Unexpected Paris: Fayetteville’s Mini Eiffel Moment
Fayetteville, N.C.
Right in the middle of a Fayetteville shopping plaza, tucked between a medical center and the hum of everyday errands, stands a white-painted Eiffel Tower replica that absolutely no one expects—and that’s exactly why it’s brilliant.
Located at 1712 Owen Drive, the tower anchors the Bordeaux Center, a humble strip mall with a whole lot of surprise. It’s not flashy. It’s not grand. But it’s got a kind of suburban swagger. A mini Eiffel Tower, right there beside a faded parking lot and a seasonal tax prep sign.
But here’s the thing—it made me stop. I mean, how often do you round a corner and suddenly see France staring back at you?
About the Tower
This quirky structure is known as the Bordeaux Center Tower, though no one’s exactly tracking its history or origin story. My best guess? Someone, sometime, decided Fayetteville deserved a little Parisian flair—and honestly, they were right.
The latticework mimics the original Eiffel’s charm, with crossbars and legs flaring out into a petite footprint. You won’t find plaques or gift shops or glittering lights here—just a fun, local landmark that makes for one heck of a photo op.
That day wasn’t just about Fayetteville—it was the roadside jackpot. We’d already seen the Blues Brothers doing time in Stedman, stared down a cat piloting a tractor in St Pauls, and nearly got mauled by a tiny hitchhiking kitten somewhere between a rainy boat launch and Jacksonville. By the time we reached the World’s Largest Frying Pan, we weren’t sure if the universe was testing us… or just showing off. Either way, that Eiffel Tower in the Carolinas? Perfect punctuation.
Why We Love It
It’s offbeat. Roadside gems like this are why we do what we do.
It’s free. Zero dollars. Just park, point, and post.
It’s unexpectedly elegant—and honestly, this little tower has never looked better against North Carolina skies.
🗺️ If You Go
🕒 You can visit anytime—just know you’re in a fully functional parking lot. Look both ways before you Eiffel.
We came for a tower, but left with a whole day’s worth of stories—and a reminder that sometimes, the best detours are the ones you never planned.