As Paris is one of the most picturesque cities in the world, it comes as little surprise that afterhours here are strikingly beautiful, particularly in certain areas. If you want a wonderful time to walk around the City of Lights, sunset is your best bet. Nothing beats the picturesque landscapes you see then, which are made even more dramatic by the dusky light. Whether it is a romantic stroll or a solitary walk you are after, you will want to take in the setting sun just to top off the experience. For that, the following spots are perfect to visit during your Paris walking tours.
There is a good reason why several artists have chosen the River Seine as a backdrop for their works. The riversides in Paris afford some great landscapes and at dusk, the light in the sky is hauntingly beautiful. Whether you choose to take a walk along the right or left bank, charter a River Seine boat tour, or set up a family picnic on the Île Saint-Louis, few places in Paris are as ideal to reveling in the dusky evenings.
There are several ornate and lovely gardens and parks within the French city limits. However, the Luxembourg Garden remains the favorite for a sunset walk, with the Tuileries Garden coming a close second.
In the fall especially, a stroll at dusk in these gardens affords views of dazzling sky with a pearly sort of light, coupled with crisp autumn air; this is the ideal way to relax and find some inspiration. Many artists have done that very same thing here over the ages.
The Notre-Dame, particularly at sunset, would make the heart flutter a little bit with its, awe-inspiring ambience, thanks to the Gothic construction, which is decidedly an astounding accomplishment even by modern standards. Witnessing the cathedral's dramatic spires and towers fronting the skyline would definitely you back in time.
The Panthéon square is another unbeatable place for sunset views over Paris. On clear nights, you may see the Notre-Dame's spires and towers, and several other landmarks, from this hilly point outside The Panthéon. For the uninitiated, this is a historic mausoleum devoted to the great thinkers of France. The nearby square outside the Sorbonne University is another beautiful area to visit at dusk. Enjoy a drink or two on a terrace lining the Place de la Sorbonne, and you will thank your stars for making you pick Paris as the place to vacation.
Next in the list of perfect dusk-hour spots in Paris is the rooftop of the Centre Georges Pompidou. While accessing it requires a ticket to the Musée National d'Art Moderne or a reservation at the Georges restaurant, it is well worth it when you lay eyes on the beautiful views over the capital city.
The Center Pompidou lies on the boundary of Le Marais, one of Paris' oldest existing neighborhoods. The district, coveted by hipsters and fashionistas, also has history as a Jewish-inhabited area. In addition to its restaurants, street food, shopping, and nightlife options, the Marais neighborhood is one of the many beautiful places at people flock to, just to get a glimpse of the beautiful sunset. An aura of old Paris is very much alive in Le Marais. Gorgeous private mansions, and Renaissance and medieval-period residences, add to the beauty you see here at dusk.
Sure, taking in panoramic views from outside the Sacré Coeur Basilica is a wise thing to do. However, that requires enduring heavy crowds. Instead, explore the winding streets behind the edifice, comprising Rue des Saules and Rue de l'Abreuvoir, for a sunset-hour stroll you will cherish for a long time to come. During your summertime trip, stop here for a drink enjoyed on a terrace, and take in a cabaret show somewhere close. You do not find the same swarms of tourists here, so generally, your visit stays fairly peaceful.
The flanks of the Saint Marin canal and, further north-eastward, La Villette Basin, are fantastic areas for a dusk time stroll. Take a stroll around sunset along its banks, from the Louis-Blanc or République metro station, up toward Stalingrad or Jaures (a map is indispensable), before venturing into one of the several restaurants and bars for cold ones and/or dinner.
Last but not least, the esplanade at the Palais de Chaillot is one more fantastic area for dusky views over the City of Lights. It offers a straight-on view of the iconic Eiffel Tower, with clouds in the backdrop. You will recognize this from the movie "Mission: Impossible – Fallout". The makers of the action-packed film chose to film a scene, featuring characters August Walker (Henry Cavill) and a CIA big shot (Angela Bassett), at the Trocadero esplanade. The view from here is pretty amazing.