Paris Photography Locations – A Guide to the Best Paris Photo Spots

A Photographer’s Guide to Paris

Where to take beautiful pictures in Paris

Paris evokes a feeling of wonder. Avenues exude French character; monuments portray elegance with gothic architecture, not to mention the Parisian rooftops, cafes and gardens.

Photographing Paris is definitely a journey through time and youโ€™ll want to visit famous icons and unique locations to secure the best view possible of this incredible city.

What started out as my top five locations soon developed into more of a guide to the incredible sights and hidden gems you can photograph around the French capital. Itโ€™s definitely too hard to narrow this list down any further so be sure to give yourself a few days to explore all that this beautiful city has to offer.

Below you will find a list of the best photography locations in Paris alongside a collection of images I’ve personally taken at each one.

** Paris Photography Location Map: Scroll to the bottom of this guide for a Google Map with a suggested walking route + all Paris photography locations mapped out for your next visit to this gorgeous city. There’s also a handy little section with links to other photogenic regions in France!

eBook Announcement – If you want to skip the ads and download a Paris eBook for photographers straight to your device, I’ve just released my brand new ‘Paris Photography Location Guide’, it’s big, beautiful and filled with over 65+ photography locations, 75 pages, custom maps and self-guided walking tours to follow in my footsteps.

Pont de Bir Hakeim Another one of my favourite locations is this bridge which is perfectly located right near the Eiffel Tower across the River Seine. From Pont de Bir Hakeim you get a direct view towards the Eiffel Tower and thereโ€™s usually some gorgeous houseboats moored along the river to add something extra to your shot. The bridge itself has some shiny black railings that are great to use for creating your own reflections by spilling some water and making little puddles! The bridge has a central section with ornate arches that repeat their way along under the railway. This is a great subject to use for framing the Eiffel Tower and also capturing people passing by on their bicycles. Photo Tip: Take a water bottle to create puddles along the railings, the surface is perfect for creating reflections so you donโ€™t even need to wait for a rainy day! When to visit: This is one of those spots thatโ€™s rarely popular at sunset so itโ€™s a great time to venture away from the crowds of Trocadero and find yourself a great perspective to watch the sky change colours above the Eiffel Tower.


D’accord, allons-y (ok, let’s go!)

Paris Photography Locations:

#1 Basilique du Sacrรฉ-Coeur โ€“ Panoramic Views + Sunset

Overlooking the entire city, the Basilique du Sacrรฉ-Coeur offers what is in my opinion, the best view in Paris. Few people realise you can access the top of the dome so at sunset youโ€™ll be sharing with only a handful of visitors who dared to take on the 300 stair climb. The peak of the dome has a narrow walkway that gives you 360degree views, an incredible scene to witness as the sun sets over Paris. Be sure to check closing times before you start the climb as they vary from month to month and sometimes even day to day. View the Basilique du Sacrรฉ-Coeur site with further visitor information here.

Paris Photo Tip –

In summer the sun doesn’t set until late in the evening, offering the chance to wander the streets and soak up the beautiful golden light. Plan a route to follow or simply wander back from Montmartre and get wonderfully lost along the way. Read more about tips for photographing in sunset and golden hour here.

Sacre Coeur Paris

Sacre Coeur Sunset

Sacre Coeur Paris View

The path around the dome with lots of photo windows to see and capture the city from.

The path around the dome with lots of photo windows to see and capture the city from.


#2 Saint-Michel + The Latin Quarter โ€“ Street Scenes + Cafes

For quaint cobbled streets lined with cafes and restaurants that ooze charm, this is the place to wander. Youโ€™ll find this area just over the river to the south of Notre Dame. Roam along Rue de la Bรปcherie and Rue Saint- Sรฉverin for photographs of traditional Crรชperies and street scenes.

Paris Photo Tip –

Wander from the banks of the Seine towards Tour Montparnasse to pass by a lot of the highlights of Saint-Germain-des-Pres and Left Bank. Read more about my adventures photographing the Left Bank of Paris here.

