Who doesn’t love breathtaking cityscapes? If you’re a fan of soaring towers and panoramic views, the Montparnasse Tower in Paris is an absolute must-visit. To truly experience its magic, aim to arrive 40 minutes before sunset. This way, you can witness the city in its daytime glory and snag the perfect spot for the golden hour.
A Parisian Sunrise: My First Encounter with the City of Lights
During my London trip, I saved the best view for last. However, in Paris, my schedule flipped on its head. I decided to conquer the Montparnasse Tower on my first evening in the City of Lights. Luckily, I did, because by my last day, the heavens opened up, unleashing a torrential downpour. Experience taught me a valuable lesson: never climb a tower on a cloudy or rainy day! You’ll be lucky to see anything at all.
A Glimpse of Parisian Charm: The Aerie Atop Montparnasse
As I reached the top of the Montparnasse Tower, there was still time for the sun to set. I took a moment to appreciate the airy observatory deck. This open-air space offers a refreshing perspective on the Parisian landscape, allowing you to feel the wind in your hair while gazing at the city below. The windows feature small gaps, perfect for capturing photo-worthy moments without the dreaded reflections. Look closely at the photo—you’ll see photographers have cleverly placed their tripods in front of these openings.
A Concrete Jungle: The Unique Parisian Skyline
Don’t you just feel like someone plowed through a field of buildings? I’ve mentioned this peculiar sensation in my previous Paris posts, and this photo encapsulates it perfectly. I’ve never experienced this feeling in other cities, not even Rome. It’s this unique, endless street cutting through the heart of the city, unlike any highway I’ve ever seen.
An Incomplete Picture: Unveiling the Parisian Puzzle
Being on my first day in Paris, I couldn’t recognize any of the buildings I saw from the tower. Part of this was due to the fact that the places I visited were not visible from this height, and others simply weren’t on my itinerary. However, I’m excited to use these photos as inspiration if I ever get the chance to revisit this enchanting city.
Chasing the Sunset: Capturing the Eiffel Tower’s Majesty
The Eiffel Tower was farther away than I expected, even with my 18-55mm zoom lens. I imagine there are better locations for sunset shots, especially for those not carrying a zoom lens. Many seasoned photographers had already set up camp with their tripods, claiming prime spots even before the sun began its descent. It was wise of them, because as soon as the golden hour arrived, everyone flocked to these coveted locations. Luckily, I managed to squeeze into a small gap between two tripods, securing a precious window to capture the sunset’s brilliance. If you’re serious about photography, I strongly recommend bringing a tripod. It allows for a more stable shooting experience and less pressure to move out of the way. A friendly reminder: if you plan to stake out a spot for the entire sunset, please refrain from using an iPad to take pictures. The large screen obstructing everyone’s view can be quite annoying.
A Breathtaking Canvas: The Sky Above Paris
The Montparnasse Tower’s view offers a unique perspective, revealing a vast expanse of sky above the cityscape. Standing on the ground, I might have missed the beauty of the orange-hued sky, a canvas painted by the setting sun. But from the tower, I noticed the intricate flower-like shape of the clouds and the mesmerizing transition from sky blue to orange as the sun dipped below the horizon.
A Photographic Journey: More to Come
These are just a glimpse of the photos I captured from the Montparnasse Tower. There are many more that I’ve chosen to showcase in a separate post. I wanted to give you a taste of Paris from above, a panoramic view of the city’s beauty, before delving into the captivating colors of the sunset and the city’s shimmering lights. Stay tuned for more!
