In Paris, numerous terraces, bars, restaurants and monuments afford stunning views of the capital. Here’s a selection.
Tourist attractions such as Montmartre, the Eiffel Tower, the Montparnasse Tower and its restaurant The Ciel de Paris, the Tours de Notre-Dame (closed to the public until further notice), the Sacré-Cœur, the Fondation Louis-Vuitton or the Ballon Generali at the Parc André-Citroën are well-known for offering breathtaking views of Paris. For fans of spectacular views and people who would like to know the best places with a view, here is a choice selection that will give you another perspective on Paris … Wonderful surprises in view!
Of course, there are the latest hip rooftop addresses: the Perchoir with a second address on the roof of the BHV Marais, the W at the Hôtel Warwick Champs-Elysées, the Georges at Beaubourg, Communion and the Wanderlust at Les Docks … from where the view is suberb.
But less-well-known spots are also well worth visiting, and finding a seat might be easier! Sometimes this may be a simple street corner or an elevated little public garden or park - Parc des Buttes Chaumont, parc de Belleville - with an unobstructed view offering a different perspective of the Paris skyline. A unique panorama guaranteed and a source of pleasure that no fan of Paris should miss out on.
The Café Richelieu / Angelina, Louvre Museum (Temporarily closed)
Situated in one of the wings of the museum - the Richelieu wing – the Café Richelieu / Angelina opens onto a terrace overlooking the Cour Napoléon and its famous pyramid. Here, no rooftop vistas, but one of the most visited and splendid monuments in the world that one never tires of admiring. A very gourmet address, which offers a range of irresistible Parisian pastries.
Louvre Museum, Richelieu wing, 1st floor
The terrace bar at the Louxor
Already a landmark! Reopened in 2013, Le Louxor cinema, with its quality cinema programme, is a great hit with film buffs in the north of Paris. From its equally popular terrace bar, the Barbès district can be seen from another angle, with Sacré-Coeur in the background.
170 boulevard de Magenta, Paris 10th
La butte Bergeyre
Montmartre is not the only place from which to look out over Paris! Near to Buttes-Chaumont, a few tiny residential streets cling to a hillside from which there is a dramatic and original view of Paris. There are even grape vines here but very few tourists!
Rue Georges-Lardennois, Paris 19th
Les Ombres, musée du quai Branly (Temporarily closed)
Culture and food is generally a winning combination. And when there is a breathtaking view of Paris to go with it, then pleasure is guaranteed. A recipe that is highly-successful at Les Ombres, the rooftop – terrace restaurant at the Musée du Quai Branly. A must.
27 quai Jacques Chirac, Paris 7th
© DR Amélie Dupont
Parc de Belleville
The view of Paris from the park’s highest point is grandiose and merits certain terraces that cannot offer such a panorama! Not to be missed when you are out exploring the east of Paris.
47 rue des Couronnes, Paris 20th
The Terrass" restaurant and bar
The Terrass" Hotel is also an open secret for many tourists in Paris, and that is no surprise! Situated just below Montmartre, it offers a 180° panoramic view from its restaurant and cocktail bar. An ideal spot to end a day’s sightseeing with a cocktail and a sunset over Paris.
12-14 rue Joseph de Maistre, Paris 18th
Le Novotel Paris Vaugirard Montparnasse
This Novotel has a little gem of a lounge bar tucked away on the top floor roof terrace. It is an ideal and unpretentious spot to share an apero platter with friends and enjoy a house cocktail. Bartender Sébastien Foulard signs creative cocktails – try out his revisited Spritz, the ‘Sunset Vaugirard’.
257 rue de Vaugirard, Paris 15th
Moncoeur Belleville
Located at the belvedere at Belleville, in the east of the city, this restaurant known to Parisians is considered by them to offer the most beautiful views of Paris ... You can judge for yourself and discover the affordable menu of seasonal produce, Sunday brunch or generous cocktails!
1 rue des Envierges, Paris 20th
Every summer, pop-up terraces appear in Paris. On wasteland, in unusual places or as simply extensions of existing terraces, these spots lasting just a few months of the year are perfect places to enjoy sunny days in the capital. For eating or drinking under a blue sky, with friends or family, summer terraces are an essential part of la vie Parisienne.
© Antonio Saba
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