Best Views Of Paris At Night: 7 Perfect Locations
There is an entirely different look and feel to Paris at night. While I have shared where to get some great views of Paris from different vantage points (Getting Different Views), these were for daytime shots. I’m sure they’re fine at night too, however, I HIGHLY recommend you visit these 7 locations in Paris at night to not only enjoy the city of light when it is quieter (fewer crowds) but also to get some interesting shots.
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1. On Top Of Printemps Department Store
I LOVE the pictures I got from the top of Printemps, which is one of the big department stores on Boulevard Haussmann. It’s down the street from Galeries Lafayette. I much prefer the view from Printemps than from Galeries Lafayette as there are more interesting things to see. Access to the top is free and the views are great. Go to the top floor where there is a restaurant. There is a fairly large terrace where you can take pictures.
2. Tour Montparnasse: A Panoramic View Of Paris
While you can certainly visit Montparnasse Tower during the day, my recommendation would be to arrive there just before dusk as the light is perfect. As the darkness arrives, the light show begins with the Eiffel Tower slowly lighting up.
The Montparnasse observation platform provides 360-degree views of Paris, so you can see everything. And, everyone also enjoys having pictures taken by the colourful Paris sign.
Keep in mind that when it gets late, it also gets quite windy and cold, so bring a jacket.
You might also like to read these posts:
–Getting Free Water From The Historic Wallace Fountains In Paris
-There’s More Than Just The Arc de Triomphe in France—-check out these other historic arches
3. On Top Of The Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is at the centre of Place Charles de Gaulle (also known as Place de L’Etoile) and the meeting point of 12 avenues. There is a charge to go to the top, but when you go at night it is far less crowded and you can get wonderful views of all avenues
4. Dinner Cruise On The Seine River
When you take a dinner cruise on the Seine river, most of the cruising takes place at dusk while you dine. It is when you dock by the Eiffel Tower where you’ll get the best photos, especially on July 14, La Fête Nationale, aka Bastille Day. On that particular cruise, you are rewarded with a fireworks show by the Eiffel Tower that you’ll never forget. THIS is your opportunity to take some truly beautiful photos.
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5. Along The Seine
When you walk along the Seine you will see so many famous places including the Cathedral Notre Dame, the Conciergerie and of course the iconic bridges.
6. At the Louvre Pyramid
Seeing the inside of the Louvre Museum is interesting in itself at night and definitely worth a visit, but seeing the pyramid by I.M. Pei in the main courtyard is especially nice at night. The Louvre building and the 3 pyramids surrounding the larger pyramid are well lit.
7. At Palais Royal
Palais Royal was originally the Palais-Cardinal and the residence of Cardinal Richelieu in the 1600s. It is located across from the Louvre Museum in the 1st arrondissement and in the larger courtyard (Cour d’Honneur) is art by Daniel Buren called “Les Deux Plateaux”.
Do you have any favourite places to take pictures of Paris at night?
Love the photos. During my last visit to Paris, I remember exploring the city by night and particularly enjoyed walking along the Champs Elysee. It was a memorable experience.
Thank you!
There’s a reason they call it “The City of Lights” aside from the whole enlightenment of the 18th century of course! Gorgeous photos you’ve captured. It must be memorable to see Paris all dressed up like that.
Thank you. I am so thrilled about the Printemps rooftop photo. Love the colours.
Great photos. I particularly like the view of the Seine at night.
Nothing quite like walking along the Seine…day or night!
Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, day or night! Love these night photos. We really enjoyed the night tour we took of Paris. It was a great opportunity for a visitor who doesn’t have as much time to explore as you do to get an overview!
And every time I go it’s like the first time. I love it there so much!
Enjoyed your escorted nighttime tour of Paris. Lovely!
Thank you. Nothing like Paris at night!
Paris at night is spectacular and your photos certainly do it justice. Love the shots of the Seine. Your photos bring back so many amazing memories for me!
Thanks!
Peta
You’re welcome. Everyone seems to just love the Seine at night (including me!)
Excellent, you covered some wonderful places around the city, I love the first shot above Printemps and what an excellent view, I’ll have to visit there for sunset to evening in the future.
Me too. That’s probably my favourite shot of all time (except maybe for my shot of Gordes in Provence)
I love wandering around Paris at night. My favourite place to take photos is the Pyramid at the Louvre. I haven’t been to Printemps at night so that will be first on my list for the next trip. Thanks for the suggestions.
You’ll really like it on top of Printemps.
Fantastic insider tips for photo buffs heading to Paris, Janice! Will log this for a future trip!
I hope it helps. I’m sure you’ll discover even more “night time” places to get great photos.
That looks as amazing place to visit !
Jan you truly captured the City of Light! Outstanding photos – there’s a few spots I’ve only seen during the day. Now I definitely need a trip back to explore more at night.
Thank you. I think I might love night time more than day time!
I know it’s cliche, but I enjoyed seeing the Eiffel Tower from a distance at night. It was near Christmas, I think, or maybe July 14th; I’m not sure because it was years ago. But they had it all done in blinky lights. Fun!
I never get sick of seeing the Eiffel Tower at night, close up or far away. It doesn’t matter. I love it!
Wonderful night shots of Paris, Jan. Thx so much for sharing. The City of Lights for sure!
Thank you!
Thank you for bringing back wonderful memories of Paris by night, it’s such a beautiful city day or night but night time seems to bring out the magic.
Definitely like no other!
Hi Jan, your tips and advice are great. I’ve been reading lots of blogs but definitely, yours is the best and the most complete. I’ll be in Paris in November for two weeks. It’ll be my first time in France and also my first solo trip. Before visiting Paris, I’m going to spend four weeks in Lyon taking French classes to improve it. In Paris, I’m staying in the 8th Arrondissement and I’d like to know if it will be okay to go out alone at night and take the underground or bus. I don’t intend to go back home after 20:00 anyway…..Thank you very much!!
Thank you so much for your kind comment. It means a lot.
4 weeks in Lyon taking French sounds great. I’m very impressed!
I do go out at night all the time when I am in Paris and do take the Metro; however, as I travel alone often, I am very careful to never have my smartphone out when I am on the Metro. Too easy for someone to grab it and run. As long as you are on major streets you should have no problem…especially if you’ll be back by 20:00. Have a look at my post about travelling alone in France. I compiled a list of all the things I do to keep safe. Enjoy your trip and have a wonderful time!