“See Paris and die” – this phrase of Ilya Ehrenburg characterizes the attitude of many travelers to the capital of France. You can enjoy its charming atmosphere in a few days, but you won't be able to get to know each other better. After all, the European capital of romance is not only the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe. Here, every street is an architectural value, a discovery awaits at every turn. To see all the sights, you need to settle in it for several months. But we know the secret of how to see everything in one trip: take a walk along the observation decks, and in a few days you will see what some people do not have enough for a lifetime. And where to go, so as not to miss a single detail, we will now tell you.
Eiffel Tower
This is the first point of our route. It is worth visiting here at least in order to form your own opinion about what it is: the greatest example of architecture or “a ridiculous tower dominating Paris”. This is how the creative intelligentsia spoke about it demanding to stop construction. But if you climb this architectural wonder, you immediately understand why it is loved all over the world: a breathtaking view from the observation decks.
There are three of them: at a height of 57 meters (1st floor), 115 meters (2nd floor) and about 300 meters. There is an elevator for each, and you can walk to the 1st and 2nd if you wish. Here you can combine the contemplation of architectural beauty with exquisite relaxation in restaurants with panoramic views. The 58 Tour Eiffel is located on the first floor. Here you can choose lunch, lunch or dinner. But you can only enjoy the impressive panorama if the table is by the window, as in this establishment they are located in the center of the hall too. Make a more expensive order when booking, and this issue will be resolved.
Book a private transfer from / to the airport to your hotel for 4 028 RUB
Climb up to the floor above and find the restaurant “Le Jules Verne”. The cost of dinner here will be more expensive than in the previous institution, but it's worth it. Antique furniture, sensual music and an unforgettable view – you will feel for yourself what exquisite Parisian style means. There are no restaurants on the third level, but there is an observation deck with an amazing panorama. Being there, you don’t even know what takes your breath away: from the extraordinary landscape, breathtaking heights, or from the realization that you are finally in the capital of France.
Montparnasse tower
In the center there is another observation point – on the Montparnasse tower. This is the only skyscraper in the city. Two years after its construction, the construction of such structures was banned in the historical part. And all because the simple appearance and huge size do not fit into the beautiful architectural environment. The building caused a lot of criticism in its address, and this led to a ban on skyscrapers.
On top of that, Montparnasse took three times not an honorable place in the list of the most terrible buildings in the world. But this place is worth visiting. Because it has one advantage: from the 59th floor, a stunning view opens up. Imagine: Paris, which you are looking at, as a model with the smallest details. You are only observing from 210 meters, and life is in full swing on this layout and movement does not stop.
Buy a ticket for the rooftop terrace online – 18 €
Triumphal Arch
The next point of our journey is the historical value of France – the Arc de Triomphe. Here you will see one of the main symbols of the country, touch the past and enjoy a beautiful bird's eye view. This attraction is older than the Eiffel Tower. She remembers Napoleon's Paris. He ordered this architectural masterpiece to be erected to commemorate his victories. True, he never saw the opening of the arch; during the life of the emperor, they did not manage to complete it.
From this ancient monumentality breathes history, and you will feel it when you stand next to it. But it is important not only to consider the smallest details of this structure, but also to climb it. From a height of 50 meters, a magnificent view opens up. The Champs Elysees, the Défense quarter and the Eiffel Tower will lie in front of you. And below, at the vaults, is Charles de Gaulle Square and from it, like rays from the sun, 12 streets diverge. This view will not leave anyone indifferent.
Skip-the-line tickets to the roof of the Arc de Triomphe – 12 €
Center for Contemporary Art Georges Pompidou
There is one place that will appeal to true aesthetes – the Center Georges Pompidou. This is a cultural center where contemporary art is studied and supported in its various manifestations: music, dance, painting, sculpture, etc. This huge glass parallelepiped has everything: a museum, a library, exhibition, concert and cinema halls, the Institute for the Study and Coordination of Acoustics and Music, and the Center for Industrial Design. This is complemented by a beautiful view.
Well, if contemporary art is not for you, then at least you need to see the building itself. It will surprise you: all communications here are brought out and painted in certain colors. Before you will be a building where elevators, escalators, pipelines and electrical wires are not hidden, as is usually the case, but made a design element. Quite unique, I must say. But this Center will not leave you indifferent.
You can see the bewitching panorama not only from the viewing part, but on the roof of the center there is a restaurant “Georges”, designed in the general style. Here you will find an excellent rest, and it will be complemented by a beautiful view of the historical part of the exquisite capital. If you do not want to visit the expositions of the Center, but want to enjoy the landscape that opens from its roof, you can only buy a ticket to the observation deck. And a special view of Notre Dame de Paris and the Sacré Coeur Basilica is provided to you.
