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.

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. 

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.

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?