Paris is such a magical city that never loses its charm. However, its flat surface makes it difficult to find viewpoints to enjoy the city from a bird’s eye view. For this reason, we want to suggest a guide with the best places to have amazing views of Paris. Get on the train with Renfe-SNCF en Coopération and admire from the heights one of the most romantic capitals of the world!
1. THE EIFFEL TOWER
Views from Eiffel Tower - Wikimedia Commons
With its 324 meters, it is very likely to be one of the most typical viewpoints of the city and one of the busiest. The views from the top are amazing. First and second floors are accessible both by any of the three hydraulic lifts located in three of the four pillars of the Tower or through the
704 steps
leading straight to the top. Sporty people will get an astounding 360º panoramic view for 5€ when climbing on foot, although lifts are also available for 15€ with much less effort.
2. NOTRE DAME TOWERS
Notre Dame, built in the twelfth century, is one of the greatest French architectural gems not to be missed. From its top,
69 meters high from the ground, there is a privileged view. Its main disadvantage is having to climb the
387 steps of its spiral staircase in the south tower, but its magnificent views are worth it. Admission fee to the top costs 8.5 € for adults and reduced admission fee is 6.5 €. European under 25 may consider it as the best option as they have free admission
3. MONTPARNASSE TOWER
Views from Montparnasse Tower - Wikimedia Commons
The second highest building of Paris is placed in the 14th arrondissement and offers one of the best views of the city. The main advantage: its 59th floor, at a height of 210 meters, offers an amazing snapshot of all Paris with the Eiffel Tower. Admission fee to the top costs 14.50 € for adults and reduced admission fee is 11.50 €.
4. LOUIS VUITTON FOUNDATION
The Louis Vuitton Foundation was opened in late 2014 and is
one of the least known viewpoints by tourists. It is a building built by Frank Gehry (architect of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao) that has different terraces with views to the city. One of the main attractions, in addition to the building and the views, is that the foundation has several exhibitions of contemporary art. Admission fee costs 14 €.
5. ARC DE TRIOMPHE
Views from Arc de Triomphe - Wikimedia Commons
The construction of the Arc de Triomphe was ordered by Napoleon Bonaparte and is located in Place Charles de Gaulle, formerly named “Étoile” (star) as the confluence of the twelve major avenues of Paris. The
286 steps of its spiral staircase get you straight to the top, which offers 360º views of the city. Admission fee is 9.5 € and reduced admission fee is 6 €. Here, U.E citizens under 25 years have free access.
6. THE QUAY BRANLY MUSEUM
The last floor of the Quai Branly Museum holds the restaurant Les Ombres, offering one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are exquisitely served, although prices are not economical. However, if you have the budget or want to surprise your partner with a romantic evening, this is one of the best options.
7. BASILIQUE DU SACRÉ COEUR
Views from Basilique du Sacré Coeur
The Basilique du Sacré-Cœur is one of the most beautiful churches of the city and one of the tourist spots par excellence. A large white stairway joins the narrow streets of Montmatre and the Basilique, which offers amazing views of Paris. We suggest to go and
see the sunset there: musicians playing the violin will turn this moment into a magical instant.
8. CENTRE POMPIDOU
The terrace of the Pompidou Museum,
46 meters high from the ground, offers 360º views and it has the advantage of being located in one the most central districts of the city. There is no need to pay to get to the top, since there is a free “panorama ticket” giving access to the terrace. However, art lovers would rather pay the 12 € admission fee, which includes both a visit to the exhibition and the access to the terrace.
9. LAFAYETTE GALERIES
Views from Lafayette Galerie
Lafayette Galeries are some of the major department stores of the world and are located at Boulevard Haussman, near the Opera square. The building was declared historical monument thanks to its neo-Byzantine dome. Access to its terrace-viewpoint is free, so although we do not want to go shopping, getting to the top to see the dome and the views is really worth it.
10. The Institute of the Arab World
The Institute of the Arab World is a museum showing the Arab-Islamic history and architecture from its origins to the present day. Its building is located directly opposite the Seine and has a free access terrace offering views of the rear of Notre Dame and the buildings of the Marais district and the Quartier Latin.