The 12 viewpoints at a glance
| Spot | Price | What you see | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sacré-Cœur (forecourt and steps) | Free | All of Paris to the west | Very busy, come early |
| Trocadéro | Free | Eiffel Tower head-on | Crowded, but the classic setting |
| Montparnasse Tower (56th floor) | Paid | Paris in 360° | Book a ticket, view of the Eiffel Tower |
| Pont des Arts | Free | Seine, Institut, Île de la Cité | Ideal for a picnic |
| Pont Alexandre III | Free | Invalides and Grand Palais | Golden light, gilded lamps |
| Square du Vert-Galant | Free | Tip of the Île de la Cité | Quiet, at the water's edge |
| Parc de Belleville | Free | Paris to the west | Fewer people than Montmartre |
| Buttes-Chaumont (Temple of the Sibyl) | Free | Lake and Sacré-Cœur | For walkers |
| Eiffel Tower (summit) | Paid | All of Paris | Book ahead |
| Arc de Triomphe (terrace) | Paid | The twelve avenues | View of the Champs-Élysées |
| Seine cruise | Paid | Monuments from the water | Pick a sunset departure |
| Rooftops and terrace bars | Drinks | Depends on the address | Book on fine days |
Ticket prices change: check the official sites. Sunset times are approximate.
Our picks
- Best free view: Sacré-Cœur for the panorama, the Pont des Arts for calm.
- Most spectacular: the Montparnasse Tower, where you watch the sun set and the lights come on.
- For the Eiffel Tower photo: the Trocadéro or the Pont Alexandre III.
- Off the beaten track: Parc de Belleville or the Buttes-Chaumont.
- With a drink: see the best rooftops in Paris.
Tips
- Check the exact sunset time for your date and arrive 30 to 45 minutes early.
- Stay after sunset: the blue hour is often prettier than the sun itself.
- For more views without paying, see the best free views of Paris.
- A Seine cruise at dusk lets you see the monuments light up.
FAQ
What is the best free view? The steps of Sacré-Cœur, with a panorama to the west.
What time does the sun set? Around 10 pm in late June and around 5 pm in late December.
Do I need to book? Yes for the Montparnasse Tower, the Eiffel Tower and cruises; no for the free spots.
Going further
See also the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe for a climb to the top.