Saint-Michel Street Scene Paris

Left Bank Paris Photographs from the Seine to Tour Montparnasse

Saint-Michel Paris

 


#3 Montmartre โ€“ Artisans + French Character

One of the best places to take pictures in Paris and home to resident creatives and street artists, Montemartre is the epitome of French character. At first glance it might seem like a tourist frenzy but if you venture away from the Place du Tertre (artist square) youโ€™ll find a village like atmosphere with a unique ambience unlike anywhere else in Paris. Have a peek at the cute pink restaurant โ€˜La Maison Roseโ€™ and the draping vines along Abreuvoir Street then head down to the windmill of Moulin de la Galette on the corner of Rue Lepic and Rue Girardon.

Paris Photo Tip –

Visiting Montmartre in the early afternoon gives you plenty of time to wander the streets and then enjoy the changing atmosphere as evening approaches. Street photography opportunities are great around lunch time then again once the crowds start appearing for dinner.

Montmartre Street

Montmartre Place du Tetre

Montmartre Paris


#4 Notre Dame Cathedral โ€“ Low light interiors and panoramic city views

*Update – Due to the fire inside Notre Dame in April 2019, it’s not possible to currently access this beauty from the inside. You can however still see and photograph Notre Dame from various spots alongside the banks of the Seine River.

One of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture, Notre Dame is an essential photo stop in Paris, even if you can’t venture inside. Take advantage of glowing morning light along the Seine and head straight for Pont Saint-Michele where you’ll have a beautiful vantage point toward Notre Dame. The roof and spire at the back of Notre Dame were damaged the most in the fire, however the front towers are still as they were, albeit with a little more scaffolding.

I’ll also mention my description from prior to the fire as I loved visiting Notre Dame and hope that one day, if you haven’t already, you’ll be able to go inside too. The interior is dimly lit offering shadowed arches, intricate detailing and patterned flooring. If you arrive early enough in the day (before 10am) youโ€™ll avoid lengthy queues to climb to the top of the cathedralโ€ฆan absolute must for a fabulous view! Climbing the narrow staircase to the top is an experience in itself then once you arrive to the open air walkway circling the tower youโ€™ll be greeted with views along the Seine River all the way to the Eiffel Tower. My favourite angle was looking down upon the Parisian rooftops where the Gargoyles sit, such a unique way to view the city! Be warned however itโ€™s very popular and can feel a little rushed due to groups being ushered through to avoid congestion.

Notre Dame ParisNotre Dame Gargoyles Notre Dame Exterior

Notre Dame 2022 - Image by Google

Updated image by Google – A current view of the construction at Notre Dame. It’s best to photograph from Pont Saint-Michel for the time being to capture the front facades, compose your image to exclude the cranes/scaffolding and instead photograph Notre Dame with the Seine in the foreground. *Unless you like to document the construction, in which case you’ll find many angles to do this from!


#5 Eiffel Tower โ€“ Iconic Scenes + Photo Locations

Iโ€™m pretty sure that if youโ€™re going to Paris you want at least one shot of the magical Eiffel Tower, right? Well the great news is youโ€™ll see this mighty icon popping up from different vantage points all over the city. The most popular spot is of course right underneath it or from the gardens of the Champ de Mars but if youโ€™re looking for somewhere different here are a few optionsโ€ฆ

  • Printemps Department Store. Catch the elevator up to the rooftop cafรฉ and enjoy views over the Parisian roof tops with the Eiffel Tower standing tall behind them.
  • Chaillot Hill and the Trocadรฉro. You definitely wonโ€™t be alone here but the view is hard to beat and you can use the Fontaine de Varsovie (Warsaw Fountain) as a great subject to compose your image against the Eiffel Tower.
  • The banks of the Seine. Stroll along the river banks to take some unique images of the Eiffel Tower framed with trees, as boats pass by or just a varied city scene from the norm.

