Located in the
16th arrondissement of Paris, the Chaillot neighborhood is worth exploring. For one thing, it's near many of the city's iconic sights such as the Eiffel Tower, the Palais de Chaillot, and more. It’s also a central spot for public transport and is made for walking, making it a notable place to stay for tourists and new residents alike. All in all, Chaillot is one of the finest areas in the French capital. You can spend as much time here as you want and you won't get bored. And just like all the other neighborhoods in the city, this place has its own secrets to share too.
Aristocratic Origins
Before it became an official
district in Paris in 1860, Chaillot used to be a village exclusive to French nobles and the aristocracy. From members of the royal family and the most respected dukes to low-ranking barons who earned their way to nobility, the area housed the elites. Even to this day, since the place is filled with
luxury Parisian homes, it remains an affluent area where many in the upper class reside. Three are even still a few vestiges of that time, specifically with the many historical and cultural sites that are located here.
Rich in Cultural and Historical Sites
Speaking of historical and cultural sites, you can say that Chaillot is a treasure trove of them! In fact, many of the most iconic landmarks in Paris are located here. Not the least of which is the Arc de Triomphe. Regarded as one of the symbols of French nationalism in the capital city, the arc stands at the northwestern tip of the area. There's also the famous Palais de Chaillot, most famous for its esplanade, Place du Trocadéro. It's from here that you can get the best view of the
Eiffel Tower. Not even the
luxury apartments nearby can rival such a sight!
The Famous Palais de Chaillot
Though the Palais de Chaillot is most famous for its scenic esplanade, there's more to explore here than you probably realize. Firstly, it has such a rich history. Among many things, this was the site where Adolf Hitler was photographed during his tour of Paris back in 1940. The image went on to become one of the most iconic from the Second World War. Currently, the palace houses many museums. There's the Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine (architecture and monumental sculpture), Musée national de la Marine (naval museum), Musée de l'Homme (prehistory and anthropology), and Musée National des Monuments Français (collection of plaster casts of French monuments.
Don't Miss Jardins du Trocadéro
While there are many parks in Paris, there's no doubt that Jardins du Trocadéro is among the most famous. This is the open space that leads to the Eiffel Tower, after all. While it's not exactly right beside the iconic monument like Champ de Mars, it is the most scenic area near the tower. From its grand fountains to manicured gardens, this park gives a sense of royalty and majesty to the tower—as if it's the grand hall that leads up to the Eiffel Tower's throne. You can also expect many
photographers in Paris to use this park for their location shoots.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Zairon
Made for Walking
As for the Chaillot neighborhood itself, it's worth noting that it's an area made for walking. Full of narrow streets and upward roads, there are tons of areas that you can only explore on foot. Thus, this makes Chaillot a tourist hotspot. Backpackers who prefer to stroll through the city, especially the areas near the Eiffel Tower, will have a lot of walking space here. They may even discover all sorts of hidden gems along the way! Just remember to wear comfortable shoes when visiting this part of the French capital. There's no doubt that you'll be walking a lot here!
Central Public Transport Spot
Nevertheless, at least there's still
public transport here too! The Charles-de-Gaulle-Etoile station is located here, which is a pretty central spot for many transportation systems. Various routes in the Paris metro stop here, as do many bus lines as well. If
moved to Paris and chose Chaillot as your new home, you'll have no trouble getting around from here. And if you're just a tourist, you'll get to the other areas in the French capital with little to no problem at all. Not bad, right?
Haussmann Homes
As far as architecture is concerned the Haussmann style reigns supreme in Chaillot. Though you can say that most of the city has embraced this aesthetic, it's most evident in this area. Whether they're commercial districts or residential homes, most of the structures here are Haussmann buildings. This also further proves that the neighborhood has remained affluent since the advent of the Haussman architectural design. You can expect that many of these grand buildings house luxury apartments, elegant penthouses, and even full-blown residential mansions.
Since it's surrounded by more popular areas and neighborhoods in Paris, Chaillot is easily overlooked. But it's high time this district gets more recognition because it truly is one of the finest and most magical parts of the French capital!
