All of Paris in the palm of your hand: 7 best viewpoints in the city

Paris is a city worth seeing at least once in your life. When Baron Haussmann began reconstructing medieval neighborhoods in the late 19th century, he created avenues that offer incredible views of the city's most important landmarks. The most famous is, of course, the Eiffel Tower.

But when you visit the city and climb the tower, you may be a little disappointed. The time spent may not be worth all the effort, and the endless crowds around you prevent you from enjoying the panorama. Experts have revealed the top viewpoints of the eternal city. From elegant parks to the 19th-century observatory, these places will help you discover the truly beautiful Paris.

Saint-Cloud Park

On the outskirts of the suburb of Boulogne-Billancourt is the Parc National de Saint-Cloud. Here you can see Marie Antoinette's flower garden, various sculptures, and the towering Rond de la Balustrade. This observation deck offers incredible views of the southwest of Paris, and behind it is a magnificent grassy avenue framed by trees. The Jardin des Serres d'Auteuil has a collection of greenhouses filled with 6000 species of plants.

Montparnasse Tower

Tour Montparnasse stands like an obelisk in the 15th arrondissement. Its reflective glass outside casts a long shadow over the neighborhood, but once you step inside and climb to the 56th floor, you can enjoy panoramic views of Paris from the observation deck. The top floor of the tower is home to the decadent Ciel de Paris restaurant.

BHV Rooftop

It's hard to find views in the center of Paris, where all the buildings are six stories or less, but above the men's department of the BHV department store is Terraza Mikuna, formerly BHV Perchoir. This bar is open all year round, but in winter the panorama is somewhat obstructed by a transparent plastic film. From the roof, you can reach out and almost touch the gray-paneled roof of the Palais Garnier Opera House and the Madeleine Church.

Parc de Belleville

Away from the crowds around Sacré Coeur, you can see a similar view of the left bank in the Parc de Belleville of the 20th arrondissement. Opened in 1988, the Parc de Belleville is filled with vines, as this suburb used to be a thriving viticulture. Between the flower beds, grassy areas for summer picnics, and vegetated winding paths, you can climb up to a terrace that overlooks the city. The top of this pavilion offers a view framed by columns and a collection of mosaics created in collaboration with the children of the district. At 180 meters, Parc Belleville is the highest park in Paris.

Sorbonne Observatory

An excursion to the Sorbonne Observatory is the perfect way to see Paris. The observatory is open two to three nights a week to take groups of five people on guided tours organized by the Astronomical Society of France. The visit lasts two hours and begins with an introduction to science and astronomy at the Sorbonne, before heading up to the observation deck to look through the telescope and enjoy incredible views of the city. At the end of each month, tickets for the following month are available on the official website – due to their limited number, it is important to book in advance.

Beth Shomon Park

Opened in 1867, the park was designed by Jean-Charles Adolphe Alphant to breathe new life into a space that had previously been used as a quarry and landfill. It is also the site of his experiments with concrete as a material – the artificial grotto is one example. While the Butte Chaumont may not be as famous as the Eiffel Tower, the suspension bridge that stretches across the park was designed by Gustave Eiffel.

The 19th arrondissement isn't where you'd normally find crowds of tourists, but the charming Bois Chaumont is the fifth largest park in Paris and well worth the trip across town. On some weekends, you'll find a diverse and inexpensive flea market, or brocante, growing along the railing at the top of the park. It's a popular spot for locals, from stylish Parisians in perfectly tailored jackets, who choose designer brands, to families looking for children's toys. On Thursday and Friday evenings, Rosa Bonheur serves wood-fired pizza and drinks.

Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is an attraction worth visiting in itself, but it also offers some of the most breathtaking views of Paris. After passing through the intricate underground passages under the roundabout and climbing 284 steps, you reach the panoramic top of the arch. As the arch is built on an elevation at the beginning of one of the most luxurious boulevards in the Ottoman Empire, the Champs Elysees, the avenue sweeps before you, suddenly free of crowds and traffic. It's a beautiful view at any time, but it's best to climb the arch at sunset. You will see the sky change from blue to pale pink and orange before smoothly turning to dark gray.

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