Best Paris Viewpoints

Paris is a city designed to be seen from above. While the Eiffel Tower is the most famous landmark, many of the most breathtaking views are the ones where the “Iron Lady” is actually in the frame.

Whether you are seeking a free sunset spot, a high-altitude observation deck, or a chic rooftop bar, here is the definitive guide to the best viewpoints in Paris for 2025.

The Iconic Paid Viewpoints

If you want a dedicated, high-altitude experience, these three sites are the heavy hitters. Each offers a completely different perspective on the city’s geometry.

1. Arc de Triomphe (The Urban Photographer’s Choice)

Standing at the center of a 12-way intersection, the rooftop of the Arc offers a unique “star” view of the city’s radial avenues.

The View: You are at the perfect height (50m) to see the detail of the Haussmann buildings and a direct, head-on view of the Eiffel Tower.
Pro Tip: Time your climb for 30 minutes before sunset. Watching the traffic swirl around the base as the Eiffel Tower begins its hourly sparkle is a quintessential Parisian moment.

2. Montparnasse Tower (The Unrivaled Panorama)

Locals often joke that the view from Montparnasse is the best because it’s the only place where you can’t see the building itself. As the city’s only central skyscraper, it offers an unobstructed 360-degree vista.

The View: This is widely considered the best view of the Eiffel Tower because you are looking at it directly across the city skyline.
Details: You can visit the 56th-floor indoor deck or the 59th-floor open-air terrace. Unlike the Eiffel Tower, the lines here are generally much shorter.

3. The Eiffel Tower Summit (The Highest High)

The ultimate bucket-list view. While you lose the Tower in your photos, you gain a “bird’s eye” perspective that makes the rest of Paris look like an intricate architectural model.

Pro Tip: If the summit is sold out, the second floor (115m) is actually preferred by many photographers. It’s high enough for a panorama but low enough to still distinguish the landmarks like the Louvre and Notre-Dame.

The Best Free Rooftops

You don’t have to spend a single Euro to see Paris from above. Some of the city’s grandest department stores double as incredible observation decks.

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann: Head to the 7th floor of the main building. The terrace is free to enter and offers a stunning, close-up view of the Opéra Garnier in the foreground with the Eiffel Tower in the distance.
Printemps Haussmann (7ème Ciel): Located right next door to Galeries Lafayette, this rooftop is often slightly less crowded. It offers a slightly different angle that is particularly beautiful for sunset over the rooftops.

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Institut du Monde Arabe: For a view that centers on the Seine and the Notre-Dame Cathedral, head to the 9th-floor terrace of this museum. Access to the rooftop is free, even if you aren’t visiting the exhibitions.

The Natural Vantage Points

Paris isn’t just flat Haussmann boulevards; its hills provide some of the most romantic natural viewpoints.

The Dome of Sacré-Cœur: While the steps in front of the Basilica are a popular free spot, paying a small fee to climb the Dome puts you at the second-highest point in Paris. The 360-degree view from the top of the hill is unbeatable.
Parc de Belleville: Located in the 20th arrondissement, this is where the locals go. It offers a panoramic “long-shot” of the city that captures the vastness of Paris without the tourist crush.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: For a dramatic, cliffside view, visit the Temple de la Sibylle, perched on a rocky island in the middle of this 19th-century park.

Viewpoints with a Vibe: Rooftop Bars & Dining

For 2025, several rooftop venues have become the “place to be” for a cocktail with a vista.

Venue	Neighborhood	What You See
Les Ombres	7th Arr.	Located on the roof of the Musée du Quai Branly; the Eiffel Tower looms so large it feels like a dining guest.
Terrass” Hotel	Montmartre	A chic rooftop bar offering sweeping views of the entire southern half of Paris.
Sequoia	9th Arr.	A lush, garden-style rooftop atop the Kimpton St Honoré with a panoramic 360-degree view.
TOO Tac Tac Skybar	13th Arr.	One of the highest rooftop bars in Paris, located in the “Duo Towers” for a modern, high-rise experience.

Pro Strategy for Viewpoint Junkies

Book the “Magic Hour”: For any paid viewpoint, check the sunset time and book your slot for one hour prior.
The Sparkle Rule: The Eiffel Tower sparkles on the hour, every hour, starting at sunset. Ensure you are at your chosen viewpoint at a time like 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM to catch the show.
Watch the Weather: Paris is beautiful in the rain, but cloud cover can completely obscure the view from the Eiffel Tower summit or Montparnasse. Save your climbs for clear days.