15 Best Views in Paris

The best views in Paris are found all over its various arrondissements. Iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe can be admired from these spots and other vantage points.

The city’s visual allure extends to modern marvels like the Centre Pompidou, as well as classic sites such as Montmartre’s Sacré-Cœur Basilica and the scenic Seine River.

What’s special about Paris is that there is no high rise in the center, so from any viewpoint, you’ll gain a real perspective of the wide boulevards, green parks, elegant architecture, and the wide curve of the river Seine.

Eiffel Tower

The best views in Paris, and perhaps the most famous, are from the majestic Eiffel Tower, which will offer you unrivaled vistas of the city’s sprawling landscape.

If you have the stamina for stairs and elevators, you can work your way up the tower’s iron lattice to the upper platform, 900 feet from the base of the tower. Make sure you stop to enjoy the views along the way.

From the heights of the tower, you can witness the elegant grandeur of Paris, along with sites like the expansive Champ de Mars, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre—one of the best museums in France.

At night, the tower becomes a dazzling display, adorned with thousands of sparkling lights.

Arc de Triomphe

At the western end of the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe, built by Napoleon in the 1800s to honor French soldiers and wartime victories, comes with amazing views from the arch’s rooftop.

From your elevated rooftop vantage point, you can marvel at the architectural splendor that Paris is famous for, including the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, and La Défense, all visible in the distance.

Naturally, you’ll be treated to a bird’s-eye view of the massive Etoile (star) traffic roundabout that swirls around the Arc de Triomphe itself.

After climbing to the top of the Arc for sweeping vistas, head to the base, where you can learn more about the Unknown Soldier—dedicated to lives lost during the World Wars—buried beneath this famous French historical site.

Montparnasse Tower

Located in the lively Montparnasse district, in the city’s 14th arrondissement (a writer’s and artists enclave, especially before WWII), Montparnasse Tower will offer you some of the best views in Paris.

On the left bank of the Seine River, this 60-floor skyscraper comes with an unequaled 360-degree look across the city, taking in favorites like the Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and of course the ever-present Eiffel Tower.

The tower’s open-air observation terrace, 689 feet from the ground, features marvelous city views. Book your ticket in advance if you’d prefer to avoid any lines.

Montparnasse Tower’s observation deck also features interactive virtual reality kiosks, providing you with cultural and historical facts about the city.

After soaking up the views, you can head down to the 56th floor for a glass of champagne while you reflect on just how beautiful Paris actually is.

Place de la Concorde

Down on earth, away from the city’s elevated towers and monuments, you can enjoy some lovely views of Paris from Place de la Concorde, the city’s largest square, just west of the Louvre and the Jardin des Tuileries.

This historic square—once used for public executions, especially during the 1700s—is located at the eastern end of the Champs-Élysées. The square is adorned with fountains and sculptures, plus the 3,000-year-old Luxor Obelisk brought to France from Egypt. You’ll have plenty to gaze upon here.

The main views from the Place de la Concorde include the Louvre Museum and the lovely Tuileries Garden, along with the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe.

Panthéon

The Panthéon, in the Latin Quarter, offers impressive city views from its dome. The structure’s colonnades, open during the warmer months (check ahead, as access is not always guaranteed) will provide you with wonderful 360-degree panoramas of Paris.

The kicker is that the Panthéon, dating back to the 18th century, doesn’t have an elevator. You’ll have to climb 206 steps to reach the top but once you hit the dome, the views truly are remarkable.

From the Panthéon’s elevated colonnades, the city opens up before you. You can take in Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, Montparnasse Tower, Montmartre, Sacré-Coeur Basilica, and much more.

While visiting the Panthéon you can also admire its impressive architecture and frescoes, then explore the subterranean crypt housing notable figures like Marie Curie, Descartes, Rousseau, Hugo, and Voltaire.

Basilica of Sacré Coeur de Montmartre

Located atop the delightful Montmartre hill, the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur will offer you some of the best views of Paris.

Situated in the 18th arrondissement, Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur offer captivating views of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame.

Explore the basilica’s Romano-Byzantine architecture, adorned with mosaics and sculptures. Head up to the dome for 360-degree views of the city, which resembles a sprawling sea of buildings laid out before you.

You can also explore Montmartre’s charming streets, full of artistic ambiance, and iconic sites like the Moulin Rouge cabaret, while you’re there. This district, once frequented by Picasso and Van Gogh, is a must, offering a blend of history, sweeping views, and a creative spirit.

Ballon de Paris Générali

Experience breathtaking Parisian views aboard the Ballon de Paris Générali, a helium-filled hot air balloon. Tethered to the ground, this “elevator” provides a natural high, offering a unique perspective of the city from above the grass below.

The grass you’ll be hovering over is located in the 15th arrondissement at Parc André Citroën, which opened in 1992 on the site of the former Citroën plant along the Seine’s left bank.

The balloon functions as an observation platform, ascending 492 feet (150 meters) above the ground. From this height, you can take in panoramic views of Paris, including landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, and the meandering Seine River.

Centre Pompidou

The Centre Pompidou, in the 4th arrondissement, is located in the vibrant Beaubourg district. This fascinating building will offer you some spectacular views of Paris.

