Paris is beautiful at any time of day, but sunset makes it even more magical. As the sky turns orange and pink, the city’s landmarks glow in the fading light. Whether you’re by the Seine, on a bridge, or high above the rooftops, watching the sunset in Paris is a moment to remember.
1) Seine Riverbanks
Parc des Rives de Seine / Quai de l’Hôtel de Ville / Quai de Gesvres, 75004 Paris
The Seine Riverbanks offer some of the most relaxing and picturesque spots to watch the sunset in Paris.
Whether you’re near Île de la Cité, Saint-Louis, or along the Left Bank, the view of the sun dipping behind the historic bridges and monuments is unforgettable.
As the sky turns golden, you’ll see the city lights slowly reflecting on the water, creating a stunning contrast.
Many locals and visitors gather along the quays with a drink or a picnic, making it a lively yet peaceful place to enjoy the sunset.
If you feel like doing it, you can even see the sunset from a cruise on the river (click the link to check our comparison of cruise companies).
2) Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck
33 Avenue du Maine, 75015 Paris
Still on the note of going up, you can try a night at the top of the Montparnasse Tower.
The top point of Paris, this emblematic tower is THE highest spot to admire a sunset over the capital.
Moreover, it is right across from the Eiffel Tower.
You have two options: simply enjoying the view from the 59th floor’s terrace, or combining business and pleasure with a dinner or a drink from the inside of the restaurant-bar (“Le Ciel de Paris”) on the 56th floor with its panoramic view.
Ticket: 18.50€
3) Sacré-Cœur, Montmartre
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Sacré-Cœur, sitting on top of Montmartre, is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Paris.
From its steps, you get an incredible view of the entire city as the sky turns golden.
The atmosphere is lively, with street performers, musicians, and people gathered to enjoy the moment.
Whether you sit on the steps or explore the basilica, it’s a magical spot to end the day.
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4) Printemps’ Rooftop
64 boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris
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For the smaller budgets that still want an aerial view to watch the sunset, a free alternative is the rooftop of the store “Le Printemps”.
From there, you can enjoy watching the sun go behind Montmartre, the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Palais or even the Arc de Triomphe.
The opportunity to order snacks and drinks from the devoted brasserie offers nice possibilities of spending quality time and making unforgettable memories.
Why not have a glass of champagne while admiring the Parisian sky turning orange and pink?
Hours: 9:35am – 8pm (8:45pm on Thursday)
5) Trocadéro
Avenue Charles Risler, 75007 Paris
Prized by all for its direct view of the Champ de Mars and the Eiffel Tower, the Trocadero’s esplanade shows its real potential only when the night comes with the setting sun.
Its clear space gives a stunning view of the sun falling behind the Iron Lady, turning it into one of the most photogenic spots of the capital by night.
6) Pont Alexandre III
Pont Alexandre III, 75008 Paris
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The Pont Alexandre III is one of the most beautiful bridges in Paris, offering a stunning spot to watch the sunset.
Its ornate lampposts, golden statues, and intricate details make it a landmark on its own.
From here, you get a spectacular view of the Eiffel Tower, the Seine, and the Grand Palais.
As the sun goes down, the bridge glows in warm light, and the reflections on the river create a magical scene.
Whether you’re strolling along or stopping for a quiet moment, this bridge is perfect for soaking in the beauty of Paris at golden hour.
7) Pont des Arts
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The Pont des Arts is one of the most romantic places to watch the sunset in Paris.
This pedestrian bridge offers an open, 360-degree view of the Seine, with the Louvre on one side and the Institut de France on the other.
As the sun sets, the golden light reflects on the water, creating a picture-perfect scene.
Locals and visitors often gather here with a bottle of wine or a picnic, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere as boats pass below.
The bridge’s wide, open design means you’ll have an unobstructed view of the sunset, making it one of the best spots in the city to end the day.
8) Top Floor of the Centre Pompidou
Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris
Gaining height is a great way to fully enjoy the sunset over Paris. A clear, open view of the city is ideal for this nightly spectacle, and the top floor of the Centre Pompidou offers just that.
To access it, you only need a visitor ticket for the museum or a reservation at the restaurant-bar Georges.
The daytime view is already breathtaking—so just imagine how magical it becomes at sunset.
Museum ticket: 15€
Hours: 11am – 9pm (11pm on Thursday)
9) Top of Arc de Triomphe
Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris
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The Arc de Triomphe stands at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle, where 12 major avenues meet, creating a spectacular view in every direction.
Climbing its 284 steps takes you to the rooftop, where you can see the entire city unfold beneath you.
At sunset, the Eiffel Tower glows in the golden light, the Seine reflects the fading colors, and the Champs-Élysées stretches out in a perfect line.
Unlike other viewpoints, this one gives you a full-circle view of Paris, making it a great place for photos.
Arrive early to find a good spot and enjoy the changing sky as the city lights start to shine.
Hours: 10am – 10:30pm (11pm during the high season)
Price: 16€
10) Eiffel Tower Summit
Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris
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Watching the sunset from the Eiffel Tower is an unforgettable experience.
From the first and second floors, you get a fantastic view of Paris, with the Seine winding through the city and famous landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe and Notre-Dame glowing in the evening light.
These levels also have open-air spaces, letting you take in the view without glass in the way.
At the summit, the city stretches out endlessly, and as the sun sets, the lights of Paris slowly start to twinkle.
It’s the highest viewpoint in the city, and on a clear day, you can see up to 70 km (43 miles) away.
No matter which level you choose, the Eiffel Tower is one of the best places to watch the sky change colors over the City of Light.
Hours: 9:30am – 11pm
Price: €14.50 (stairs), €23.10 (lift)
Restaurant rates:
Madame Brasserie → from €70 (lunch) / from €129 (dinner)
Le Jules Verne → starting at €190
With a passion for travel and having visited over 50 countries, Dorian is eager to share his favorite spots and expert tips to help you explore Paris and France like a local.
