The best view points of Paris
Paris is an absolute stunning city, city of lights, city of love. Its little narrowed streets are known for being pretty and it is charming to stroll around the city.
Nonetheless, being a major European capital Paris can sometimes be overwhelming due to its density with a constant flow of people.
To escape the bustling streets and gain a fresh perspective, consider exploring some of the city's delightful viewpoints.
Certainly, you might have considered going to the top of the Eiffel Tower, but as a quick heads-up, you won't catch a view of the Eiffel Tower itself from there…
In this ranking, we're offering an alternative list featuring lesser-known hidden gems around the capital that will offer a unique and charming perspective on the city.
1) Hot air Balloon of Parc Javel André Citroën
A really great view to have a look at is from the garden hot air ballon of the garden Javel André Citroen. This balloon takes you up 150 meters in just a few minutes, where you can enjoy one of the best views of the city.
It's right in front of the Eiffel Tower, so you can also check that out among other things.
This balloon isn't just a tourist attraction, though – it helps people in Paris know about the pollution. Indeed, there's a special tool onboard called LOAC (Light Optimal Aerosol Counter) that always keeps an eye on the air quality. Given the prevailing air pollution in Paris, the balloon undergoes a chromatic transformation, transitioning from green to red.
It is common to observe the balloon from street level, extracting valuable insights about air pollution
Open every day from 9 am to 7 pm.
12 years and older: €18
3 to 11 years: €12
Under 3 years: Free
The balloon flies based on weather conditions and may stop at any moment.
Before your visit, please check their website here.
Balloon de Paris Generali, André Citroën Park, 75015 Paris.
Hot air balloon Javel André Citroen
2) View from the restaurant musée Orsay
For the best view of Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur, it is definitely at the café at Musée d'Orsay .Having a drink there is a must. Enhancing the splendid view, the restaurant's interior features the old train station clock as its centerpiece.
,Indeed, fun fact: Musée d'Orsay used to be a train station built for a Paris Expo year 1900.
Nonetheless, don't just come for the view; we strongly recommend spending time in the museum known above all for its impressionism paintings. Then end up your quality time with a nice drink at the restaurant.
Restaurant of the museum Orsay
Open every day except Monday from 11:45AM to 2:30PM
Beware, you have to book a ticket to the museum to go to the restaurant
Open every day except Monday from 9:30AM to 6PM
Full price 16 euros
Free for minors
Free for EU citizens under 25
Website here.
1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, 75007 Paris
View from inside Orsay’s restaurant
3) Terrace of the museum Pompidou: restaurant Georges
Certainly, one of the most delightful views of Paris can be enjoyed from the terraces of the Georges Pompidou Museum. Situated slightly above the typical Hausmann buildings in the neighborhood, it provides a distinct vantage point, offering a unique perspective on the charming blue roofs of the district. While these terraces are open to the public at no charge, we recommend taking a comfortable seat and indulging in a beverage from the Georges restaurant.
Additionally, it is highly recommended to explore the Pompidou Museum, renowned as Paris's premier contemporary art museum. Interestingly, "Le Marais" translates to "swamp" in English, reflecting the district's origins built on reclaimed marshlands.
Remark, you don’t have to book a ticket to the museum to go to the restaurant.
Restaurant Georges:
Open every day from 12PM to 2AM
Closed on Tuesday
Website here.
LE GEORGES, Place Georges Pompidou, 75004 Paris
View from restaurant Georges
4) La colonnade of the Panthéon
The Panthéon serves as the final resting place for notable men and women of France. Throughout history, individuals who have made significant contributions are buried here, including luminaries like Marie Curie, a two-time Nobel laureate, Alexandre Dumas, the author of "The Three Musketeers," and Simone Veil, a minister known for her work on abortion rights.
The Panthéon is in the heart of the 5th arrondissement and in the Latin Quarter and is well-known. But the colonnade within the pantheon is far less known by the visitors.
Nether the less it is from la colonnade that you can find the best view on the Latin district admiring among other the Eiffel tower, Notre Dame, and the Arc de triomphe.
From April 1st to September 30th, open from 10 am to 4:30 pm.
From October 1st to October 31st, open from 10 am to 4 pm.
Rates:
· Adults: Entrance ticket + €3.50 ( adults also have to pay the entrance to the Pantheon 11.5 euros)
· Free for EU citizen under 26
· Free for minors
Website here.
12 Pl. du Panthéon, 75005 Paris
View point from la colonnade