Top 5 best spots to watch the sunset in Paris
Paris is a top destination for tourists from all over the world throughout the year. Known as the City of Light, the capital offers exceptional views at any time of the day. Nightfall is a unique moment when the flamboyant colours invite us to dream.
To take advantage of this special moment in the different arrondissements of Paris, here is a selection of the five best places in the capital listed from north to south:
- The Butte Montmartre and the Sacré-Coeur
- The Arc de Triomphe
- The Eiffel Tower and the Trocadero esplanade
- The islands of Paris and Notre-Dame
- The Montparnasse Tower
The Butte Montmartre and the Sacré-Coeur
At 130.53 metres altitude, Montmartre is the highest natural point in the capital. This charming district is famous for the Sacré-Coeur basilica and for its panoramic view of Paris. In order to admire the City of Light at nightfall from this magnificent spot, you have two choices: climb the 222 steps through the Square Louise Michel or take the funicular (for the price of a metro ticket).
The Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is an emblematic place for major French national events. This monument stands in the centre of the Place Charles-de-Gaulle and is located at the western end of the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, a few kilometres from the Place de la Concorde. It is possible to access the rooftop terrace of the Arc de Triomphe where a panoramic terrace overlooks the capital. After climbing the 284 steps of the monument, you can watch the sun set between the Arche de la Défense and the Eiffel Tower.
How to get there: You can hop on or off at stop 7 of our Iconic Paris route with either a Paris Discovery or Must See Paris ticket.
The Eiffel Tower and the Trocadero esplanade
The Eiffel Tower is an emblematic monument of Paris, offering a 360 degree view of the capital. Access to the monument is possible until 10.45pm, so you'll have plenty of time to contemplate Paris at dusk. If you want a view of the Champ de Mars and the Eiffel Tower at nightfall, we recommend the Trocadero esplanade.
How to get there: You can hop on or off at stop 9 of our Iconic Paris route with either a Paris Discovery or Must See Paris ticket.
The islands of Paris and Notre-Dame
The Ile de la Cité and the Ile Saint-Louis, located in the centre of Paris, are among the oldest districts of the capital. Discover these two islands during a walk at the end of the day. We advise you to start with the discreet Ile Saint-Louis where you can admire the elegant private mansions. Then take the Pont Saint-Louis to reach the famous Ile de la Cité.
On this island, you will find many of the capital's most important monuments: Notre-Dame Cathedral, the archaeological crypt of the Ile de la Cité and the Sainte-Chapelle. To finish your walk, we advise you to go to the Square du Vert-Galant, located after the Pont-Neuf. This place is one of the best spots to admire the sunset.
You can also watch the sunset over Notre-Dame from the panoramic terrace of the Arab World Institute. Located on the 9th and top floor of the Institute, this terrace is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm.
How to get there: You can hop on or off at stop 4 of our Iconic Paris route with either a Paris Discovery or Must See Paris ticket.
The Montparnasse Tower
The Montparnasse Tower is a modern tower with a height of 210 metres and 59 floors.. It offers you the highest point in the capital to watch the sunset. You can admire the view from the roof terrace on the top floor or enjoy the panorama from the Observatory on the 56th floor. The Observatory is open every day from 11am to 10.30pm.
Continue your discovery of the City of Light at nightfall with our Paris By Night tour. This unique offer combines a bus tour of the capital with a cruise on the Seine. You will have the opportunity to board a Parisian boat and let yourself be won over by the magic of Paris at night while enjoying a glass of champagne.