The Galeries Lafayette rooftop terrace is the ultimate proof that you don't need to pay a single euro to get a million-dollar view of Paris — you just have to pay with your patience instead.

As you ascend through the department store, you are treated to a masterclass in Art Nouveau architecture. The building is an absolute stunner, anchored by a century-old stained-glass dome that makes you feel like you've stepped back into the Belle Époque. But the moment you step out onto the 7th floor, reality hits. You won't be finding any quiet, hidden romance here. Instead, you will find yourself in a sea of hundreds of tourists, all aggressively jockeying for the exact same selfie in front of the Eiffel Tower. There is absolutely nothing unique or exclusive about it; it is a beautifully packaged tourist trap.

And yet, it is still incredibly nice. Because the building sits at the exact historic height of the surrounding Haussmann architecture, you aren't staring down at the city from a detached skyscraper. You are right there among the iconic zinc rooftops, close enough to practically touch the ornate dome of the Opéra Garnier.

Is it crowded? Absolutely. Is it a cliché? Completely. But when you are standing there looking out over the Parisian horizon without having spent a dime, it is simply rewarding.