Paris is even more magical from above. Whether at sunrise, sunset, or under the night lights, the city reveals itself in a new light. Good news: you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy it! Here’s a selection of the best panoramic views of Paris, at low prices… or even free. And most are easily accessible from the AIJ Paris!
1. 🌳 Belleville Park – Free and Local View
➡️ 20-minute walk from the AIJ
Located on one of Paris’s hills, this little-known park offers spectacular views of the rooftops of Paris, with the Eiffel Tower on the horizon. Bonus: a relaxed atmosphere, street art nearby, and often live music in the summer.
💸 Price: Free
📸 Photo tip: at the end of the day to capture the golden light
2. 🏛️ Les Buttes-Chaumont – Nature and Heights
➡️ 25 minutes by metro
This hilly park is perfect for a picnic with a view. Climb up to the Temple de la Sibylle, perched on a rocky promontory, for an unusual panorama of eastern Paris.
💸 Price: Free
🧺 Perfect for a nature break between two city tours
3. 🏰 Le Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre – Iconic and Eternal
➡️ 30 minutes by metro or on foot for the more motivated!
The climb can be a bit steep… but once you reach the top, you’ll understand why thousands of people flock here. The view of Paris is breathtaking, and the esplanade is free.
💸 Price: Free (also at the basilica)
🎶 Often featuring street artists and live musicians
4. 🧱 Le Toit de la Philharmonie – A Little-known Panorama
➡️ 35 minutes from AIJ by metro
Still rarely visited, the rooftop of this modern building in Parc de la Villette offers a unique panoramic view of northeastern Paris. Very original, and perfect for an off-the-beaten-track outing.
💸 Price: Free
🕐 Open on certain days only — check beforehand
5. 🛍️ Le Toit des Galeries Lafayette (Haussmann) – Chic View Without the Bill
➡️ 20 minutes by metro (lines 8 + 7)
Yes, it’s a department store. But head up to the rooftop and you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Opéra Garnier, the Eiffel Tower, and the Parisian skyline. A must-see in any season.
💸 Price: Free
☕ A café is available but not required for access
6. 🪙 La Tour Saint-Jacques – Medieval view in the city center
➡️ 15 minutes by metro
Less well-known than the Eiffel Tower, this Gothic tower located in the Marais offers a 360° view of Paris… after climbing its 300 steps.
💸 Price: Around €12, guided tour included
🎫 Reservations recommended, open only from May to November
7. 🕍 The Centre Pompidou (Rooftop) – Art + View = a winning combo
➡️ 15 minutes by metro
The Museum of Modern Art doesn’t just offer amazing exhibitions: it also has a belvedere, accessible free of charge with your admission ticket.
💸 Price: €15 entry / Free for EU residents under 26📷 Bonus: futuristic architecture and outdoor escalators
8. 🧗 La Coulée Verte René-Dumont – High-Rise Walk
➡️ 10-minute walk from the AIJ
A former railway line transformed into an elevated green promenade, it’s a perfect place to stroll while enjoying a unique perspective on the streets and buildings of the 12th arrondissement.
💸 Price: Free
🌿 Chill and floral atmosphere
9. 🌇 Montparnasse Tower (paid option) – Highest view
➡️ 30 minutes by metro
Not cheap, but you’ll see the whole city… including the Eiffel Tower, which isn’t the case when you’re on the Eiffel Tower!
💸 Price: €20 / €15 for under-18s
🎫 Discounts available online or with a Paris Pass
10. 🧭 Butte-aux-Cailles – The tranquil viewpoint
➡️ 35 minutes by metro
Less a hill than a high-rise neighborhood, this area of the 13th arrondissement combines views, charming alleyways, and street art. No 360° panorama, but a hilltop and offbeat atmosphere.
💸 Price: Free
🍺 Alternative bars to discover for aperitifs
From AIJ Paris, Adventure is at Your Feet
By staying at the Auberge Internationale des Jeunes, you’re perfectly placed to discover the most beautiful views of Paris without blowing your budget. Between the free spots a few streets away and the more distant panoramas, everything is accessible by metro or on foot.
🧳 Whether you’re here for a night or a week, take the time to look up and climb: Paris will offer you its most beautiful side… seen from above.
