The instantly recognisable quaint rooftops of Paris make a change from the glitzy skylines of other capital cities. Paris isn’t known for it’s skyscrapers or tall buildings but there are still plenty of places that will provide stunning views of the city. Whether you want a photo opportunity, some dinner with a view or a walk up one of the city’s iconic landmarks, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Like everything Paris does, even their shopping malls are classy and on the roof of Le Printemps you will have fantastic views of the city. It’s free to access and there’s a chic brasserie here if you want a bite to eat or a drink to help you take in the view. It’s not as high up as some of the other places on this list but the views of the opera and the Eiffel Tower in the distance are still impressive.
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The viewing deck of the Eiffel Tower is the second most popular public place in the world for people to propose marriage and when you get to the top you can see why. You can’t help but feel enchanted by the sweeping views of the most romantic city in the world. Book your ticket online to avoid the queues and take the elevator up to the middle and then the stairs right to the top.
As the tallest building in Paris’s city centre, the Montrapanasse Tower really has a monopoly on the view. From the roof terrace over 200 meters up, you’ll be able to see everything from the Eiffel Tower to all the city’s historic monuments. Go at night to see the Eiffel Tower twinkling in the distance or head up on a sunny day for the best views in the capital.
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So many of the bridges that cross the Seine boast breathtaking views of Paris but our personal favourite is the Bir-Hakeim Bridge. The double layered structure is impressive in itself but look East from it and you’ll have uninterrupted views of the city. The perfect place to take photos away from the crowds of some of the more obvious spots.
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For a unique viewpoint of Paris you can head to the top of one of its most iconic monuments. The terrace at L’Arc de Triomphe has a 360 view of the city and you’ll see the 12 avenues that depart from the Place de l’Étoile spreading out below. You can use the lift or brave the 284 step climb to the top. The walk makes the view even more special.
If you like your views with a side of French cuisine then Les Ombres restaurant on the roof of Musée du quai Branly will do the job. Expect to pay a premium for the food and views but with the Eiffel Tower lit up in the background it will be hard to care.
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This leafy park in the north east of Paris is one of the city’s biggest green spaces. It’s built on a series of quarries so there are parts that are impressively steep and there’s lots of changes in height which of course, provides some A+ views. The uniqueness of this park makes it our favourite place for a picnic in the summer.
If you don’t mind small spaces and can manage a 16-storey climb, then head over to Tour Saint-Jacques for a beautiful view that rarely gets crowded. (That’s probably got something to do with that 16-storey climb.) The flamboyant Gothic-style tower stands alone in the middle of a little garden of the same name and is open to the public on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
No trip to Paris is complete without getting that iconic shot of Eiffel Tower from Place du Trocadéro. If you want to avoid the crowds of tourists we recommend going early in the morning before 7am (gulp) when you might even have the place to yourself.
The Centre Pompidou houses the largest modern art museum in Europe as well as a huge public library. But if you can tear yourself away from the exhibitions, ride the elevator up to the top floor terrace for views of the city. You’ll have a birds-eye view of the trendy Marais district.
Wonder through the picturesque streets of Montmartre which were bought to life in the film Amélie, to reach the Sacré-Cœur. The view from the top of Montmartre hill is truly one of the most spectacular in the city. You can also climb the dome of the Sacré-Cœur for an even better view which will stretch up to 30km on a clear day.
A quintessential Paris experience is climbing the 422 steps of Notre-Dame and taking in the gargoyles sprawling view. At 69 meters high you’ll have westward views to the Eiffel Tower and the Sacré-Cœur. This gothic masterpiece located on the Île de la Cité is one of Paris’s pride and joys.
