Getting up high also means getting some fresher air. How about a free or almost free rooftop? We're off to discover the capital's most beautiful free or ultra-affordable viewpoints.
The Galeries Lafayettes rooftop offers a breathtaking view of Paris and its monuments. From Montmartre to the Eiffel Tower, Paris is at your feet. Free access from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays and public holidays. And for a drink or a snack, don't forget Créatues, which now offers sweet treats for breakfast and snacks.
Head to the 7th floor of Le Printemps Femme to discover Printemps Haussmann 's immense panoramic terrace, named 7e Ciel of course. It offers a sublime view from the Opera to the Eiffel Tower. The terrace is open free of charge during the store's opening hours, Monday to Saturday from 10am to 8pm and Sunday from 11am to 8pm (times may vary on public holidays).
The roof of the Philharmonie in Paris's 19th arrondissement offers a magnificent panoramic view of the capital, including La Villette. A 360° view of Paris and its surroundings. Open from April to October, the viewpoint is open from midday to 8pm until mid-September, then until sunset on subsequent days and every Friday. No deckchairs or other seating, but feel free to settle in with your own seat or blanket to admire the sunset.
One of the most beautiful views of Paris opens up to you from the Pantheon. Indeed, from April to the end of October 2024, the famous historical monument opens its panorama with a 360° view of Paris. From the Eiffel Tower to Notre-Dame, via the Montparnasse Tower and the Centre Pompidou, not forgetting Montmartre and La Défense, the whole of Paris is at your feet. It's also a view you'll have to earn, as you'll have to climb the 206 steps through a usually closed circuit, which will take you to an already grandiose first terrace, followed by the colonnade and its 360° view. The panorama is open all day from 10am to 4.30pm until the end of September, then 4pm until the end of August. Admission costs €3.50 per person, but is free forunder-26s and companies (students, teachers, etc.). If you qualify for free admission, you'll still need to go to the ticket office to collect a voucher.
One of our favorite summertime attractions is the Tour Saint-Jacques. Of course, you'll have to climb the 300 steps to get to the rooftop of this historic monument. Guided tours are available from May to November.
As the Sacré Coeur stands on a hilltop, climbing it offers an idyllic view of Paris. From the parvis du Sacré-Coeur, you're 129 m above sea level. You can admire the roofs of Paris and the Eiffel Tower. And if that's not high enough for you, note that you can climb even higher by visiting the Dome of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica. Admission to the church is free, but you'll have to pay €6 to reach the famous Dome, with its breathtaking views.
Head for Suresnes, just outside Paris, to get some height. From the Terrasse du Fécheray, a belvedere at the foot of Mont Valérien, you can admire the Eiffel Tower, the Pantheon, Montmartre and many other Parisian landmarks. With free access and no opening hours, you can go there whenever you like.
The Institut du Monde Arabe offers free access to a panoramic terrace with a sublime view over Paris. A view that gives you an ideal vantage point over the Seine and Notre-Dame de Paris. This terrace is covered every day from 10am to 6pm. The terrace is now also home to Dar Mima, Jamel Debbouzze's restaurant.
The Cité de la Mode et du Design, an unusual green building in the 13th arrondissement, boasts a huge panoramic terrace with a breathtaking view over the Seine and Paris. From Wanderlust to Café Oz, it's also the ideal spot to relax and enjoy a cool drink with your hair blowing in the wind.
Parc de Belleville, a green space open to all in the 20th arrondissement, offers one of the best panoramic views of Paris. Here, you can enjoy a free 180° view after a pleasant stroll through the park, taking in the ups and downs. The park is open from 8 a.m. to 9.30 p.m. in summer and from 9 a.m. on weekends.
In short, if you want to enjoy the best views in Paris without having to pay much or anything at all, here's something for you. And to help you find your way around, take a look at the map below.
Prices
Free
