Paris is one of the most photogenic cities in Europe. From sweeping views over the rooftops to classic views of the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, there are countless places to photograph the city. But some viewpoints are much better than others.
We’ve visited Paris four times, and on every trip, photography has been a big part of our experience. We’ve climbed towers and rooftops, photographed Paris from bridges and along the Seine, watched the Eiffel Tower sparkle after sunset, and sought out some of the best elevated views across the city.
In this guide, we share 14 of our favorite views of Paris, from iconic viewpoints such as the Arc de Triomphe and Trocadéro to rooftop terraces, museums, and a few places you might not immediately think of as photography spots. We also include practical information on how to visit each one and tips to help you get the best photos.
Best Views of Paris: Our Top Picks
ARC DE TRIOMPHE | Best overall view of Paris and our personal favorite
NOTRE-DAME TOWERS | For gargoyles, cathedral architecture, and an iconic rooftop view
TROCAdÉRO | Best classic view of the Eiffel Tower
GALERIES LAFAYETTE | Best free rooftop view
SACRÉ-CŒUR | Best free panoramic view and one of the best sunset spots
EIFFEL TOWER | Best high-elevation panorama over central Paris
ALONG THE SEINE | Best street-level views of Paris landmarks
ROOFTOP BARS & RESTAURANTS | Best views with a meal or drink
MUSÉE D’ORSAY | Best unusual indoor photo spot
Best Views of Paris
1. The Arc de Triomphe
WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL | This is our favorite view of Paris. From the rooftop terrace, you can look straight down the Champs-Élysées towards the Louvre, out towards La Défense, and across the rooftops to the Eiffel Tower. Since the Arc de Triomphe sits in the center of Place Charles de Gaulle, with 12 avenues radiating out from it, the view is unlike anywhere else in Paris.
It’s beautiful during the daytime, but we also love this view at night, when the avenues are illuminated and you can watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle in the distance.
GOOD TO KNOW | To reach the rooftop terrace, you’ll climb 284 steps. There is an elevator, but it is reserved for visitors who need it. If you want to photograph the view at sunset or after dark, check sunset times against the Arc de Triomphe’s opening hours when planning your visit.
The view from the Arc de Triomphe
Champs-Élysées at night
How to Visit the Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. To reach it, use the underground pedestrian passage rather than trying to cross the traffic circle.
A ticket is required to visit the interior of the monument and rooftop terrace. We recommend purchasing your ticket in advance, particularly if you plan to visit around sunset. One of the best ways to visit the Arc de Triomphe is to book a skip-the-line ticket, which is available through GetYourGuide.
Photography Tip: For one of the best Eiffel Tower photos, use a zoom lens to bring the Eiffel Tower closer and compress it against the Paris skyline. After sunset, stay long enough to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle, which happens for five minutes at the beginning of each hour after dark.
2. Notre-Dame Towers
WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL | This is one of the most iconic views in Paris. From the towers of Notre-Dame, you look out over the rooftops of Île de la Cité, the Seine, and central Paris, with the cathedral’s gargoyles and stonework in the foreground.
The towers reopened in September 2025 following the restoration of Notre-Dame, with a completely redesigned visitor route. The new experience takes you through the south tower and its belfry before reaching the rooftop terrace, 69 meters above Paris. From here, you get a 360-degree view of the city as well as a close-up look at Notre-Dame’s newly reconstructed spire.
We’ve visited the towers twice so far, both times before the 2019 fire. A visit here is absolutely worth it. Not only are the views spectacular, but it’s also fun framing the gargoyles into your photos.
GOOD TO KNOW | Visiting the towers requires climbing 424 steps, and there is no elevator. Some sections of the route are narrow and have low ceilings, so this is a more strenuous visit than many of the other viewpoints on this list. Allow about 50 minutes for the experience.
View from Notre Dame
How to Visit the Notre-Dame Towers
The entrance to the towers is separate from visiting the interior of Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Reservations are strongly recommended. Because the stairways and viewing areas have limited capacity, timed-entry tickets are used to control the number of visitors on the route.
If photographing Paris is a priority, I would try to visit when the light is softer, either early or later in the day. The combination of the cathedral’s architecture, gargoyles, Paris rooftops, and the Seine makes this one of the most distinctive viewpoints in the city.
Photography Tip: Don’t focus only on the wide panorama. Some of the best photos from the towers use Notre-Dame’s gargoyles, stone details, and newly rebuilt spire as foreground elements, with Paris in the background.
