Exceptional towers, domes and roofs to climb to get the best view of Paris from above

Published by Graziella de Sortiraparis · Photos by My de Sortiraparis · Updated on August 21, 2025 at 09:07 p.m. · Published on August 20, 2025 at 09:07 p.m.
The capital reveals itself in a whole new way when you get up high. Between narrow staircases, majestic domes and contemporary rooftops, each high point offers a unique view of Paris.

Sometimes you have to suffer to discover the capital's most beautiful vantage points, because Paris can be discovered from the ground as well as from the heights. Between medieval towers, majestic domes and contemporary rooftops, the capital offers a multitude of breathtaking panoramas, but sometimes you have to earn them. Sporty climbs or modern elevators take you to the top, with the best reward of all: an unforgettable view of Parisian monuments, the Seine and its hidden streets.

Beyond the views, these ascents offer a real journey back in time. The architectural structures tell the story of Paris, and bear witness to centuries of construction in a variety of styles and eras. Sculpted details, openings onto the city and unparalleled vantage points transform each ascent into a cultural and sensory experience, as the wind, light and perspectives create a unique atmosphere.

Free or paying, accessible to all or reserved for the bravest, famous or little-known, there's no shortage of monuments to climb, giving you the chance to capture, in the charm of a moment, pieces of Paris you won't soon forget. Discover the towers, domes and rooftops that can be visited all year round or on guided tours!

Views you have to earn

Visuel Paris Tour EiffelVisuel Paris Tour EiffelVisuel Paris Tour EiffelVisuel Paris Tour Eiffel The Eiffel Tower: opening hours, access, prices... Discover Paris's most iconic monument
The Eiffel Tower has established itself as the most emblematic monument in Paris. Since 1889, it has watched over Paris and its inhabitants, astonishing visitors and those who see it from afar. Want to find out more? Click here! [Read more]

BnF François Mitterrand - image00025BnF François Mitterrand - image00025BnF François Mitterrand - image00025BnF François Mitterrand - image00025 The BnF François-Mitterand Belvedere: the little-known panorama of Paris, practical information
Perched atop the Tour des Lois of the Bibliothèque nationale de France, the Belvédère on the François-Mitterrand site offers a spectacular view of Paris. Accessible only on guided tours, it combines architectural discovery, history and an exceptional panorama. [Read more]

Le Square Viviani devant Notre-Dame de Paris  - A7C03830Le Square Viviani devant Notre-Dame de Paris  - A7C03830Le Square Viviani devant Notre-Dame de Paris  - A7C03830Le Square Viviani devant Notre-Dame de Paris  - A7C03830 The Towers of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris: the view saved from the flames, practical information
After five years of restoration, the emblematic towers of Notre-Dame Cathedral will once again welcome visitors from September 20, 2025. A new itinerary will allow visitors to explore the Gothic architecture, walk along the gargoyles and admire the structure of the forest in a new light, from a height of 69 meters. [Read more]

Maison Bohème - visuel MontmartreMaison Bohème - visuel MontmartreMaison Bohème - visuel MontmartreMaison Bohème - visuel Montmartre The Dome of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica: the view from the Butte Montmartre, practical information
Dominating Paris from the Butte Montmartre, the Sacré-Coeur dome offers one of the capital's most spectacular panoramas. A spiritual and architectural symbol, it is as captivating for its history as it is for the 360° view it affords visitors ready to climb its 300 steps. [Read more]

Visuel Journées du Patrimoine/Matrimoine Tour Jean-Sans-PeurVisuel Journées du Patrimoine/Matrimoine Tour Jean-Sans-PeurVisuel Journées du Patrimoine/Matrimoine Tour Jean-Sans-PeurVisuel Journées du Patrimoine/Matrimoine Tour Jean-Sans-Peur The Tour Jean-sans-Peur, a medieval treasure in Paris
Immerse yourself in medieval history at the Tour Jean-sans-Peur in Paris. The last vestige of the Hôtel des Ducs de Bourgogne Valois, the Tour Jean sans Peur was built in 1409 and offers a glimpse of life in the Middle Ages in a reconstructed residence. It currently houses an exhibition on Health in the Middle Ages, which runs until September 10, 2023 (excluding the month of August). [Read more]

La Tour Saint-Jacques, le Clocher à la vue sublimeLa Tour Saint-Jacques, le Clocher à la vue sublimeLa Tour Saint-Jacques, le Clocher à la vue sublimeLa Tour Saint-Jacques, le Clocher à la vue sublime The Tour Saint-Jacques, the ancient bell tower with its sublime view over Paris, is open from May to November.
The Tour Saint-Jacques, with its panoramic view over the whole of Paris, is open to visitors from May 15 to November 15, 2025. Located just a stone's throw from the Hôtel de Ville, this historic monument is a sight to behold, with its 62 meters and 300 steps. Tours are available in small groups. [Read more]

Visuel Paris terrasse Galeries LafayetteVisuel Paris terrasse Galeries LafayetteVisuel Paris terrasse Galeries LafayetteVisuel Paris terrasse Galeries Lafayette Bonus in Paris: Galeries Lafayette rooftop, a high viewpoint accessible free of charge
Want to get some height? A superb panorama of the capital is available free of charge in the Haussmann district. To discover it, head to one of Paris's iconic department stores, Galeries Lafayette, to enjoy a breathtaking view of Paris from its rooftop... and it's free! [Read more]

Le Belvédère de la Philharmonie, le rooftop gratuit -  A7C3455Le Belvédère de la Philharmonie, le rooftop gratuit -  A7C3455Le Belvédère de la Philharmonie, le rooftop gratuit -  A7C3455Le Belvédère de la Philharmonie, le rooftop gratuit -  A7C3455 Free rooftop, the Philharmonie Belvedere once again accessible with its exceptional view
Fancy a free rooftop? Head for the roof of the Philharmonie de Paris, overlooking the Parc de la Villette, which is once again open to us, from April to October, Wednesday to Sunday. This is your chance to enjoy a 360° view without paying a penny. [Read more]

Le panorama du Panthéon - l'une des plus belles vues de Paris à 360° - vue paris - Tour Eiffel - drapeauLe panorama du Panthéon - l'une des plus belles vues de Paris à 360° - vue paris - Tour Eiffel - drapeauLe panorama du Panthéon - l'une des plus belles vues de Paris à 360° - vue paris - Tour Eiffel - drapeauLe panorama du Panthéon - l'une des plus belles vues de Paris à 360° - vue paris - Tour Eiffel - drapeau The panoramic view of the Paris Pantheon is back, free for under-26s.
Visiting the Pantheon is one thing, but did you know you could also visit its colonnades and discover a sublime panorama of Paris? From April to October, the Pantheon exceptionally opens its rooftop to visitors to admire the rooftops of Paname and the Eiffel Tower. [Read more]

Visuel Paris terrasse de la Tour Montparnasse Top of the CityVisuel Paris terrasse de la Tour Montparnasse Top of the CityVisuel Paris terrasse de la Tour Montparnasse Top of the CityVisuel Paris terrasse de la Tour Montparnasse Top of the City The Tour Montparnasse, a 360° view of Paris
The rooftop of the Tour Montparnasse and its open-air terrace offer an impressive view of Paris and its monuments from 210 meters above ground. [Read more]

Shall we climb?

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
From August 21, 2025 to December 31, 2028

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.
    Comments
    Refine your search
    Refine your search
    Refine your search
    Refine your search