of year. We found an amazing free viewing spot with very few tourists.
The Pont de Bir Hakeim is a beautiful bridge across the Seine River in Paris that offers a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower. There is a landing on the bridge that has a direct line of sight to the sunrise over the Eiffel Tower, while also overlooking the Seine.
HOW TO GET TO THE BEST SUNRISE SPOT IN PARIS
Walk: Depending on where in the city you are staying and how early you want to wake up, you can walk to the Pont de Bir Hakeim bridge.
Bike: Paris is a very bike friendly city with dedicated bike lines on almost every street. You can rent a city bike or use an app like Lime to find e-bikes to zip around the city.
Metro: Take the RER line to Champ de Mars Eiffel Tower station, and walk 5 minutes to Pont de Bir Hakeim. Alternatively, take line 6 to Passy station, and walk 5 minutes to the bridge.
IMPORTANT TIPS
Check the sunrise time: This changes throughout the year, and is quite early in the summer. Determine the exact time of the sunrise on the day you plan to visit. This information can be easily found through various online sources or smartphone apps.
Arrive early: Aim to arrive at the Pont de Bir Hakeim well before the scheduled sunrise time. This will allow you to secure a good viewing spot and witness the gradual lightening of the sky as the sun rises.
Choose your vantage point: The Pont de Bir Hakeim has two levels—one for pedestrians and another for vehicles. The pedestrian level, with its iconic metal structure, offers an unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower. Find a spot along the bridge where you can comfortably view the sunrise and capture beautiful photographs.
Be prepared: Even in the summer, Paris can be chilly in the morning! Dress appropriately for the weather and bring any necessary equipment such as a camera, tripod, and extra batteries.
It’s a truly magical experience to get to experience the best sunrise spot in Paris, overlooking the Seine River and the iconic Eiffel Tower!