Welcome to the City of Lights (and Love)! Paris is a magical city that is filled with charming neighborhoods and picturesque sights. There’s a good reason why Paris is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations with its beautiful architecture, museums, art galleries, fashion, cuisine, and cultural landmarks. This European city has captured the hearts of many all around the world. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art, architecture, history, or simply enjoying the unique atmosphere of a vibrant and elegant city. Needless to say, Paris has so many spots around the city that make for great photos! There’s so much more to Paris than the Eiffel Tower. Find out the best photo spots in Paris!
Map of the Best Photo Spots in Paris
Check out the map I made below of the best photo spots in Paris! I’ve also color-coordinated the locations so it’s easier for you to find each spot:
- Blue: Attractions and Landmarks
- Red: Eiffel Tower Photo Spots
- Yellow: Restaurants and Cafes
Tips for Taking Photos in Paris
Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world! During peak travel season, the city is bound to be crowded. I suggest visiting Paris during the shoulder season months of March, April, May, September, and October to avoid the crowds.
I also suggest waking up early if you want to avoid crowds in your photos. Most of my photos were captured during sunrise and sunset.
Travel tip: If you’re taking photos by yourself, I would be extra careful of where you take out your photography equipment and tripod as Paris is notorious for petty theft. Always be aware of your surroundings and know where your personal belongings are at all times.
Where to Stay in Paris
There are many hotel options in Paris and it could be overwhelming to decide where to stay!
Map of Paris
Paris is actually divided into 20 administrative districts or “arrondissements”. The arrondissements are numbered 1 to 20, and they spiral out in a clockwise direction from the city center. The smaller the arrondissement, the closer to the city center.
For example, The 1st Arrondissement is the historical heart of Paris, home to the Louvre Museum, Tuileries Garden, and Place Vendôme.
Each arrondissement has its own unique character and attractions and is worth exploring! Essentially, you can’t go wrong with the location of a hotel. Plus, Paris is connected by a vast metro system that takes you anywhere around the city.
Some popular areas to stay in Paris include the Champs-Elysées, the Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and Montmartre.
Hotel Recommendations
Hotels range from budget to luxury accommodations, and here are some hotels I recommend:
- Hotel Lutetia: an iconic luxury hotel in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, known for its Art Deco style and Michelin-starred restaurant.
- Le Meurice: a luxurious palace hotel in the 1st arrondissement, with views of the Tuileries Gardens and Eiffel Tower.
- Hotel Saint-Louis en l’Isle: a charming hotel on the Île Saint-Louis, with views of the Seine River and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
- Hotel du Champ de Mars: an upscale hotel in the 7th arrondissement close to many attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, and the Musée d’Orsay.
- Hotel Plaza Athenee: a 5-star hotel located on Avenue Montaigne, one of the most fashionable streets in Paris. The hotel features luxurious rooms and suites, Michelin-starred dining, a spa, and a stunning courtyard garden.
- Four Seasons George V: a luxury hotel located in the 8th arrondissement near the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe with opulent decor and rooftop Eiffel Tower views.
- Hotel Splendid Etoile: a beautiful hotel in the 8th arrondissement with balcony views of the Arc de Triomphe.
- Generator Paris: a budget-friendly hostel in the 10th arrondissement, with private rooms and shared dorms.
- Shangri La Paris: a luxury hotel located in the 16th arrondissement and housed in a historic 19th-century palace that was once the residence of Prince Roland Bonaparte, the grandnephew of Napoleon Bonaparte.
- Le Metropolitan: a chic hotel in the 16th arrondissement with views of the Eiffel Tower framed perfectly from its bedroom windows.
Best Photo Spots in Paris
1. Lamarck-Caulaincourt Metro Station
The Lamarck-Caulaincourt Metro Station is located in one of the most charming neighborhoods in Paris! I am starting my list of the best photo spots in this neighborhood – Montmartre. This metro station is the quintessential Paris photo spot that allows you to capture the beautiful Parisian architecture with the metro sign. It doesn’t get more Paris than this!
Photo tip: I suggest getting here as early as possible before people are awake and taking the metro. Or you’ll have a crowd here as this is a popular metro stop! Bring some baguettes for a fun photoshoot 🙂
2. La Maison Rose
After you get that shot at the Lamarck-Caulaincourt Metro Station, explore the Montmartre neighborhood. You’ll find tons of charming buildings and cobblestoned streets. La Maison Rose is an established restaurant here in Montmartre that is known for its pink exterior. It is definitely a very Instagrammable spot here in Paris! La Maison Rose was actually featured in Emily in Paris where Emily and Mindy dined in S1 EP5. Wouldn’t you love to have a glass of wine here and recreate the moment from Emily in Paris?
