Summary
Climb up the 223 foot (67 meters) stone staircase for an encounter with strange stone creatures that might have inspired Tolkien’s works on the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Those 400 steps take you into a different world. Fantastic gargoyles in the form of half-man, half-beast creatures, serpents and strange mixtures of talons, tongues, and claws look out over the city of Paris. Quasimodo, Victor Hugo’s famous bell ringer in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, isn’t one of the gargoyles, but it’s easy to imagine him up here looking out over the roofscape.
Oh, and the views over the river Seine and to the Eiffel Tower are quite magnificent.
Eiffel Tower View
The top (or even the 2nd floor) of the Eiffel Tower provides great views and a good look at the western side of the city with the Champ de Mars below you. On a clear day, you can see for 40 miles (65 km) from the top. Fortunately, the Tower was saved; it was initially meant to be a temporary structure built by Gustave-Alexandre Eiffel in 1889 for the Universal Exhibition. Visiting at night reveals the lights of Paris twinkling and dancing below you; every hour, there’s a spectacular light show from the Tower. Hence, it’s no wonder the Eiffel Tower is the 3rd most popular attraction in France.
Moreover, viewing the Eiffel Tower from a distance is equally captivating. Since this iconic structure is one of the great symbols of the City of Light, ensure you capture a photograph of the soaring, lace-like design. Travel via the metro to Trocadéro and walk across the Seine from the Palais de Chaillot gardens.
Arc de Triomphe View
Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806, the Arc de Triomphe honors the victories of the Grand Army. Ironically, this impressive structure was completed in 1836 after Napoleon had passed away. The famous tower serves as a focal point for France, often used for state funerals and as the finishing point of the Tour de France.
Notably, it’s a 280-step climb to the top, but the panoramic views down the Champs-Élysées and beyond make it worth the effort.
Montparnasse 56
You will enjoy an exceptional view of Paris from the top of one of the few skyscrapers that Paris permits. The observation deck at 656 ft (210 meters) high on the 56th floor showcases the beauty of Paris below. This enclosed space features informative panels that help you identify landmarks. Additionally, there’s a café and a rooftop Champagne Bar along with the fastest lift in France to help you reach the top.
The Basilica of Sacré-Cœur
You can see the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur from nearly every vantage point in Paris. This beautiful edifice is just over 80 meters tall, yet its location atop Montmartre hill provides a breathtaking view of the city. Amazingly, you’re nearly as high as the Eiffel Tower!
Views From the Bridges Over the Seine River
With 37 bridges across the Seine in Paris, you have plenty of choices. Stroll along the riverbanks that are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site to witness some of the iconic sights of Paris.
The Pont Neuf is among the best-known and is the oldest bridge, despite its name meaning “New Bridge.” Opened in 1607, it was the first Paris bridge to be free of houses and connects the Right and Left Banks, crossing the western end of the Ile de la Cité. The Pont Alexandre III was named after the Tsar of Russia during a period of flourishing Franco-Russian relations. Laid in 1896, the first stone was placed by Alexander’s son, Nicholas II. The bridge opened in 1900 for the World Exhibition and links the Hôtel des Invalides with the Grand Palais and the Petit Palais, known for its extravagant statues, lights, and nymphs.
Initial fame surrounded the Pont des Arts bridge for its love locks until authorities removed them in June 2015 due to the excessive weight of the brass.
