Discover the 18 best views of Paris to admire its iconic monuments. Whether you’re a photographer or a lover of breathtaking panoramas, this guide will reveal the essential spots to appreciate the beauty of the City of Light.
1) Eiffel Tower
Champ de Mars, 5, Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris
What would a visit to Paris be without a detour to its famous Iron Lady? It’s the ideal vantage point for a panoramic view of the entire capital.
If you’re not afraid of the wait or the crowds: first climb to the very top of the Eiffel Tower for a bird’s-eye view of the City of Light, then descend one floor for a closer view, in search of the city’s most iconic monuments.
Day or night, the scenery is breathtaking. If you wish, once you’ve reached the top, you can head to the champagne bar to celebrate the experience in style.
And if you’re looking for a view, don’t hesitate to stop off at the Trocadero. Just a few steps away, you’ll see the Iron Lady rise up before you in all her splendor. It’s just waiting to be riddled with your best shots!
The only drawback is that you may not be the only one trying to take her picture…
Prices: from €42 per person for unaccompanied access to the 2nd floor.
What we like: a view from the highest point in Paris and the proximity of the Trocadero to the Eiffel Tower, giving an incomparable view of the latter.
Book Your Skip-the-Line Tickets
2) Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur
35, Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris
Located at the top of the Montmartre hill, the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur is first and foremost a religious building full of history to discover. However, it’s simply impossible not to notice the sublime view it offers over the whole of Paris.
Whether you decide to climb up to the Dôme du Sacré-Coeur (note, though, it’s a 300-step climb on foot) or, for the less courageous among you, simply choose to admire the capital rising up at its foot, you’ll enjoy one of the finest panoramas in the City of Light.
Price: free access to the Basilica, with a charge to climb to the Dome (contact the Basilica for prices).
What we love: the lively atmosphere of Montmartre.
Learn more about the Sacré-Cœur basilica
3) Parc de Belleville
47, Rue des Couronnes, 75020 Paris
If you’re a fan of greenery and uncrowded open spaces, Belleville Park is the place for you if you want a panoramic view of Paris from the heights of Belleville hill, without being surrounded by people.
And all without spending a penny, as the park is free and open to all!
So don’t wait any longer; bring out your tripod and take the time you need for the perfect photo.
Price: free.
What we like: the tranquility of the area, which is still relatively unknown to tourists.
Learn more about the Belleville park (website in French)
4) Tour Montparnasse
33, Avenue du Maine, 75015 Paris
What better way to get a bird’s eye view of the capital than from Paris’s tallest skyscraper? Climb inside one of Europe’s fastest elevators (dethroned by the Panoramapunkt o Berlin), which will take you to the top of the tower in just 38 seconds, and find yourself in front of a breathtaking landscape.
In a 360° field of view, search out the capital’s various landmarks in the distance and, if you feel like it, enjoy a glass of champagne in the 360 Café to make your ascent even more unforgettable over a drink.
The view from the Montparnasse Tower is certainly one of the best in Paris, if not the best, so don’t wait any longer and come and enjoy a magical experience!
Price: €18
What we love: admiring the view with a glass of champagne in hand.
Book your ascent of the Montparnasse Tower
5) Ballon Generalli
Parc André Citroën, 75015 Paris
Are you looking for a breathtaking view of Paris while experiencing new sensations?
Don’t wait any longer and climb aboard the Parc André Citroën balloon, which will lift you up to 150 m above Paris to admire its beautiful landscapes… seen from the sky!
Here, you won’t be bothered by too many tourists spoiling the scenery as you try to make out the various monuments rising in the distance, since only a maximum of 30 people are allowed up at any one time.
Due to changing weather conditions, the balloon may not fly at certain times of the day. So take note before you go.
Prices: Full price – €20, Children (aged 3 to 11) – €15 (free for children under 3).
What we love: the unique experience of seeing Paris from a flying balloon.
Book a place on board the balloon of the Parc André Citroën (Not available on windy or rainy days)
6) Arc de Triomphe
27, Rue Vernet, 75008 Paris
Located at the top of the Avenue des Champs-Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe offers a breathtaking view of the Champs-Elysées and other monuments in the distance. If you’re not afraid to climb its 284 steps, you’ll be able to admire the most splendid scenery at the top, day and night.
And if you can, try it out during the festive season: there’s nothing better than getting up high and seeing the avenue light up beneath your feet to get you in the Christmas mood!
Price: €16
We love: the panoramic view of the Champs-Elysées.
