In Paris, there are countless rooftops with views that take your breath away. However, most scenic viewpoints belong to expensive hotel lounges, rooftop bars, or restaurants where you must buy an overpriced cocktail or meal just to step outside.
Luckily, you can enjoy some of the best panoramic views of the Paris skyline and the Eiffel Tower completely free of charge. Here are my favorite free rooftops in Paris: no tickets, no reservations, and no purchase required!
1. The rooftop at Galeries Lafayette
Head up to the 8th floor of the Lafayette Coupole building for free open-air views of the Palais Garnier and the Eiffel Tower without spending a cent.
After shopping under the grand art nouveau dome, head straight up to the open-air terrace (La Terrasse). The rooftop terrace is located on the 8th floor of the Lafayette Coupole building. To get there, take the elevators or escalators up to the 7th floor, then follow the stairs or final escalator up to the roof.
From the top, you get an incredible look down at the rear of the Palais Garnier opera house, along with a direct view of the Eiffel Tower. You will often find a seasonal snack bar or pop-up lounge up there, but you do not need to buy anything to relax and take photos. If you visit around golden hour, the sunlight hitting the zinc rooftops is unforgettable.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Sunday and public holidays from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm (the terrace may close temporarily during bad weather or high winds)
Métro: Chaussée d’Antin-La Fayette
Map:
2. The rooftop terrace at Printemps Haussmann (Terrasse du 7ème Ciel)
Go to the 7th floor of the Printemps Femme building for a panoramic 360-degree view of Paris and its golden domes completely free of charge.
On clear days, you can spot the Sacré-Cœur basilica standing high on the hill of Montmartre.
Just a short walk from Galeries Lafayette, Printemps Haussmann gives you another magnificent angle on the city. While the former café Déli-cieux has closed, the store features a stunning panoramic terrace known as the Terrasse du 7ème Ciel. You can access this panoramic viewing platform on the 7th floor of the Printemps Femme (Women’s) building. Make sure you enter the Femme department store rather than the Homme or Maison buildings.
Take the escalators or elevators straight to the 7th floor and walk out toward the terrace. You will enjoy a 360-degree panorama of Paris, including close-up views of the department store’s golden domes, the Eiffel Tower, and the Sacré-Cœur perched on Montmartre. There is a stylish café space inside if you want a drink, but access to the view is completely free with no purchase required.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Sunday from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm (subject to weather closures)
Métro: Havre – Caumartin
Map:
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