10 Best Spots to View the Panoramic Views of Paris & Capture Your Own Paris

Text & Photos /INSIDR PARIS

The cityscape of Paris is a breathtaking sight everyone dreams of witnessing — the meandering Seine River that cuts through the city, the Eiffel Tower, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica atop Montmartre Hill, and even the elegant Haussmann-style buildings. Every angle and every street corner in Paris offers photos so beautiful they could serve as charming postcards of the city.

But where can you truly witness the beautiful Paris cityscapes you see in those stunning photos? We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 spots to view the Paris cityscape — also perfect for photography — allowing your shots to become the next viral hits on IG.

Top1 Notre-Dame de Paris

Visiting Notre-Dame Cathedral is incomplete without taking the chance to climb its towers, get up close to the gargoyles, and enjoy sweeping views of Paris. Located on the Île de la Cité — the birthplace of Paris — the tower offers breathtaking views of the city. Right before your eyes is the symbol of romantic Paris — the Seine River — with boats occasionally passing by, the Eiffel Tower on the Left Bank, the distant Sacré-Cœur on the Right Bank, and the city’s elegant Haussmann buildings.

* Tower Admission: €10 (free for under 26s)

Top2 Sacré-Cœur Basilica

The view from Sacré-Cœur is one of the must-visit observation spots in Paris. Perched atop Montmartre Hill, the basilica offers a panoramic view of the entire city (after climbing 300 steps)!

Admission: €6

Top3 Galeries Lafayette Terrace

The rooftop of Galeries Lafayette is an open-air terrace, a wonderful and relaxing hidden garden to take a break after shopping. Anyone can head up here to enjoy the warm sunshine, observe the bustling streets of Paris up close, or capture amazing sunset photos as the sun goes down. Additionally, part of the rooftop features an open-air restaurant and bar where you can sip champagne while enjoying the Parisian views.

Admission: Free

Top4 Parc de Belleville

The Belleville area has gradually been developed in recent years and is quite an interesting neighborhood. A short climb up the hill leads to Parc de Belleville, which offers unobstructed panoramic views of Paris.

Admission: Free

Top5 Centre Pompidou

If you’re planning to visit the Centre Pompidou, Insidr recommends stopping by the George Restaurant inside. While dining at George comes with a higher price tag, the view of the city from its observation area is completely free.

Admission: Free

TOP 6. Montparnasse Observation Tower

Montparnasse Tower is currently the only skyscraper in Paris. Like the Eiffel Tower, it is located on the Left Bank and is one of the best spots to overlook the Paris cityscape.

Admission: €15 during the day; €20 at night

TOP 7. A New Paris Tour Option — Paris Balloon (Ballon de Paris)

For those wanting to experience Paris from a unique perspective, take a ride in a Paris hot air balloon and admire the city from 150 meters above ground.

Admission: €12

TOP 8. Terrass" Hotel Montmartre

Located in the heart of Montmartre and near the famous Café des Deux Moulins, this four-star hotel features a glass-domed restaurant and bar on its rooftop offering unobstructed panoramic views of Paris. It’s open to the public — just make a reservation in advance.

Admission: Free entry (consumption inside required)

TOP 9 Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe isn't just magnificent when viewed from the Champs-Élysées — the view from atop it is even more spectacular!

The Champs-Élysées, stretching all the way from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, along with the 12 avenues radiating outward from the Arc, create a dazzling sight when the streetlights illuminate the boulevard at night. The Ferris wheel at the end of the Champs-Élysées and the distant Eiffel Tower are simply breathtaking. Just climb the 234 steps of the Arc de Triomphe, and you'll be rewarded with a panoramic view of Paris!

Ticket: 12€ (Free for students under 26 within the EU)

TOP 10. Paris’s New Hotspot – Le Perchoir Bar

Le Perchoir has three locations in Paris, and each offers a unique view of the city!

#1 Perchoir Marais

The Marais location is tucked behind BHV department store, offering views of the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame.

Address: 37 rue de la verrerie, 75004 Paris
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 8:15 PM–2 AM, Wednesday 9:15 PM–2 AM (No reservation needed here!)

#2 Perchoir Ménilmontant

This Le Perchoir in Paris’s 11th arrondissement is hidden inside an ordinary-looking residential building, yet it boasts a 360-degree panoramic view of Paris. Visitors should book in advance!

Address: 14 Rue Crespin du Gast, 75011 Paris
Hours: Monday to Friday 6 PM–2 AM, Saturday & Sunday 4 PM–2 AM

#3 Perchoir Gare de l’est

The Le Perchoir at Paris Gare de l’Est is the newest branch, opened in 2016. Though it doesn’t offer the same height for viewing Paris as the other locations, the scenery from the train station allows you to observe the bustling streets and daily life of Paris up close.

Address: 14 Rue Crespin du Gast, 75011 Paris, France
Hours: Monday to Friday 6 PM–2 AM, Saturday 4 PM–2 AM

＊INSIDR Tip: Since Le Perchoir is a very popular bar in Paris, spots often fill up quickly, and the Marais location can have long lines. Travelers who really want to go should consider arriving early or booking ahead!

INSIDR also has two other great recommendations:

#11 Musée d'Orsay

Originally a railway station, the Musée d'Orsay retains the charm of an old train terminal both outside and in. The museum lobby still features the original station clock — a picturesque spot loved by many visitors for photos!

#12 Musée de l'Homme (Museum of Mankind)

Located right next to the Palais de Chaillot, this anthropology museum is often overlooked by tourists rushing to take photos of the Eiffel Tower...

But INSIDR recommends checking it out. Plus, photos of the Eiffel Tower taken from the museum grounds won’t have crowds photobombing and you won’t have to wait your turn to snap the perfect shot.