After the group dispersed, I was left at the top of the Champs Elysees and not too far from a place I have wanted to visit for nearly 25 years. The Champs Elysees is the Rodeo Drive of Paris. High end fashion houses and fancy boutiques fill the famed, tree-lined avenue. I walked right by the likes of Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Tiffany and Co, in search of Pont de l’Alma. In the early hours of August 31, 1997, Princess Diana suffered a fatal car crash while in that tunnel. Outside the entrance, sits the unofficial memorial to Diana at the Flame of Liberty. A small group of people stood, paying their respects as I approached. When it was my turn, I couldn’t help but tear up thinking about her life tragically cut short, immediately remembering where I was when the news broke. Elton John’s “Candle in the Wind” playing on repeat in my mind as I said my goodbye. “Now you belong in heaven, and the stars spell out your name… Your candle’s burned out long before your legend ever will.”

I walked toward the Seine and made my way closer to the Tower, as if magnets were drawing me in. I just couldn’t get enough!

After a quick lunch (croque monsieur of course) I was off to find the Pont de Bir-Hakeim. Made famous by the Leonardo DiCaprio Blockbuster, “Inception,” I knew I had to see this scene. Super cool to see in person.

**Fun fact: The metro line (6) that runs atop the bridge connects the 15th and 16th arrondissements and offers a terrific view of the Eiffel Tower between the Passy and Bir-Hakeim. For a cool view, sit along the right side of the train, facing the rear if you are heading toward Charles de Gaulle Etoile (the metro stop for the Arc de Triomphe) and if you are heading toward Nation sit on the left side facing the front.

I made one last stop at one of the best places to take pictures of the Eiffel Tower: Rue de l’Universite. This cobblestoned street offers a great view of the tower. Be warned though, it gets really crowded during the day so its best to stop by in the early morning hours when there are little to no crowds.

After a busy day sightseeing, I made my way back to the hotel to rest up before my sparkly Eiffel Tower evening.

Tips, Links, and Locations

Inception Bridge Pont de Bir-Hakeim Quai Branly – Avenue de New York – 75015 Paris

Princess Diana Memorial Flame of Liberty Pl. de l’Alma, 75008 Paris, France

Great view of the Eiffel Tower Rue de l’Universite at the crossroads of Avenue de la Bourdonnais.