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Upload your photos. We may feature them.We've been asking top guidebook writers for their alternatives to iconic attractions. Today's writer is Anna Brooke, author of Frommer's Paris Day by Day and Frommer's Provence & the Riviera Day by Day.
Her recommended alternative to the Eiffel Tower is…
…Montparnasse Tower
The Eiffel Tower may be the quintessential symbol of Paris. But for magnificent views of Paris that actually include Gustave Eiffel's engineering feat, check out La Tour Montparnasse, France's tallest skyscraper.From the 59th floor terrace, or the 56th floor restaurant, the panoramas astound. It costs €10.50 (about $14.50) adult admission to get to the top, compared to €13 ($18) for the Eiffel top platform visit, and the lines are significantly shorter.
For the next year or two, it will remain Paris' only inner-city skyscraper, a controversial 1970s building often criticized for its lack of aestheticism. But you're there for the views of the skyline and of the Eiffel Tower from its viewing platform—not to praise the building itself.
Tip: Best visited after dark when the Eiffel Tower sparkles (for about 10 minutes, every hour on the hour).
Now don't get us wrong. We're suckers for the Eiffel Tower, too. And neither Anna Brooke nor Frommer's is criticizing anyone who might want to go to the top of the famous icon. All we're trying to do here is recognize that lesser known attractions may have their own appeal, too.
For tour info for the Eiffel Tower, see its official website.
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Visitors to Paris might also want to ascend to the top floor of the department store Galeries Lafayette. Nice views of the Paris skyline from the outdoor terraces, plus no admission and no lines. Bring camera and binocs.
--Historian08
Posted By Historian08 on July 2, 2009, 1:20 PM
Another alternative in Paris is the Museum of the Arab World or Musée de l'Institut du Monde Arabe. Wonderful views of Notre Dame, the Seine and Île Saint-Louis plus it is architecturally spectacular in its own right. It was raining when we were there in December, so missed eating at the open terrace cafe on the top level; there is also a unique 'cafeteria style' eatery on the ground floor. Highly recommend a quick stop regardless of interest in the culture. No fee to visit restaurants and terrace, plus close to other points of interest along the Seine and Metro.
Go to www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/L_Institut_du_Monde_Arabe.html
Posted By Cathy on July 2, 2009, 2:42 PM
Montmartre is another robust locale to view Paris come alive as evening wanes. The hilltop is 130 metres high in the north of Paris (18th arrondissement). Montmartre is primarily known for the white-domed Basilica of the Sacré Cœur on its summit and is a robust district for artists and street performances. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montmartre
Posted By Cristo on July 2, 2009, 3:41 PM
My favourite viewing place in Paris was the Arc de Triomphe. You could see the whole city including the Eiffel Tower as it lit up at night! I enjoyed seeing the streets fan out from the round-a-bout and the near misses as the traffic sped around. It was less crowded and you could enjoy looking out at the city without being jostled aside. Definitely worth the climb to the top!
Posted By Kathryn on July 2, 2009, 7:17 PM
I've done Montmartre and it is a great choice as an alternate and most importantly, it is free.
The Arc de Triomphe also has a nice view of the Eiffel Tower and the rest of Paris.
Posted By Brian from nodebtworldtravel.com on July 2, 2009, 7:37 PM
Just returned from my first trip to Paris and I agree tha the Arc gives spectacular views. Not sure about the trek up, tho. Got shin splints and hobbled for 2 days.
Posted By Barbara Caton-Miles on July 3, 2009, 12:00 AM
Tour Montparnasse is a great building to look FROM.
It's disaster to look AT. Many views down Paris' great avenues stop with a thud at this unfortunate building.
I agree with those voting for Montmartre. And, if you're in Paris at Christmas, the Arc de Triomphe gives you a view down the Champs Elysees that is one of the most magical in the world.
Some of the best Bastille Day fireworks views are from the hills in the northeast of the city: no crowd crush and the neighborhoods are pure Paris (no tourists).
Posted By Tom Tellefsen on July 3, 2009, 9:44 AM
I agree with all the above comments - Montmartre, Arc de Triomphe, Tour Montparnasse...
Another great option is the bell towers of Notre Dame. It's also a climb up some stairs, but the views of the Latin Quarter (Pantheon, Place St. Michel, Sorbonne, etc.) and those down the banks of the Seine are just spectacular! And an added bonus is the unique view over the architecture of the cathedral itself (aerial view of the flying buttresses, close-ups of the gargoyles, etc).
Posted By Leah on July 6, 2009, 10:13 AM
Read this article the day before we were leaving for Paris this past weekend, and decided to try out the Tour Montparnasse. It was great! There was hardly anyone there and the view of Paris at night was fabulous. We made sure to be there when the tower was sparkling!
Posted By Allison on July 8, 2009, 3:14 AM
If the stairs at the Arc de Triomphe are a problem for you, or your knees, take the elevator. It's not just for handicapped persons, anyone can use it.
Posted By Darcy on July 9, 2009, 11:35 PM