My favorite way to get a peek at the iconic skyline of Paris is completely free – and you can do some shopping at the historic Galleries Lafayette department store while you’re there.
You’ll probably be shocked to hear, but as many times as I’ve been to Paris, I’ve never been up the Eiffel Tower. Partially, it’s because I don’t love crowds or heights, and standing in line for three hours to ride a tiny elevator into the sky is not my idea of fun. But mostly, it’s because my favorite birds-eye views of the Paris skyline always contain Monsieur Eiffel’s iconic structure – and you can’t see the Eiffel Tower while you’re standing on it.
For a stunning, free view, head to Galleries Lafayette Haussmann, near the Paris Opera. Head to the escalators and ride all they way up to the observation deck on the top floor. Enjoy the sweeping views of Paris, and be sure to peek at the top of the building’s magnificent Tiffany glass dome while you’re up there. You can even have a cocktail at the rooftop bar, or have lunch in one of the department store’s many restaurants. Then, head down to do some shopping before you explore the rest of Paris. Several of my favorite French brands have boutiques here, and I recently discovered a fantastic section of vintage and secondhand clothing in the (Re)Store department.
I may eventually end up going up the Eiffel Tower, but you can bet I’ll still pop up to Galleries Lafayette whenever I’m in Paris.
Need more travel inspiration? Check out this post about 40 hours in Manhattan!