The best views of Paris? Lots to choose from

Google "Best views in Paris" and you'll get a host of top 10 lists. Many sites, such as the Eiffel Tower, will show up on all of them, but others are surprising. Here are three search results, from Fodor's, French Moments and a blogger named Cookiesound.

Since "best view" is a pretty subjective term, you should check them all out, and more. Do you want a panorama? A close view of rooftops? Or are you not comfortable at heights, so your definition of best view might be one with you feet planted firmly on the ground. To add to the happy confusion of having to pick among to many lovely choices,, here are some of our favorites.

The season plays into these picks, as well. With winter and the holidays coming up fast, we think back fondly on a December visit when decorations brightened the City of Light beyond its usual beauty. The view from atop the Arc de Triomphe becomes even more special then.

You also get a straight-on view of the Eiffel  Tower from here.

But if you don't like heights, or climbing a long, winding staircase, the view on the Champs-Elysees is pretty grand, too.

You can tell by the lights that this was a few years ago. I like these better than the new ones.

Streets and squares all around Paris are bright with decorations, too. This is Place de la Contrescarpe in the Latin Quarter, a fun spot with a myriad of dining options all around.

If you visit Sacre Coeur on Butte Montmartre, you can learn about what you're seeing as you gaze across to the Left Bank.

Of course, there are plenty of great views any time you get up from the street level in Paris.

Centre Pompidou, with its external escalators sheathed in clear acrylic, offers excellent rooftop views.

There can be wonderful scenes even from your apartment windows.

Or you may want to spy, discreetly, on your neighbor.

Back to the traditional views. There are great ones from the walkway on Notre Dame cathedral, again at the price of climbing a long, winding staircase.

You can get up close and personal with a gargoyle.

Or look across to Montmartre and Sacre Coeur.

And, of course, if you must do the Eiffel Tower; just make sure to buy your tickets in advance so you don't spend half the day in line.

Looking west to La Defense, from the second level.

You'll need a place to put your feet up between treks to these and other sights, and an apartment would be your best choice for space and comfort at a fair price. This value-priced 1 bedroom in Montmartre makes a good base for touring this lively and intimate area, and is within a short walk of Sacre Coeur.

Living room windows look out from the fifth floor. There is an elevator.

The bedroom faces the courtyard.

See more examples of what we can offer at www.likelivingthere.com or send your trip basics to info@likelivingthere.com and we'll quickly send suggestions.