Every street in Paris is an architectural gem, and every turn holds a discovery. To see all the sights, you’d need to live here for several months. But we know a secret to seeing everything in one trip: take a walk on the observation decks, and in a few days, you’ll see what some can’t in a lifetime. Here’s where to go to miss nothing.
Eiffel Tower
This is the first point of our route. It’s worth visiting at least to form your own opinion about whether it’s the greatest architectural masterpiece or a “ridiculous tower dominating Paris.” That’s how the creative intelligentsia described it, demanding to stop its construction. But if you climb this architectural marvel, you’ll immediately understand why it’s loved worldwide: the stunning view from the observation decks.
There are three: at 57 meters (1st floor), 115 meters (2nd floor), and about 300 meters. Each has an elevator, and you can walk to the 1st and 2nd floors if you wish. Here, you can combine admiring the architectural beauty with refined dining in restaurants with panoramic views. On the first floor is “58 Tour Eiffel.” You can choose lunch, dinner, or supper. But to enjoy the impressive panorama, you need a window table, as they are also located in the center of the hall. Make a higher-order when booking, and this issue will be resolved.
Go up a floor, and you’ll find the restaurant “Le Jules Verne.” Dining here is more expensive than in the previous place, but it’s worth it. Antique furniture, sensual music, and an unforgettable view – you’ll feel what sophisticated Parisian style means. There are no restaurants on the third level, but there is an observation deck with a stunning panorama. Being there, you don’t know what takes your breath away: the incredible landscape, the dizzying height, or the realization that you are finally in the capital of France.
Montparnasse Tower
In the center is another observation point – the Montparnasse Tower. It’s the only skyscraper within the city limits. Two years after its construction, similar structures were banned in the historic part. This was because the simple appearance and enormous size didn’t fit the beautiful architectural surroundings. The building faced a lot of criticism, leading to the skyscraper ban.
Moreover, Montparnasse took third place in the list of the world’s ugliest buildings. But it’s worth visiting. It has one merit: from the 59th floor, there’s a stunning view. Imagine: Paris, which you look at like a model with the smallest details. Only you observe it from 210 meters, and life is bustling, and movement never stops.
Arc de Triomphe
The next point of our journey is a historical treasure of France – the Arc de Triomphe. Here, you will see one of the main symbols of the country, touch the past, and enjoy a beautiful view from a bird’s eye height. This attraction is older than the Eiffel Tower. It remembers Paris of Napoleon’s times. He ordered this architectural masterpiece to be built to commemorate his victories. However, he never saw it completed, as it wasn’t finished during his life.
This ancient monument exudes history, and you’ll feel it standing next to it. But it’s important not only to examine the details of this structure but also to climb it. From a height of 50 meters, there’s a magnificent view. You’ll see the Champs-Élysées, the Défense district, and the Eiffel Tower. Below, at the arches, is the Place Charles de Gaulle, and from it, like sunbeams, 12 streets radiate. This view will leave no one indifferent.
Centre Pompidou
There’s one place that true aesthetes will love – the Centre Pompidou. It’s a cultural center studying and supporting contemporary art in its various forms: music, dance, painting, sculpture, etc. This enormous glass parallelepiped houses a museum, library, exhibition, concert and cinema halls, the Institute for Research and Coordination in Acoustics and Music, and the Centre for Industrial Design. All this is complemented by a wonderful view.
If contemporary art isn’t for you, you should at least see the building. It will surprise you: all communications are exposed and painted in specific colors. In front of you will be a structure where elevators, escalators, pipelines, and electrical wires are not hidden but made part of the design. Quite peculiar, to say the least. But this center will not leave you indifferent.
You can see the mesmerizing panorama not only from the observation part; there’s a restaurant “Georges” on the roof of the center, decorated in the same style. Here, you’ll enjoy excellent relaxation complemented by a beautiful view of the historic part of the refined capital. If you don’t want to visit the center’s exhibitions but wish to enjoy the view from its roof, you can buy a ticket only for the observation deck. A special view of Notre-Dame and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica is guaranteed.
Panthéon
In the Latin Quarter, there’s a special place – the Panthéon. It’s an architectural and historical monument crowning the Sainte-Geneviève hill. It’s the burial place of great people of France. Here lie Victor Hugo, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Émile Zola, Jean-Baptiste Baudin, Pierre and Marie Curie, and other famous politicians, generals, scientists, and artists.