3. The Eiffel Tower
WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL | From the Eiffel Tower, you get one of the highest and most famous views over central Paris. Landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe, Sacré-Cœur, the Louvre, Les Invalides, and the Seine are spread out below you, and it’s fascinating to see the layout of the city from above.
We’ve been up the Eiffel Tower four times, visiting both the second level and the summit. For the best views, we actually prefer the second level. You are high enough to get a sweeping panorama over Paris, but still close enough to easily pick out the city’s landmarks and rooftops. The summit is worth doing at least once, but the additional height doesn’t necessarily give you a better view. The second level is also cheaper and faster to visit.
GOOD TO KNOW | You can reach the second level by elevator or by climbing the stairs. To reach the summit, you’ll take an elevator from the second level. Tickets for the Eiffel Tower can sell out, particularly for popular times around sunset, so book well in advance if visiting at a specific time is important to you.
View from the Eiffel Tower
View from the top floor of the Eiffel Tower
How to Visit the Eiffel Tower
There are several ticket options, including elevator access to the second level, elevator access to the summit, and stairs to the second level.
Of our four visits, our favorite way to experience the Eiffel Tower is to take the stairs to the second level. The lines are often shorter, you get to see the structure of the tower up close as you climb, and the second level has our favorite views.
If this is your first visit to Paris and you want the full Eiffel Tower experience, going all the way to the summit is certainly worth considering. Just expect it to take more time because of the additional elevator ride and lines.
Photography Tip: A zoom lens is very useful here. Rather than photographing only wide panoramas, zoom in on landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe, Sacré-Cœur, and Les Invalides surrounded by the rooftops of Paris.
For ticket options, reservation advice, and everything else you need to plan your visit, read our Guide to Visiting the Eiffel Tower.
Exactly How to Visit the Eiffel Tower in 2026
This guide has a lot more valuable information about how to visit the Eiffel Tower, including dining options and how to avoid a long wait in line.4. The Trocadéro
WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL | If you want the classic view of the Eiffel Tower, this is the place to go. From the Trocadéro esplanade, the Eiffel Tower rises directly in front of you, with the gardens and fountains leading your eye toward the tower.
This is one of our favorite places to photograph the Eiffel Tower, especially at sunset. Stay until after dark to see the tower illuminated and sparkling.
GOOD TO KNOW | The Trocadéro esplanade and gardens are free to visit and open 24 hours a day. The closest Metro stop is Trocadéro, served by Lines 6 and 9.
We took this photo from the Trocadéro at sunset
How to Photograph the Eiffel Tower from Trocadéro
Start on the esplanade in front of the Palais de Chaillot for the classic elevated view. Then walk down through the Trocadéro Gardens toward the Eiffel Tower. As you descend, you’ll get several different compositions using the fountains, gardens, and pathways in the foreground.
For fewer crowds and softer light, sunrise is one of the best times to photograph the Eiffel Tower from Trocadéro.
Photography Tip: Don’t take all of your photos from the center of the esplanade. Walk along both sides of the Palais de Chaillot and through the gardens to find different angles and foregrounds for the Eiffel Tower.
5. From the Steps of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica
WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL | Sacré-Cœur sits on the highest point in Paris, so even from the steps in front of the basilica you get a sweeping view across the city. It’s one of the best free viewpoints in Paris and a popular place to watch the sunset.
For an even better view, climb to the dome of Sacré-Cœur. From here, you get a 360-degree panorama over Paris, with the basilica’s rooftops and stonework in the foreground. This is one of the highest viewpoints in the city.
GOOD TO KNOW | The view from the steps in front of Sacré-Cœur is free. There is a fee to climb to the dome, and the only way to reach it is by climbing 280 steps on a narrow staircase. There is no elevator. The dome is open daily, although hours can change seasonally and it can close temporarily for weather or maintenance.
How to Visit Sacré-Cœur
Sacré-Cœur is located at the top of Montmartre. You can walk up the hill or take the Montmartre funicular to avoid the steepest climb.
If you only want the classic panorama over Paris, the terrace and steps in front of the basilica are enough. But if you have the time and don’t mind climbing stairs, you can go up to the dome. The extra height and 360-degree view make it a very different experience.
Entrance to the basilica itself is free. The basilica is currently open every day, while tickets for the dome are purchased separately.
Photography Tip: From the dome, look for compositions that include the curves and stone details of Sacré-Cœur in the foreground. From the terrace below, a zoom lens is useful for picking out landmarks across the Paris skyline.
