Simply walking around Paris, you’re going to have some really fabulous views of streets and buildings, pretty much around every corner. But if you’re keen to check out some sweeping vistas of the city, there are a whole bunch of spectacular lookouts.
Sure, the most famous is the Eiffel Tower, but to be honest, it doesn’t hold exclusive rights to Paris views (and you can’t see the Eiffel Tower when you’re actually on it). Besides, going up the tower isn’t for everyone, especially if you hate hectic crowds, are afraid of heights, or are on a budget (tickets are pretty expensive). Whether you go up the Eiffel Tower or not, you can soak up some seriously STUNNING views at these best viewpoints in Paris.
Sacré-Coeur
After the Eiffel Tower itself, the plaza in front of Sacré Coeur is as high as you can get in Paris, so this is an excellent place to check out a wide-angle view of the city – and for FREE. The one thing missing from this point is the Eiffel Tower. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
All you need to do is stroll along rue Azaïs (the little street to the right with your back to Sacré-Cœur) and, like magic, the Eiffel Tower starts popping into view beyond the trees and rooftops. Once you’ve finished admiring the dreamy panorama, stick around to explore the surrounding area of Montmartre. You can find its most charming streets, hidden corners, and plenty of amazing little shops along the route of Day 3 of our Paris Itinerary.
Sacré-Coeur Basilica | 18th Arrondissement
L’Arc du Triomphe
If you’re after a view with a total Parisian wow factor, hike up to the roof of this massive monument. Originally commissioned by Napoléon I, but only finished in 1836, this Roman-style archway is basically a giant tribute to France’s “glories” (mostly military ones). Getting to the top does require a ticket… and a bit of effort since most visitors have to climb up its 284 steps (if you’ve got mobility difficulties, just let the staff know and they’ll let you use the elevator).
Once you make it up there, AND catch your breath, you’ll be treated to absolutely gorgeous views and will forget all about that tough climb. The archway sits in the middle of the elegant Place de l’Etoile and features beautiful views over western Paris, the Champs-Élysées, and even a peek at the Eiffel Tower in the distance. This is one of the endpoints of Day 1 of our Paris Itinerary, so it’s quite the magical place to cap off your day.
L’Arc du Triomphe | 8th Arrondissement
Image Courtesy of Tour St-Jaques
Tour St-Jacques
If you’re after a viewpoint that’s very unique, I LOVE this medieval tower. It dates back to the early 1500s and was once the bell tower of a church that was sadly destroyed in the Revolution. It’s also super centrally located right in the heart of Paris and just a short walk from Notre-Dame and the Louvre. To visit it, you have to join a guided tour, but they’ve got ones in English in the afternoons (available only from May to November).
After you’ve trekked up to the top, you’ll have pretty close-up views of Notre-Dame, City Hall, and the Eiffel Tower on the horizon. While you’re up there, you can also check out the tower’s quirky Gothic-style sculptures. At just €12, it’s pretty budget-friendly too, and if you need more convincing, check out the video I did on the tour on our Instagram.
Tour St-Jacques | 4th Arrondissement
Image Courtesy of Panthéon via Facebook
Dome of the Panthéon
In addition to being a super grand building, this Left Bank monument has some incredible views. Originally meant to be a church, ever since the Revolution, the Panthéon has been the final resting place of important French “heroes,” from writer Victor Hugo to American-born performer and Resistance fighter Joséphine Baker.
Once you’ve paid your respects to them, it’s time for a little workout – in the form of climbing the 206 steps to the building’s dome. This is where you can take in an epic 360-degree panorama of Paris, and yes, it includes the Eiffel Tower popping up over the rooftops. The Pantheon is along the walking route of Day 2 of our Paris Itinerary, so you can easily duck in to visit it.
Panthéon | 5th Arrondissement
Image Courtesy of
Terrasse du Jeu de Paume – Tuileries Gardens
The Tuileries Gardens are probably already on your Paris list, and if they’re not, they should be, especially if you’re seeking the best viewpoints in Paris. While there are pretty views throughout these historic gardens (which are perfectly placed next to the Louvre), the to-die-for ones are at the west end near Place de la Concorde.
