Institut du Monde Arabe Rooftop

Designed by Jean Nouvel and opened in 1987, the Institut du Monde Arabe is famous for its remarkable south facade — a grid of 240 photosensitive metallic diaphragms that open and close like camera apertures to regulate light entering the building. Less well-known is that the rooftop terrace and its attached restaurant (Le Zouave) offer one of Paris's finest and least-crowded panoramic views.

From the 9th floor terrace, you look directly across the Seine at Notre-Dame and its surrounding Île de la Cité. The view is framed differently from most Paris panoramas — lower, closer, and more intimate. Entry to the museum is required (€10-12), but the rooftop terrace itself sometimes allows access with a café or restaurant booking.