The Centre Pompidou, home to the Musée National d’Art Modern, along with a musical research institution, is an architectural wonder that highlights the stark juxtaposition of modernity against the historic backdrop of Paris.

From the upper floors of the Centre Pompidou, you can enjoy broad vistas of the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and many other spots that have helped define the shape of the Parisian skyline over the years.

The Centre Pompidou’s glass façades open up upon an ocean of Parisian rooftops, which truly is a sight to behold.

The center’s use of red, blue, yellow, and green, combined with its intriguing “inside-out” design (the steel frame, colorful pipes, and escalator are all visible from the outside)—along with its collection of contemporary art—stand as a testament to the city’s avant-garde soul.

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Musée d’Orsay’s Clocktower

For some slightly obstructed views (you’ll have to peer around a massive clock), make your way to the Musée d’Orsay’s Clocktower, on the left bank of the Seine River.

The Musée d’Orsay, focusing primarily on Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, occupies a space that was once a railway station, known as the Gare d’Orsay.

The museum’s clock tower is located on the top floor and offers a distinctive viewpoint of Paris. Through its glass and clock dials, you can admire the Louvre, Sacré-Cœur Basilica, the Seine, plus many other sites, all elegantly framed by the clock face. It’s an ideal site for a cool-looking photo op.

Seine River

One of the delights of visiting Paris is the chance to explore different Parisian vistas located along the Seine River, whether by strolling down the river’s stone pathways in the city center or crossing over a few of the pedestrian-only bridges.

Some of the bridges of note include Pont des Arts near the Louvre; Passerelle Debilly, with great Eiffel Tower views; Léopold-Sedar Senghor (Pont de Solférino) near Musée d’Orsay; and the modern Passerelle Simone de Beauvoir close to the National Library.

Additionally, consider booking a river tour during your day in Paris for a unique perspective of the city, which will let you enjoy scenic views of well-known landmarks while you drift along the Seine, including Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and the Musée d’Orsay.

Pont Neuf

If you’re a true bridge enthusiast and an admirer of stunning views, you should definitely swing by the Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris.

This historic structure, centrally located, links Île de la Cité with the Seine’s shores and offers beautiful panoramas of the river and nearby Parisian landmarks.

From Pont Neuf, you can gaze upon the Louvre and Notre-Dame Cathedral, and even catch a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower. The bridge and its surroundings are handsomely illuminated after sunset, making Pont Neuf one of Paris’ most romantic and photogenic destinations, whether by day or night.

Belleville Hill and Park

Some of the most outstanding views of Paris can be had from Parc de Belleville, which is a green hilltop oasis with undulating terrain located in the 20th arrondissement, tucked away in a northeastern enclave of the city.

Belleville Park is a perfect spot to visit if you’d like a tranquil reprieve from the bustle of the city. This hilly park will offer you lush surroundings, plus captivating, wide-ranging vistas of the Parisian skyline.

From the top of the park, along its open-air terrace, you can gaze upon the grandeur of Parisian staples like the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

This verdant expanse also features gardens and curving pathways, making Parc de Belleville an ideal location while you’re out and about hunting for the best view in Paris.

Mont Valérien

Mont Valérien—burrowed away in the western suburb of Suresnes—comes with some dramatic WWII history; the Nazis used it as a prison and execution site during the Occupation. This site will also offer you some of the most remarkable views of central Paris to be had from a distance.

Beyond its scenic allure, this prominent hill now stands as a memorial site honoring the brave French Resistance fighters who resisted German occupation.

A visit to Mont Valérien will seamlessly combine the site’s inherent beauty with its profound historical significance, making it a bucket list destination for anyone seeking impressive views of the Parisian skyline, or who wants to learn a little more about French history.

Saint-Jacques Tower

Some of the best views of Paris are on offer at the Saint-Jacques Tower, located in the heart of the city.

This 16th-century Gothic tower, which stands as a vestige to the once-grand church that occupied the same location, will offer you an elevated vantage point from where you can admire attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Seine River.

As you ascend the Saint-Jacques Tower, you’ll be treated to stone gargoyles, along with the enduring splendor of all of that beautiful Parisian architecture, which seems to surround you at every turn.

Do keep in mind that you’ll have to hike up 300 steps to get to the top of the tower to enjoy those wonderful views. Make sure you’re in fairly good physical condition before you decide to tackle the heights of the Tour Saint-Jacque.

Parisian Rooftop Eateries

Last, but not least, you can combine your love of culinary exploration with some of the best views in Paris by having a drink or meal at a Parisian restaurant that also happens to offer its guests rooftop or terrace views of the city.

While a comprehensive list of restaurants would be quite long, a few notable standouts include L’Oiseau Blanc, positioned atop The Peninsula Paris hotel, offers striking vistas over the city and the Eiffel Tower. Kong, close to Pont Neuf, has a chic, glass-encased terrace, boasting incredible views of the rooftops of Paris. Les Ombres, meanwhile, features a lovely terrace that will provide you with an up-close view of the Eiffel Tower.

While these are just a few of the restaurants where you can dine and enjoy different views of Paris, remember that it’s a big city, which means you’ll inevitably run across more.

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