Of course you can go up the Eiffel Tower and have a great view of Paris. The problem ? The most iconic symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower, is not part of your view.
I did it in 2010 when I first came to Paris. But don't do like I did and wear a dress ! It gets windy and I spent the whole walk up holding my dress down.
You should go here instead !
1. The Arc de Triomphe
Did you know you can go to the roof of the Arc de Triomphe ?? There is a great view of Paris, that includes the Eiffel Tower ! You also have a great view of the Champs Elysees.
If you're wondering how to get there, there is an underground tunnel. So please. Don't try to run across the street through all that traffic.
I do not think you have a time limit here, so go up and watch the sunset then watch the lights in the Eiffel Tower come on. This only works in winter, in the summer the sun sets around 10pm and the monument closes before then.
There are also Christmas lights on the Champs Elysees and you have a great view from the top of the Arc de Triomphe.
Get your tickets here.
2. Galeries Lafayette
Yes, the expensive store. Did you know you can take the escalator to the roof for a free view of Paris ?
This is right next to Palais Garnier, the opera house. There are several buildings for this store, so make sure to choose the right one ! This is easy to do, all you have to do is look up. There is usually a bit of a crowd on the roof. Then walk in the doors and take the escalator straight to the roof.
3. Orsay Museum (Musée D'Orsay)
This is a great museum that was formerly a train station.
Before you get to Van Gogh and other impressionist painters, stop at the giant clock that has a great view of Montmartre.
You don't see the Eiffel Tower in this view, but it is still a great photo. You can even go out on the terrace to take photos.
Get your tickets here.
4. Montparnasse
This is one of the tallest buildings in Paris and you can take the elevator to the roof. For this view, you have to pay €20. So, if you're traveling on a budget, be warned that you have to pay.
To be honest, I'm cheap so I've never seen this view.
5. Tuileries Ferris Wheel
There is a ferris wheel in the Tuileries garden (just next to the Louvre).
Fun fact : the Ferris Wheel was invented for the Chicago World Fair in 1893 because the United States wanted to out-do the Paris World Fair in 1889 and their great masterpiece, the Eiffel Tower.
So ride the ferris wheel in Paris and have a view of the Eiffel Tower ! You'll also have a great view of the Louvre and the pyramids.
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