The most beautiful views of Paris

Paris isn’t only explored up close: it’s meant to be admired. Zinc rooftops, illuminated monuments, endless perspectives… the capital offers some of the most beautiful panoramas in the world. Here are our favourite views — including a private one, savoured coffee in hand, from our apartment on the rue de Rivoli.

The view from the apartment: Tuileries and Louvre

Let’s start with the most exclusive: from the 6th floor of the rue de Rivoli, the eye sweeps over the Tuileries garden and the Louvre pyramid, all the way to the Concorde. At dawn as at sunset, the light transforms the scene. A postcard view, but real, and all to yourself.

The Eiffel Tower, sparkling at night

You can’t talk about Paris without the Iron Lady. By day, you admire it from the Trocadéro or the riverbanks; but it’s at night that it comes alive, when it sparkles for five minutes every hour. From a bridge over the Seine, the show is unforgettable.

Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur, Paris as far as the eye can see

On its hill, the Sacré-Cœur overlooks all of Paris. From its forecourt, the capital unfolds in a spectacular panorama — one of the most famous free viewpoints in the city. Go up early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy the light.

Place de la Concorde, at night

At the end of the Tuileries, the Place de la Concorde and its obelisk light up at dusk, between the facades of the Hôtel de la Marine and the perspective of the Champs-Élysées. One of the most beautiful squares in the world, magical under the lights.

Sunsets over the Seine

When the sun goes down, the banks of the Seine catch fire. From the Pont des Arts or the Pont Neuf, the golden light reflects on the water, the barges glide by, the facades turn pink. It’s Parisians’ favourite hour — and the most photogenic.

From your apartment, the best view is yours

Chasing viewpoints is great; having one at home is better. Our apartment on the rue de Rivoli, with its sweeping view over the Tuileries and the Louvre, turns every morning and every evening into a spectacle. The most beautiful view in Paris? Perhaps the one from your window.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most beautiful free viewpoint over Paris?

The forecourt of the Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre offers one of the finest free panoramas. The banks of the Seine at sunset and the Tuileries garden are also unbeatable.

When is the best time to admire Paris?

Dawn (soft light, few people) and sunset, followed by nightfall when the monuments light up. The Eiffel Tower sparkles for five minutes every hour once night has fallen.

Fancy Paris with a view? Discover our apartment on the rue de Rivoli, and to explore on foot, read All of Paris on foot from the rue de Rivoli.