Girafe Paris
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About
Located inside the Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine, Girafe is famous for having one of the most spectacular terrace views of the Eiffel Tower in existence. The 1930s-inspired interior is elegant and cream-toned, designed by Joseph Dirand. The menu focuses on high-end seafood, from raw crudos to grilled whole fish. The atmosphere is ultra-chic, glamorous, and heavily populated by the international fashion crowd. Expert recommendation: The seafood platter and the lobster pasta are the standout dishes. Pro tip: A terrace table is the most coveted spot in Paris; you must book precisely when the reservation window opens (usually 15 days in advance). Specify 'terrace' in your notes, although seating is always subject to weather and availability.
Highlights
- Breathtaking Eiffel Tower terrace views
- Upscale seafood specialties
- Elegant 1930s decor
- Prime Trocadéro location
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
Palais de Chaillot (Trocadéro)
Built for the 1937 International Exhibition, the Palais de Chaillot consists of two curved wings housing several museums, separated by the Esplanade du Trocadéro. This esplanade provides the single most famous and unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower and the Fountain of Warsaw. The architecture is a prime example of monumental Art Deco style, featuring heroic sculptures and gilded bronze figures. The atmosphere is vibrant, often filled with street performers and tourists. Expert recommendation: Visit at sunrise to capture the Eiffel Tower without the crowds and with the perfect 'golden hour' glow. Pro tip: Walk down through the Trocadéro Gardens toward the Seine for a closer perspective of the fountains when they are fully operational during the summer.
Eiffel Tower
Gustave Eiffel's iron lattice tower constructed for the 1889 World's Fair was initially derided by Parisian intellectuals as a blot on the city's skyline, yet has become the world's most visited paid monument and the defining symbol of France, receiving nearly seven million visitors annually to its three platforms at 57, 116, and 276 meters above the Champ de Mars. The view from the summit platform across the entire Paris basin—the Sacré-Cœur on Montmartre, Notre-Dame's islands, the La Défense business district, and the looping Seine River—rewards the long queues and considerable climb, though the view of the tower itself from below, particularly during the nightly sparkle light show at the top of each hour, may be even more memorable. The Jules Verne restaurant on the second floor provides a Michelin-starred meal with the most extraordinary setting in all of French gastronomy.
Le Jules Verne
Suspended on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower at 125 meters above Paris with sweeping views of the illuminated city through floor-to-ceiling windows, this Alain Ducasse restaurant offers three-Michelin-star French haute cuisine in the most theatrical location in the world, with prix-fixe menus of extraordinary refinement featuring seasonal ingredients from the finest French producers prepared with the technical mastery of a team trained in Ducasse's global empire. The arrival by private elevator on the south pillar, the table settings incorporating miniature Eiffel Tower elements, and the moment when the Tower's lights switch on during the dinner service create a dining experience of unparalleled romance and occasion. Reservations must be made two months in advance and are among the most coveted in French gastronomy.
Palais de Tokyo
Occupying a wing of a monumental building from the 1937 International Exhibition, the Palais de Tokyo is Europe's largest center for contemporary creation. Unlike traditional museums, it features raw, industrial-style interiors with exposed concrete and peeling paint, providing a 'work-in-progress' vibe. It has no permanent collection, focusing instead on radical and immersive temporary installations. The atmosphere is edgy, experimental, and frequently provocative. Expert recommendation: Visit the 'Tokyo Art Club' or the bookstore, which is one of the best for art and design in the city. Pro tip: It is famously open until midnight, making it the perfect late-night destination for art lovers who want to avoid the daytime heat and crowds.
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