Pantheon
There is a special place in the Latin Quarter – the Pantheon. An architectural and historical monument crowning the hill of St. Genevieve. This is the tomb of the great people of France. Victor Hugo, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Emile Zola, Jean-Baptiste Badin, Pierre and Maria Sklodowska-Curie and other famous politicians, generals, scientists, artists are buried here.
This neo-gothic temple will amaze you with its majesty and scope. We are interested in it, first of all, as a place from which you can view the nearest quarters and see popular attractions. Entering the temple and overcoming the narrow spiral staircase and the steep staircase following it, you will rise to the dome of the Pantheon. Here you will find the Eiffel Tower, the Luxembourg Palace, the churches of Saint-Sulpice and Saint-Eustache, the domes of the Sorbonne observatory and the Palace of the Institute of France.
And the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Sacré-Coeur Basilica look especially impressive from here. You won't find a better view of these architectural monuments. Imagine: until the end of the 19th century, there were practically no other places from which one could enjoy the most beautiful appearance of the city. Famous personalities of France came here and admired the surroundings from the dome of the Pantheon. This thought will make your presence here especially memorable.
Arab World Institute
There is another lookout in the Latin Quarter. It is located at the Institute of the Arab World. It was opened in 1987 as the result of a partnership between France and 22 Eastern countries. The Institute was established to study the Arab world and cultural exchange of scientific discoveries and technologies. This educational and political site is of interest to travelers because of the terrace on the 9th floor. It offers stunning views of the center and its attractions: Notre Dame, the Seine, Saint Louis, the Marais and the Eiffel Tower in the distance.
What makes this place especially attractive is the free admission. Great city landscapes are not easy to find for nothing. On the roof there is a restaurant “Le Zyriab by Noura”. You can combine aesthetic pleasure and culinary. Moroccan and Lebanese dishes are prepared here. If you are a connoisseur of oriental cuisine, then the time spent in this restaurant will be a real pleasure for you.
Montmartre
Do you want to feel the bohemian France and look at the old buildings, untouched by time and modernity? Then you need to visit Montmartre hill. This place has retained the charm of past eras, and its cultural value rolls over. The area was a favorite place for the creative intelligentsia. W. Van Gogh, P. Picasso, P. Renoir and A. Modigliani lived here, created and were inspired by the charm of the capital to create new masterpieces. This place is the highest natural point in the city.
The hill existed in the times of Ancient Rome, and during its long history it has seen ancient temples, windmills, rich cottages and more modest buildings. But his inherent charm remained with him always. Now the top of Montmartre is crowned by the majestic Sacré-Coeur Cathedral. This is one of the most famous sights of France and it is worth visiting for its sake alone. And also to contemplate the magnificent view from a height of 130 meters. You will touch the history of art, walk along the ancient streets and enjoy the beautiful scenery from the observation part of the hill.
Sacré Coeur Basilica
On clear days, from the top of the Montmartre hill, you can see the cities for 50 kilometers around. But if you think that the horizon line does not allow you to fully enjoy the view, go up to the paid observation deck of the Temple of the Sacred Heart. This is how the name of the basilica sounds in translation. This is the second highest observation point. You can climb higher only on the Eiffel Tower.
The basilica rises above Montmartre to almost the entire height of the hill itself. From here you will see not only the surroundings of the ancient district, cut up by narrow streets, but also noisy modern avenues and distant buildings. When you arrive here, you will be blown away twice: first by the magnificence of the Sacré Coeur and then by the breathtaking view from the top of this French architectural charm.
Palace of Chaillot
The most popular observation point is the Eiffel Tower. And you probably know about it. Do you know where the best view of the iron lady herself and her surroundings is? Palais de Chaillot is a popular tourist destination for its location. It is located on a hill, to the right of the Seine, facing the most famous symbol of the country. Its construction was timed to coincide with the 1937 World's Fair. In the center is a space from which you can see the main attractions.
The observation part is surrounded by two pavilions – this is the building of the palace. Starting the path here you can walk through the Trocadero park. He is known as the owner of the highest staircases and grandiose fountains in Paris. And in the evening, this place is especially charming in the warm light of many colorful lights. It is worth visiting here to look at the Eiffel Tower from the side, appreciate the scale of the Champ de Mars and see how tourist boats sail along the Seine.
Andre Citroen Park
For lovers of unusual sights, a special place is in store in the European capital of style – Andre Citroen Park. It is named after the founder of the famous automobile plant, which used to be here. This futuristic landscape complex is located on the left bank of the Seine and has prepared many symbolic design solutions for visitors. Here you will find unusual terraces, garden labyrinths and plants surrounded by concrete.
In the upper part of the park there are two greenhouses with exotic vegetation, and between them there is a square with 120 dancing fountains. Walking through the complex, you will see the White and Black Gardens, the strange “Garden of Metamorphoses” and the wild “Garden of Motion”. And also mini-gardens, symbolizing metals, days of the week, feelings, planets and water conditions.
