Considered as one of the most beautiful capitals in the world, Paris can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Whether by day or by night, the City of Light will always show its best light. However, if there’s a moment not to be missed, it is the sunset over the capital. Unmissable but also often in bizarre places, you will have a handful of possibilities for the best spots to witness magical sunsets from.
1) Seine’s Docks
Parc des Rives de Seine / Quai de l’Hôtel de Ville / Quai de Gesvres, 75004 Paris
What’s better than a nice summer night, with some friends, picnicking on the docks of the Seine? Well, simply doing it in front of a setting sun.
In fact, the Seine’s docks turn out to be an excellent spot to enjoy the pinky Parisian sky, whether from the right or left bank, or even from the Saint Louis island.
If you feel like doing it, you can even see the sunset from a “bateau-mouche” on the river (click the link to check our comparison of cruise companies).
2) The Montparnasse Tower
33 Avenue du Maine, 75015 Paris
Still on the note of going up, you can try a night at the top of the Montparnasse Tower.
The top point of Paris, this emblematic tower is THE highest spot to admire a sunset over the capital.
Moreover, it is right across from the Eiffel Tower.
You have two options: simply enjoying the view from the 59th floor’s terrace, or combining business and pleasure with a dinner or a drink from the inside of the restaurant-bar (“Le Ciel de Paris”) on the 56th floor with its panoramic view.
Tower visit ticket: 17€
Restaurant menu starting at 68€
3) Printemps’ Rooftop
64 boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris
For the smaller budgets that still want an aerial view to watch the sunset, a free alternative is the rooftop of the store “Le Printemps”.
From there, you can enjoy watching the sun go behind Montmartre, the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Palais or even the Arc de Triomphe.
The opportunity to order snacks and drinks from the devoted brasserie offers nice possibilities of spending quality time and making unforgettable memories.
Why not have a glass of champagne while admiring the Parisian sky turning orange and pink?
Hours: 9:35am – 8pm (8:45pm on Thursday)
4) Trocadéro’s Esplanade
Avenue Charles Risler, 75007 Paris
Prized by all for its direct view of the Champ de Mars and the Eiffel Tower, the Trocadero’s esplanade shows its real potential only when the night comes with the setting sun.
Its clear space gives a stunning view of the sun falling behind the Iron Lady, turning it into one of the most photogenic spots of the capital by night.
Access : Metro Trocadero
5) Bridge Alexandre III
Pont Alexandre III, 75008 Paris
It’s not really the place that comes to mind when you think of “breathtaking view”.
However, when the night comes, the bridge named after the former tsar of Russia turns into an impregnable dusk observatory.
The orange tones and the Eiffel tower’s reflection on the Seine add more magic to the place and will give chills to those there when the sun sets.
Access : Metro Châtillon-Montrouge
6) Top Floor of the Centre Pompidou
Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris
Gaining height is a good idea to better enjoy the sunset over Paris. A clear view of the city is what fits this nightly observation best, and the top floor of the Centre Pompidou meets this criterion.
To get there, you only need to have a visitor ticket for the museum, or to have booked a table for the restaurant-bar “Georges”.
The view during the day is breathtaking, so imagine how exceptional it can be for a sunset during the night…
Museum ticket: 14€/ “view of Paris” ticket: 5€
Hours: 11am – 9pm (11pm on Thursday)
Access through public transportation :
Métro: Rambuteau (line 11), Hôtel de Ville (lines 1 and 11), Châtelet (lines 1, 4, 7, 11 et 14)
RER: Châtelet Les Halles (lines A, B, D)
Bus: 29, 38, 47, 75
Parking Centre Pompidou: access by the 31st, rue Beaubourg
7) Arc de Triomphe
Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris
Only a few people know this, but it is possible to get onto the roof of the Arc de Triomphe.
You get there by climbing 284 steps; this view has to be earned! More than an unusual place, the roof of the Arc might be the most unexpected spot on this list.
Its panoramic view will give you a unique sunset experience, setting right between the Arch of La Défense and the Eiffel tower.
Hours: 10am – 10:30pm (11pm during the high season)
Price: 12€
8) Eiffel Tower
Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris
What can be more symbolic than the Eiffel tower to witness a Parisian sunset?
The capital’s emblem allows its visitors to enjoy a 360° panoramic view.
This experience can even be enriched, if you feel like it, with a dinner in one of the tower’s restaurants: “Le 58” on the 1st floor, and the “Jules Verne” on the 2nd.
Such an evening would only make your night more amazing, and your stay in Paris even more unforgettable.
Hours: 9:30am – 11pm
Price: 10€ (by stairs), 16€ (by elevators)
Restaurant prices :
Le 58 → 86€ (6pm service) / 95€ (9pm service)
Le Jules Verne → starting at 190€
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
