If every city had a color, London would be a misty grey, Rome a warm Tuscan yellow, and Paris? Paris would be a subdued yet enchanting blue.

The city’s skyline is a mesmerizing tapestry of romance and elegance, with its iconic rooftops clad in matching blue-grey hues that blend harmoniously with the sky. It’s this visual poetry that makes Paris’s skyline so captivating and instantly recognizable worldwide.

As I wander through the city’s charming alleys and streets, I’m always struck by how perfectly coordinated the architecture is—each building a piece of a grand, cohesive puzzle. This harmony is what gives Paris its distinctive charm and allure, making it a dreamscape for photographers and travelers alike.

I’ll guide you to the best spots in Paris for panoramic views that capture this enchanting skyline.

Paris’s mansard roofs

Paris is a city renowned not only for its romance and culture but also for its unique architectural charm. A defining feature of Paris’s skyline is its mansard roofs, an architectural style that traces its roots back to the 17th century.

This design was popularized by the French architect François Mansart, whose innovative approach to roofing became a hallmark of the French Baroque style. The mansard roof, characterized by its distinctive double slope, was a clever solution to maximize interior space under the roofline. The upper slope is less steep, allowing more usable attic space, while the lower, steeper slope adds a touch of elegance and grandeur to the building’s silhouette.

Another charming feature of these roofs is the ‘oeil de boeuf’ windows—small, oval windows that appear to peek out from the roofline, adding character and light to the uppermost rooms. These architectural details, coupled with the cohesive urban planning of Paris, create a visually harmonious cityscape that has captivated visitors for centuries.

Seine River Cruise

---

The Seine River Cruise is one of the most popular sightseeing activities in Paris and there are so so many types of cruises on the River Seine that you can’t even count.

From breakfast to dinner, tourists can enjoy the view of the city from the River while enjoying their meals; or simply sit on the deck and take thousands of pictures until their cameras’ batteries run out.

The River Seine runs through the city center of Paris and the amazing thing about Paris is that many of the city’s iconic locations are scattered on the bank of the River. The route usually begins in either the Eiffel Tower or the Notre Dame, covering all the highlights in between – The Quai de la Tournelle, Le Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Place de la Concorde, Invalides, Petit Palais, Grand Palais, and so many more.

Another amazing thing about the Seine River Cruise is that you can appreciate some of the 37 bridges and footbridges that were on the Seine, and let me remind you that each of them has its own character, history, and beauty – Pont Neuf is considered to be the oldest stone bridge in Paris. Pont des Arts is a popular dating spot in the city. Pont Alexandre III is intricately decorated, connecting the Grand and Petit Palais with Invalides…. and the list goes on and on. You get to see the sculptures and the other side of these bridges from a cruise, which could be difficult onshore.

Trocadéro

---

Trocadéro, a garden nestled within the Palais de Chaillot, is often overlooked by visitors, yet it offers one of the best vantage points for admiring the Eiffel Tower. Positioned directly across the River Seine, Trocadéro provides an unobstructed, panoramic view of this iconic monument in all its majestic glory. On a sunny summer day, there’s no better way to soak in the beauty of Paris than by relaxing on a bench or lounging on the lawn, basking in the sun with the Eiffel Tower rising grandly in the background. However, the secret is out, and you’ll find many tourists flocking here to capture that perfect shot. If you’re in search of a quieter, more serene experience, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the evening when the crowds have thinned and the atmosphere becomes almost magical.

Once you’ve soaked up the sights from Trocadéro, make your way to the Eiffel Tower itself for an elevated view of the city. From the top, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking panorama of Paris, where its beauty unfolds beneath you, revealing a tapestry of historic architecture, sprawling boulevards, and the meandering Seine.

The Eiffel Tower

---

The Eiffel Tower hardly needs an introduction. As one of the most iconic structures in the world, it draws millions of visitors each year, all eager to experience the magic of ascending its iron lattice frame and gazing out over Paris. Designed by Gustave Eiffel and completed in 1889 for the World’s Fair, the Eiffel Tower was initially met with mixed reviews. However, it quickly became a symbol of French innovation and engineering prowess, captivating visitors with its towering height and intricate ironwork. More than a century later, it remains a beloved destination for travelers from around the globe.

Despite the inevitable crowds and long queues, the Eiffel Tower continues to be a must-visit for many, myself included. The experience of climbing to the summit of the Eiffel Tower is unforgettable, but it does require some planning. Simply deciding to visit on a whim can lead to disappointment, as the lines can sometimes stretch for hours, and tickets to the summit can sell out quickly.

Having read stories on travel forums ranging from “we were lucky” to “we waited in line for four hours,” I decided to take the prepared route. I tried to book tickets to the summit well in advance, only to find that most time slots were already sold out—even three months ahead! This is partly due to travel agencies buying up blocks of tickets to resell at a higher price. In the end, I reluctantly purchased my tickets through one of these agencies at a markup, but it did allow us to bypass some of the longer lines.

When visiting the Eiffel Tower, there are a few key things to keep in mind. The tower has three levels: the first floor, the second floor, and the summit. The first floor is quite spacious and features a café, restaurants, restrooms, and souvenir shops. It’s also where some people choose to start their climb on foot, which I highly recommend, as the stairs offer unique views through the latticework and feature interesting exhibits along the way.

