7 Best Panoramic Viewpoints of the Paris Skyline

Paris has many viewpoints that offer a new and more spectacular view of the City of Lights.

Here in our list of the 7 best panoramic views of Paris Skyline, you can find out which offer the best and most beautiful views of Paris and which ones are free.

Enjoy the best views of Paris !

1. Notre Dame Towers

The towers of the world-famous Notre-Dame Cathedral offer a breathtaking panorama of Paris. A narrow spiral staircase leads visitors after 250 steps to the first viewing platform, after 400 steps to the second.

Thanks to the cathedral's central location, you can enjoy a very special view of the French capital and sights such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the Seine. The numerous gargoyles that adorn the cathedral and conjure up a mystical ambience are also worth seeing.

2. Eiffel Tower

One of the most famous observation decks and one of the most popular sights of Paris is without a doubt the 324 meter high Eiffel Tower. The iconic Parisian landmark has three viewing platforms. The first (at a height of 57 meters) and second viewing platform (at a height of 115 meters) can be reached both by elevator and stairs. To get to the third platform at a height of 276 meters, visitors have to take the elevator.

If you want, you can complement the wonderful view with a drink or culinary highlights. From a snack bar to a Michelin starred restaurant, there are various restaurants in different price categories on all three floors.

Here are the 3 easy-to-buy options you can find on our official Paris Tickets Shop:

1. Eiffel Tower: Climbing Experience with Optional Summit Access (recommend)
2. Eiffel Tower Skip The Ticket Line (online only)
3. Eiffel Tower - Summit: Guided Visit (online only)

3. Sacré-Cœur Basilica

A breathtaking view of the skyline of Paris can be enjoyed from the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. After climbing 300 steps of a spiral staircase, you reach the 83 meter high dome of the basilica. With its viewing platform at a height of 55 meters, from which you can also see the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur is definitely one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Paris.

The 130 meter high Montmartre hill, on which the basilica is located, offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy the view completely free of charge. The steps in front of the basilica are particularly popular with tourists. People also like to gather here to watch the sunset.

• Get your Audioguide of Montmartre Quarter in Paris and visit it at your pace !

4. La Grande Arche de La Defense

One of the most beautiful viewpoints in Paris lies in the business district La Défense. The modern monument “Grande Arche” is located here. An elevator ride with panoramic views take visitors to the panoramic terrace on the rooftop. Thanks to its location at the end of the "Historical Axis of Paris ", the striking, 110-meter-high building has an overwhelming view of attractions such as the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Elysées Avenue, the Louvre and the Tuileries Garden. The Eiffel Tower can also be admired from this vantage point.

1. Get your Online Tickets to Arc de Triumph
2. Get your Online Tickets to the Louvre

5. Tour Montparnasse

After the Eiffel Tower, the Montparnasse tower is the highest viewpoint in Paris. It definitely offers one of the most beautiful views of the city, including a view of the Eiffel Tower. The roof terrace, which is 210 meters high, offers an impressive view of the skyline of Paris.

A panoramic observation deck can be found on the 56th floor of the skyscraper (at a height of 194 meters). In addition to an extraordinary panorama, it also provides visitors with an excellent restaurant. The view is especially beautiful at sunset.

• Get your Montparnasse Tower Tickets Online here.

6. Parc des Buttes Chaumont

The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is located in the 19th arrondissement, in the north of Paris. The park, built on a quarry, delights with wonderful green areas, grottos and waterfalls. The highlight, however, is the panorama, which you can enjoy for free. For example, visitors can admire the view of Paris - especially of the popular Montmartre district - while having a picnic.

• Discover different Parks and Gardens in Paris

7. Parc de Belleville

Another free viewpoint in Paris is Parc de Belleville. It is located in the 20th arrondissement off the beaten track. The green oasis rises from the 108 meter high Belleville hill. The park's main attraction is the park terrace on the top of the hill, which offers a wonderful panorama of the French capital and Parisian monuments such as the Eiffel Tower and the Tour Montparnasse. 

Furthermore, the park features a 100 meter long cascade fountain as well as a playground, an open-air theater and a wooden village. Parc de Belleville is a great place to see the sun go down over Paris.

Map & Location

(Link to the map)

Related Articles: