The 7 most incredible viewpoints in Paris: the City of Love from above

02.12.2024 - 16:39 / lonelyplanet.com / Marie Antoinette

Dec 2, 2024 • 6 min read

Paris is a city made to gazed upon – when Haussmann deconstructed its neighborhoods in the late 19th century, he created avenues that afford uninterrupted views of the city’s important monuments. The most famous is, of course, the Eiffel Tower.

But when you visit the city and climb up this architectural icon, your view naturally doesn't feature one of the most recognizable structures in the world; a bit of a letdown when you’ve spent half your day battling through crowds. This guide takes you away from the usual packed tourist hubs to soak up alternative views of the skyline; from elegant parks to a 19th-century observatory, slip away from the hubbub to see Paris from seven new angles.

Best for views outside the city

Just on the edge of the Parisian banlieue (suburb) Boulogne-Billancourt is the Domaine national de Saint-Cloud. This national estate features Marie Antoinette’s flower garden, a variety of sculptures and the elevated Rond de la Balustrade. From this viewpoint, you have an incredible view of the south-west of Paris, while behind you stretches a lavish avenue of grass framed by trees. Take your time exploring the domaine gardens and their sculptures.

Detour: Once you’re ready to leave behind the expanses of the estate, head back across the Seine to the Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil. This beautiful botanical garden features a collection of greenhouses filled with 6000 species of plant that make it worth a visit all year round.  

Best view with a meal

Tour Montparnasse rises like an obelisk in the 15th arrondissement and feels not entirely dissimilar to Sauron’s tower, minus the flaming eye. Its reflective glass exterior casts a long shadow over the neighborhood but once you're inside and have made it up to the 56th floor, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Paris from the viewing deck. 

There is the rooftop viewing area, or if you prefer to enjoy your views with food or a drink, the decadent Ciel de Paris restaurant is on the top floor. However, the menu reflects the elevated location with Michelin prices, minus the quality. 

Best for a view with a cocktail

It’s hard to find views in the center of Paris where buildings are all a uniform six stories or less, but tucked up above the men’s section of the BHV department store is the Terraza Mikuna – formerly the BHV Perchoir. This bar is open year-round, but your view of Paris is somewhat obstructed by clear, plastic sheeting in the winter. 

If you want to feel surrounded by the city’s landmarks, this is the spot for you. From the rooftop, you can almost reach out and touch the gray-paneled roof of the Palais Garnier opera house and the Madeleine church. The prices are sadly as steep as the staircases to get up there but if you