A certain color is assigned to each of them, and their creators have introduced into them a deep meaning that is not always clear to guests at first sight. But for us, this park is interesting because of a kind of viewing point. Here you will look around from a height of 150 meters, and a balloon will lift you up there. There will be no crowds of tourists near you to enjoy the beautiful view, but only a small group of visitors contemplating the architectural beauty.
Saint Jacques Tower
There is an attraction near which you rarely meet a crowd of travelers. All because she was unfairly forgotten. It was badly damaged, then it was closed for reconstruction, and for many years it was inaccessible to tourists. In 2013, it reopened to visitors, although so far it does not attract guests as much as other cultural monuments. But from this, its historical value does not become less significant, and its appearance does not become less beautiful.
She comes from the 12th century, and during her long existence she managed to participate in many events. It was built like the bell tower of the ancient Gothic church of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie. But the tower is all that remains of the temple at the present time. The physicist and mathematician Blaise Pascal made his discoveries in it, and in the 18th century, works by Francois Couperin performed by the author sounded under its vaults. But even the Great French Revolution could not completely destroy it. Over time, the bell tower was restored, and now it again receives visitors.
If you plan to walk near Rivoli Street, you should look at this mysterious Gothic monument and get inside. After all, a wonderful panorama opens from the 52-meter tower: the ancient island of the City, surrounded by the slowly flowing Seine, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Latin Quarter. These views are worth seeing.
Theater of the Champs Elysees
Hearing the name of the state theater of Paris – the Theater of the Champs Elysees, every second tourist would look for it on the main street of the city. But you can't find it there. Because it is on Avenue Montaigne. This architectural monument stands out among the graceful buildings with its simple lines, but it is considered one of the most beautiful buildings. The greatest singers performed here, the best orchestras played and famous ballerinas danced.
But today we will not advise you to go to the opera or ballet here, although it is worth doing. We will tell you about a place with a charming atmosphere – the Maison blanche restaurant. It is located on the roof of the Theater and its main feature is the gorgeous panorama that it demonstrates to its visitors. And in addition to it, gourmet French cuisine and dishes of the highest quality.
The restaurant has two floors, and each of them offers magnificent views. Vertical panoramic glazing of the first level shows guests an unforgettable urban look, and the terrace of the second level gives a wide view and allows you to admire the city on an even larger scale. The Eiffel Tower, the Seine embankment, the State Les Invalides – you seem to have bought tickets for the best seats overlooking the city.
Belleville Park
The capital of France is one of the most popular cities in the world. There are so many guests here that it is impossible to take a photo of sights without other tourists during the day. And even if you are used to high human traffic concentrated in one place, and noisy tour groups, at some point you will want to take a break from them. Belleville Park is the perfect place for this. Here you will find peace and quiet away from the tourist flow.
Here you will find green spaces, many flowers, charming terraces, waterfalls, including the longest cascading representative of the capital and the House of Air museum. You will also see Parisians taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. From the 108-meter height of the hill you will enjoy the panorama of the most romantic city in the world. You will feel its grace and harmony, which in popular tourist places can be missed.
Restaurant on the roof of the Warwick Champs-elysees hotel
Restaurants occupy a special place among the points from which the image of the capital of love opens. Firstly, because there are not many of them, and secondly, they allow you to enjoy two Parisian masterpieces at once: a beautiful view and gourmet cuisine. This opportunity is provided by the Le W restaurant on the roof of the Warwick Champs-elysées hotel.
The establishment is located on the top floor, and from the terrace you can see the Champs Elysees and the Eiffel Tower. An unobstructed view of the main attraction and one of the main streets make this place especially attractive, and the high level of service and the indescribable taste of the dishes constantly increase the number of admiring reviews from tourists. If you consider yourself a true aesthete and gourmet, you will definitely like this place.
Restaurant “L'Oiseau Blanc”
We offer to spend the evening in a restaurant with a stunning view – “L'Oiseau Blanc”. This institution will also interest tourists with its theme. The name of the restaurant is a tribute to one of the most mysterious disappearances in aviation history. “White Bird” (as translated “L'Oiseau Blanc”) – the name that the pilots S. Nungesser and F. Kohli gave to their aircraft. On it, they were supposed to cross the Atlantic Ocean, but during the flight they went missing.
The rounded lines of the restaurant's panoramic windows resemble the outlines of an airplane, and various decorative elements referring to the theme of aviation and the “White Bird” make the restaurant attractive for travelers. Separate words deserve traditional French cuisine. Here, every dish is presented at the highest level, and the choice on the menu changes daily.
The stunning view from the sixth floor creates a fabulous atmosphere in the evening. At this time, you can see the light show on the Eiffel Tower from here, and the capital in warm golden lights becomes especially mysterious and alluring. If you want to taste Paris, you should visit this restaurant.
We have told you about the most impressive viewing points, you just have to choose and go on a trip.