The Best Views in Paris

There’s no better way to get the lay of the land when visiting a new city than by seeing it from above. With three weeks in Paris this May, we had plenty of time to hit up the must-see landmarks and were able to stake out some of the best views of the city. Below are my picks for the best views in Paris; I’ve tried to select a variety, including some unexpected and more off-the-beaten-path locations.

Before we get started, you may notice the Eiffel Tower didn’t make the list. While this is by far the tallest structure in Paris, it has one major downside: you can’t see the Eiffel Tower when you’re on the Eiffel Tower. I’m also confident that anyone planning a trip to Paris will have this famous landmark on their itinerary regardless, so you likely don’t need me to tell you it’s worth a visit!

---

1. Arc de Triomphe

My pick for Best View of Paris is from the monumental triumphal arch called the Arc de Triomphe. At only 50 meters tall, the Arc de Triomphe is certainly not the tallest structure (which also means there aren’t as many stairs to climb), but it’s position in the western part of the city allows for excellent views of both the Eiffel Tower and Montmartre.

The Arc is located at the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle and is the center point about which a number Paris’s major boulevards pivot, including the famous Champs-Élysées. The location not only lends itself to an excellent panoramic view of the city, but it also gives visitors a good understanding of the axial arrangement of the city plan of Paris and the relationship between each of the major landmarks.

The majority of tall structures with viewing platforms in Paris are fully enclosed by fencing in order to keep objects (and people) safely inside. The downside to this of course is that the view is somewhat obstructed, making it difficult to get the perfect shot. The Arc de Triomphe has a unique guard rail design that feels more open and gives visitors a clear panoramic view.

---

2. The Sacre Coeur in Montmartre

The Sacre Coeur Basilica itself is only 80 meters tall, but it happens to be sitting at the top of Montmartre Hill, which adds another 130 meters of elevation and makes it taller than the Eiffel Tower. To get to the Basilica, you’ll have to climb over 300 steps or take the Montmartre Funicular to the top using a single-ride metro ticket.

Locals and tourists alike flock to the stairs in front of the Basilica for the view, both day and night. You can’t see the Eiffel Tower from the steps, but the view is worth the climb nevertheless. Bring along a bottle of wine or buy a $2 Heineken from one of the street vendors and then sit back and soak it all in.

The Sacre Coeur Basilica is also a must-see sight and unlike almost every other landmark in Paris, it’s actually free to the public and requires no reservation. For 6€, you can also climb the 300 steps to the top of the basilica’s dome for an even better view of the city.

After visiting the Basilica, take some time to wander around the Montmartre neighborhood, which was once home to many famous artists including Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh. Check out the touristy square of Place du Tertre to see the many caricature artists at work before meandering back down the hill. There are many more views of the city (and of the Eiffel Tower) to be found wandering the narrow streets of Montmartre so take your time!

---

3. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is located in the north-east part of the city in the 19th arrondissement and is easily accessible by the metro with nearby stop on the 7B (Buttes-Chaumont and Botzaris stops) and 5 (Laumiere stop) lines. On a sunny day, the green sloping lawns are dotted with groups of picnicking locals, as they were on the day we visited.

There is a surprising gain in elevation within the park, which makes for some nice views of the city, especially Montmartre and Sacre Coeur. The park was constructed on the site of a quarry and has two notable bridges, one of which is a 63-meter long suspension bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel in 1867.

The best view can be found at the Temple de la Sibylle, which is perched cliff-side at the highest point in the park. There are also a number of grassy lawns that have wonderful views of the park with the skyline peaking above the trees; the slope of the hillside is the perfect place for lying around and soaking up the sun.

Aside from the views at the higher elevations, you’ll also find waterfalls, streams, caves and a lake in this 61-acre park. The lower portion of the park has a number of rides and attractions for children as well as concession stands (where I acquired the pictured ice cream cone). There are also three restaurants in the park: Pavillon du Lac, Pavillon Puebla, and Rosa Bonheur. There is plenty to keep you occupied here for the better part of a day if you have the time.

---

4. Galeries Lafayette & Printemps Department Store

Both the Galeries Lafayette and Printemps department stores have great (and free!) views of Paris from their rooftop terraces.

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann has a unique view of the nearby Garnier Opera House as well as an unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower from La Terrasse on the 7th floor. The view from this roof terrace is different from others on this list since you’re just skimming the rooftops of the neighboring buildings. There’s a restaurant called La Paillote and bar serving drinks and small plates called Cube Bar. While technically free to visit and not explicitly patrons-only, there is an expectation that you’ll purchase something before occupying the terrace.

The Printemps, on the other hand, feels more casual and accessible to the public. There’s a small self-serve cafe called Deli-Cieux, in case you’d like to sip an espresso or snack on a croissant while taking in the 360° view. Printemps is just a bit higher with its viewing platform on the 9th floor of the Beauty-Home Store and has views of the Eiffel Tower, Garnier Opera House, Montmartre and Sacre Coeur, and (as a bonus) a nice view of its own ornate gold weather vane.

The other thing these two locations have in common are their beautiful Art Deco interiors and grand stained glass domed ceilings. Sure, this has nothing to do with the view, but it’s just another reason to add the stores to your itinerary (even if shopping isn’t your thing). Better yet, Galeries Lafayette and Printemps are also next door neighbors, so there’s no need to choose between the two!

---

Bonus: Hôtel Particulier

A couple of our friends told us to check out Hôtel Particulier for their fancy cocktails, stylish ambiance, and unbelievable views. Unfortunately, the roof terrace was closed when we visited, but we were still able to enjoy a cocktail in their lovely garden, which was just as fancy and stylish as described. The Hotel is on a small side street in the Montmartre neighborhood and a little hard to find, but from what we’ve heard the view makes it more than worth the effort!