The ground level is nice, but I recommend taking the ramp up to in front of the Jeu de Paume (a small photography museum) and you’ll find an AMAZING lookout. From here, you get a bird’s-eye view of glamorous Place de la Concorde with its gilded fountains and Egyptian Obelisk, plus glimpses of the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Palais’s dome, and the Assemblée Nationale (France’s Parliament/House of Representatives). It’s a perfect photo stop and I show you exactly where to find it on Day 1 of our Paris Itinerary.
Terrasse du Jeu de Paume | 8th Arrondissement
Image Courtesy of
Belvedere de Belleville
If you’re craving a sunset with a cool vibe, make your way up to this plaza in the artsy Belleville area. Like Montmartre, Belleville is another hilly neighborhood, so it’s got some really nice views, and the absolute best are from this free lookout above the Parc de Belleville. It also faces southwest, which makes it the PERFECT turf for sunsets. From up here, you get a sweeping panorama of the whole city, with the Eiffel Tower casually dotting up right in the middle.
You can also enjoy the sunset vista with a drink in hand at Moncoeur Belleville, a fantastic local café that I really like which is just behind the plaza. This spot is very much a locals-in-the-know kind of place, so it’s also blissfully uncrowded and non-touristy.
Belvedere de Belleville | 20th Arrondissement
Image Courtesy of
Galeries Lafayette
I’ve included several free viewpoints on this list, and this famous department store in the central Opera District has one of the nicest. Even if you’re not into doing some shopping here, if you’re visiting other places in the area or following the walking route of Day 1 of our Paris Itinerary, it’s definitely worth popping in to have a look.
The viewing deck is on the 7th floor, but before you head straight up there, take a little detour to see the main hall’s fabulously glitzy decoration – you might like this more than the lovely views from its rooftop.
Galeries Lafayette | 9th Arrondissement
Image Courtesy of
Institut du Monde Arabe
Here’s another original, free viewpoint that most tourists don’t know about. Sitting on the edge of the Latin Quarter, this cool building (designed by star French architect Jean Nouvel) houses a cultural center promoting relationships between France and Arab countries. And on its funky rooftop is a viewing deck that anyone can go up to admire. It’s got totally enchanting views of the Seine, the back of Notre-Dame, and, if you look carefully, the Eiffel Tower is in the far left corner.
While you’re up here, you can stop in at its nice tea salon for a cup of mint tea and some North African pastries. The building also has a museum and an exhibit space that sometimes has free art shows, so you might end up spending a few hours here.
Institut du Monde Arabe | 5th Arrondissement
Image Courtesy of
Tour Montparnasse
This not-so-attractive modern skyscraper in southern Paris isn’t exactly my favorite place on this list of the best viewpoints in Paris, but it does have a couple of things going for it. The second-highest building in Paris (after the Eiffel Tower), the 59-story office building has a paid viewing deck that has a sweeping panorama of virtually the entire city, including the Eiffel Tower, which actually isn’t too far away, so it’s a pretty up-close view.
But here’s my little trick: skip the viewing deck ticket and head to its Skybar instead. You get the same views, but your money goes toward a drink rather than just an entrance ticket. Sip some champagne or a cocktail, soak up the skyline, and see why Paris is called “The City of Light”.
Tour Montparnasse | 15th Arrondissement
Image Courtesy of
Philharmonie de Paris
If you’ve reached the end of Day 4 of our Paris Itinerary, or are exploring the Parc de la Villette, you’ll spot what looks like a giant crushed tin can. Well, this is actually the Philharmonie de Paris, one of the city’s newest and most cutting-edge buildings. Another quirky design by architect Jean Nouvel, this 2,400-seat concert hall opened in 2015 and hosts top-notch concerts and music-themed exhibitions.
It’s already pretty cool to admire from the ground, but here’s the fun secret: it’s got a free viewing deck on the roof that most Parisians don’t know about. Called Le Belvédère de la Philharmonie, it has its own elevator and is open in the afternoons from March to October. Although you’re a bit further away, it has a view over the whole city. views. Just be warned… It can get very windy up there. Still, it’s an awesome spot to wrap up your stroll in northeastern Paris.
Philharmonie de Paris | 19th Arrondissement
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