Paris, the “City of Light,” is known for its stunning architecture, romantic ambiance, and iconic landmarks. While exploring the city’s charming streets and historic sites is a must, there’s another way to experience the enchanting beauty of Paris—from above. The city boasts numerous rooftops that offer breathtaking panoramic views, allowing visitors to see Paris from a whole new perspective. In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey to some of the best Parisian rooftop views, where you can gaze upon the city’s splendor from high above the rooftops.
Montparnasse Tower: The Best View of the Eiffel Tower
One of the most iconic rooftop views in Paris can be found at Montparnasse Tower. Located in the Montparnasse neighborhood, this skyscraper offers a 360-degree view of the city, including a stunning perspective of the Eiffel Tower.
The Montparnasse Tower observation deck is the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the City of Light, as the sky paints a beautiful backdrop for the twinkling lights that illuminate Paris at night.
Eiffel Tower: A View from the Icon
Of course, no visit to Paris would be complete without ascending the Eiffel Tower itself. The iron lady offers stunning views from its three levels, each offering a different vantage point of the city.
From the first and second levels, you can admire the city’s rooftops and landmarks from a unique angle, while the view from the topmost level offers a sweeping panorama of Paris, stretching as far as the eye can see.
Galeries Lafayette Rooftop Terrace: A Shopper’s Paradise
The Galeries Lafayette department store is a shopping mecca, but it also offers an unexpected treat for visitors—the Galeries Lafayette rooftop terrace. Accessible for free, this rooftop offers an unobstructed view of the Paris Opera House and the surrounding Haussmannian buildings.
The rooftop terrace is an excellent spot to take a break from shopping and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Paris while sipping a coffee or indulging in some French pastries.
Printemps Haussmann Rooftop: A Chic Escape
Another famous department store, Printemps Haussmann, also boasts a lovely rooftop terrace. This hidden gem provides panoramic views of the city’s landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
Enjoy a moment of tranquility amid the bustling shopping district, as you take in the beauty of Paris from this chic and stylish vantage point.
Parc de Belleville: A Natural Oasis
For a different kind of rooftop view, head to Parc de Belleville in the 20th arrondissement. This charming park offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle and provides a unique elevated view of Paris.
Climb to the top of the park’s terraced garden to find a breathtaking panorama of the city’s rooftops, parks, and iconic landmarks.
Centre Pompidou Rooftop: A Modern Perspective
The Centre Pompidou, known for its unique architecture, houses the National Museum of Modern Art and offers one of the most distinctive rooftop views in Paris.
The rooftop terrace is an urban oasis, adorned with colorful pipes and structures that make it a work of art in itself. From here, you can enjoy a striking view of the city while surrounded by contemporary art installations.
Terrass Hotel: A Romantic Hideaway
The Terrass Hotel, located in the artistic Montmartre neighborhood, boasts a rooftop bar and restaurant with a captivating view of Paris. As you sip a glass of champagne and dine on gourmet French cuisine, you can admire the city’s twinkling lights spread out before you.
The Terrass Hotel rooftop is a particularly romantic spot, making it an ideal destination for couples looking to enjoy a special evening together.
Pompidou Centre: A Modern Perspective
The Pompidou Centre, a renowned contemporary art museum, also offers a rooftop view that is worth experiencing. The rooftop terrace provides a unique perspective of Paris, with its distinctive architecture and colorful pipes adding an artistic touch to the city’s skyline.
From here, you can enjoy a 360-degree view that includes famous landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral and Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
Musée d’Orsay Clock Terrace: A Timeless View
The Musée d’Orsay, housed in a former railway station, is famous for its impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. However, it also offers a lesser-known treasure—a clock terrace on the fifth floor.
Visitors can enjoy a magnificent view of the Seine River and the Louvre Museum through the clock’s large windows, making it a picturesque spot for photographs.
Rooftop Bars: Sipping with a View
Numerous rooftop bars in Paris offer not only delicious cocktails but also stunning views of the city. From the rooftop of Le Perchoir in the trendy Ménilmontant neighborhood to the hip Mama Shelter Rooftop Bar in the 20th arrondissement, there are plenty of options for enjoying a drink with a view.
Tour Saint-Jacques: A Hidden Gem
The Tour Saint-Jacques is a hidden gem in the heart of Paris. This Gothic tower, located near the Centre Pompidou, offers guided tours that lead to a small, enclosed terrace.
From here, you can gaze upon the city’s landmarks and enjoy a unique view of Paris from this lesser-known viewpoint.
Cité de la Mode et du Design: A Modern Space
The Cité de la Mode et du Design is a modern building located along the Seine River. Its rooftop terrace, known as the “Nüba,” is a trendy space that offers a breathtaking view of the river and the surrounding area.
This lively rooftop is a hotspot for locals and visitors alike, hosting events, DJ sets, and live performances in addition to offering a spectacular view.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: A Natural Paradise
The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, located in the 19th arrondissement, is a vast and scenic park that offers a tranquil retreat from the city. Its elevated location provides a unique view of Paris, including the Sacré-Cœur Basilica on the hill of Montmartre.
Pack a picnic and head to this park for a relaxing day in nature and a picturesque view of the city.
Les Ombres Restaurant: A View of the Eiffel Tower
Les Ombres is a restaurant located near the Eiffel Tower that offers an unobstructed view of the iconic landmark. Dine on contemporary French cuisine while enjoying a front-row seat to the Eiffel Tower’s nightly light show.
Tour Montparnasse: A Sky-High Experience
For an unparalleled view of Paris, head to the top of Tour Montparnasse. This skyscraper stands tall at 210 meters and offers an unobstructed view of the entire city, including its most famous landmarks.
Hotel Raphael Terrace: An Elegant Setting
The Hotel Raphael, located near the Arc de Triomphe, is home to a charming terrace that offers a view of the Eiffel Tower and the Parisian rooftops.
Ciel de Paris Restaurant: A Michelin-Starred View
Ciel de Paris is a Michelin-starred restaurant located on the 56th floor of the Montparnasse Tower. As you indulge in gourmet French cuisine, you can enjoy a stunning view of Paris from above.
Institute of the Arab World Rooftop Garden: An Oasis of Greenery
The rooftop garden at the Institute of the Arab World offers a serene and green oasis in the heart of Paris. From here, you can enjoy a unique view of the city’s skyline, including the Notre Dame Cathedral.
Montmartre Vineyard: A Hidden Gem
The Montmartre Vineyard, located in the Montmartre neighborhood, offers a unique view of the city from its elevated location. Enjoy a glass of locally produced wine as you take in the panoramic view of Paris.
The Peninsula Paris: Luxury with a View
The Peninsula Paris is a luxurious hotel located near the Arc de Triomphe. Its rooftop terrace offers a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower and the surrounding cityscape.
Experiencing Paris from above provides a whole new perspective on the city’s beauty and charm. From iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower to hidden gems like Parc de Belleville, each rooftop offers a unique view that is sure to leave you spellbound.
So, the next time you find yourself in the “City of Light,” be sure to take a moment to gaze upon its splendor from one of its many enchanting rooftops. It’s a sky-high adventure you won’t soon forget.
