I love seeing beautiful cities from up high. Paris is one of those cities that you need to learn by walking endlessly, but you also need to see it across the rooftops.
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Normally I like to go to the rooftop cafe at Printemps and look out over Paris with a cafe au lait or a sancerre, depending on the time of day, but this time I got to Printemps and the roof cafe was closed. I think they told me it would be closed for 2 years, but my French sadly is not what it used to be, so who knows?
Anyway, I decided to take another elevated option, one I hadn’t done before, and go up to the top of the Pantheon.
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Truth be told I had never been to the Pantheon in Paris before. Even though I have been to Paris about a million times. The Pantheon is in my favorite part of town, the left bank.
A gorgeous amble up Rue St Jacques or Rue des Carmes onto Rue Valette, past flower shops and coffee shops, beautiful Parisian streets that keep you dawdling forever, and you’re there.
The Pantheon is a neo classical building modeled on the Pantheon in Rome. It is well worth visiting in and of itself, but for an extra €12 you can climb 206 stairs to the roof and one of the most fabulous panoramic views of this endlessly gorgeous city.
The view from the interior balcony of the Pantheon
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There are a couple of points to stop at along the way, so you don’t have to do it all in one go.
From up high
Then you get to the top and walk outside to a view that will take your breath away.
I don’t know if I lucked out with a low tourist day or if it’s just not a huge draw, but it was delightfully empty when I was there. No lines, no crowds, not even 50 people inside.
Next time you are in Paris, take the time to go to the Pantheon. You won’t be disappointed.
I flew Air France from Los Angeles to Paris. I used to fly them all the time, and I had forgotten what a wonderful airline they are! I was upgraded to Premium Economy and really had a tremendous experience. Air France doesn’t sponsor this blog and I paid for my flight – they didn’t give it to me.
The flight attendants looked so stunning and put together throughout the flight, the food was great, the plane was in good shape. I will fly them again for sure.
