Welcome to my guide to the best places to watch the sunset in Paris.
I have lived in Paris for several months and also revisited the city a great many times, so have sought out all of these locations at sunset.
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to pick and choose the best days to enjoy them, and pass on some hints and tips in this article.
My Paris sunsets guide includes information on each location, the best time of year to see a sunset there and also how to get there.
I also advise on which locations are free to visit and which need tickets. The good news is that most of them are free.
I hope you enjoy reading this guide as much as I did revisiting and photographing them afresh.
Best Sunset In Paris Locations: An Introduction
Many people head for the Eiffel Tower at sunset. TIP: The sunset looks much better with the Eiffel Tower IN it, rather than FROM it.
Each sunset in Paris is better at certain times of year. So, for example, a sunset from Montmartre is usually better during the winter months.
Many of the best places to watch the sunset in Paris are along the river Seine, particularly around some of the most famous Paris bridges.
Several great places to see the sunset in Paris are along the Axe Historique – or Historical Axis. This is an open vista from the Louvre, through the Tuileries Garden and Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe and, finally the Grande Arche de la Défense.
You get a direct view of the Paris sunset from many of the locations we describe. In some instances, I suggest you visit to enjoy the magical late sunlight on the buildings and sights you see, rather than the sun setting over the horizon.
Most Paris sunset locations that we have included are public spaces and free to visit. Some require tickets, and we advise how much they are and how to obtain them where relevant.
Sunset In Paris – Along The ‘Historical Axis’
Arc de Triomphe and Avenue des Champs-Élysées
Perhaps the most famous sunset in Paris, the view up the Avenue des Champs-Élysées is magical. For me, it is one of the best sunsets in Europe, an amazing spectacle to experience once when you visit Paris.
I think it looks best from the lower end of the Avenue, close to the Place de la Concorde. You can enjoy this superb sunset in Paris from the middle of the road. There are numerous crossing points along the Champs-Élysées, each with ample room to stand and enjoy the sunset. There is even room for a tripod or two at each crossing.
It’s the most iconic part of the Axe Historique (also known as the Voie Triomphale, or Triumphal Way). The Arc is also one of the ‘big three’ most famous sights in Paris, along with the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame.
Getting there: Champs-Élysées-Clemenceau (metro lines 1 and 13) is best for the viewpoints at the lower end of the Avenue.
La Défense from the Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is also a great viewpoint for a Parisian sunset. Visiting the Arc de Triomphe Paris is an absolute must, for its architecture, national significance and the views from the rooftop.
If you only have limited time, I suggest opting for a sunset with the Arc de Triomphe in it rather than from it.
That said, the Arc de Triomphe is open late – until 10.30 pm in winter and 11 pm in summer. If you want to see the sunset with La Défense, it’s a spring or summertime shot.
In the winter, you get a superb view from the Arc de Triomphe rooftop gallery towards the Eiffel Tower at sunset.
Place de la Concorde
The Place de la Concorde is one of the best places to see a sunset in Paris at any time of year.
In summer, the sun sets behind the famous Egyptian obelisk in the centre of the square, and the Arc de Triomphe behind. As the sun goes down, it brilliantly lights up the fountains and ornate lamps around the square, as well as the golden gates at the entrance to the Tuileries Gardens.
It’s just as spectacular in winter, when the sun sets across the river close to the Eiffel Tower. The assortment of statues, lamps and fountains, as well as the landmarks behind, make it a photographer’s paradise.
Getting there: Metro to Concorde (lines 1, 8 and 12)
Tuileries Garden
The Tuileries Garden Paris forms part of the Axe Historique, or Historical Axis, and from April to September is one of the best places to appreciate a sunset in Paris.
The Tuileries Garden begins at the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, close to the courtyard of the Louvre Museum. This small triumphal arch is magnificent at the end of the day, especially at dusk when the lights are first turned on.
Stand below the Arc and admire the view down the Grande Allée to the Obelisk at the Place de la Concorde. Behind that you’ll see the familiar outline of the more famous Arc de Triomphe in the distance, as well as part of the frame of the modern Grande Arche.
Getting there: Palais-Royal-Musee du Louvre (Metro lines 1 and 7) or Tuileries (Metro line 1)
Louvre
The sunset from the Louvre is the final part of the Paris Historical Axis. From the courtyard of the famous Palace and Museum you look towards the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, with all the other elements behind.
There is, of course, an additional element of the view nowadays – the Glass Pyramid at the entrance to the Louvre. Impressive by day, it’s at its best around sunset and dusk when it’s beautifully illuminated.
