The ubiquitous beauty of Paris is found on street corners and cathedral steps, on café terraces and in museum halls, on river docks and in bottles of Bordeaux. Nowhere else, though, does Paris astound like it does from above. The mingling of Haussmannian precision with medieval pragmatism can only be truly appreciated from a certain height. New York Habitat has had a presence in the French capital long enough to know that while the city looks great from street level, it transcends beauty when seen perched atop a world-class monument.

The créme de la créme of Paris monuments is, of course, the Eiffel Tower. Located in the glorious 7th arrondissement, it is without question the symbol of Paris, and France for that matter. The views from all three pedestrian levels of the tower are stunning. From atop the tower the city seems small and, despite the hustle and bustle below, serene. As a visitor to Paris it is ones obligation to not only marvel at the structure from below, but to take in the views from the tower’s top floor. Despite its architectural celebrity, the Eiffel Tower is not the only skycraping building in town with breathtaking views.

The 56-story Montparnasse Tower features a wonderful rooftop terrace with rooftop views. The panoramic rooftop is an option for visitors looking to avoid the crowds and terribly long lines at the Eiffel tower. The Montparnasse Tower does provide something the Eiffel Tower could never offer–a view of the Eiffel Tower.

The Arc de Triomphe offers unique views on Paris’ most famous street, the Champs Elysees. Located in the 8th arrondissement, visitors to the grand arch can pay a fee of 9 Euros to step atop the arch and marvel at one of the worlds most daunting round-a-bouts and the 12 streets that fan out from the Place de l’Etoile.

The Notre Dame Cathedral, known mostly for gargoyles, hunchbacks and stained-glass also opens their rooftop to visitors. The point of view from atop the church is unique in central, Seine-side Paris.

One of the best views in all of Paris, and the cheapest, is from atop the hills of Montmartre, just in front of the Sacre Coeur Basilica. Free to anyone willing to shlep up the countless steps, Montmartre provides a natural perspective on the French capital.

Paris City ViewsUp in Montmartre, a short walk from the Sacre Coeur, is this cozy 1-bedroom rental in Pigalle, Montmartre – Sacre Coeur (PA-3630). And a short walking distance from Notre Dame Cathedral and the modernity of Montparnasse Tower is this studio in Quartier Latin, St Michel – St Germain – Notre Dame (PA-925).

The views from all of these Paris monuments are great. That said, often the most satisfying view for New York Habitat clients staying in Paris is from their bedroom window.

Do you have a favorite place in Paris to view the city? Is it from atop a monument, through a restaurant window or from the seat of your plane as you approach CDG airport? Comment Below.