La Ville Lumière: Where to see Paris From Above

In the average person’s eyes, Paris offers a unique opportunity to decelerate, enjoy, and fall in love. And, which better way to do that if not by taking some time to view this magical city from above?

Whether you’re looking to combine exploration with leisure, or for a spot to take pictures here’re the easiest ways to investigate Parisian neighborhoods and landmarks with a sole glance.

Note: This post is aimed at people with limited days in Paris, and who are looking forward to exploring each of the sites the city is known for. If you have visited Paris before, or if you are on a budget, see the Best Views of Paris: Free of Charge!

Taking Advantage of Major Attractions

Eiffel Tower

The signature landmark of Paris offers a great opportunity to view the city from above. Being described as a “must” stop for most Parisian visitors either way, the view from the top of the Eiffel Tower allows people with limited visiting time to be awed without getting out of schedule.

website: https://www.toureiffel.paris/fr.

Photo Credits: worldinparis.com

Centre Pompidou

Having the identity of a modern museum at the heart of the city—in the 4th arrondissement—, the Centre Pompidou is suitable for everyone. Inside the space of this contemporary architectural piece, there’s room for people who are seeking to enjoy artwork, for families with young children who want to play, and for friends who are looking to catch up. Of course, the building further offers an astonishing view of Paris (including the Eiffel Tower).

website: https://www.centrepompidou.fr/en/.

Photo Credits: thebettervacation.com

Sacré-Cœ

Found in Montmartre which lies in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, the steps outside Sacré-Cœur—the roman catholic church dedicated to the heart of Jesus—is the perfect spot to enjoy a sunset along with friends, family, or your significant other. Nonetheless, since the building is itself an architectural masterpiece, it is highly recommended to plan your visit inside as well.

website (if interested in getting inside): https://www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com.

Musée d’Orsay

Undoubtedly, a worth-visiting museum in Paris is Musée d’Orsay—a museum celebrating principally distinct forms of French art dating from 1848 to 1914. Founded on the ruins of Gare d’Orsay—a railway station—in the 7th arrondissement, the building is known for its clock-shaped window that overlooks the river. Voilà, a way to rest your eyes for a few minutes by contemplating the beauty of the north city part (including Montmartre)!

website: https://www.musee-orsay.fr/fr.

Arc de Triomphe

If you ever find yourself walking on the famous shopping street, Champs-Élysées, you will most likely eventually notice the well-known Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile—a monument in Place Charles de Gaulle that honors the soldiers who lost their lives for France during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic wars. Being highly impressive and of a tremendous scale, the structure is hard to miss. What if I told you that you can climb to the top?

website: https://www.paris-arc-de-triomphe.fr.

Photo Credits: travelingcanucks.com

Tour Montparnasse

Contrary to other places mentioned so far, Tour Montparnasse is a 210-meter skyscraper located in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, famous for its Panoramic Observation Deck. If going up as high as 59 stories doesn’t frighten you, this is the place to go to view Paris in all its glory from above.

website: https://www.tourmontparnasse56.com/fr/.

Photo Credits: tourmontparnasse56.com

Memorizing the City

Unfortunately, even a plethora of pictures does not compensate for the beauty of la ville lumière. Nevertheless, what if I told you that I discovered a way to bring a piece of Paris “home”?

Toit de Paris—a handcrafted artwork, made in France from recycled Parisian roof zinc sheets—has become the topic of discussion in multiple French TV shows and national press articles, including BFM PARIS, France 2, La Stampa, and Le Parisien. Being totally sustainable and elegantly decorative, its design offers a unique portrayal of Parisian maps on authentic French rooftop material.

If you’re interested, it is readily available at the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Musée Carnavalet, and obtainable through the company’s website: https://en.toitdeparis.com/.

So, if you have limited days in Paris, now you know where to go for the best views of the city from above!