Getting there: Palais-Royal-Musee du Louvre (Metro lines 1 and 7)
Sunset in Paris – With Views Of The Eiffel Tower
Place du Trocadéro and Eiffel Tower
If you stand at the Place du Trocadéro at sunset – especially in summer – the sun sets behind you. The area offers one of the best Eiffel Tower views, and sunset is the best time to see it.
The late light on the Iron Lady is a magnificent sight. It looks even better from either side of the Place du Trocadéro, which is lined with golden statues.
The Trocadéro is also a wonderful spot to watch the nightly light show on the Eiffel Tower. It flickers and sparkles for five minutes at 10pm in the summer months, an extraordinary sight not to be missed.
Getting there: Trocadéro (Metro lines 6 and 9)
Eiffel Tower from Tour Montparnasse
The view of the Eiffel Tower from the gallery of the Tour Montparnasse is one of the best in Paris.
It’s superb at any time of year, with the Eiffel Tower set against the backdrop of the skyscrapers of La Défense. It’s especially beautiful in the spring and summer months, when the sunset afterglow tends to develop behind the towers.
Surprisingly the Eiffel Tower is a fair distance from the viewpoint, so you may wish to pack a telephoto lens or have a similar function ready on your phone.
You can buy tickets for the Tour Montparnasse here. Options include single entry or a day and night ticket which allows you two visits.
Getting there: Gare de Montparnasse Metro lines 4,6,12 and 13
Pont Alexandre III
Sunset on and around the Pont Alexandre III can be stunning throughout the year. The ornate bridge links the Grand Palais with the Esplanade des Invalides. The golden dome of the church in the Hotel des Invalides is one of the great landmarks of Paris.
The Pont Alexandre III is full of exuberant decoration, with gold-painted statues, ornate Belle Epoque lampshades, some held up by statues of cherubim. The late sunlight on the bridge makes for a spectacular sight at any time of year.
In winter the sunsets close to the Eiffel Tower, so if you’re visiting on one of those gorgeous chilly clear days, this is a great spot to savour a sunset in Paris.
Getting there: Champs-Élysées-Clemenceau (Metro lines 1 and 13) or Invalides (Metro lines 8 and 13, and RER line C).
Pont de Bir-Hakeim
The gorgeous Bir-Hakeim Bridge is the next bridge downstream from the Eiffel Tower, and is another great place to enjoy sunsets in Paris.
This unique bridge has two levels – one for cars and pedestrians, and an elevated one for trains. The metal arches that support the upper level also frame different views of the Eiffel Tower.
The Bir-Hakeim Bridge looks wonderful at sunset throughout the year, the late golden light glowing on the arches and the Eiffel Tower. It’s a little off the beaten path in Paris terms, but a superb location for Eiffel Tower photos.
Getting there: Metro to Bir-Hakeim (line 6) or RER C to Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel
Seine Sunset Cruise
We’ve included a lot of sunset in Paris locations in this article. And there is one way to see around half of them in one evening: a Paris sunset cruise.
Seine river cruises run as far east as the Ile Saint-Louis, and the Eiffel Tower in the west.
Most Paris sunset river cruises last 60 to 75 minutes, and pass all of the famous Paris landmarks along the riverfront. It’s one of the best things to do in Paris, and here are some possible options, including some with optional food and drink:
Sunset In Paris – Along The River Seine
Notre Dame Cathedral
The Notre Dame sunset is one of the most magical in Paris, and by late 2024 or early 2025 we’ll be able to marvel at this view once again.
The best sunset view of Notre Dame de Paris is from the Pont de la Tournelle, a short walk upstream from the Île de la Cité. It’s a breathtaking sight. I also recommend the sunset view from the rooftop of the Institut du Monde Arabe, which is a little further away from Notre Dame.
If you’re planning to enjoy a Notre Dame sunset, watch the last light on the west front of the Cathedral before strolling along the riverbank to the Pont de la Tournelle.
Getting there: Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame (Metro line 4, RER lines B and C).
See Also: 22 Famous Churches in Paris To Explore
Pont Neuf
The Pont Neuf Paris is the oldest bridge in the city, dating from the early 17th century. It looks wonderful at sunset, and is also a wonderful sunset vantage point.
The bridge is in two sections, one linking the Île de la Cité with the Left Bank, the other with the Right.
We love the sunsets from either side of the Pont Neuf. The view of the shorter Left Bank side is glorious, with the Louvre behind. And the longer Right Bank arches of the Pont Neuf have the dome of the Institut de France and the Eiffel Tower as a background.
