Paris lies in the Paris Basin along the Seine at an average elevation of 35 meters above sea level – but its famous hills rise dramatically above the river. The lowest point sits at around 25 m in the Seine valley; Montmartre in the north reaches 130 m, the city's highest natural point. Belleville (128 m) and the Père-Lachaise area are other notable highs.
That works out to roughly 115 feet above sea level. The nearby cities compared on this page average 57 m, putting Paris about 22 m lower.
Quick Facts
| Elevation (above sea level) | 35 m |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 48.8566° N, 2.3522° E |
| Country | France |
| Continent | Europe |
Compare elevations – nearby cities
| City | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| London | 11 | United Kingdom |
| Brussels | 29 | Belgium |
| Lyon | 182 | France |
| Amsterdam | 5 | Netherlands |
Cities with a similar elevation
The following cities sit at an elevation similar to Paris (35 m above sea level):
| City | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Berlin | 34 | Germany |
| Duisburg | 36 | Germany |
| Oberhausen | 36 | Germany |
| Potsdam | 37 | Germany |
| Krefeld | 39 | Germany |
| Düsseldorf | 42 | Germany |
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Paris above sea level?
Paris averages 35 m above sea level. The Seine sits at about 25 m while Montmartre rises to 130 m above sea level.
Why is Montmartre so much higher than the rest of Paris?
Montmartre is a gypsum-limestone hill far more resistant to erosion than the surrounding basin sediments – it was not leveled by the ancient sea that formed the Paris Basin.
Is Paris at risk of flooding?
Yes – the famous 1910 flood saw the Seine rise to 8.62 m gauge level, inundating much of the city. A comparable flood today would cause catastrophic damage to the Metro and infrastructure.