Book your access to the rooftop of the Arc de Triomphe
7) Saint-Jacques Tower
Square de la tour Saint-Jacques, 75004 Paris
Located in the Square Saint-Jacques, this tower of the same name is all that remains of the former Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie church, which was a departure point on the route to Santiago de Compostela.
A little-known monument for tourists, climbing to the top of this tower gives you a breathtaking view of Paris, while enjoying tranquility and space that few other viewpoints can boast.
However, be sure to book the day before you go, as places to access the top of the tower are limited, and it’s open to visits only during certain periods of the year.
Price: Full price – €12, Reduced rate – €10, Access forbidden to children under 10.
What we love: peace and quiet as we contemplate Paris.
Reservation for a tour of the Saint-Jacques Tower
8) Clocktower of Orsay Museum
1, Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris
Lovers of art and beautiful landscapes, head for the Musée d’Orsay, where you can admire Paris from its terrace… where the clock is!
Here, it’s through the hands of the great clock that you can see the City of Light spread out before you, with its Louvre, its Opera, and even the Sacré-Coeur.
So give free rein to your artistic soul, and capture the moment with your cameras. Successful, original shots guaranteed.
You can also take advantage of your visit to the Musée d’Orsay to admire the various works of art housed there.
You’ll need to pay for a ticket for the whole museum.
Price: Full price – €16, The Musée d’Orsay is free for people under 18, 18-25 UE, and for everyone on the first Sunday of the month.
We love: an original view of some of Paris’s most iconic monuments.
Book your ticket and discover the Musée d’Orsay
9) Grande Arche de La Défense
1, Parvis de la Défense, 92800 Puteaux
Climb to the very top of the recently renovated Grande Arche in the La Défense district, and find
yourself facing the Arc de Triomphe and, behind it, the Champs-Elysées.
This terrace, the largest in Paris at over 1000 m², gives you a 360° view of the capital. What’s more, events will soon be scheduled to make the most of this beautiful location and combine the pleasures.
On the agenda: yoga classes, open-air cinema… all while enjoying the scenery. Perfect activities for relaxing and admiring Paris.
Price: Full rate – €15, Reduced rate – €12, Student rate – €10, Children’s rate (3 to 18 years) – €7 (free for children under 3).
What we love: outdoor activities all year round.
Prepare your ascent to the rooftop of the Grande Arche de la Défense
10) Bir-Hakeim Bridge
2, Quai de Grenelle, 75015 Paris
If you’re a movie fan, you’ve probably already heard of this bridge, as it appears in the film Inception. But that’s not all it’s famous for!
In fact, thanks to its magnificent view of the Eiffel Tower, the Bir-Hakeim Bridge attracts many newly-wed couples every year to immortalize their wedding day, or even tourists in search of the best selfie to take with the Iron Lady without being disturbed by too many people around them.
It’s the perfect place to get a great view of Paris’ most famous landmark! And what’s more, it’s free.
Price: Free.
What we love: the unique atmosphere of this well-known cinema venue.
Find out more about the Bir-Hakeim Bridge
11) Mont Valérien
Avenue du Professeur Léon Bernard, 92150 Suresnes
The Mont Valérien may be slightly outside Paris, but it’s nonetheless an ideal location for a panoramic view of the capital.
Although often perceived as a disadvantage, its remoteness can, on the contrary, be seen as an asset, since it attracts fewer tourists: it’s therefore the perfect compromise if the crowds bother you but you still want to enjoy the view our capital has to offer.
What’s more, Mont Valérien itself is a magnificent place, full of history, which you’ll want to discover on your visit during a pleasant hike after admiring Paris from afar. Enough to fill your camera with wonderful memories.
Price: Free of charge.
What we like: the possibility of walking up the hill after stopping to enjoy the views of Paris.
Find out more about Mont Valérien (website in French).
12) Le Perchoir Ménilmontant
14, Rue Crespin du Gast, 75011 Paris
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One of the first of its kind to open in Paris, inspired by New York fashion and the bars found at the top of its immense skyscrapers, the Perchoir is a rooftop bar that combines the pleasure of an evening with friends over a drink with an exceptional view of the Parisian landscape.
Its monuments, its roofs so singular… admire them while sipping a good cocktail!
Price: Cocktails from €14, Beer 33cl – €8.
What we love: a breathtaking view over the rooftops of Paris.
Learn more about the Le Perchoir bar
13) Bar on the rooftop of La Fantaisie
24 Rue Cadet, 75009 Paris, France
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The plant-filled bar perched atop La Fantaisie hotel offers a refreshing oasis in the heart of the 9th arrondissement, high above the Rue Cadet shopping district.
