Great views of the city
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Toits de Paris

Few cities present such a uniform skyscape as Paris. Looking down on the ranks of seven-storey apartment buildings from above, it's easy to imagine the city as a lead-roofed plateau split by the leafy canyons of the boulevards and avenues. Spires, towers, and parks – not to mention multicoloured art museums and glass pyramids – stand out all the more against the solemn grey backdrop. Fortunately, many of Paris's tall buildings provide access to wonderful rooftop views. Here are a dozen of the best vistas in town:

Arc de Triomphe: look out on an ocean of traffic.

Centre Pompidou: a stunning backdrop to modern art.

Grande Arche de la Défense: take the long view.

Eiffel Tower: the classic, best at night.

Institut du Monde Arabe: sip mint tea on the rooftop overlooking the Seine.

Musée d'Orsay: look through the old station clock towards Montmartre.

Notre-Dame: perch among the gargoyles.

Parc André-Citroën: a tethered balloon rises 150m above this quirky park.

Parc de Belleville: watch the sunset over the city.

Sacré-Coeur: this puffball dome soars over Montmartre.

La Samaritaine: posh department store with a seriously central rooftop.

Tour Montparnasse: stand eye to eye with the Eiffel Tower.