I talk about it regularly on the site, but I’ve been a Parisian for several years now. While other parts of France and destinations around the world certainly attract me on every vacation, I really enjoy visiting my own city. And here, as elsewhere, what I love most are… the views! I love getting up high and feeling like a bird (that’s why I now travel with a drone), scanning the horizon and trying to recognize the monuments. In Paris, I had the opportunity to discover a few of them. Here is my selection with well-known spots, and others more confidential!
The most famous: the Eiffel Tower
It’s impossible to begin this selection without mentioning the Eiffel Tower, Paris’s iconic monument and one of the best vantage points from which to admire the capital. Even after several years of exploring the city, I still feel the same excitement climbing its floors, as if it were the first time. Gaining height from the Iron Lady offers an absolutely breathtaking spectacle: the Seine winds between the Haussmannian rooftops, the Trocadéro unfolds its gardens below, and on a clear day, you can see as far as La Défense on one side, and the Sacré-Cœur perched on Montmartre on the other.
What makes this view unique is the feeling of being in the heart of Paris, literally surrounded by its most famous monuments. Accessible by elevator or, for the more adventurous, by the stairs, the top floor reaches 280 meters. Up there, an orientation table allows you to locate major sites and better understand Parisian geography. At the end of the day, when the sun sets behind the Arc de Triomphe, the golden hues that bathe the city offer an unforgettable moment — ideal for capturing sublime shots!
💡Tip: To avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning or in the evening. And don’t forget to book your tickets online to save time!
The tallest: the Montparnasse Tower
You can say what you like about the Montparnasse Tower, this 210-meter skyscraper often criticized for its stark architecture and its contrast with Parisian aesthetics… but one thing is certain: the view from its summit is one of the most breathtaking in Paris. And as Parisians humorously say, « it’s the most beautiful view of the city, because it’s the only one where you can’t see the Montparnasse Tower! »
From the Panoramic Observatory located on the 56th floor, and then from the open-air terrace on the 59th floor, you can enjoy a spectacular 360° panorama. It’s here that the harmony of Paris is truly appreciated: the Eiffel Tower stands out majestically against the horizon, Les Invalides, the Louvre, the Seine, and the Grands Boulevards are revealed as if on a giant model. Day or night, it’s a dream spot for photographers and lovers of the City of Lights. A visit I haven’t had the chance to make yet, but it’s definitely on my list!
💡Tip: Come at sunset to capture the Eiffel Tower gradually lighting up. Access is quick thanks to Europe’s fastest elevator (38 seconds to the 56th floor). There’s also a combined day/night ticket to enjoy the panorama at different times of the day.
The most beautiful (in my opinion): the Saint-Jacques tower
Nestled in the heart of Paris’s bustling Châtelet district, the Tour Saint-Jacques is one of the capital’s best-kept secrets for admiring an exceptional panorama. This Gothic tower, a solitary remnant of an ancient church destroyed during the Revolution, rises 54 meters high and offers a breathtaking view of the rooftops of Paris. What I love about it is the feeling of being suspended between past and present: the tower is a vestige of medieval Paris, while on the horizon rise iconic monuments like Notre-Dame, the Centre Pompidou, the Sainte-Chapelle, and further afield, the Eiffel Tower and Montmartre. The spiral staircase (about 300 steps) immerses us in history, and arriving at the top, often in a small group thanks to limited guided tours, creates an almost intimate moment with the city. Less crowded than the Eiffel Tower or Montparnasse, the Tour Saint-Jacques captivates with its centrality and authenticity. For me, it’s one of the rare places where you can experience the Paris of centuries past while enjoying a modern, unobstructed view.
💡Practical tip: The tower is only open to the public for a few months a year (usually from late spring to mid-autumn), and only by guided tour. So remember to book your tickets in advance if you want to enjoy this rare and confidential spot!
The most inaccessible: the Sorbonne observatory
Few Parisians themselves know about the Sorbonne Observatory, and that’s what makes this view absolutely unique. Perched discreetly atop the iconic university building, this astronomical observatory, built in the 19th century, offers a rare perspective on the Latin Quarter and far beyond.
