10 of the Best Views in Paris and Where To Find Them

Whether it’s from the 377-foot (103-meter) 2nd-level observation deck or the 906-foot (276-meter) summit, the 360-degree view from the Eiffel Tower is almost as iconic as the external view of the Iron Lady herself. Take the glass elevator to the top of the tower, and you’ll see the Arc de Triomphe, Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre, Les Invalides, and dozens of other recognizable landmarks. With an abundance of skip-the-line, small-group, private, nighttime, and self-guided Eiffel Tower tours, reaching these great heights couldn’t be simpler ... or more adaptable to your plans.

Marking the end of the Champs-Élysée, 164 feet (50 meters) above the 12-lane Place Charles de Gaulle roundabout, the Arc de Triomphe offers you a sweeping look at Paris combined with all the history of the structure itself. Make the 284-step ascent to the top of the arch by foot, or take an elevator to the attic room, then walk to the terrace. There are several [tour options]((https://www.viator.com/Paris-attractions/Arc-de-Triomphe/d479-a573#experiences), including skip-the-line admission tickets, guided tours, and the flexibility to visit at the time of your choosing make it easy to fit this postcard-worthy view into any sightseeing schedule.

Masterworks by Kandinsky, Matisse, and Calle aren’t the only visually pleasing things to see at Centre Pompidou in Paris. This colorful modern art museum also boasts a spectacular panorama of the City of Light from its 5th floor. You can enrich the museum visit with a private or small-group guided tour; plus, with skip-the-line admission, you’ll have plenty of time afterwards to soak in the views and enjoy a leisurely drink at the museum’s terrace restaurant, Le Georges.

Home to the catacombs of Paris, Hemingway’s favorite café, and high-end retail stores, the Montparnasse neighborhood also proudly offers one of the best—and perhaps most overlooked—viewpoints in town. Here, you can enjoy sweeping city views from the Montparnasse Observation Deck, including unobstructed visibility of the Eiffel Tower. Perched on the 56th floor at 689 feet (210 meters), the observation deck is second only to the Eiffel Tower’s summit as a Parisian lookout.

Of course, you don’t have to be above sea level to soak in the sights of Paris. A leisurely Seine River cruise along the city’s river banks puts Parisian landmarks such as the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Île de la Cité front and center. With cruises running from morning to night; hop-on hop-off tickets available; and candlelit dinner, breakfast and mimosa, or wine-tasting options, it’s a sightseeing opportunity that can suit any budget, interest, or itinerary.

Resting atop Paris’ vibrant Montmartre, the Sacré-Coeur Basilica guarantees exceptional beauty from the outside, inside, and at the top. The 300-step climb to the basilica’s dome is well worth the reward of the panoramic view of the city. Before making the 272-foot (83-meter) ascent, be sure to explore the famous neighborhood and stop for a coffee at one of its charming cafés. Many group tours and private tours of Montmartre also include a guided visit inside the basilica, plus free time to climb to the top.

In addition to bragging rights to a stellar 360-degree view of Paris, La Grand Arche de La Défense also holds the title of the largest rooftop in town. Looking out 361 feet (110 meters) above the city’s bustling business district, you can traverse a 320-foot (100-meter) footbridge spanning the building. If you're short on time, skip-the-line options let you bypass any long waits and grants entry to the modern landmark whenever it suits your schedule. Plus, you’ll also gain access to any exhibits taking place at the time of your visit.

Paris' ultra-picturesque Latin Quarter is home to a blend of old-Parisian charm thanks to its architecture and literary history, and the city's youth culture as the home of the Sorbonne University (La Sorbonne). Head to the latter to take in one of the best views in the city, at the Observatory of the Sorbonne. It was originally built for the students at the Sorbonne in the early 20th century, but it's now open to the public for stargazing—and for taking in the Latin Quarter's rooftops and the Eiffel Tower in the distance.

Belleville Park may not be as famous as popular Paris green spaces such as the Luxembourg Gardens, but it has its own claim to fame: It’s the highest park in town. That means it rewards visitors with panoramic city views and comparatively few crowds. As an added bonus, the park is situated within the trendy and diverse Belleville neighborhood. Combine your sightseeing with a street-art tour and a meal at one of the neighborhood’s many Vietnamese restaurants to really make the most of the experience.

While the Eiffel Tower may be Paris’ tallest structure, there’s one viewpoint that’s higher still. If you like a thrill can see the City of Light from several thousand feet in the air on a round-trip helicopter tour to the Palace of Versailles. In addition to soaring over La Défense, Montparnasse, Place du Trocadéro, and numerous other Paris landmarks, you'll also get a bird's-eye view of King Louis XIV’s 17th-century residence, in just a couple of hours.