Skip the Ticket Queues –  Secure your Eiffel Tower Tickets in advance here. If you’re planning to visit other attractions, purchase The Paris Pass prior to arriving, save up to 31% and map out all the museums and attractions you want to visit with the one ticket. Take a peek at the options here.

Read more – “Perspectives: 14 Places to Photograph the Eiffel Tower in Paris

The Eiffel Tower framed by the Warsaw Fountains.

The Eiffel Tower framed by the Warsaw Fountains.

The Eiffel Tower peeking from behind the Carousel on the banks of the Seine River.

The Eiffel Tower peeking from behind the Carousel on the banks of the Seine River.


#6 The Louvre โ€“ History + Architecture

As a central landmark in Paris and one of the most inspirating Paris photography locations, the Louvre was originally built as a fortress in the 12th century. Now the most visited museum in the world housing over 30,000 objects from history, you could spend all day here taking photos and thatโ€™s just the interior. Outside are the perfectly landscaped spaces, The Carrousel Garden and The Tuileries. When the weather warms up youโ€™ll find people sharing picnics and soaking up the sun in the gardens creating a great atmosphere! The Cour Carrรฉe is another great photo location within the Louvre complex. This square courtyard was completed by King Louis XIV as part of the โ€˜Old Louvreโ€™ and is perfect for composing linear angles.

Travel Tip – Purchase ‘Priority Entrance’ for The Louvre and skip the queue which can take up a lot of your day! You can opt to have a professional tour guide, audio guide or wander with your camera and browse at leisure, this ticket just means you save time.

The Louvre Paris

The Louvre Paris Hall

The Louvre Gardens

The Louvre Art


#7 Jardin du Luxembourg โ€“ Fountains + Gardens

A green oasis amongst the 6th arrondissement of Paris, the Jardin du Luxembourg is known for tree lined promenades and chestnut groves. The perfect place to set yourself up for the day to capture lifestyle images and have a picnic at the same time! Youโ€™ll also find little sailing boats available for hire to float around in the fountain in front of the Palais du Luxembourg. Fontaine Medicis is nestled in a little corner and is well worth a peek too.

Paris Jardin du Luxembourg

Jardin du Luxembourg


#8 Avenue des Champs-ร‰lysรฉes โ€“ Evening Slow Motion Shots

Perhaps the most famous street in the world, the Avenue des Champs-ร‰lysรฉes is bustling throughout the day with shoppers, tourists and locals visiting the stores and offices that reside here. The best time of day to photograph here would be in the evening once the stores have closed and the streets are a little emptier. Youโ€™ll find the beautiful Arc de Triomphe sitting pretty at the top of the street waiting to be photographed as the traffic lights glow below. In the middle of the road are pedestrian islands so you can stop and take slow motion shots without worrying about being hit by a car!

Arc de Triomphe and The Champs Elysees


#9 The Paris Metro โ€“ Murals + Architecture

Underneath the streets of Paris youโ€™ll find creative spaces and tunnels to photograph. Of course not every metro station is picturesque but some are little gems of creativity with murals, themed designs and art nouveau entrances. If you feel like training it around the city take a peek at Arts et Mรฉtiers, Saint-Michel, Varenne (Rodin Museum), Concorde (designed as a giant word puzzle), Abbesses and Citรฉ stations.

Paris Metro Station

Paris Metro


#10 Marchรฉ aux fleurs Reine Elisabeth II

A flower markert on Ile de la Cite – A little oasis just near Notre Dame

Nestled in a quiet square one block away from Notre Dame is the tranquil Marchรฉ aux fleurs Reine Elisabeth II market of Paris, one of my favourite Paris photography locations. Here you’ll find what feels like a greenhouse of dreams with so many blooming florals in carefully arranged bunches, it’s hard to believe you’re right in the centre of the city. Little green market stalls link together to form a maze of all things gardening and decor, boy is it photogenic!


 

#11 Galeries Lafayette Haussmann

Located on Boulevard Haussmann in the Opera district, this department store is a shopping dream! Itโ€™s also for photographers, visit for the impressive theatre-like design in the centre of the store, a dazzling bazaar! Take the stairs to the top level for views across the city, it’s outdoor panoramic deck offers an alternate view of the Eiffel Tower and you’ll be able to capture impressive shots above the Palais Garnier.
 