6. Galeries Lafayette Rooftop
WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL | For one of the best free views of Paris, head to the rooftop terrace of Galeries Lafayette Haussmann. From here, you get a wonderful view over the Paris rooftops, with the Eiffel Tower, Palais Garnier, and Sacré-Cœur all visible from the terrace.
It’s not as high as the Arc de Triomphe or Eiffel Tower, but that’s part of what makes the view so good. You’re still close enough to the rooftops and landmarks to really feel immersed in the city. Balcon is an outdoor rooftop restaurant with city views.
GOOD TO KNOW | The rooftop terrace is free and no reservation is required. It is open during store hours, although it can close temporarily during bad weather.
How to Visit the Galeries Lafayette Rooftop
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann is located near Palais Garnier in the 9th arrondissement. Once inside the main Coupole building, follow the signs for the rooftop terrace.
This is an easy viewpoint to add while sightseeing in this part of Paris, particularly if you are also visiting Palais Garnier or walking along Boulevard Haussmann.
Photography Tip: The Eiffel Tower is fairly distant from the rooftop, so a zoom lens works especially well here. You can also use the Paris rooftops and Palais Garnier as foreground elements for wider photos.
7. Along the Seine River
WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL | You don’t have to climb a tower or rooftop to get some of the best views in Paris. Walking along the Seine gives you classic views of Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and some of the city’s most beautiful bridges.
We love photographing Paris from this level because the Seine adds another element to the scene, whether it’s reflections on the water, a bridge framing a landmark, or boats passing through the foreground. It’s also one of the best ways to photograph Paris while simply exploring the city.
GOOD TO KNOW | There isn’t one single “best” spot along the Seine. Some of our favorite views are around Île de la Cité, Pont Alexandre III, Pont des Arts, and the riverbanks near the Eiffel Tower. Since these viewpoints are outdoors, you can visit them at sunrise, sunset, or after dark without worrying about opening hours or reservations.
Our Favorite Views Along the Seine
Around Île de la Cité, you can photograph Notre-Dame from several angles, including views from the Left Bank and neighboring bridges.
Pont Alexandre III is one of the most photogenic bridges in Paris, with views toward Les Invalides and the Eiffel Tower.
Pont Alexander III
From Pont des Arts and the nearby riverbanks, you get beautiful views of the Seine, Île de la Cité, and the historic center of Paris.
Near the Eiffel Tower, walk along both sides of the Seine for views that combine the river, bridges, and Eiffel Tower in the same scene.
Take a Seine River Cruise
Another way to see Paris from the Seine is on a river cruise. We took a private cruise and really enjoyed being able to sit back, relax, and watch Paris drift by.
For photography, we still think the best views come from walking along the Seine and crossing its bridges, where you have more control over your angles and can stop whenever you find a great composition. But a cruise is an easy and enjoyable way to see a lot of Paris in a relatively short amount of time.
It also works particularly well at the end of a long sightseeing day, when you want to take a break from walking but aren’t quite ready to call it a day.
Photography Tip: Blue hour is one of our favorite times to photograph along the Seine. The sky still has some color, the monuments are illuminated, and their lights begin to reflect on the river.
The view of Notre Dame Cathedral on a Seine River cruise
If you want to cruise the Seine River and not spend a small fortune, this tour includes a Seine River cruise and tickets to the Eiffel Tower, this evening cruise includes three champagne tastings, and this one-hour cruise is one of the cheapest ways to cruise the Seine River.
8. Rooftop Bars & Restaurants
WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL | One of our favorite ways to enjoy a view of Paris is from a rooftop bar or restaurant. Instead of simply stopping at a viewpoint, you can sit down with a drink or a meal and enjoy the skyline for an hour or two.
We’ve visited quite a few rooftop bars and restaurants in Paris, and the views vary considerably. Some look directly at the Eiffel Tower, while others overlook Sacré-Cœur, Palais Garnier, Notre-Dame, or the rooftops of central Paris.
GOOD TO KNOW | Many Paris rooftops are seasonal, and reservations are often a good idea, particularly around sunset. Some also have minimum spends or require you to dine rather than simply stopping in for a drink.
Some of Our Favorite Paris Rooftops
Les Ombres gets our vote for one of the best restaurant views of the Eiffel Tower. Located on the rooftop of the Musée du Quai Branly, its glass-walled dining room and terrace sit almost directly across from the tower.
Les Ombres
L’Oiseau Blanc, at The Peninsula Paris, combines an incredible Eiffel Tower view with a Michelin-starred dining experience.
