The Eiffel Tower observation deck sees a horde of almost seven million tourists every year. Wait times average two hours (for the first elevator), and it's not uncommon to kill a whole day just trying to snag a view of Paris from above.
So why has nobody told us there is a BETTER view two miles away, with an infinitely shorter wait?
Tour Montparnasse is a stunning skyscraper less than two miles from the Eiffel Tower. A 38-second trip in Europe's fastest elevator will whisk you to a luxurious observation deck on the 56th floor. From there, you can climb to an open-air terrace more than 650 feet above the Parisian skyline.
And believe us, the views are unreal. It's the Paris you see in screen savers, Eiffel Tower and all. Why would anyone follow the masses when you could see this?
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The obvious bonus here: Now all your scenic pics of Paris will actually include the Eiffel Tower.
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Before You Go
43 UP THE ROOF BAR
Photo Credit: Jennifer LadonneWho would think that a prosaic Holiday Inn would harbor such a gem? Set in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, you'll find views here to rival the best in Paris. Open from 5 pm to midnight seven days a week, 43 Up the Roof is full of locals and hotel guests on weekends, but at opening time on a weekday, you might very well have the place to yourself. Reservations are essential.
PARC DES BUTTES-CHAUMONT
Photo Credit: bjul / ShutterstockComplete with Elysian fields, a reflecting lake, and an Italianate temple perched atop picturesque cliffs, the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is Paris's fifth largest park, and arguably its most dramatic. Built during the reign of Napoleon III, the park's sinuous paths, majestic trees, and numerous water features form a picture-perfect landscape, complemented by scenic views of the city. Grab a picnic lunch and sprawl out on the grassy lawn, or head to the Rosa Bonheur Guinguette—Paris's last traditional dance halls, dating from 1867—for a snack.
LES OMBRES, MUSÉE DU QUAI BRANLY
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Restaurant Les OmbresBoth inside and outdoors, the airy Les Ombres delivers heart-stopping, 360-degree views of Paris with the Eiffel Tower front and center. The restaurant's minimalist, glassed-in dining room and stark white linens work to stunning effect in the daytime, no matter what the weather. Although you can easily run up a tab here, you don't have to: the €32 menu de saison for lunch offers gourmet dishes, such as Carpaccio of Daurade, asparagus with a chervil vinaigrette, tender squab in an herb risotto, and sinful desserts.
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TOUR SAINT-JACQUES
Photo Credit: © Marie Velde | Dreamstime.comStanding over 170 feet high, this immaculate Gothic tower, built between 1509 and 1523, was a gift to the city from the butchers of Les Halles market. Saint-Jacques Tower was recently cleaned, refurbished, and opened to the public after many years of disuse. Now a favorite spot for view-hunters, the lookout at the top is well-worth the 16-story journey. However, take note that the tower is only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and visits are limited to 136 people per day, so your best bet is to get there at opening time (9:30 am) for tickets.
MONSIEUR BLEU
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Monsieur Bleu A radical expansion of the Palais de Tokyo contemporary arts center in 2012 opened up the building's spectacular Seine-side vistas and paved the way for the stylish Monsieur Bleu restaurant. On nice days between May and September, dining in al fresco elegance on the restaurant's terrace, with matchless views of the Seine and Eiffel Tower, is not to be missed. Best of all, it's open every day from noon until 2 am, so you can come for a meal, tea time, a cocktail, or to watch the lights of the Eiffel Tower twinkle every hour on the hour.
LE GEORGES AU CENTRE POMPIDOU
Photo Credit: Courtesy of BeaumarlyThe superb view of Les Halles, the Marais, and Notre Dame is Le Georges' biggest claim to fame. This bird's-eye perch offers an unparalleled perspective of Paris's winding streets and the colorful, vivacious neighborhood that was Paris's central food market from medieval times until the early 1960s. Savoring a cappuccino or a nice glass of wine with your view is a delicious way to while away an hour or two.
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PALAIS DE CHAILLOT (TROCADERO)
Photo Credit: Rrrainbow / ShutterstockThis monumental structure, originally constructed for the 1878 World's Fair, houses several under-the radar museums and cultural spaces. Built on the summit of the Chaillot hill, the Palais also offers majestic views of the Eiffel Tower just across the Seine. Begin your walk at the Palais de Chaillot steps, traverse the gardens, and cross the Pont d'Iéna to the Champs-de-Mars, at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
PARC DE BELLEVILLE
Photo Credit: LENS-68 / ShutterstockWhile crowds flock to Montmartre's notorious Place des Ternes for views of the city, make a beeline to the beautiful Parc de Belleville—Paris's highest park—where you'll find space to breath among lush gardens and one of the city's last remaining vineyards. In the heart of the park, the welcoming Maison de l'Air offers visitors an original take on Paris, with exhibits on that most essential of elements—the air. Learn about how native plants, insects, and birds use it, and how air transmits sound.
DELI-CIEUX AT PRINTEMPS
Photo Credit: Courtesy of PrintempsAll of Paris unfolds before you in 360-degree panoramic splendor from the Deli-Cieux café on the ninth floor of Printemps' home store. This self-service café is the place to enjoy a snack, pose for a photo op, or play a game of "spot the monument" with the kids. With continuous service from Monday through Saturday during store hours (9:35 am to 8 pm; 10 pm on Thursdays), you can come any time of day, rain or shine.
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RESTAURANT LE ZYRIAB, INSTITUT DU MONDE ARABE
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Institut du Monde ArabeOn the ninth floor of the superb Institut du Monde Arabe—designed by Iraqi-British architect Dame Zaha Hadid—in Paris's leafy fifth arrondissement, Le Zyriab offers gourmet Lebanese fare for lunch and dinner. Stop in for a peaceful mid-afternoon cup of sweet mint tea and a plate of delectable pastries to enjoy a view stretching over Notre Dame and Ile de la Cité, the Marais, and the Seine (teatime from 3–6 pm). Admission to the ninth floor is free.