Other notable Paris photography Locations –

Marchรฉ Mouffetard: A narrow street market described by Hemingway as โ€˜A Moveable Feastโ€™. Colourful fresh food stalls and a vibrant atmosphere!

Place de la Concorde: A main thoroughfare for tourist buses and pedestrians, this is a great place to sit on the stone walls and watch the world go by. Located at the end of the The Tuileries Garden not far from the Louvre, itโ€™s a giant public square decorated with fountains. Side noteโ€ฆyouโ€™ll also find THE best public toilet in Paris here at the entrance to the garden. Iโ€™m not even joking, youโ€™ll thank me later!

Palace of Versailles: A 40minute train journey out of the city will take you to the Palace of Versailles, an extravagant royal chateau. Have a peek inside here.

Hotel de Ville: The town hall of Paris is home to the cityโ€™s administration offices however itโ€™s exterior is far less boring. Looking more like a palace, the Hotel de Ville features a gorgeous Gothic roof and in winter itโ€™s the backdrop to a giant ice skating rinkโ€ฆit looks beautiful lit up in the evening too!

Le Stade Roland Garros: Even if youโ€™re not in town for the French Open in May, Roland Garros is a great day trip for tennis fans like me! You can get lucky and see a tournament or take a tour behind the scenes. Catch the Metro to Porte d’Auteuil and wander the lovely area and parks too!

St Etienne du Mont: An impressive Gothic church with unique details such as stone spiral staircases and giant stained glass window panelsโ€ฆlight and airy.

Galeries Vivienne: A hidden little arcade off Rue Des Petits Champs filled with character.

Roland Garros

Roland Garros…tennis fans get yourself here!

Galeries Lafayette Paris

The ceiling of Galeries Lafayette in Paris.

Hotel de Ville in winter

Hotel de Ville in winter

Galeries Vivienne

Galeries Vivienne (image from Google Maps)

Versailles05

Palace of Versailles

Versailles04

The courtyard of Versailles Palace


Where to Stay in Paris

When covering numerous Paris photography locations, there are of course thousands of hotels, apartments and boutique properties to choose between depending on which areas suit you best. For me, there’s one spot I love to stay when photographing Paris. Right near the Eiffel Tower. Not only because this iconic beauty is right outside the window, but because you’re close to the Seine and a short walk from some of the most beautiful areas in the city.

Mercure Paris Central Tour Eiffel If you are looking for somewhere fabulous to stay in Paris that doesn’t break the budget BUT offers views of the Eiffel Tower from your room I’ve found just the place! The Mercure Paris Central Tour Eiffel is not only a funky and really comfortable hotel but it’s located one block from the Eiffel Tower! From your room you can watch as the tower sparkles before you drift off to sleep, only to wake and watch the sunrise glow behind the French icon. Because I only list places I’ve personally stayed, be sure to ask for room #1031, #1131 or #1211 for the best views of the Eiffel Tower! To check room rates visit – Mercure Paris Central Tour Eiffel

Take a peek at the view from the room…


Take me with you: Maps to Paris Photography Locations

Map: DIY Paris Photo Walk

Start your walking tour in Saint-Michel then walk to all of the major sites of Paris, ending at the Luxembourg Gardens. This walk takes over 4hours without photo stops or going into museums etc, so I highly recommend breaking it up into a few days! If you are short on time, jump on the metro to zip between locations easily.

Map: Paris Photography Locations

Now if you’re more into catching the metro or choosing which locations you want to see, here is a map to all of the photography locations listed below in this guide. You should be able to click open this map and add your own locations, or create a customised walking tour. By clicking the ‘add directions’ button on the map it will bring up a Point A + Point B to work out directions for driving or public transport.


Paris Photography Resources + Other Photogenic Locations in France

For all other articles relating to Paris and France, take a peek at my France Archives.