Photo tip: Get here before the restaurant actually opens! You’ll have the place all to yourself.
3. Le Consulat
You’ll be remiss if you thought La Maison Rose is the only Instagram-worthy restaurant in Montmartre! Walk a few blocks over and you’ll find Le Consulat. This historic cafe is just off the main square and artists including Picasso, Van Gogh, and Monet frequently visited the cafe! Although Paris has seen many changes over the last few decades, this small cafe in Montmartre has stood the test of time.
Photo tip: Get here before the restaurant opens (and try visiting on a weekday) to take some photos and grab a table!
4. Arc de Triomphe
Ahh…the famous Arc de Triomphe! This national landmark is definitely one of the best photo spots in Paris. It holds historical, cultural, and architectural significance for Paris. It has been featured in many films, books, and works of art, and is a symbol of France’s rich cultural heritage.
After you take your photos in front of the Arc de Triomphe, head to the talk of the Arc de Triomphe for a fantastic view of Paris!
You can pre-book your tickets below to the top of Arc de Triomphe in case they sell out!
Photo tip: There’s a crosswalk that takes you into the middle of the intersection where there is a place for you to stand. You can take photos in front of the Arc de Triomphe there! Watch out though – there will be cars passing on both sides of you so be careful.
5. Trocadero Gardens
The next series of locations are all places where you can get great photos of the Eiffel Tower!
Trocadero Gardens is perhaps the best photo spot in Paris to get a photo with the Eiffel Tower. There are several great spots in Trocadero Gardens for a photo shoot from the stairs to the benches.
Photo tip: Photoshoots are popular here as this is perhaps the best spot to get a photo with the Eiffel Tower. I recommend coming here as early as possible at sunrise to avoid crowds. Also, I’ve been told that petty theft is common in this area and phones and backpacks have been commonly snatched. Please keep an eye on your belongings, especially in this area.
6. Avenue de Camoens
This quiet side street near Trocadero Gardens has become a popular spot to take photos with the Eiffel Tower! I love that you can catch a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower from here.
Photo tip: I recommend coming here after Trocadero Gardens as it is an easy walk and this spot shouldn’t be busy even after a morning shoot at Trocadero Gardens.
7. Rue de l’Universite
Rue de l’Universite is a mile-long street in Paris that is named after the University of Paris, which was located in the Latin Quarter on the Left Bank until the 1970s. The street has a rich history and is home to many important buildings and landmarks.
You can get a great photo of the Eiffel Tower on this street! Because this street is so long, you can’t just search for this street on maps. You want to be at the intersection Av. de la Bourdonnais and Rue de l’Universite for the photo spot.
Photo tip: You need to be here at sunrise to get this street to yourself. Honestly, this was perhaps the hardest spot for me to get a shot because it was already busy at 8 AM! I never managed to get an empty shot here (as you can see in the photo below).
8. Port Debilly
Port Debilly offers an amazing view of the Eiffel Tower! This is perhaps the best spot to take a photo with the Eiffel Tower as tourists don’t seem to know about this spot. You can easily take a photo here without crowds any time of the day.
To get here, from Trocadero Gardens head towards the Eiffel Tower and take the stairs on Av. de New York down to Port Debilly.
Photo tip: I think it’ll be fun to bring props here for a photoshoot! I’ve seen fellow bloggers bring picnics, balloons, flowers, and all kinds of props for a romantic photoshoot. I had a bouquet of roses myself!
9. Place de Concorde
Place de Concorde is a large public square that features a beautiful fountain in the center. It makes for a great photo spot and it’s rarely busy so you visit anytime during the day.
Photo tip: As I mentioned, you can visit this spot anytime during the day so it is easy to take photos here! I visited later in the afternoon close to sunset and got beautiful lighting.
10. Petit Palais
The Petit Palais is a museum and art gallery that is home to a collection of fine art from the ancient world to the early 20th century. The museum is housed in a beautiful Beaux-Arts building and includes paintings by artists such as Monet, Renoir, and van Gogh.
I highly recommend visiting this museum not just because it is a great photo spot, but an amazing art museum. In addition to the art on display, the Petit Palais is also known for its beautiful gardens, which feature a tranquil reflecting pool and a variety of plants and flowers. There is also a cafe at the museum that is *chef’s kiss*.
Photo tip: After visiting the museum, wait until the museum is closed for the day to take a photo in front of these golden gates!
11. Pont Alexandre
Pont Alexandre is the most famous bridge in Paris and perhaps in the world! This ornate bridge spans across the Seine River and is a beautiful spot to photograph. The sunsets from this bridge are incredible!