This neo-Gothic temple will amaze you with its grandeur and scale. We are interested in it primarily as a place where you can see the nearby quarters and famous landmarks. Entering the temple and overcoming a narrow spiral and then a steep staircase, you’ll reach the Panthéon dome. Here, you’ll see the Eiffel Tower, the Luxembourg Palace, the churches of Saint-Sulpice and Sainte-Eustache, the domes of the Sorbonne Observatory, and the Palace of the Institut de France.
Especially striking from here are the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. You won’t find a better view of these architectural monuments. Imagine: until the end of the 19th century, there were practically no other places to enjoy the city’s beautiful appearance. Famous French personalities came here and admired the surroundings from the Panthéon dome. This thought will make your presence here especially memorable.
Arab World Institute
In the Latin Quarter, there’s another observation deck in the Arab World Institute. It was opened in 1987 as a result of the partnership between France and 22 Eastern countries. The institute was created to study the Arab world and exchange cultural, scientific, and technological discoveries. This educational and political object is interesting to travelers because of the terrace on the 9th floor. From here, there’s a stunning view of the center and its landmarks: Notre-Dame, the Seine, Saint-Louis, the Marais district, and the Eiffel Tower in the distance.
What makes this place especially attractive is the free admission. Finding excellent urban landscapes for free isn’t easy. On the roof is the restaurant “Le Zyriab by Noura.” You can combine aesthetic and culinary pleasure. Moroccan and Lebanese dishes are prepared here. If you are a fan of Eastern cuisine, the time spent in this restaurant will be a true delight.
Montmartre
If you want to immerse yourself in bohemian France and see the old buildings untouched by time and modernity, you should visit Montmartre Hill. This place has preserved the charm of past eras, and its cultural value is off the charts. The area was a favorite spot for the creative intelligentsia. Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Amedeo Modigliani lived here, created, and were inspired by the capital’s charm for new masterpieces. It’s the highest natural point in the city.
The hill existed in ancient Roman times and, over its long history, has seen ancient temples, windmills, wealthy villas, and more modest buildings. But its inherent charm has always remained. Now the majestic Sacré-Cœur Basilica crowns the top of Montmartre. It’s one of the most famous landmarks in France, and it’s worth visiting just for it. And for the magnificent view from a height of 130 meters. You’ll touch the history of art, walk along ancient streets, and enjoy the beautiful landscape from the hill’s observation part.
Sacré-Cœur Basilica
On clear days, cities can be seen from the top of Montmartre up to 50 kilometers away. But if you think the horizon line prevents you from fully enjoying the view, climb the paid observation deck of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. This is the second-highest observation point. You can climb higher only on the Eiffel Tower.
The basilica rises above Montmartre almost the entire height of the hill itself. From here, you’ll see not only the surroundings of the old district, crisscrossed by narrow streets but also the bustling modern avenues and distant buildings. When you come here, you’ll be breathless twice: first from the magnificence of Sacré-Cœur, and then from the stunning view from the top of this architectural charm of France.
Palais de Chaillot
The most popular observation point is the Eiffel Tower. And surely you know this. But do you know where the best view of the Iron Lady and her surroundings is? The Palais de Chaillot is a popular tourist spot because of its location. It’s situated on a hill, to the right of the Seine, facing the most famous symbol of the country. Its construction was timed for the 1937 World Exhibition. In the center is a space from where you can see the main landmarks.
The observation part is surrounded by two pavilions – this is the palace building. Starting your journey here, you can walk through the Trocadéro park. It’s known for having the highest stairs and grandiose fountains in Paris. And in the evening, this place is particularly charming in the warm light of many colorful lights. It’s worth visiting here to see the Eiffel Tower from the side, appreciate the scale of the Champ de Mars, and watch the tourist boats sailing along the Seine.
Parc André Citroën
For lovers of unusual landmarks, the European capital of style has reserved a special place – Parc André Citroën. It’s named after the founder of the famous car factory that was once here. This futuristic landscape complex is located on the left bank of the Seine and offers many symbolic design solutions for visitors. Here, you’ll find unusual terraces, garden labyrinths, and plants surrounded by concrete.
At the top of the park are two greenhouses with exotic vegetation, and between them is a square with 120 dancing fountains. Walking through the complex, you’ll see the White and Black gardens, the strange “Garden of Metamorphoses,” and the wild “Garden of Movement.” There are also mini-gardens symbolizing metals, days of the week, feelings, planets, and states of water.
Each garden is associated with a specific color, and their creators have imbued them with deep meanings not always clear to visitors at first glance. But we are interested in this park because of its unique observation point. Here, you’ll look around from a height of 150 meters, lifted by a hot air balloon. There won’t be crowds of tourists around you, disturbing your enjoyment of the beautiful view, just a small group of visitors admiring the architectural beauty.
