There is truly nothing quite like a Paris sunset! Whether you are visiting for one day or an entire week, you are going to want to see the sunset in Paris because it is a beautiful and magical thing. We have been to Paris many times and each time we visit we discover a new Paris sunset spot that we didn’t know about or didn’t consider before. Even if we knew about the place, we may not have actually watched the sunset in Paris from there in the past because let’s be honest, you can only be in one place at a time and there are only so many sunsets per trip!
We don’t mean to make it hard for you, but the most difficult part of seeing the sunset in Paris is choosing which location you want to be in when it happens. From dreamy rooftops to beautiful cathedrals, there is a Paris sunset spot for everyone. If you don’t get to watch the sunset from all of these spots during your trip, you are 100% going to want to plan your trip to come back so you can check them all off your bucket list.
Best Locations To See A Paris Sunset
Take In Sweeping Views From On Top Of The Eiffel Tower
Looking for a totally underrated Paris sunset spot? The view from the top of the Eiffel Tower is just that! No one ever really talks about it and everyone either goes during the day or at night. But if you can get in during that perfect window of time, you will see the sun cast a magical glow over the city of Paris. This is also not a place that you can watch the sunrise in Paris because the Eiffel Tower is not yet open. If you want to check out this spot for sunset in Paris, make sure to arrive a full hour before the sun is about to set so that you can prepare and have enough time to get up the lifts and walk around a bit before the big moment.
If you want to visit the Eiffel Tower at sunset, it is a great idea to book your tickets online in advance so that you can skip the line. We have stood in line for over an hour around sunset time during the summer and it caused us to be very late to the sunset viewing!
We recommend these tickets below depending on how high you want to visit!
Eiffel Tower Second Floor Priority Access
Eiffel Tower Guided Climb And Summit Access
On Top Of The Arc De Triumph Is One Of Our Favorite Paris Sunset Locations
If you are looking to watch the sunset OVER the Eiffel Tower than FROM the Eiffel Tower than the Arc De Triumph is the place to be. Did you know that you could go inside and on top of the Arc De Triumph? If you didn’t, don’t worry! Many people don’t know about this cool tip! That being said, the top of the Arc De Triumph is one of the best Paris sunset locations out there and one you totally need to visit! On the first Sunday of the month, it is completely FREE to go inside the Arc De Triumph, but it is busy and with long lines. We went for sunset in November and it was cold and crowded but totally worth it.
You will be standing on top of the Arc De Triumph with a view of the Eiffel Tower. The sun will set behind the Eiffel Tower and the light will be shining on it which makes for a really beautiful scene! As we mentioned above, if you want to visit this Paris sunset spot, make sure to arrive early because it can be crowded and take a little time to climb all the stairs to the top. Keep in mind that you arrive at the Arc from underneath the road so you can easily take the metro to get there.
Skip The Line Arc De Triumph Rooftop Tickets
Printemps Department Store Offers One Of The Most Underrated Sunset Views In Paris
If you are looking for something unique and different, head to the FREE rooftop bar at Printemps Department Store in Paris. We watched the first Paris sunset of our last trip here and it was incredible and so cool that this view is 100% free. Simply navigate your way to Printemps Department Store which is next to Galeries Lafayette. If you are unsure you are in the right building, simply ask the doorman who checks your bags where the rooftop bar is and how to get to it. That person will direct you to the correct building or the correct elevator to help you find your way.
The rooftop on Printemps Department Store is the perfect Paris sunset spot because you have sweeping views of the Eiffel Tower and the sun setting in the background. It is like a fairytale and even better if you buy a drink at the bar [not necessary but you can if you want!] On the level underneath the rooftop bar there is also a really cool cafe where you can even eat outdoors with a city view as well. If you are really looking for a unique and different Paris sunset spot, Printemps Department Store should top your list!
Click Here for Google Maps Location
Stroll Around The Louvre Pyramids During Sunset
We have experienced sunset at the Louvre more than a few times and there is just something special about it. Of course, when you are watching a Paris sunset at the Louvre you will be outside, not inside the museum, that is necessary. The best part about this Paris sunset location is that everything is so easy-going and relaxed. There are no tickets to buy, no stairs to climb, and no people to fight. Hang out around the Louvre Pyramids and stroll in the square taking in what the tourists are doing and admire how everyone is filled with so much joy.
Stay here as the sun casts a magical glow on the Louvre and the Pyramids and then stay even longer so you can watch the lights twinkle on during dusk. The sky will remain pink or dark blue and the Louvre Pyramid will now be lit and the lamps and street lights will slowly begin to come on. Watching a Paris sunset from the Louvre is such a relaxing and underrated thing to do and we highly recommend it!
The Seine Is The Most Magical Paris Sunset Spot
The Seine River runs throughout the entirety of Paris and there is really no bad place to watch the sunset along the Seine. Like all of the other spots on this list, we have watched the sunset in Paris multiple times from different points along the Seine. It is really up to you where you want to stop. Make sure to walk the stairs down to the lower bank of the river so you can sit down and relax. You will see local Parisians as they exercise or ride bikes home from work. Even better? Grab a bottle of wine, some cheese, and a yummy baguette in advance and have a light snack as you enjoy the view from this wonderful Paris sunset location. There is something truly Parisian about the magic of the river coupled with the sun setting and everyone enjoying the beginning of the evening! It is simple, free, and perfect!
