The Trocadero area, made up of the Place du Trocadero and terraced gardens, is dominated by the Palais de Chaillot. Built in 1937 for the Exposition Universelle, it’s a rather ugly building, in sober Neoclassical style. The central terrace between its two wings has been kept clear, forming a perfect frame for the Eiffel Tower [...]

1889: During the evening of the tower’s inauguration, 10,000 gas street lamps adorned the steeple and platforms. Two projectors on the tower top illuminated the other Parisian monuments below. The blue, white and red beacon lights were considered the most powerful in the world. 1900: Electricity arrives at the Eiffel Tower, as 3,200 lamps spotlight [...]