Tour Saint-Jacques
There’s a landmark where you rarely meet a crowd of travelers. This is because it has been unfairly forgotten. It was heavily damaged, then closed for reconstruction, and for many years it was inaccessible to tourists. In 2013, it reopened to visitors, although it doesn’t attract guests as much as other cultural monuments. But its historical value doesn’t become less significant because of this, and its appearance is no less beautiful.
It dates back to the 12th century and has participated in many events throughout its long existence. It was built as the bell tower of the ancient Gothic church of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie. But the tower is all that remains of the temple today. The physicist and mathematician Blaise Pascal made his discoveries here, and in the 18th century, François Couperin’s works were performed under its arches by the author himself. But even the French Revolution couldn’t completely destroy it. Over time, the bell tower was restored, and now it welcomes visitors again.
If you plan to walk near Rue de Rivoli, you should look at this mysterious Gothic architectural monument and go inside. From the 52-meter-high tower, there’s a wonderful panorama: the ancient Île de la Cité surrounded by the slow-flowing Seine, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Latin Quarter. These views are worth seeing.
Théâtre des Champs-Élysées
Hearing the name of the state theater of Paris – Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, every second tourist would start looking for it on the central street of the city. But you won’t find it there. Because it’s located on Avenue Montaigne. This architectural monument stands out among the elegant buildings with its simple lines, yet it’s considered one of the most beautiful buildings. Here, the greatest singers have performed, the best orchestras have played, and famous ballerinas have danced.
But today, we won’t advise you to attend an opera or ballet, though it’s worth doing. We’ll tell you about a place with a charming atmosphere – the restaurant “Maison Blanche.” It’s on the theater’s roof, and its main feature is the chic panorama it offers its visitors. In addition to it are exquisite French cuisine and high-quality dishes.
The restaurant has two floors, each offering magnificent views. The vertical panoramic windows on the first level show guests an unforgettable cityscape, while the second terrace gives an expansive view, allowing you to admire the city on a larger scale. The Eiffel Tower, the Seine embankment, the Hôtel des Invalides – it’s like you bought tickets for the best seats with a view of the city.
Parc de Belleville
The capital of France is one of the most popular cities in the world. There are so many guests that taking a photo of landmarks without other tourists in the daytime is impossible. Even if you are used to the high human traffic concentrated in one place and noisy excursion groups, at some point, you’ll want to rest from them. Parc de Belleville is the perfect place for this. Here, you’ll find peace and quiet away from the tourist flow.
You’ll see green plantings, many flowers, charming terraces, waterfalls, including the longest cascading representative of the capital, and the “House of Air” museum. You’ll also see Parisians relaxing from the hustle and bustle of the city. From the 108-meter height of the hill, you’ll enjoy the panorama of the world’s most romantic city. You’ll feel its elegance and harmony, which can be missed in popular tourist spots.
Restaurant on the Roof of the Warwick Champs-Elysées Hotel
Restaurants hold a special place among points offering views of the city of love. First, because there are few of them, and secondly, they allow you to enjoy two Parisian masterpieces at once: a beautiful view and exquisite cuisine. Such an opportunity is provided by the restaurant “Le W” on the roof of the Warwick Champs-Elysées hotel.
The establishment is located on the top floor, and from the terrace, your eyes will see the Champs-Élysées and the Eiffel Tower. The unobstructed view of the main landmark and one of the central streets makes this place especially attractive, and the high level of service and the indescribable taste of the dishes constantly increase the number of enthusiastic reviews from tourists. If you consider yourself a true aesthete and gourmet, this place will surely please you.
Restaurant “L’Oiseau Blanc”
We suggest spending the evening in a restaurant with a stunning view – “L’Oiseau Blanc.” This place will also interest tourists with its theme. The restaurant’s name pays tribute to one of the most mysterious disappearances in aviation history. “The White Bird” is the name pilots Charles Nungesser and François Coli gave their plane. They were supposed to cross the Atlantic Ocean on it but went missing during the flight.
The rounded lines of the restaurant’s panoramic windows resemble the plane’s outlines, and various decorative elements related to aviation and “The White Bird” make the place attractive to travelers. The traditional French cuisine deserves special mention. Each dish is presented at the highest level, and the menu changes daily.
The stunning view from the sixth floor creates a magical atmosphere in the evening. At this time, you can see the light show on the Eiffel Tower, and the capital in warm golden lights becomes especially mysterious and alluring. If you want to taste Paris, you should visit this restaurant.
We have told you about the most impressive observation points; you just need to choose and set off on your journey.
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