Paris From Above: The Rooftops & Panoramas Route
Paris is one of the very few major world cities where a strict building height code (Haussmann's 1853 decree, still mostly in force) means you can climb to the top of any landmark and see an ocean of uniform grey-zinc rooftops punctuated by church domes, the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Cœur. This full-day route hits six different elevated viewpoints, ranging from free to moderately priced.
- 1
Galeries Lafayette Rooftop — The Free One
Start at the department store on Boulevard Haussmann. Take the escalators to the top floor and then follow signs to the rooftop terrace—it's completely free, no purchase necessary. The view directly south reveals the Palais Garnier opera house, the Eiffel Tower and the unmistakable dome of the Panthéon. Come at opening (9:30am) to beat the crowds. This is arguably the best free panorama in Paris, and almost nobody knows about it.
- 2
Arc de Triomphe — The Symmetry View
Take the metro two stops to Charles de Gaulle-Étoile and climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe (stairs only, no lift). The view from the top is unique in that it shows all twelve avenues radiating outward from the roundabout below—Napoleon's grand urban design made literal. Buy your ticket online to skip queues. At 50 metres high, the Eiffel Tower appears in the south-west at the same height as you, framed perfectly by the avenue.
- 3
Eiffel Tower — 2nd Floor Viewing Deck
Walk south-east across the Champ de Mars to the Tower. The second floor (115 metres) gives a better viewing experience than the summit because the city is still close enough to recognise individual buildings. On clear days you can see 70km—as far as Chartres Cathedral. Book online weeks in advance to avoid multi-hour queues. The glass floor section on the first floor is worth a stop for vertigo-lovers on the way up.
- 4
Centre Pompidou — The Modern View
Take the metro east to Rambuteau. The top floor of the Centre Pompidou is technically a restaurant (Georges), but the external escalators give views along every level and the top provides one of the best eastward views of Paris, with the Sacré-Cœur prominent on the northern hill. Entry to the building's terrace level is included with a museum ticket. The contrast between the Haussmannian roofscape and the building's exposed steel-and-glass exterior is particularly striking from here.
- 5
Sacré-Cœur Esplanade — The Postcal View
Take the metro to Anvers and walk up the hill (or take the funiculaire). The esplanade in front of Sacré-Cœur faces south over the entire city. This is the classic Paris panorama—all of the monuments are visible, from the Eiffel Tower in the west to the Panthéon dome in the east and Notre-Dame in between. The view is best in late afternoon light. Avoid weekends if possible as the steps are extremely crowded.
- 6
Parc de Belleville — The Local's Secret
Take the metro to Pyrénées and walk to Parc de Belleville, the least known of Paris's major viewpoints. At 108 metres, it's one of the highest points in the city, and the terrace at the top of the park gives a completely unobstructed view south—all the way to Montparnasse Tower and the Eiffel Tower. The park is almost exclusively locals. There's a free wine-tasting event here every September during the Fête de la Vigne. Come for sunset.