Overlooking an elegant garden, this elevated space invites you to pause in suspense, with brightly-hued furnishings and innovative cocktails, offering a soothing perspective on Paris, within easy reach of the Grands Boulevards and the Faubourg Montmartre.
Price: high, expect to pay around €18-20 for a signature cocktail.
What we love: the originality of the menu.
14) Khayma rooftop bar
Generator Hostel, 9-11 Pl. du Colonel Fabien, 75010 Paris, France
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The 9th floor of Generator Paris youth hostel unveils a rooftop that’s both hip and casual, bringing together all generations and styles between hanging armchairs, high chairs, and plastic stools.
Here, the electro music of the DJ Set gets people dancing, discussions liven up, and signature cocktails are enjoyed with a breathtaking view of the Sacré-Coeur.
Signature cocktails and dishes pay authentic homage to North African culture. With exceptional views and breathtaking cocktails, Khayma is a sure bet.
Nestled in the heart of the trendy 10th arrondissement, it offers unique views of the Sacré-Coeur and Montmartre.
Price: Cocktails starting from €9.
What we love: affordable prices and exceptional views.
Find out more about Khayma rooftop bar
15) Le Georges
Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris
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Located at the very top of the Centre Pompidou, the bar Le George offers a magnificent view of Paris, to be enjoyed while sipping your drink.
Your glimpse of the City of Light begins even before that: take the escalator up to the top of the Centre Pompidou, where you can see the capital gradually taking shape before you.
If you don’t fancy a drink, there’s also a terrace available with an entrance fee, so you can simply enjoy the view.
And who knows, maybe the soul of the artists whose works are on display at the Musée d’Art Moderne just below will take hold of you and inspire you to take your best photos!
Terrace access – €3.
Price: Cocktails from €12.
What we love: the escalator ride up gives you a taste of what awaits you at the top.
Find out more about the Centre Pompidou and its exhibitions
16) Mademoiselle Mouche
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Established in Paris only since 2017, the Mademoiselle Mouche bar is quickly becoming a Parisian bar staple.
Indeed, located on the terrace of Bateaux Mouches, this rooftop bar whose former name (Monsieur Mouche) certainly reminds you of Captain Hook’s second-in-command in Peter Pan and which pays homage to Alphonse Gaston Mouche gives a bird’s-eye view of the Eiffel Tower.
Come and try this new bar and sip a cocktail or a glass of rosé while admiring the Iron Lady in the distance… guaranteed pleasure!
Price: Cocktails starting from €13.
What we like: a pleasant musical background to enchant the evening.
17) TOO Tac Tac Skybar
65 Rue Bruneseau, 75013 Paris, France
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Perched on the 27th floor of the TOO Hotel, this bar offers an exceptional experience at an altitude of 120 meters, with breathtaking panoramic views of the capital. Sip divine cocktails and savor exotic dishes while enjoying live concerts and DJ sets. The outdoor terrace, ideal for fine weather, promises lively, festive evenings.
Discover a tempting gastronomic menu featuring dishes such as Burrata with cherry tomatoes, Takoyakis, and Kung fu chicken karaage.
Creative cocktails, from Sunrise Times to Too Tropical, add a refined touch to this unique sensory experience.
Price: Cocktails around €17.
What we love: themed evenings with breathtaking views.
Find out more about Too Tac Tac Skybar
18) Le Printemps Haussmann and its 5 terrasses
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A seemingly mundane clothing store, you may be surprised to learn that Printemps Haussmann hides a few scenic treasures within its walls.
Explore the 5 must-see terraces at Printemps Haussmann for a unique experience. On the 7th floor of Printemps de la Femme, Café Messika X 7ème Ciel combines elegance and chef’s cuisine with breathtaking views of Paris.
Les Terrasses du Printemps du Goût, on the 8th floor of Printemps de l’Homme, invites you to extended aperitifs with a selection of delicacies. On the 6th floor, the Terrasse JoeyStarr X Bleu Coupole offers a bistronomic experience overlooking the Sacré-Cœur.
On the first floor of l’Homme, the Terrasse du Café Paul Smith X Café Vert revisits the English breakfast. Finally, the Terrasse du Bar Perché, on the 7th floor of l’Homme, offers a privileged view of the Eiffel Tower, complimentary wines, cocktails, and board games, creating your new HQ for a playful and literary aperitif.
Price: Vary from affordable to more expensive.
What we love: the diversity of the Printemps Haussmann terraces.
Find out more about the Printemps Haussman terraces (in French)
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!
