Sunrise and Sunsetin Paris, France

Paris at 48°N sees sunrise and sunset times shift considerably throughout the year. Its combination of hilltop parks, open river bridges, and lakesides in both the eastern and western parts of the city provides varied options for unobstructed horizon views.

Best sunrise spots in Paris

1. Sacré-Cœur

   The parvis is accessible at any hour; the basilica itself opens at 6:30. At 130m on the Montmartre hill, the panorama extends east and north over the entire city skyline.

2. Pont de Bir-Hakeim

   The two-level iron bridge frames the Eiffel Tower to the north against the morning sky. Free, open 24/7; Metro Bir-Hakeim (line 6) exits directly at the bridge.

3. Bois de Vincennes, Lac Daumesnil

   The 12-hectare lake on the eastern edge of Paris (12th arrondissement) reflects the morning light and provides open views toward the east. Enter at Porte Dorée, a 5-minute walk from Metro Porte Dorée (line 8). Free, accessible from dawn.

4. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

   The Temple de la Sibylle on the rocky island in the park's lake sits about 50m above the surrounding water and faces east and north. Open daily from 7:00; Metro Buttes-Chaumont (line 7bis). Free; the circular walk around the lake is about 2km.

Best sunset spots in Paris

1. Sacré-Cœur

   The view south and west covers most of Paris from this height. The funicular (same price as a metro ticket) runs until 00:15, making late evening visits easy.

2. Parc de Belleville

   At 108m, this terraced park in the 20th arrondissement is the highest public green space in Paris. It faces southwest over the Haussmann roofscape with no tall buildings blocking the horizon. Open until 9:30pm in summer; Metro Pyrénées (line 11), 7-minute walk.

3. Pont de Bir-Hakeim

   In the evening the tower is backlit from the west; the lower pedestrian level offers a sheltered angle with the steel superstructure as foreground.

4. Jardins du Trocadéro

   The esplanade faces south toward the Eiffel Tower, and the western sky opens clearly to the right. Free, open around the clock; Metro Trocadéro (lines 6 and 9), about 300m from the tower base.

5. Square du Vert-Galant

   This small park at the western tip of Île de la Cité sits at river level with unobstructed views west along the Seine. Reached via stairs from Pont Neuf; Metro Pont Neuf (line 7). Free, open 24/7.