Photo tip: I recommend coming here around sunset! There will be plenty of people, but you should still be able to get a shot on the bridge with a bit of patience.
12. The Louvre
The Louvre is perhaps the most famous museum in the world! It is housed in a former royal palace, and its collections include iconic works such as the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace, and the Code of Hammurabi.
The architecture of the Louvre is absolutely stunning. The glass pyramid in the center is a work of art itself.
After your photoshoot, you have to visit the actual museum itself. Skip the line and get timed entry tickets here!
Photo tip: Arrive around sunrise before the Louvre opens. Although the museum opens at 9 AM, the exterior is accessible at all times.
13. Le Cafe Marly
Did you know there’s a cafe with a beautiful view of the Louvre? After your sunrise photoshoot, I recommend grabbing breakfast here before visiting the Louvre at opening time.
Get your timed entry ticket to the Louvre ahead of time here!
Honest thoughts…I loved people-watching here and I still recommend the experience but the food is pricey and the service is not good.
Photo tip: Get a reservation in advance and ask for a table outside.
14. Palais Royal
Near the Louvre, you can find Palais Royal which has an Instagram-worthy interior courtyard! This certainly is one of the best photo spots in Paris.
Photo tip: Go at opening time which is at 8 AM to have the courtyard to yourself!
15. Cafe de Flore
Paris is full of charming cafes and Cafe de Flore is one of the most famous ones! It has been a popular meeting spot for artists, writers, and intellectuals since the early 20th century. The cafe has retained its old-world charm and ambiance, with its classic art deco interior and sidewalk terrace seating.
Photo tip: It was pretty easy taking photos here but I recommend getting a reservation so you can enjoy a coffee and pastry afterward.
16. Luxembourg Gardens
Luxembourg Gardens is the perfect place to spend an afternoon! You’ll find people conversing, reading, and picnicking in these gardens. There are so many places to sit around and relax and it is one of my favorite spots in Paris.
Photo tip: The gardens close at sunset and that’s a great time to capture a photo!
17. Shakespeare and Company
Shakespeare and Company is a famous bookstore in Paris that was founded in 1951 by an American ex-pat. It has a charming exterior and the interior is cozy and quirky with wooden floors, old-fashioned furnishings, and shelves filled with books.
Photo tip: Get here before the bookstore opens for a shot on the outside before exploring the interior of the bookstore.
18. Odette Paris
Just around the corner from Shakespeare and Company, you can find Odette which is a famous pastry shop! It is best known for its signature pastry, the “Odette,” which is a small puff pastry filled with praline cream and topped with caramelized almond slivers.
You have to grab a pastry here!
Photo tip: Snap a photo of the exterior after you visit Shakespeare and Company!
19. Au Vieux Paris
Au Vieux Paris is one of the oldest restaurants in Paris! It is a traditional French restaurant located near Notre Dame. The restaurant is housed in a 16th-century building and is known for its charming, rustic interior, complete with exposed beams, vintage decor, and a cozy fireplace.
During springtime, the exterior of Au Vieux Paris is covered in beautiful wisteria. Grab a delicious meal after taking photos outside!
Photo tip: The wisteria blooms in the spring and typically peaks in April. Try and plan your trip around this time if you want to see wisteria!
20. Place Dauphine
Place Dauphine is a historic square located in the heart of Paris, France, on the western tip of the Île de la Cité. It is a peaceful and picturesque space that is surrounded by buildings that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The square is triangular in shape, and it is lined with cafes, restaurants, and small shops. I really enjoyed my time in Place Dauphine and think it is one of Paris’ most beautiful squares!
Photo tip: The early morning lighting was beautiful here! Try and come in the morning to see this square come to life as the shops start to open.
21. Le Train Bleu
Welcome to the most beautiful restaurant in Paris!
This iconic restaurant is located in the train station, Gare de Lyon, and allows you to step back in time!
You can enjoy fine dining in a majestic setting in this Parisian establishment.
I highly recommend making reservations in advance.
Photo tip: Make a reservation at opening time before it gets busy so you can get shots without people.
22. Pink Mama
Pink Mama is just as famous as Le Train Bleu! This Italian restaurant is one of the most highly-rated restaurants in Paris. It is known for its truffle pasta and pizza.
You definitely need to make reservations in advance if you want to eat here. Try and get a table on the top floor as it’s the most picturesque spot.
Pink Mama is certainly one of the best photo spots in Paris!
Photo tip: The restaurant closes between lunch and dinner and I recommend making a reservation at the last lunch time. This allows you to have a mostly empty restaurant as new customers won’t be coming in.
Check out these tours and activities in Paris!
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