There is no more gorgeous city on the planet than Paris, France, whether you’re visiting for the first time or have been to Paris before, there are so many incredible viewpoints to view the city. As a an English-speaking American photographer in Paris, I spend a lot of time photographing Paris, and I have my very best and most special spots for incredible views. Without further ado, here is my advice for the Top 7 Spots to Get HIgh in Paris and Take in Stunning Views.
YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER’S FAVORITE LOCATIONS WITH A VIEW IN PARIS
GALERIES LAFAYETTE DEPARTMENT STORE INCREDIBLE TERRACE VIEWS
40 Bd Haussmann, 75009 Paris
The Galeries Lafayette Department store is one of the oldest in Paris, dating to 1894, and it’s a gem of a store. You can shop for designer clothing brands and beautiful souvenirs, too, but there are quite a few reasons to visit other than shopping.
First off, the famous coupole, the stained glass dome, on the ground floor, is incredibly beautiful and worth a visit, especially during the holidays, as the Christmas tree is very beautiful. But the magic happens on the terrace, head to the top floor with the staircase or elevator to enter the terrace.
From the terrace, you’ll see stunning view over Paris.
You’re right behind the famous Paris Garnier Opera House, and you can see its ornate architecture. There are also distant views of Montmartre, the charming village on the hill with Sacre Coeur Basilica as well as the Eiffel Tower.
The best part? It’s completely free!
PRINTEMPS DEPARTMENT STORE WITH BEAUTIFUL VIEWS OF THE EIFFEL TOWER
64 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris
Just down the street from Galeries Lafayette, also on Boulevard Haussman, you’ll find a huge department store that’s even older than Galeries Lafayette. Printemps has been the ultimate department store since it opened in 1865.
You can shop until you drop inside its beautiful interior, but the magic happens on the terrace, which you can access from the top floor.
The intimate terrace at Printemps is quite a bit smaller than the terrace at Galeries Lafayette, but there are also a lot fewer people typically.
With better views of the Eiffel Tower (because you’re closer to it), you’ll also see some stunning architectural details on the building itself, which make a visit so worthwhile. Like Galeries Lafayette, the terrace at Printemps is free, just don’t forget your camera!
TOUR MONTPARNASSE OFFER 360 DEGREE PANORAMIC VIEWS OF PARIS
33 Avenue du Maine, 75015 Paris
The observation deck at one of the tallest skyscrapers in Paris is a terrific place to spend a few hours with incredible 360 degree views of Paris.
It’s not free, but the ticket, in my opinion, is well worth it. Upon entering the skyscraper, you’ll go through security and be whisked 56 floors up by high speed elevator to the top. You’ll exit to see stunning views of the city through glass on the observation deck.
There is also an outdoor viewing area, but it’s closed during high winds or inclement weather No worries, even if you’re inside, you can see incredible panoramas through the windows.
You simply can’t believe the views!
Plan to spend a bit of time here, as you walk around, naturally the views with the Eiffel Tower are the most popular, and there is often a long wait to get a good glimpse of the famous monument.
As the skyscraper is a tourist attraction, it also feels a bit touristy, but it’s so fun. The romantics among us can also enjoy champagne at the outdoor bar.
THE EIFFEL TOWER
Avenue Gustave Eiffel, 75007 Paris
This one is a given, I know, but hear me out! Many people are only aware of the first level of the Eiffel Tower, but there are actually three that are open to visitors. The first level has stunning views of Paris, the Seine River, and Trocadero across the way, and for most people, the first floor suits them just fine. But go up to the second level and there are even better views, although if you’re prone to vertigo, the first level may suffice. For those of you who are really adventurous, head to the very top, where you’ll find a champagne bar.
There are small snack shops on each level, but a really fancy restaurant on the second floor called The Jules Verne, and a less expensive bistro on the first floor. The key to keep in mind is to buy your tickets online in advance, you can show your ticket on your cell phone.
The Eiffel Tower receives an average of 25,000 visitors a day, and there is strict security to enter, so do yourself a favor and book your ticket in advance to avoid too much hassle, and book your restaurant reservation online too!
INSTITUTE DU MONDE ARABE
1 Rue des Fossés Saint-Bernard, 75005 Paris
This museum with art from the Arab World is a true treasure, and not one most tourists visit. Located on the 5th arondissement of Paris, it’s modern and stunning building is a delight.
But the real reason you want to come here (other than to see the artwork) is to have a look at Paris from above. The museum’s terrace offers a panoramic view of the Seine River and the famous Cathedral of Notre Dame.
It’s simply beautiful from the terrace, and especially gorgeous in the warmer months. You do need to pay to enter the museum, but there is no additional fee for access to the terrace. It’s a really unique experience and view of Paris.
MONTMARTRE
75018, Paris
Montmartre is a neighborhood in Paris on a high hill called, in French, a “butte”. This is where you’ll find the famous Sacre Coeur Basilica, which is white and bright and overlooks the entire city. There are incredible views of Paris from Montmartre, in addition to lots of things to do. You can visit the basilica, and get great views from its domes, it’s simply breathtaking, particularly near dusk! This is a paid attraction, you can find the ticket office around the corner from the entrance of the basilica.
There are also cute little restaurants to enjoy in this charming but touristy neighborhood, as well as typical tourist souvenir shops and even a Starbucks.
The views from the basilica, and the stairs below offer stunning panoramic views of Paris, where you can see the quaint Haussmannian architecture and a distant view of the Eiffel Tower. There’s even a cute little tourist train that can show you the highlights of this cute-as-can be neighborhood. You can either take the funicular to get to the top, or if you’re feeling sporty, walk the many staircases. It’s such a Parisian activity!
ARC DE TRIOMPHE
Pl. Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris
No visit to Paris would be complete without a visit to this famous arch, the arch of triumph, on the city’s most famous boulevard, the Champs Elysees.
The arc is a national monument, and contains an interesting museum inside, but everyone goes for the incredible 360-degree views of Paris from the top. You can see the famous convergence of Parisian streets below and the Champs Elysees, all the way to the Tuileries Gardens.
Also, there are incredible views of the Eiffel Tower from here, it’s unbelievable!
As this is a national monument, you do need to pay to get to the top, but there is a ticket office where you can buy a ticket on site or you can buy in advance online. This is a Parisian must-do!
Don’t Forget to Book a Photo Session!
Naturally, being in Paris, you’ll want to immortalize your time here so you remember these happy days forever.
I specialize in photographing couples coming to Paris, whether that’s for an engagement, anniversary, honeymoon, birthday, or simply a wonderful vacation. I’ll capture your love story in some of the most romantic corners of Paris and you’ll have a souvenir to treasure forever! You can learn more about my Paris Photo Sessions for couples here.
I hope this article gave you some great ideas on how you can see Paris from an entirely different angle and take in the incredible views! See you in Paris!
bonjour, i'm karina!
Your incredible English speaking Wedding & Couples professional photographer in France!
I'm here to help you plan & capture your precious memories & moments in Paris, Provence & the French Riviera.