The Platform In Front Of Sacré-Cœur Is A Lesser-Known Paris Sunset Location
Montmartre’s Sacré-Cœur Cathedral is situated high on a hill overlooking Paris. This is the highest natural point in the city and of course, the views are fantastic. We have actually been in front of Sacré-Cœur for quite a few Paris sunsets because we are always wandering around Montmartre for hours and then the sun sets and we head to this location. There are a few other views around Sacré-Cœur where you can see the Eiffel Tower off in the distance but the best part of this Paris sunset viewpoint is to watch the light on all the other buildings and homes you wouldn’t normally see.
You can also choose to climb up into one of the turrets on Sacré-Cœur for an even higher view of the city. This does cost a small fee but if you are looking for something different, it can be worth it. Otherwise, we just love the platform area in front of the church. There is always something going on and always a street performer or musician to watch.
Montparnasse Tower Provides You With A Bird’s Eye View Of The Sunset
Montparnasse Tower is located in the south of Paris and is a giant futuristic looking tower with an observation deck on top. When you look at the Paris skyline, you basically can’t miss this place! The tower is 59 stories so you get quite the majestic view of the city and makes for a great sunset spot in Paris. This tower lets you see views of all of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower from above! There is a fee to enter, so if you are looking for free Paris sunset spots this is not the location for you. Believe it or not, tripods are allowed, so if you want to shoot the city by night or are looking to photograph the sunset, you can bring a tripod to aid your photography unlike many other spots in the city!
Montparnasse Tower is also a great Paris sunset spot for taking the family as kids love the view and looking through the binoculars on the top deck. If you want to take in the sunset from here, make sure to get there early so you can check-in, ride the lift to the top deck, and hang out a little bit before the big moment!
The Trocadero Offers Picture-Perfect Sunset Eiffel Tower Views
No article about the best Paris sunset locations would be complete without mentioning the iconic Trocadero! The Trocadero is the giant building that sits across the Seine River from the Eiffel Tower. Although it is very crowded at sunset, it is totally worth the stop because it is a truly iconic location to watch the sunset in Paris. You can choose to stand on top of the Trocadero platform for a wide view. You can also choose to stand on the steps or sit on the handrails of the steps for a more unique viewpoint. Finally, you can stand at the bottom of the Trocadero or near the fountains at the base of the building. We recommend starting at the top and then making your way down as the sun sets so you can walk and move around a bit while enjoying everything this iconic Paris sunset location has to offer.
Notre Dame Cathedral Is A Centrally Located Spot For Sunset In Paris
We love watching the sunset in Paris from Notre Dame Cathedral. It is a unique angle and perspective because you are right in the heart of the city. The sun will set earlier here than it will from other locations because you are located lower in the city and as soon as the sun goes behind the buildings it will get darker. If you stand in front of Notre Dame Cathedral you will see the golden light reflecting off the cathedral. A spot that we personally prefer is behind the building itself. This way you get to see all the gothic architecture as the sun disappears in the distance. This is also a great Paris sunset location because you can easily get here from most parts of the city since it is so centrally located.
Port Debilly On The Right Of Pont De Lena Bridge Offers Unobstructed Paris Sunset View
Port Debilly is the name of the little bank of the Seine in front of the Eiffel Tower and offers wonderful unobstructed Paris sunset views of the Eiffel Tower. This location is located to the right of Pont De Lena bridge, the bridge that runs in front of the Eiffel Tower, and is down by the waterside. It is one of the coolest Paris sunset locations because there are almost NO other tourists in this location. People never think to come here and it is located right by the Trocadero so you can usually see both of these spots on the same day! If you are looking to take photos of the sunset, Port Debilly is a wonderful place to do so because there won’t be any tourists in your photos. We really love this little unique gem when watching the sunset in Paris!
Map Of The Best Paris Sunset Locations
We get it, some of you are more visual and want to see a map of the best Paris sunset locations! We put them all together in a Google Map that you can bookmark or download or you can simply save this map here during your planning process! Each one of the Paris sunset spots is named for you so you can easily see what it is and where it is in relation to our post here! You may find that some of these locations are near together so you can visit them all together in the same day when watching the sunset in Paris!
Click Here For Google Map Of Paris Sunset Locations
Additional Reading To Help You Plan Your Trip To Paris
If you are looking for more information about planning a trip to Paris, we have got you covered. Here are some additional resources for you to get inspired by!
- Discover the 10 Best Covered Passages In Paris in this post! We also include tips and a map to find each passage.
- Planning a winter trip to Paris? Don’t worry! We have a guide to winter travel in Paris too! With safety, weather, and travel tips just for you!
- We also have this guide to spring in Paris with everything you need to know!
- Want to get out of the city? This post on the Very Best Day Trips From Paris will show you exactly what to see and do! From well-known to more secret spots, this post has it all!
- Looking to get the perfect Instagram spot? This post on the 20 Perfect Paris Photography Spots shows you our favorite locations all around the city!
- Planning your Paris itinerary? Look no further than this post on 10 stops you must include on your Paris itinerary!
- Want to eat like a local? Make sure to check out 5 things to know about grocery stores in Paris before you head out!
- We love Disney! If you want to visit Disneyland Paris find out why we like Disneyland Paris better than Walt Disney World!
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