If you take a short walk downstream from the Pont Neuf, there is also a fantastic view of the Pont des Arts at sunset.
Getting there: Pont Neuf (Metro line 7)
Square du Vert Galant
The Square du Vert Galant is one of the most romantic gardens in Paris. It’s at the western end of the Île de la Cité, just below the Pont Neuf. It’s a small park in the shade of the trees and places to sit on the riverbank.
It’s a great spot for a picnic and a bottle of wine, and couples and groups of friends often gather there for the evening.
In the summer the sun sets downstream beyond the next bridge, the Pont des Arts. The last rays of sunshine blaze through the trees onto the main garden, and through the branches of the weeping willow at the end of the island. The tree is known locally as La Saule Pleureur de la Pointe. One of the best places to enjoy a sunset in Paris – try and make it there at least once if you’re visiting Paris in summer.
Getting there: Pont Neuf (Metro line 4) or Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame (also Metro line 4, and RER B and C).
Conciergerie
The formidable medieval palace of the Conciergerie occupies the part of the northern shore of the Île de la Cité. It makes an imposing sight at sunset, particularly from the Pont au Change just downstream.
From there, the turreted outline is mightily impressive, a sunset in Paris sky adding even more to the drama. While there, take a short walk to the neighbouring Palais de Justice, and admire the exterior of La Sainte Chapelle Paris as it’s lit up at dusk.
Getting there: Cité (Metro line 4)
Pont des Arts
The Pont des Arts, the next bridge downstream from the Pont Neuf, is another fantastic place to watch the sunset in Paris.
The late light on the bridge is a delight, and the Institut de France and Louvre (depending on the time of year) also look superb bathed in the golden sunset light.
We particularly love the view of the Pont des Arts at sunset from the Right Bank (Rive Droite) of the Seine, from closer to the Pont Neuf.
TIP: Another great way to see the Pont des Arts at sunset is to take a Paris sunset cruise. We were lucky to see it from underneath with the bridge and people walking on it silhouetted against the orange sky.
Getting there: Pont Neuf (Metro line 7) or Louvre-Rivoli (Metro line 1) are both a 5-minute walk away.
Sunset In Paris – Grands Boulevards
Galeries Lafayette Rooftop
The rooftop of the Galeries Lafayette department store on Boulevard Haussmann is an awesome spot to watch sunset in Paris.
The rooftop, on the seventh floor, is free to visit. It’s a large open space with a restaurant bar on one side, and a view of the back of the Opera Garnier to the left.
It’s one of the best winter sunset locations in Paris, open until 8pm, long after sunset (which is around 5 pm in December and January.
The rooftop isn’t open late enough for a Paris summer sunset, but the view from there throughout the day and evening is pretty special.
Getting there: Chaussee d’Antin – La Fayette (Metro line 7) or Auber (RER A).
Sunset In Paris – Montmartre
While living in Paris I sought out the mythical Montmartre sunset a few times, but never quite found what I was hoping for. This was because I was there in summer, not winter.
In summer, the whitened exterior of Sacré Coeur looks wonderful in the late evening light, but the grandstand sunset is one for the depths of winter. If you’re in Paris in December or January, there’s a viewpoint very close to Sacré Coeur over the rooftops of the city with the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Catch it on a magical clear day if you can. It’s one of the most beautiful things to see in Paris.
If you’re in Paris in summer, dusk is a wonderful time to walk around nearby Place du Tertre and Montmartre, especially when all the lights are turned on.
Getting there: Montmartre funicular or an uphill walk from Abbesses Metro station (line 12).
Sunset Time In Paris
Paris sunset times vary considerably depending on the time of year that you visit.
Summer days are long, starting early and finishing late. Winter days, on the other hand, are very short, with as little as 8 to 9 hours of daylight.
Below are times of sunset in Paris on the longest and shortest days of the year, as well as on the spring equinox in late March:
Paris sunset time in June: 9.58 pm (2158)
Paris sunset time in December: 4.56 pm (1656)
Paris sunset time in March: 7.06 pm (1906)
Sunset In Paris – Final Words
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading our feature on sunsets in Paris. Hopefully it’ll provide with some inspiration – and incentive – for planning your next visit to the City of Light.
Read Next:
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David Angel is a British photographer, writer and historian. He is a European travel expert with over 30 years’ experience exploring Europe. He has a degree in History from Manchester University, and his work is regularly featured in global media including the BBC, Condé Nast Traveler, The Guardian, The Times, and The Sunday Times. David is fluent in French and Welsh, and can also converse in Italian, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Czech and Polish.