Trocadéro Square, officially “Place du Trocadéro-et-du-11-Novembre,” stands proudly in Paris’s 16th arrondissement, facing the Seine and offering the ultimate view of the Eiffel Tower. Established in 1869 as “Place du Roi-de-Rome,” it was renamed in 1877 to commemorate the French victory at the 1823 Battle of Trocadero.

At its center is a statue of Marshal Foch, which replaced the former “Peace Column” . The square is part of a star-shaped layout formed by avenues like Président-Wilson and Kléber, spanning 164 m across.

The iconic Palais de Chaillot, built in 1937 on the site of the original Palais du Trocadéro from the 1878 World’s Fair, showcases striking neoclassical architecture by Léon Azéma, Jacques Carlu, and Louis-Hyppolite Boileau. It currently houses the Musée de l’Homme, Musée National de la Marine, and the Cité de l’Architecture & du Patrimoine. Below the esplanade lies the Théâtre National de Chaillot.

Descending toward the Seine, the Trocadéro Gardens, redesigned in 1937, feature cascading terraces and the majestic Warsaw Fountain. This fountain boasts 56 jets soaring up to 50 m, once illuminated by over 500 lights.

The original Palais du Trocadéro, characterized by its Moorish-Byzantine flair, housed the city’s largest concert hall, complete with a pioneering Cavaillé-Coll organ. Though demolished, its legacy endures.

Today, the square buzzes with tourists, locals, and photographers drawn to its breathtaking view—especially at sunrise when crowds are minimal . It hosts vibrant public events, from New Year’s Eve gatherings and Bastille Day fireworks to open-air concerts and sporting celebrations.

A hidden gem is the “Victor tunnel,” linking the square to the Palais—a WWII resistance passage. In 1940, Adolf Hitler crossed the square, leaving a dark historical footprint . In 1997, a fire damaged parts of the Palais, destroying nearly 30% of its collections.
Ideal for families, art and architecture lovers, photographers, or casual strollers, the square offers a lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere that blends serenity with celebration. Open 24/7, it is wheelchair equipped, pet-friendly, and serviced by Wi‑Fi. Facilities include public restrooms, cafés, and dining spots.

Practical tips: Arrive 30 minutes before sunrise (6:30–8 am) to beat the crowds ; enjoy a picnic in the gardens; seek shade and occasional refreshment near the fountains on hot days ; metro access via Trocadéro (lines 6 & 9); local shops, kiosks, and restaurants nearby.