L’Oiseau Blanc
Langosteria, on the seventh floor of Cheval Blanc Paris, overlooks the Seine, with views stretching toward Notre-Dame and Sacré-Cœur.
The view from Langosteria
For drinks, we also like Sequoia Rooftop Bar, with views of Palais Garnier and the Eiffel Tower, and Maggie Rooftop at Hôtel Rochechouart, which has a 360-degree view that includes Sacré-Cœur and the Eiffel Tower.
We’ve visited even more rooftop bars and restaurants around the city. For photos, our favorites, and tips for choosing one, see our Guide to the Best Rooftop Bars & Restaurants in Paris.
Photography Tip: If the view matters as much as the food, reserve a table around sunset. You can see Paris in daylight, watch the sky change color, and then see the city illuminated after dark.
9. Printemps Rooftops
WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL | Printemps Haussmann has several rooftop terraces with wonderful views over central Paris. From here, you can look across the rooftops toward the Eiffel Tower, Palais Garnier, La Madeleine, and other landmarks.
We visited Perruche, the rooftop restaurant on top of Printemps Homme. It has a beautiful garden-like setting and a 360-degree view over Paris, making this a great place to combine a meal or drink with sightseeing.
GOOD TO KNOW | Printemps is divided into several buildings, including Printemps Homme and Printemps Femme, and there are rooftop terraces and restaurants in both. The exact restaurant lineup changes from time to time, so check the Printemps website before your visit.
The view from Perruche Restaurant
How to Visit the Printemps Rooftops
For one of the highest views, head to Perruche, located on the 9th floor of Printemps Homme. This rooftop restaurant has a large outdoor terrace and panoramic views over the rooftops of Paris.
On the floors below Perruche, Printemps du Goût has several restaurants and terraces on the 7th and 8th floors, many with views of the Eiffel Tower. Printemps Femme also has a seasonal rooftop terrace on the 7th floor.
If your main goal is the view rather than dining at a specific restaurant, take a look at the current options on the Printemps website before your visit, since the rooftop venues can change.
Photography Tip: The relatively low elevation is part of the appeal here. You get a great layer of classic Paris rooftops in the foreground, with landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower rising above them in the distance.
10. Musee d’Orsay
WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL | Most people visit the Musée d’Orsay for its incredible collection of Impressionist art, but it also has one of the most unique views in Paris. On the upper level of the museum, you can look through its enormous clock windows toward the Seine and the rooftops of the city.
The clock itself is what makes this view so memorable. Photographing the Paris skyline through the silhouette of the clock creates a completely different image than you’ll get from the towers and rooftop terraces elsewhere on this list.
GOOD TO KNOW | You need a museum ticket to access the clock windows, so we wouldn’t visit Musée d’Orsay solely for the view. But if the museum is already on your Paris itinerary, and we think it should be, don’t miss this spot while you are here.
How to Visit Musee d’Orsay
Musée d’Orsay is located on the Left Bank of the Seine, across the river from the Tuileries Garden. Head to the upper floors of the museum to find the giant clock windows.
The museum is currently undergoing renovations that are expected to continue through summer 2028. It remains open during the work, and the collections are still accessible, although entrances and visitor routes may change. Check the official website before your visit for the latest information.
We recommend reserving your museum ticket in advance, particularly during the busy summer months.
Photography Tip: Step back from the clock rather than photographing right against the glass. Including the dark outline of the clock face and its hands in the frame is what makes this one of the most recognizable photos you can take in Paris.
11. The Panthéon
2026 Update: The panoramic viewpoint at the Panthéon is currently closed to visitors. The official website does not list a reopening date. Since this is normally one of our favorite views in Paris, we are keeping it on this list and will update this guide when more information becomes available.
WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL | The Panthéon has one of the most underrated views in Paris. From the panoramic terrace near the top of the dome, you get a 360-degree view across the Latin Quarter and central Paris, with landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, Sacré-Cœur, and Luxembourg Gardens visible in the distance.
We especially like this viewpoint because you are surrounded by the historic rooftops of the Latin Quarter. It feels very different from the higher, more expansive views from the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe.
GOOD TO KNOW | When the panorama is open, access is separate from the standard visit to the Panthéon and requires climbing a series of stairs to reach the upper levels. The Panthéon itself remains open, including the nave, crypt, and Foucault’s Pendulum.
View from the Pantheon
How to Visit the Panthéon Panorama
The Panthéon is located in the Latin Quarter, a short walk from Luxembourg Gardens.
