October 19, 2019

Tour des Comtes de Genève (La Roche-sur-Foron)

The Tour des Comtes de Genève (Tower of the Counts of Geneva) is a medieval tower located in La Roche-sur-Foron, near Annecy. The tower is built at the top of the large rock (roche in French) that gave its name to the town. During medieval times, it was actually the keep of a castle belonging to the Counts of Geneva, who had made the town their capital, before they moved it to Annecy. The castle was destroyed a long time ago but nowadays, the tower remains and can be visited at a cost of €2. There is a great view at the top.

January 11, 2019

Jardin des Deux Rives / Garten der Zwei Ufer & Weißtannenturm

The Jardin des Deux Rives (Park of the Two Shores), also known as Garten der Zwei Ufer in German, is a park built in 2004 that straddles the France / Germany border along the river Rhine: One part is in Strasbourg, the other in Kehl. The two parts are linked with a pedestrian / bike bridge, the Passerelle des Deux Rives. On the south part of the park in Kehl is the Weißtannenturm (White fir tower), a wooden tower with a good view on the park and the Rhine from the top.

June 21, 2018

Tour de Sauvabelin & Parc de Sauvabelin

The Tour de Sauvabelin (Sauvabelin Tower) is a 35m-high wood tower, located inside Parc de Sauvabelin in Lausanne. It offers a good view on Lausanne and the surrounding area, such as Lake Geneva or the mountains. The park is also worth a stroll, with multiple forest paths, a lake and even a small zoo.

June 18, 2018

Tower of the Lausanne Cathedral

The Cathédrale de Lausanne is a church in Lausanne, consecrated as Catholic in 1275, but which became protestant during the 16th century. The bell tower of the cathedral offers a great view on Lausanne and Lake Geneva. However, while it is free to enter the church, it costs Fr. 5 to visit the tower.

March 23, 2018

Donjon des Seigneurs de Faverges

The Donjon des Seigneurs de Faverges (Keep of the Lords of Faverges) is a tower built in the 13th century and located inside the castle of Faverges. It is open to individuals during summer and offers a great view on the surrounding area.

I went there coming down the Pointe de la Sambuy, on the way back to Annecy.

December 25, 2017

Rooftop of Grande Arche de la Défense

La Grande Arche de la Défense is an office building in the business district of La Défense, west of Paris. After being closed for a few years, its rooftop was reopened to the public in 2017. It offers a good view of La Défense and the surrounding area.

December 18, 2017

Skyscrapers of Les Olympiades (Paris 13)

Les Olympiades is a district of residential towers located in the 13th arrondissement of Paris. Built from 1969 to 1974, the district consists of a dozen towers built along a large esplanade. A shopping mall, the Pagode, stands at the centre of the esplanade.

August 16, 2017

Au Sommet Place Ville-Marie

Au Sommet Place Ville-Marie is an observation deck located on the 46th floor of the Place Ville-Marie skyscraper in Downtown Montreal. At 185m, it is the highest observatory in the city. The main deck is fully enclosed with glass but the 44th floor has an outdoor terrace.

July 31, 2016

Observatory of Tour Montparnasse

The Tour Montparnasse is a 210-meter office tower in Paris. It was the tallest building in France until 2011. Its roof is open to the public and provides a great view on the city.

September 6, 2015

Observation Deck of Main Tower in Frankfurt

The Main Tower is a 200m skyscraper in the banking district of Frankfurt, in Germany. Its roof is an outdoor observation deck with a great view on the city.