The Best Views in Paris

@afar
 on 2022.02.03
5 Places
@afar
Even born and bred Parisians find the City of Light takes their breath away, with some of the best views in Paris not necessarily at the highest altitudes. Luxury hotels, trendy Paris bars, and historic department stores offer some of the most impressive scenery, while seemingly banal playgrounds and mundane markets also provide picture-perfect Paris views. Credit: Collected by Kristin Zibell, AFAR Local Expert

Quai de Valmy

10th Arrondissement

"Thelocationfor the most charmingscenes in the movie Amélie , this once-forgotten neighborhood is now a destination for the young and fun-loving. As soon as the weather turns warm, picnickers line the paths along this 19th-century waterway, watching bridges rise and turn to allow barges to pass. Shopping, food, drink, and diversions also abound here: Artazart( 83 Quai de Valmy ) is recognized as one of the best design bookstores in Europe, while Le Comptoir Général, just across the bridge, offers live music and cheap drinks. Chez Prune hasone of the city’s most popular terraces for enjoying a glass of something refreshingand a chance to watch Paris go by."

Photo by Bertrand Gardel/age fotostock

The Centre Pompidou

Museum · Saint-Merri

"The Centre Pompidou, France 's national museum of modern art, led the way for steel-and-glass buildings in the 1970s. Now the museumleads the way in modern art with its extraordinary collection, currently the world's second largest. Masterpieces include Pablo Picasso's Parade and—one of my favorites—Tamara de Lempicka’s YoungGirl in Green . Gofor the museum, butcheckout thepublic library and the view of Paris that becomes more and more impressiveas the museum's escalators rise fromfloor to floor. Spot the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Coeur (and perhaps a street entertainer or two with agawking audience of kids) from the sprawling roof terrace."

Photo courtesy of Daniel Thierry/Paris Tourist Office

Serres du Jardin du Luxembourg

Botanical garden · Val de Grace

"On sunny days, Parisians head for the Luxembourg Garden, built by Marie de' Medici in 1611 and modeled after the Boboli Gardens in her native Florence . In addition to the magnificent Medici Fountain, there are more than 100 statues arranged around the garden’s 20 hectares (50 acres), which encompass both formal French and English gardens. Here you’ll find chess players, puppeteers, children sailing tiny boats on the octagonal pool and sometimes a free concert in the gazebo."

Kong

Asian fusion restaurant · Des Halles

"Kong Restaurant Kong restaurant is one of the stylish and trendies places in Paris . Its glass rooftop on the second floor allow the diners to overlook Paris’ lights at night. Very hip and trendy location, which makes the night in Paris very magical. Some of you might recognize the place from one of ‘Sex and the City’ final episodes. Make sure to make reservations for your special night."

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann

Department store · 9th Arrondissement

"Galeries Lafayette Haussmann is worth a visit if only to stand under its magnificent glass dome. The family business has survived as a one-stop-shopping hub for five generations, thanks to steady innovation and an emphasis on high fashion and design. Shoppers appreciate its easy VAT refund policy. There are also multiple restaurants, a rooftop terrace with stunning city views and a cultural space for rotating art exhibitions."