Once the panoramic viewpoint reopens, check the official Panthéon website for current opening dates, hours, ticket requirements, and any seasonal restrictions before your visit.
Even without the panorama, the Panthéon is worth visiting for its magnificent interior, Foucault’s Pendulum, and crypt, where notable French figures including Victor Hugo, Marie Curie, and Voltaire are buried.
Photography Tip: From the panorama, look beyond the major landmarks. Some of our favorite views are the closer scenes over the rooftops and narrow streets of the Latin Quarter.
12. The Streets of Montmartre
WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL | Some of our favorite views in Paris are found simply by wandering through Montmartre. Its steep streets, staircases, colorful cafés, and glimpses of Sacré-Cœur create some of the most photogenic scenes in the city.
Because Montmartre sits on a hill, you’ll also occasionally get views over the rooftops of Paris as you walk through the neighborhood. These aren’t the sweeping panoramas you get from the Arc de Triomphe or Eiffel Tower, but they capture a completely different side of Paris.
GOOD TO KNOW | Montmartre is much quieter early in the morning. If photography is a priority, this is one of the best times to explore, particularly around the most popular streets near Sacré-Cœur and Place du Tertre.
La Maison Rose
Lamarck Metro and Le Refuge Restaurant
Rue de l’Abreuvoir
Our Favorite Views in Montmartre
We love the classic view of La Maison Rose, the winding streets around Place du Tertre, and the staircases and steep lanes that climb toward Sacré-Cœur.
One of the best things about photographing Montmartre is that you don’t necessarily need a specific destination. Wander away from the busiest streets and you’ll find plenty of small scenes that feel distinctly Parisian.
Photography Tip: A zoom lens can be surprisingly useful in Montmartre. Use it to compress steep streets, frame Sacré-Cœur between buildings, or isolate architectural details farther down a street.
13. From the Louvre
WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL | The Louvre is one of the best places in Paris for photographing a mix of historic architecture and modern design. The glass Pyramid, ornate palace façades, fountains, and long courtyards create some of the most recognizable scenes in the city.
We especially like photographing the Louvre early in the morning or later in the day, when the light is softer and the courtyards are less crowded. After dark, the illuminated Pyramid and palace make this one of our favorite nighttime photography spots in Paris.
GOOD TO KNOW | You don’t need a Louvre ticket to enjoy many of these views. The courtyards and surrounding areas can be explored while walking through central Paris, making this an easy photography stop even if you aren’t visiting the museum.
From room 704, which sits next to the Apollo Gallery, you get a view of the courtyard through the windows.
View from room 704
For an even better view, visit Café Molien or Terrasse Colbert, two restaurants with outdoor terraces that overlook the glass pyramid.
View from Terasse Colbert
Don’t miss our guide How to Visit the Louvre, which lists the must see sights and has a quick, efficient walking tour to the Louvre’s must-see artworks and a longer route for those who want to go deeper into the Louvre.
14. From Your Hotel
WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL | One of the easiest ways to enjoy a beautiful view of Paris is from your hotel room or rooftop terrace. Waking up to a view of the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, or the Paris rooftops can be one of the most memorable parts of a trip.
We’ve stayed in several hotels with views in Paris, and while a room with a view usually costs more, it can be worth the splurge for a special trip.
On our first visit to Paris we stayed in Hotel Brighton, located right on Rue de Rivoli across from the Tuileries Garden. From our room, we could see Notre Dame, the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, the Eiffel Tower, and the Arc de Triomphe. It was absolutely incredible.
GOOD TO KNOW | Not every room in a “hotel with Eiffel Tower views” will actually have a view, so read the room descriptions carefully before booking. In many cases, you’ll need to reserve a specific room category.
If a view matters to you, I’d also check recent guest photos before booking. They give you a much better idea of what you’ll actually see from the room.
For more recommendations of hotels with amazing views of Paris and the Eiffel Tower, check out our guide Where to Stay in Paris on Your First Visit.
Map of the Best Views in Paris
How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. To take this map with you, click the star next to the title of the map which adds it to your Google account. Next, within your Google Maps app, select ‘Saved’ and then select ‘Maps’. This map title will now appear in your list.
Our Favorite Views of Paris
After four trips to Paris, these are the views we would prioritize if you don’t have time to visit all 14.
1. Arc de Triomphe. This remains our favorite overall view of Paris. You get the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, La Défense, and the beautiful pattern of avenues radiating out from the Arc de Triomphe. We especially love it after dark.
