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Looking for the perfect place to pose for a selfie or see the sun set on the world's most romantic city? Everyone knows the Eiffel Tower offers breathtaking views of the French capital, but there are plenty more spots — some so secret even the locals will be envious of them. Scattered across the city offering views of the Seine, Montmartre and those iconic rooftops, here's where to go for postcard-perfect panoramas that are sure to up your Instagram game.
La Terrasse at Galeries Lafayette
Marvel at the Haussmann-style rooftops as far as the eye can see — as well as the Eiffel Tower and l'Opera — from the terrace of the luxe department store. To make the view even sweeter, access to the rooftop is completely free. Those in the know bring a snack from the store's cafe for a relaxing shopping break with a view.
Le Butte Montmartre
Looking like a scene from the movie Amelie, there's a little square on Rue Norvins that's home to the much-photographed Consulat Cafe. Grab the camera and explore the surrounding cobblestone alleys, where you'll see street artists painting en plein air, couples walking hand-in-hand, and Sacré-Cœur in the background.
Musee d'Orsay
Formerly a train station, the opulent Beaux-Arts building houses the largest collection of Impressionist masterpieces in the world. While the works inside the museum are truly spectacular, it's the view from the top floor that you'll really want to see. Through the glass of the giant clock facade, you'll be able to snap photos of the Seine, the Louvre, Sacré-Cœur. For the best photos, be sure to step back and frame the silhouettes of other visitors enjoying the city skyline, too.
Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Taking in the Paris skyline from the top of the Montmartre is a must on any trip to Paris, even if it's not your first. This is where to experience a sweeping vista of the city any time of day.
Notre Dame
The famous gargoyles of Notre Dame may have the finest view Paris — and we're only a little bit jealous. The famous Catholic cathedral took nearly 200 years to build and is now the most visited attraction in the city (yup, more visited than even the Eiffel Tower). Be sure to visit the famous towers to gaze down on the city with a gargoyle's-eye-view while standing on top of the world — or at least the top of the world's most iconic Gothic monument.
Rue Mouffetard
For a gourmet view rather than a panoramic one, head to the culinary heart of Paris located in the Latin Quarter. The Mouffetard market pops with colors from fresh fruits, vegetable and seafood vendors hawking their goods from small stands. The crowded street, one of the oldest in Paris, was just as chaotic in the 1920s when Earnest Hemingway wrote about it in his memoir, A Moveable Feast.
Sunset at Le Pont de Sully
With epic views of the back of Notre Dame and its towering spires, this lesser-known sunset spot is sure to be memorable. This bridge over the Seine in central Paris inspires affectionate couples and brides and grooms grinning for the camera, especially in early evening as the sun dips behind the cathedral.
Le Royal Monceau Raffles
At the end of the day is there anything better than sipping a glass of wine in a room overlooking Paris. At Le Royal Monceau, you can take in a glimmering view of the City of Lights and the The Arc de Triomphe from private terraces that provide an Instagram-worthy snap — all from the comforts of your very own suite. To add to the magic, you can sample some of the finest French cuisine in the city and a world-class massage in the luxury hotel's spa. Ready to go? Click here to begin planning your Instagram-worthy trip to Paris this year.