When you’re sightseeing in Paris, some of the best experiences aren’t necessarily the ones you have to buy a ticket for.
One of my favourite little Paris travel discoveries was on Metro Line 6 – a metro journey that doubles as a surprisingly beautiful sightseeing experience.
And if you already have a Paris Metro day or week pass, there’s nothing extra to pay.
Want an Eiffel Tower View? Stay on the Metro
If you’re heading to the Eiffel Tower, Bir-Hakeim is one of the most convenient Metro stations to use. And the view of the Tower from Bir Hakeim bridge itself is a popular one.
Like others, I got off at Bir-Hakeim and was looking at the lovely view when the Metro passed from above. That’s when I realized what a view the people on that metro train must have had!! Of course I had to do it – and it turned out to be one of my favourite discoveries in Paris.
So here’s a little tip: don’t get off immediately at Bir-Hakeim.
Stay on Metro Line 6 for one more stop, towards Passy.
This is where the journey becomes particularly scenic.
Line 6 emerges from underground and travels along an elevated viaduct before crossing the Seine on the famous Pont de Bir-Hakeim.
From the train, you get a wonderful view of the Eiffel Tower, framed by the Seine and the Parisian cityscape.
The unmissable Eiffel Tower view from Paris Metro Line 6
It’s one of those moments when you suddenly realise that you’re sightseeing without actually stopping to sightsee.
Why Is Paris Metro Line 6 So Scenic?
One of the things that makes Line 6 different from many other Paris Metro lines is that a substantial section of it runs above ground.
The line is approximately 13.6 kilometres long, with around 6.1 kilometres running on elevated sections.
Even before the Eiffel Tower comes into view, I loved seeing beautiful Parisian Hausmann architecture and dreamy Rues from up above!
That means almost half of the route gives you glimpses of Paris from above — rooftops, streets, bridges and the changing cityscape.
But the stretch between Bir-Hakeim and Passy is particularly worth experiencing if you’re visiting Paris for the Eiffel Tower.
The Eiffel Tower View from Pont de Bir-Hakeim
The highlight of this short journey is the crossing of the Seine on the Pont de Bir-Hakeim. ‘Pont’ is French for Bridge.
As the train moves across the elevated bridge, the Eiffel Tower appears in the distance. You can see it standing along the Seine. This is also the place you need to get to, to take a Seine River cruise.
It’s a completely different perspective from the views you get while standing beneath the tower or looking at it from the Champ de Mars.
And because you’re looking at it from a moving train, the view has a wonderfully fleeting quality – you get a few seconds to take it all in before the train continues on its way.
A Paris Sightseeing Experience Included in Your Metro Pass
This is what makes the ride such a useful Paris travel tip.
If you already have a day pass or weekly travel pass, you can simply stay on the train and enjoy the view. There’s no separate sightseeing ticket or attraction fee involved.
You’re essentially turning an ordinary Metro journey into a few minutes of sightseeing.
Of course, the view depends on where you’re sitting and which direction the train is travelling, so don’t expect a guaranteed perfectly framed photograph every single time.
I had a week long Metro pass and did this ride more than a few times on this trip. I just couldn’t get enough!
But when the Eiffel Tower comes into view, it’s a lovely Paris moment.
How to Take the Scenic Metro Ride
Metro line: Line 6
Scenic section: Bir-Hakeim → Passy
Direction: Towards Passy / Charles de Gaulle–Étoile
Highlight: Elevated crossing of the Seine on Pont de Bir-Hakeim
Extra attraction cost: None if you already have a valid Metro/travel pass
If you’re already planning to visit the Eiffel Tower, you can easily incorporate this into your route.
Rather than treating Bir-Hakeim as your final stop, stay on the train for one more stop and enjoy the elevated ride across the Seine.
Then get off at Passy and continue exploring from there.
A Simple Paris Travel Tip Worth Saving
Paris has plenty of famous viewpoints, monuments and museums, but I love these small experiences that cost little or nothing and can simply be woven into a day of exploring.
So the next time you’re taking Metro Line 6, remember:
Don’t just get off at Bir-Hakeim. Stay on for one more stop.
You might just get one of the most beautiful Metro views in Paris.
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