What I felt upon accessing this private viewpoint was a true moment in time. Through the small windows of the dome, one discovers a sublime panorama of the rooftops of the 5th arrondissement, the Luxembourg Gardens, the neighboring Panthéon, and, in the distance, the familiar silhouettes of Notre-Dame, Montmartre, and even the Eiffel Tower. Far from the crowds, one truly feels privileged, perched above a studious Paris steeped in history.
The observatory, still occasionally used for astronomical observations, is unfortunately not regularly open to the public. Tours are provided by the SAF, the French Astronomical Society, and offer a few tours per month.
💡 Practical tip: Keep an eye on the SAF website; slots are posted online a few times a year and fill up extremely quickly! Note that these tours are dedicated to astronomy, not the view of Paris.
The most triumphant: the Arc de Triomphe
If there’s one vantage point that offers a spectacular insight into Paris’s urban layout, it’s the Arc de Triomphe. Perched atop this majestic monument, located in the center of Place Charles-de-Gaulle, you can enjoy an absolutely breathtaking 360° view.
What I love about this place is the feeling of being literally at the center of Paris’s radiance: twelve avenues stretch out like the branches of a star, including the famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées, which runs toward Concorde and the Louvre on one side, while the Avenue de la Grande Armée leads to La Défense on the other. From above, you can fully grasp Haussmann’s urban planning vision. And of course, the Eiffel Tower, the Sacré-Cœur, the Montparnasse Tower, and even the towers of La Défense are all within view.
Climbing the 284 steps of the spiral staircase (or using the partial elevator) also allows you to discover the interior of the monument, with its small museum dedicated to the history of the Arc de Triomphe and the Unknown Soldier. At the top, the panoramic terrace is spacious enough to take the time to scan the horizon, capture magnificent photos, and feel the breath of history.
💡Tip: Visit at the end of the day to admire the sunset over the city and see the lights come on along the Champs-Élysées. The night view, with the Eiffel Tower sparkling, is simply magical. Admission is free for EU citizens under 26, and the ticket is included in the Paris Museum Pass.
The most « grateful homeland to great men »: the Pantheon
Proudly dominating the Latin Quarter, the Panthéon is not only an architectural masterpiece and a place of national memory—it’s also one of the most impressive and elegant viewpoints in Paris. What I felt as I climbed to the top of its colonnade was that rare sensation of being at the intersection of history and architectural beauty, with the city stretching out all around like an open book.
From the circular colonnade surrounding the dome, the view is magnificent: to the west, the Eiffel Tower and the rooftops of the historic center; to the north, the spires of Notre-Dame de Paris and the Sainte-Chapelle; to the east, the Marais district and its jewels. Just below, the Luxembourg Gardens unfold their lush greenery, and the Sorbonne is a reminder of the neighborhood’s intellectual tradition. What I love about this place is the tranquility of the place: less crowded than the Eiffel Tower or Montmartre, access to the top of the Pantheon allows you to enjoy a magnificent panorama in relative calm, conducive to contemplation. The climb (206 steps) is amply rewarded by the elegance of the view.
💡Practical tip: Access to the summit is only possible from April to October.
The most on time: the clock at the Musée d’Orsay
It may not be the most unobstructed panorama in Paris, but the Musée d’Orsay clock more than deserves its place in this selection for its unique experience. Located on the top floor of the former train station, which has been converted into a museum, this immense glass clock offers a view of Paris’s Right Bank, with the Tuileries Gardens, the Louvre, and Montmartre in the distance as a backdrop. Let’s be honest: you don’t come here for a classic panoramic view. The clock’s structure filters and frames the scene outside, limiting visibility but creating an absolutely magical atmosphere. It’s also become a must-see spot for an Instagram photo: backlit in front of the clock, you get an artistic shot that evokes the timeless charm of Paris.
💡Practical tip: Access to the clock is naturally included during the museum tour (included in the ticket). To avoid the crowds, choose a morning or late afternoon visit. My advice: take the time to explore the masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, and Renoir, exhibited in this sumptuous setting.
✨ And you, what’s your favorite panorama of Paris? Did you know all these spots, or do you have others to share? Leave a comment below and share this article with your traveling friends to give them some sightseeing ideas! 📷🗼
Amazing ! I’ll be in Paris next month, can’t wait to see all the beautiful views !