2. Notre-Dame Towers. This is one of the most unique views in Paris. The combination of gargoyles, cathedral architecture, the Seine, and the rooftops of central Paris makes it very different from the other elevated viewpoints on this list.
3. Trocadéro. For the classic Eiffel Tower photo, it’s hard to beat Trocadéro. Come early in the morning for fewer people, or return after dark to see the Eiffel Tower illuminated.
4. Along the Seine. Some of our favorite views of Paris are from the riverbanks and bridges along the Seine. These street-level views let you combine landmarks such as Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre with the river, bridges, and reflections on the water.
5. Montmartre. We love photographing the steep streets, staircases, cafés, and glimpses of Sacré-Cœur around Montmartre. These aren’t sweeping panoramic views, but they capture the character of Paris better than almost anywhere else in the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best view of Paris?
Our favorite view of Paris is from the top of the Arc de Triomphe. From the rooftop terrace, you can see the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, La Défense, Sacré-Cœur, and the avenues radiating out across Paris. It’s beautiful during the day but even better around sunset and after dark.
Where is the best view of the Eiffel Tower?
For the classic Eiffel Tower view, go to Trocadéro. For an elevated view with the Eiffel Tower rising above the Paris skyline, we prefer the Arc de Triomphe. Galeries Lafayette also has an excellent Eiffel Tower view and is free to visit.
Where is the best place to watch the sunset in Paris?
The Arc de Triomphe is one of our favorite places to be around sunset because you can watch the light change over Paris and then stay to see the city illuminated. The Sacré-Cœur and Trocadéro are popular sunset spots, although they can get very crowded. For a more relaxing experience, consider a rooftop bar or restaurant with a view.
What is the best view of Paris at night?
We think the Arc de Triomphe has one of the best nighttime views in Paris. The avenues glow below you and you can watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle in the distance. Trocadéro and the bridges along the Seine are also excellent nighttime photography locations.
Are the Notre-Dame towers open?
Yes. The towers of Notre-Dame reopened to visitors in September 2025 following the restoration of the cathedral. The redesigned route includes 424 steps and takes visitors through the south tower and up to a panoramic terrace overlooking central Paris.
Is the Montparnasse Tower observation deck open?
No. The Montparnasse Tower observation deck closed in March 2026 as part of a major renovation project and is expected to remain closed for several years.
Can you see Paris from the Centre Pompidou?
Not currently. The Centre Pompidou closed its main building in 2025 for a major renovation that is expected to last several years, so its rooftop viewpoint is no longer an option for visitors.
Plan Your Trip to Paris
- Planning your first trip to Paris? → Our 3 Days in Paris Itinerary covers how to see the highlights, with a day-by-day sightseeing plan.
- Want more ideas for what to see and do? → Our Best Things to Do in Paris guide covers our favorite experiences after four trips to the city.
- Going up the Eiffel Tower? → Our Eiffel Tower Guide explains ticket options, the best levels to visit, and how to plan your time.
- Visiting the Louvre? → Our How to Visit the Louvre guide includes ticket tips, the best entrances, and our self-guided route with ebook to the museum’s must-see masterpieces.
- Need a place to stay? → Our Where to Stay in Paris guide compares the best neighborhoods and hotels for first-time and repeat visitors.
- Planning a day trip? → Our How to Visit Versailles guide covers tickets, transportation, timing, and what to see once you’re there.
If you have any questions about where to get the best views of Paris, or if you want to share your favorite spots, let us know in the comment section below.
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Travel information and advice for France. Best things to do in France with itineraries for Paris, the French Riviera, and the Alsace wine region.
10 Day French Riviera and Provence Itinerary
The south of France…the land of beautiful coastal cities, glitzy beaches, vineyards, lavender, and one of the world’s best cuisines. This is where the rich and famous come to relax and party. It is a land of luxury, with yachts dotting the shorelines, fancy hotels in every city, and epic parties you read about in […]
One Week in Europe: 25 Epic Itineraries
With one week in Europe, you have an infinite number of possibilities for coming up with your “perfect” itinerary. Do you dream of visiting world-class cities like Paris, Barcelona, or Venice? Or would you rather hike the Alps, go on a scenic train ride, explore the beautiful beaches and coastal towns in southern Europe, visit […]
Capturing the Action: How to Take Great Photos When Traveling
Traveling and photography go hand in hand. When you are in a new place and experiencing new things, it’s only normal that you would want to get that perfect photo, something to remember the moment by. I love photography. When I travel, one of the things I look forward to most is having a memory […]
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