The ubiquitous beauty of Paris is found on street corners and cathedral steps, on café terraces and in museum halls, on river docks and in bottles of Bordeaux. Nowhere else, though, does Paris astound like it does from above. The mingling of Haussmannian precision with medieval pragmatism can only be truly appreciated from a certain height. New York Habitat has had a presence in the French capital long enough to know that while the city looks great from street level, it transcends beauty when seen perched atop a world-class monument.
The créme de la créme of Paris monuments is, of course, the Eiffel Tower. Located in the glorious 7th arrondissement, it is without question the symbol of Paris, and France for that matter. The views from all three pedestrian levels of the tower are stunning. From atop the tower the city seems small and, despite the hustle and bustle below, serene. As a visitor to Paris it is ones obligation to not only marvel at the structure from below, but to take in the views from the tower’s top floor. Despite its architectural celebrity, the Eiffel Tower is not the only skycraping building in town with breathtaking views.
The 56-story Montparnasse Tower features a wonderful rooftop terrace with rooftop views. The panoramic rooftop is an option for visitors looking to avoid the crowds and terribly long lines at the Eiffel tower. The Montparnasse Tower does provide something the Eiffel Tower could never offer–a view of the Eiffel Tower.
The Arc de Triomphe offers unique views on Paris’ most famous street, the Champs Elysees. Located in the 8th arrondissement, visitors to the grand arch can pay a fee of 9 Euros to step atop the arch and marvel at one of the worlds most daunting round-a-bouts and the 12 streets that fan out from the Place de l’Etoile.
The Notre Dame Cathedral, known mostly for gargoyles, hunchbacks and stained-glass also opens their rooftop to visitors. The point of view from atop the church is unique in central, Seine-side Paris.
One of the best views in all of Paris, and the cheapest, is from atop the hills of Montmartre, just in front of the Sacre Coeur Basilica. Free to anyone willing to shlep up the countless steps, Montmartre provides a natural perspective on the French capital.
Up in Montmartre, a short walk from the Sacre Coeur, is this cozy 1-bedroom rental in Pigalle, Montmartre – Sacre Coeur (PA-3630). And a short walking distance from Notre Dame Cathedral and the modernity of Montparnasse Tower is this studio in Quartier Latin, St Michel – St Germain – Notre Dame (PA-925).
The views from all of these Paris monuments are great. That said, often the most satisfying view for New York Habitat clients staying in Paris is from their bedroom window.
Do you have a favorite place in Paris to view the city? Is it from atop a monument, through a restaurant window or from the seat of your plane as you approach CDG airport? Comment Below.
My favorite view is from Arc de Triomphe at sunset! Plus there’s a neat little museum inside with some of Napoleon’s wartime belongings.
But the most central location would probably be the St.Michel/St. Germain and you get to see the Notre Dame during different times of the day and in different lights. I was absolutely transfixed to see it during the “blue hour” when it was snowing and the cathedral was all lit up.
From the Eiffer Tower, there is a view on the Champ de Mars and sometimes the amorous messages cut into the grass. That’s about it I guess, sorry for the long message!
it is true that th e Eiffel Tower although amazing, is overratted! it’s always crowded with people trying to force you to buy stuff, so the best time to go to see it is at night. you get a perfect view of the tower from l’Arc de Triomphe itself! you also can see the rond point at the champs Elysee and how horrific yet amazing the drivers are. Also, you can go to grand Palais, they sometimes have a fair in there!
I lost my heart to the city when I saw the view from the Institut du Monde Arabe and the Tour Montparnasse. The monument I like most however is the catacombes at Denfert-Rochereau.