The Best Free Panoramic Views of Paris & How to Get There

Here is a list of some of the best free panoramic viewpoints in Paris, perfect for soaking in the city’s beauty without spending a euro on entry fees, along with how to get there using public transport (primarily the Métro).

Top Free Panoramic Views of Paris:

Sacré-Cœur Basilica Parvis (Montmartre)
- The View: A classic, sweeping vista over central Paris from the steps of the iconic white basilica. You can spot landmarks like the Centre Pompidou, Notre Dame (currently under restoration), and the distant Eiffel Tower. It’s bustling and atmospheric.
- Why it’s Great: Iconic location, vibrant atmosphere, relatively central view.
- How to Get There:
  - Métro: Anvers (Line 2). From here, you can walk up Rue de Steinkerque and either climb the stairs or take the Montmartre Funicular (costs one standard Métro ticket).
  - Métro: Abbesses (Line 12). This station is famous for its deep elevators or spiral staircase. From here, it’s a shorter, but still uphill, walk through Montmartre’s charming streets to the basilica.
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann Rooftop Terrace
- The View: A stunning, free-access terrace offering a fantastic perspective right in the heart of Paris. You get incredible, relatively close-up views of the Opéra Garnier and a picture-perfect view of the Eiffel Tower.
- Why it’s Great: Very central, excellent Eiffel Tower and Opera views, easy access during store hours.
- How to Get There:
  - Métro: Chaussée d’Antin – La Fayette (Lines 7, 9) – most direct.
  - Métro: Opéra (Lines 3, 7, 8) – short walk.
  - RER: Auber (Line A) – connected underground to the Métro stations.
  - Inside the Store: Head to the main Galeries Lafayette Coupole store and take the escalators or elevators all the way to the top floor (usually 7th or 8th, labelled “La Terrasse”).
Printemps Haussmann Rooftop Terrace (Le Perchoir / 7ème Ciel)
- The View: Located right next door to Galeries Lafayette (on the Printemps Homme/Men’s store building), this terrace offers a very similar, equally breathtaking view, often slightly less crowded than its neighbour. Great views of the Opera, Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, and Madeleine Church.
- Why it’s Great: Rivals Galeries Lafayette, sometimes quieter, multiple viewing angles.
- How to Get There:
  - Métro: Havre – Caumartin (Lines 3, 9) – most direct.
  - Métro: Chaussée d’Antin – La Fayette (Lines 7, 9) or Opéra (Lines 3, 7, 8) – short walk.
  - RER: Auber (Line A) or Haussmann Saint-Lazare (Line E).
  - Inside the Store: Go to the Printemps Homme (Men’s) building and take the elevators/escalators to the top floor (often 9th floor).
Parc de Belleville (Belvédère de Belleville)
- The View: Situated in the highest park in Paris, this viewpoint offers a wide, more local-feeling panorama over the city, including a clear view of the Eiffel Tower often framed by greenery. It’s less tourist-heavy than Montmartre.
- Why it’s Great: Highest park view, less crowded, different perspective than Montmartre.
- How to Get There:
  - Métro: Pyrénées (Line 11) – walk downhill slightly into the park.
  - Métro: Couronnes (Line 2) – walk uphill through the lower part of the park.
  - Métro: Belleville (Lines 2, 11) – a slightly longer walk uphill.
Institut du Monde Arabe (IMA) Rooftop Terrace
- The View: A unique perspective looking north-west over the Seine, Île de la Cité (with Notre Dame prominent), and the Marais district. It’s a less common but beautiful angle on the city.
- Why it’s Great: Unique view of Notre Dame and the Seine, interesting architecture of the institute itself.
- How to Get There:
  - Métro: Jussieu (Lines 7, 10) – short walk.
  - Métro: Cardinal Lemoine (Line 10) – short walk.
  - Métro: Sully – Morland (Line 7) – across the bridge.
  - Inside the Building: Enter the institute (free entry to the lobby/terrace area) and take the elevators to the 9th floor terrace. Check opening hours, usually aligned with the museum.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont (Specifically near the Temple de la Sibylle)
- The View: While the whole park offers lovely elevated glimpses, the area around the Temple de la Sibylle (perched on a rocky outcrop above the lake) gives charming views, particularly towards Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur in the distance, framed by the park’s romantic landscaping.
- Why it’s Great: Romantic park setting, unique vantage point, escape from the urban bustle.
- How to Get There:
  - Métro: Buttes-Chaumont (Line 7bis) or Botzaris (Line 7bis) – these stations are closest to the higher parts of the park, including the temple area.
  - Métro: Laumière (Line 5) – enters the lower part of the park.
  - Inside the Park: You’ll need to walk within the park, potentially uphill and across bridges, to reach the viewpoint near the Temple.
Terrasse du Trocadéro (Parvis des Droits de l’Homme)
- The View: While not high up like the others, this large terrace offers the quintessential, ground-level panoramic view directly facing the Eiffel Tower across the Seine and Champ de Mars. It’s unbeatable for iconic photos.
- Why it’s Great: The absolute best direct view of the Eiffel Tower, especially during the hourly sparkle show at night.
- How to Get There:
  - Métro: Trocadéro (Lines 6, 9) – the station exits directly onto the plaza.

Important Notes:

Check Opening Hours: Department store terraces (Lafayette, Printemps) and the IMA terrace are only accessible during their respective opening hours. Parks are generally open until dusk or later, but specific features might have restricted access.
Crowds: Popular spots like Sacré-Cœur and Trocadéro can get very crowded, especially at sunset or during the Eiffel Tower light show.
Accessibility: Some locations involve hills (Montmartre, Belleville, Buttes-Chaumont) or stairs. The department store and IMA terraces are generally accessible via elevator.
Weather: Views are obviously best on clear days!

Enjoy exploring Paris from these fantastic free vantage points!