Idée week-end
article | Reading time5 min
Fascinated by beautiful panoramic views ? Discover the most beautiful panoramas from the top our monuments !
1. The Constance Tower in Aigues-Mortes
Built between 1240 and 1448 during Louis IX reign, the Constance Tower is a symbol of royal power. Situated on the Mediterranean coast, at the entrance of the kingdom of France, its terrace overlooks the town of Aigues-Mortes and its ramparts.
As you climb up, pass through the lower room, a key room for storing provisions, weapons and wood needed to power the tower's lighthouse during a long siege.
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© Sammy Billon / Centre des monuments nationaux
2. The Fort Saint-André plateau
Situated 68 metres above sea level, the Fort Saint-André offers an uninterrupted view of the ruins of the town and the Abbey of Saint-André. From the top of the twin towers you can look out over Avignon and the Papal Palace, the Mont Ventoux and the Alpilles mountain range.
Extend the experience by taking the covered walkway up to the Tower of the Masks. From here, the whole of the lower town of Villeneuve-lez-Avignon stretches out before you, with its collegiate church, its Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction and its Philippe le Bel tower.
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© Romain Veillon / Centre des monuments nationaux
3. The towers of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Reims
With its 300 steps, the north tower is well worth a visit ! From the top of its 57 metres, you can scan the city of Reims and its surroundings... for up to 30 kilometres around !
As well as its breathtaking panorama, the circuit offers a unique view of the details of the cathedral's roofs and spire, guaranteed to dazzle !
Visit the monument
© Jean-Pierre Delagarde / Centre des monuments nationaux
4. The towers of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Amiens
At 6,650 square metres, Amiens cathedral is one of the largest examples of Gothic architecture in France. Wait until you see what's in store at the top of its towers !
Climb the 249 steps for a panoramic view of the whole city. Take advantage of the heights to admire the details of the gigantic statues in the Kings' Gallery, 4 metres high and weighing almost 8 tonnes !
Visit the monument
© Caroline Rose / Centre des monuments nationaux
5. The towers of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris
As Quasimodo, climb the 389 steps for an exceptional view of Paris.
Take a closer look at the whole of the city and spot its iconic monuments such as the Pantheon, the Conciergerie and the Sainte-Chapelle.
Stay tuned
© David Bordes / Centre des monuments nationaux
6. The Rond de la Balustrade at the Domaine National de Saint-Cloud
Described as "the most beautiful view in the world" by Princess Palatine , Philippe d'Orléans wife, the 160-metre-high view from the Parc de Saint-Cloud is a sight to behold.
A real postcard of Paris, the view overlooks the river Seine and gives you a glimpse of the city like you've never seen before !
Along the way, be sure to wander through the paths of the estate's gardens, which date back to the early Renaissance !
Prepare your visit
© Éric Sander / Centre des monuments nationaux
7. The colonnade of the Panthéon
In the heart of the 5th arrondissement, enjoy a 360-degree view of the capital. From the top of its 206 steps, the colonnade of the Panthéon offers a glimpse of Paris's most emblematic districts : Le Marais, La Défense...
Take advantage of this opportunity to spot the sites of your next outings : the terrace of the Arc de triomphe, the towers of Notre-Dame cathedral...
Did you know ? : the Panthéon used to be the tallest monument in Paris, before it was dethroned by the Eiffel Tower.
Be careful, the access to the colonnade is only open for a few months of the year !
Prepare your visit
© Benjamin Gavaudo / Centre des monuments nationaux
8. The terrace of the Arc de Triomphe
Situated in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, the terrace of the Arc de triomphe offers a unique view of Paris, and it's not without effort : before you can admire the avenue des Champs-Élysées, you first have to climb the 284 steps of the monument.
Once you've reached the top, fly over the Parisian rooftops and take in the capital's most emblematic landmarks, from La Défense to Montmartre.
Prepare your visit
© Ambroise Tézenas / Centre des monuments nationaux
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