The 7 best Paris views

First Paris view: Palais de Chaillot

The view of the Eiffel Tower from Palais de Chaillot is the most touristic view of Paris. Locate this viewpoint on the map.

In a city almost free from skyscrapers, face the incredibly tall and transparent Eiffel Tower in the background with the gardens and fountains of Palais de Chaillot in the foreground. Most city visitors take pictures of themselves with this background view. Sightseeing tour coaches stop at Palais de Chaillot to allow all visitors to see this viewpoint.

Second view: Centre Pompidou

Another great view of the city from the fifth floor of Centre Pompidou, the daring Museum of Modern Art. You have to buy entrance tickets to the museum. Go to the open air terrace where you will see close by Ile de la Cité, Notre-Dame and most of the central and historic districts.

You enjoy a good view in the background of the Panthéon at the top of Sainte-Geneviève hill, Montmartre, the highest hill of the city, Sacré-Coeur, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.

Third Paris view: Eiffel Tower

At 327 meters, the Eiffel Tower is the tallest monument and highest point in the city. By clear weather, at dawn or dusk, the view from the third floor extends over 50 kilometers.

The views you get by walking up the stairs and gradually elevating yourself above the buildings and the Seine River near by are spectacular. This feasible walk is a thrilling experience and a photographer's paradise. See pictures.

Eiffel Tower information

Fourth Paris view: Notre-Dame

The twin towers of Notre-Dame culminate at 69 meters. Once you have walked up 387 steps to the top (you should be fit), you enjoy a lovely Paris view (closed until 2024).

The Ile de La Cité, the banks of the Seine river, Le Marais district and the left bank are all close by. This is the view of the city we do prefer as you see the oldest sights close by at human scale. You also get spectacular views over the roof and towers of Notre-Dame itself. More Notre-Dame facts.

Fifth Paris view: Arc de Triomphe

The view of Paris from the top of Arc de Triomphe is famous as it provides the best view of the Champs-Elysées Avenue to the east and La Défense business district to the west.

Look towards the Champs-Elysées Avenue and the Louvre Museum 5km east on a straight line. Look towards La Défense 5 km west. Look towards the imposing Eiffel Tower at a distance. The view from the top of Arc de Triomphe is altogether one of the best 360° panoramic views of the city.

Sixth Paris view: Sacré-Coeur

You get a very wide view of the city from Sacré-Coeur at the top of 130 meters high Montmartre hill. This view may not be very clear and Paris may look grey. This view is nevertheless one of the attractions of Montmartre. At many other places in Montmartre, you will get interesting views of the City of Lights.

Elevate yourselves another 85 meters. Walk up 300 steps to the top of the dome of Sacré-Coeur and you wil enjoy an even better view of the city (ticket price: 6 euros). Sacré-Coeur.

Tour Saint-Jacques

The view from the platform at the top of Tour Saint-Jacques, close to Notre-Dame, is both lesser known and accessible. Open from April to October, it is only accessible through guided visits in French by Des Mots et Des Arts. There are 300 steps to climb to the platform. It is worth it. The platform is small and the wiew 360° over the Seine River, Notre-Dame and most of the central and historic districts. You enjoy a good view in the background of the Panthéon at the top of Sainte-Geneviève hill, Montmartre, the highest hill of the city, Sacré-Coeur, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.