France, Paris, Sky high

5 places to get sky high views in the city of Paris

RiA
6 October, 2018
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Sky high views in the city of Paris

I always enjoy getting a good view from above no matter where I am on my travels. In fact, it’s now become quite a feature of my trips. If you love a good view and want to see the city from a different perspective, here’s 5 places to get sky high views in the city of Paris.

Christianity only arrived in Greece in the 3rd century and it wasn’t really recognised until later. The church has now been there for many, many centuries.

The inside of the church is beautiful with art work and paintings used not just to decorate the walls, but to tell story to illiterate people. It was like the TV of the dark ages and painted the 16th century.

1. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a must-see if you’re looking for a bit of greenery, lovely scenery and a pleasant stroll while in the bustling city. It’s one of the biggest parks and is a beautiful escape close enough to get to even if you’re on a weekend break. It has paths that weave in and around its vast space, a lake and even waterfalls.

Wonderful vistas

One of Parc des Buttes-Chaumont’s most well-known features is the temple on the hill – Temple de la Sibylle. From that spot alone, you get a great view over the 19th arrondissement with the spectacular Sacré-Cœur in the distance on Montmartre Hill.

On a sunny day, like I had, the church glistens bright and white. If you need to recharge your batteries or grab a snack, there’s a little tavern called Rose Bonheur – which is close to the park entrance near the Botzaris metro stop.

Access

The Botzaris stop makes it quite easy to access the park. Once you leave the station, the entrance is on the left via a small path or there’s another gate behind and to the left-hand side of the station entrance. The tavern mentioned earlier is on the left as you walk along. I stopped and had a nice cup of hot chocolate before heading to the temple.

From there, you can walk down Avenue de la Cascade, which is just one route to get to the temple, one of the main features of the Buttes Chaumont Park for views toward the temple and down onto the grassy bank.

Nearest metro – Botzaris and Buttes Chaumont stops (line 7bis).

2. Montmartre Hill

The hill that’s home to the amazing Sacré-Cœur Basilica, a Roman Catholic Church, is where you’ll find sweeping views down Montmartre Hill and across the city centre. As you approach, it looks pretty steep – but it doesn’t take long to walk up its grand steps.

If you don’t fancy taking the steps, then either side of them you’ll find sloping pathways up to the road in front of the Sacré-Cœur. If you have trouble walking generally, you may want to take the Funiculaire de Montmartre cable car which is accessible from the left-hand side of the entrance gate. Aside from the views and of course, the Sacré-Cœur itself, Montmartre Hill is where you’ll also find the sinking house of Montmartre. Once you find them you’ll be able to tell for yourself just how sunken they are!!

Nearest metro: Anvers (line 2).

3. The terrace at Le Printemps

Le Printemps is a department store not far from the Saint Lezare metro stop. It’s the 8th floor boasts views across the city. You can get a nice shot of the Eiffel Tower too!

The floor itself is where the restaurant is, so it may be an idea to aim for a quieter time if you don’t plan on eating while there.

Nearest metro: Havre – Caumartin (line 3&9).

4. Galeries Lafayette – Haussmann Terrace

For a different vantage and not the first place you’d think of for views over the city of Paris, head to Galeries Lafayette. After passing its beautifully decorated floors full of varying goods to purchase, and after admiring its ornate ceiling décor, you can take the escalator or lift to 6 floor, and venture up the stairs to the 7th.

It’s on the 7th floor that you’ll find the Haussmann Terrace – a large area with perfectly. If you’re feeling peckish or want a cocktail to cool you down, there’s the La Paillote restaurant and Cube Bar.

Nearest metro: Chaussée d’Antin La Fayette (line 3&7) or Havre – Caumartin (line 3&9).

5. Institute Du Monte Arabe

Another unexpected place to visit for a wonderful view is the Institute Du Monte Arabe. About a 10-minute walk from Jessiu station metro stop, you’ll find the beautiful view from its terrace. Located on the 9th floor, you can look out over the Seine and see the famous Notre Dame Church in the distance. The building has a beautiful glass and metal fascia which you’ll notice straight away. As you walk through the doors, turn right at the reception in front of you. You’ll need to take the glass lift to the 9th floor, and once you’re out, turn left immediately. You’ll see the entrance to the terrace restaurant ahead but just before that, take the little door on your left and you’re on the terrace.

Nearest metro: Jussieu (line 7&10), Cardinal Lemoine (line 10)

So, there you have it. Five free places in the city of Paris that will give you another vantage over the city. And you don’t need to go up the Eiffel Tower! Next time you’re in Paris, try to stop by one or two and let me know what you think. Get sorting your travel plans and see what activities you can do in the beautiful city of Paris!