Best Views of Paris
Besides where to find the best croissants and baguettes, a frequently asked question of visitors in Paris is where to go for the most beautiful views of the city. Honestly, you really can’t go wrong because Paris seen from whatever viewpoint is always amazing. But for those who like to have a game plan for where to get that best Instagram shot, here are the places that offer the most spectacular views.
Panthéon
The unobstructed 360 panoramic views places the Panthéon at the top of my list. Here I like to walk around and take in the magnificence of St. Sulpice Church, Les Invalides, les toits de Paris (Paris rooftops), La Defense in the far distance, the Place du Panthéon, and of course the Eiffel Tower. Two things to note: the panorama view is a ticketed timed entry. You can reserve tickets here. Access to the panorama involves a climb up a narrow staircase.
Address: Pl. du Panthéon, 75005
Le Jardin du Cheval Blanc
This little sanctuary on the rooftop of the Cheval Blanc hotel is a cocktail bar and restaurant offering amazing views of the Pont Neuf, the Seine, and Paris’ left bank. To access the rooftop, simply take the elevator to the 7th floor. Expect that at peak times (e.g. happy hour/ dinnertime) there may be a wait or no availability if it’s completely full.
Address: 8 Quai du Louvre, 75001
Sequoia at the Kimpton St Honoré
Just a short walk from the Opéra Garnier is Sequoia, the rooftop bar at the Kimpton St. Honoré hotel. Expect to pay a premium for cocktails. But the views and the drinks are totally worth it. This is a popular spot and so there may be a waitlist. But their system is quite efficient as they utilize a virtual waitlist, where you enter your phone number and get a text notification once a seat becomes available.
Address: 27 - 29 Bd des Capucines, 75002
Printemps Rooftop Terrace
After you’ve shopped til you dropped, or maybe having skipped the shopping experience altogether, how about an afternoon lunch at the Terrasse du 7ème Ciel (Terrace of the 7th Heaven)? To access this rooftop restaurant, you’ll want to go to the 7th floor of the main building (the women’s store). Usually there is no wait during the day.
Address: 64 Bd Haussmann, 75009
Eiffel Tower
There’s an ongoing debate on whether the mid-level or the summit offers the best views. I’m still undecided. So maybe I need to go back again just for a more in depth research study :-) Reservations made well in advance are strongly recommended. You can reserve tickets here.
Address: Champ de Mars, 5 Av. Anatole France, 75007
The Peninsula
The evening view of the Eiffel Tower from the Peninsula hotel rooftop is absolutely stunning. Just a heads-up that they've recently started requiring a 65 euro minimum purchase to access the rooftop. Seating is first come, first served (no reservations).
Address: 19 Av. Kléber, 75116
Sacre Coeur
Wandering around the village of Montmartre is enjoyable in and of itself. But to be able to see Paris from here just adds to the experience. Access is by the funicular which is the cost of a Paris métro ticket, or for those who are able to do so, climbing the stairs to the top of the hill.
Address: Basilica Sacre Coeur- 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018
Le 43 Rooftop
What I like about Le 43 is that in addition to the wide range views normally seen from other places, you also get to enjoy up close and personal perspectives of the surrounding neighborhoods of the left bank, all from a 360 degree point of view. This rooftop bar is on the 9th floor of the Holiday Inn Notre Dame hotel and is first come, first served.
Address: 4 Rue Danton, 75006
Montparnasse Tower
This Paris skyscraper is one of those not-so-appreciated city landmarks when seen from afar. But the Ciel de Paris restaurant situated at the top is a nice place to have a drink while admiring beautiful city views. In the past you were able to simply take the elevator up to the top and have a drink at the bar. Nowadays, they offer ticketed reservations either for just the view (drink option is also available as an add-on) or you can make reservations for the restaurant. You can reserve tickets here.
Address: Tour Maine Montparnasse, 56ème étage Tour Maine Montparnasse, Av. du Maine, 75015