The second floor, slightly smaller than the first, serves as the transfer point to the elevators that take visitors to the summit. It’s a queuing area, designed to manage the flow of people heading to the top without overcrowding the lower levels. Fortunately, when we visited, the weather was pleasant, making the wait more enjoyable. The elevators run constantly, so the line moves at a reasonable pace, and after about 30 minutes, we reached the summit—the pinnacle of the Eiffel Tower experience.

Standing at the top, with all of Paris sprawling beneath us, I felt a rush of excitement and awe. The view was everything I hoped for and more, a stunning reward for all the effort it took to get there. Despite the crowds and the chaos, visiting the Eiffel Tower is truly a one-of-a-kind experience that captures the essence of Paris—its beauty, its history, and its charm.

Arc de Triomphe

---

The Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris’s most iconic landmarks, known for its monumental architecture and historical significance. Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 after his victory at Austerlitz, the Arc stands at the western end of the Champs-Élysées and serves as the centerpiece of Place Charles de Gaulle, where twelve grand avenues radiate in a star-like pattern.

The monument was built to honor those who fought and died in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, with the names of French victories and generals etched into its surfaces, serving as a powerful reminder of France’s military history. Beyond its historical importance, the Arc de Triomphe also offers a spectacular view of the Paris skyline. From its observation deck, visitors can enjoy a perfectly symmetrical view down the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, stretching toward the Louvre, and on the opposite side, catch sight of the modern skyscrapers of La Défense. This unique vantage point provides a panoramic view that beautifully captures both the historic and contemporary aspects of Paris.

Galeries Lafayette

---

Visiting Galeries Lafayette in Paris is more than just a shopping trip; it’s an experience wrapped in architectural splendor. This renowned department store, established in 1894, is celebrated not only for its extensive range of high-end fashion and luxury goods but also for its stunning art nouveau architecture. As you step inside, you’ll be awestruck by the magnificent glass dome, intricate wrought ironwork, and the vibrant, colorful displays that make the store a visual feast.

What sets Galeries Lafayette apart from other department stores is its rooftop viewing deck, which offers one of the best free panoramic views in Paris. Even if shopping isn’t on your agenda, the rooftop is accessible to all visitors and provides an exceptional vantage point slightly above the surrounding buildings. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of iconic landmarks like the Opera House and the Eiffel Tower, set against the backdrop of Paris’s sprawling cityscape.

For the best experience, I recommend heading to the rooftop early in the day to avoid crowds and to catch the city at its best. The store is conveniently located on Boulevard Haussmann, making it easy to include in any Paris itinerary. Whether you’re browsing the latest fashion or simply soaking in the view, Galeries Lafayette is a must-visit for its blend of shopping, stunning architecture, and unforgettable city vistas.

Sacré-Coeur

---

The name “Montmartre” comes from the French word “mont,” meaning mountain, but don’t let that intimidate you—this charming hill, crowned by the magnificent Basilica du Sacré-Coeur, rises only 130 meters above the city, making it an easily accessible destination for anyone eager to experience one of Paris’s most stunning views. The basilica’s gleaming white dome can be seen from various parts of Paris, a beacon drawing visitors up the gentle slopes of Montmartre.

Reaching the basilica is a breeze, whether you choose to stroll up through the quaint streets, take a short ride on the funicular, or even hop in a car. Once at the top, the open space in front of the Sacré-Coeur offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. From this vantage point, you can see much of Paris spread out below, though the Eiffel Tower is hidden from view due to the church’s orientation. But that’s hardly a drawback; the real charm of Montmartre lies in its historic, romantic, and artistic vibe. Wandering through its cobblestone streets feels like stepping back in time, with every corner revealing a new glimpse of the city’s soul—all without costing a cent.

However, Montmartre’s popularity does come with a few downsides. The throngs of tourists are matched by a fair number of street vendors and the occasional pickpocket, which can make the experience feel a bit chaotic at times. Despite these minor inconveniences, my time in Montmartre was filled with unforgettable moments, from savoring the views to soaking in the atmosphere of this iconic Parisian neighborhood.

Pompidou Centre

---

The Pompidou Centre, one of Paris’s most iconic contemporary art museums, stands out in the city’s landscape with its unique modern and industrial architecture. Designed with an “inside-out” approach, its bold exterior showcases exposed pipes, bright colors, and structural elements that contrast sharply with the traditional Parisian buildings surrounding it. This unconventional design has made the Pompidou Centre a fascinating destination for both art enthusiasts and architecture lovers.

While the museum’s world-class collection of contemporary art—including striking works in mediums such as oil paint—is a major draw, there’s another reason to visit: the stunning views from its rooftop. As you ascend to the top floor on the exterior escalators—facing directly toward the Eiffel Tower—you’re treated to an ever-expanding panorama of Paris. If art isn’t your main interest, you can still take in the breathtaking cityscape by heading straight to the rooftop bar. For a valuable price, you can enjoy a drink while admiring sweeping views of Paris, with the Eiffel Tower rising majestically in the distance.

However, it’s worth noting that the Pompidou Centre is scheduled to close for a major renovation starting in September 2025, so make sure to visit soon to experience both the cutting-edge architecture and the incredible rooftop views before this beloved landmark temporarily closes its doors.

Le Printemps

---

Tour Montparnasse

---