Paris, France
Sightchaser travel map: Paris, France
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Trocadu00e9ro at Dawn
The single best angle on the Eiffel Tower. The symmetrical reflection pools and framing architecture make every frame work. Pro tip: Arrive 30 minutes before sunrise. The plaza is empty, the light is pink, and you'll have it to yourself.
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Pont de Bir-Hakeim
The iron two-level bridge with a completely different Eiffel Tower angle. The geometric metalwork frames the tower from every position on the upper deck. Pro tip: Early morning on a weekday u2014 zero competition. The upper rail level is reached via stairs at either end.
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Montmartre & Sacru00e9-Cu0153ur
The highest point in Paris. The exterior glows warm at sunrise, and the panoramic view from the steps covers the entire city spread out below. Pro tip: Go up via Rue Lepic instead of the main tourist steps u2014 you'll see the actual neighbourhood, not just the crowds.
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Canal Saint-Martin
The real Paris u2014 iron footbridges, leafy plane trees, locals sitting on the canal banks. Nothing touristy about it. Pro tip: Late afternoon light through the trees guarantees a shot. A coffee from a nearby cafu00e9 makes the wait easy.

Palais Royal Garden
The Daniel Buren striped columns in the courtyard are iconic. The arcaded garden beyond is extraordinarily peaceful for the centre of the city. Pro tip: The colonnade arcades stay open after the garden closes u2014 evening shots with long shadows on the columns are stunning.

Promenade Plantu00e9e
The original elevated park that inspired New York's High Line. A 4.5km walk above the rooftops of the 12th arrondissement through landscaped gardens. Pro tip: Start at Bastille (ground level under the Viaduc des Arts) and walk east. Takes about an hour without stopping.
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Pu00e8re Lachaise Cemetery
One of the world's most atmospheric cemeteries u2014 elaborate 19th century mausoleums, cobblestone allu00e9es, and an unmistakable mood. Pro tip: Get the free map at the entrance. Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, and Oscar Wilde are all here. Budget 2 hours minimum.
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Bois de Vincennes
Paris's largest park u2014 nearly 1,000 hectares of woodland, lakes, and cycling paths on the city's eastern edge. Genuinely wild in parts. Pro tip: Rent a rowboat on Lac Daumesnil for an hour. One of the best cheap hours you can spend in Paris.
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Bouillon Pigalle
A no-reservation bouillon (traditional Parisian canteen) serving perfectly executed French classics at prices that feel impossible. Steak frites, bone marrow, u00eele flottante. Pro tip: Arrive when it opens or expect a 45-minute queue. Worth every minute. Cash preferred.
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Chez L'Ami Jean
Stu00e9phane Ju00e9go's legendary Basque restaurant near the Eiffel Tower. Loud, convivial, and serving some of the most honest cooking in Paris. Pro tip: The riz au lait dessert is genuinely life-changing. Order it even if you're full. Reservations essential.
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Du Pain et des Idu00e9es
The most beautiful bakery in Paris, in a perfectly preserved 19th century interior near Canal Saint-Martin. The escargot pastries are extraordinary. Pro tip: Closed weekends. Opens 7am. The pain des amis (a loaf for sharing) sells out by 10am u2014 don't be late.
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Le Marais
Paris's most walkable neighbourhood. Medieval streets, hu00f4tels particuliers, independent galleries, and the city's best falafel at L'As du Fallafel. Pro tip: The hidden Place du Marchu00e9 Sainte-Catherine courtyard is one of the most peaceful spots in the city. Most tourists walk straight past it.
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u00cele Saint-Louis
A small island in the Seine that feels completely separate from Paris. 17th century mansions, Berthillon ice cream, and almost no cars. Pro tip: Walk the full perimeter along the quais u2014 takes about 20 minutes. The views of Notre-Dame from the east end are exceptional.
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Belleville
Working-class, multicultural, and deeply creative. Street art, Chinese and North African food, and the best city panorama in Paris from Parc de Belleville. Pro tip: The view from Parc de Belleville at dusk rivals anything you'll get at the Eiffel Tower u2014 and it's free and empty.
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Montmartre Village
Beyond the Sacru00e9-Cu0153ur crowds there's a genuine village of cobblestone streets, Paris's last vineyard, and artists' studios unchanged in a century. Pro tip: Rue Lepic, Place du Tertre (go early), and the hidden Square Suzanne Buisson are the real Montmartre.