Want to share some of your secret Paris photography locations? If you’re willing, I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!

If you’ve got a great photo from your Paris adventures to share use the hashtag #thewanderinglens on Instagram and you could be featured on The Wandering Lens.

Love this post? Pin the photo of your choice below on Pinterest and spread a little wanderlust!

 

Paris Photography Locations - A Guide to the Best Photo Locations in Paris by professional photographer Lisa Michele Burns

 

 

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Blog Comments

Wow – I have seen a lot of photos of Paris, and these are among the most wanderlust inspiring. Thank you for the route, the tips, and most of all the beauty ๐Ÿ™‚

Oh my gosh! Your photographs are simply stunning! I’m so inspired.

Hi,

I will going to Paris next month and planning to shoot the Eiffel Tower from afar. The Basiliquedu ‘3oo stairs up’ like you mentioned seems like a very good vantage point.

However, I’m a photographer who kinds of afraid of heights ๐Ÿ™‚ When you mentioned narrow walkaway, does it mean the stairs are narrow from the beginning to the top or only from the dome area to the top?

Please advise. Thank you in advance ๐Ÿ™‚

Great to hear from you! Exciting news you’re visiting Paris soon. The Basilica is probably (in my opinion) one of the more fear of height friendly vantage points. It feels super secure at the top and there’s actually a walkway around the dome that has a thick stone/marble? barrier the entire way that’s about chest height so you never feel like you’re about to fall over the edge and always have something strong to hold onto. The staircase up is narrow and enclosed so if you’re a bit claustrophobic this would be the only issue ๐Ÿ™‚ From memory there is one section about half way up where the staircase is on the exterior of the basilica but again, it has the stone barrier to hold onto. Have fun!! Tag your photos with #thewanderinglens if you use Instagram so I can have a look ๐Ÿ™‚

Is there any chance you can share this map via google? This is an excellant resource and would like to add some items to this.

I have used your map during my vists to my office and would like to build on it.

Hi Robert, I’m glad the map is of use for your time in Paris! The map should open up in Google when you click ‘view larger’? I’ve just added a second map that simply lists all of the locations noted in the guide, rather than a set walking path. The direct link to the Google map is https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ln1f9rlgO5l93XL-KnTlk7Qx1QM&usp=sharing hopefully you are able to open this up, add your own places and use the directions tab. Access is set to public so hopefully it works ๐Ÿ™‚

Great guide Lisa!

By far the most popular place to take photos of the Eiffel Tower is from Trocadero (on the lines 6 or 9). But beware that not all hours of the day or all spots here are good to take photos with the Eiffel Tower, because you will often get a lot of people in the background or even walking in front of your photos.

Also, if you take photos just on the lookout platform, you will probably get a shot where the person is dark and the Eiffel Tower in the background is super bright.

I found this to post to give you the best time and exact spots at Trocadero for pictures of the Eiffel Tower:
http://www.ofleatherandlace.com/best-time-and-spots-to-take-photos-with-eiffel-tower-from-trocadero/

Best,

Tina

Thanks for sharing Tina! Yes Trocadero is the most popular but like you’ve mentioned, it can get a bit overwhelming with the crowds and to be honest isn’t my favourite place. I must prefer the view from further afar where the Eiffel Tower looks all moody in the late afternoon haze. That said, any view of the Eiffel Tower is a good view and it’s absolutely worth testing them all ๐Ÿ˜‰

i love this post. Such a cool resource for my next trip to Paris.

Thank you.

http://www.worldofsosha.com

Great to hear Sosha!

I love how warm your photos are! they make me SO nostalgic for Paris one of my favourite cities in the world. I’ve been a few times in the summer/winter, but never in Spring so that’s next on my list. I wouldn’t be able to resist those incredible blooms. Amazing post!

Thanks so much Christina! Spring is such a gorgeous time to visit Paris, even better if you’ve been before because you can dedicate all your time to simply wandering and chasing blossoms!

Canal St Martin is in my opinion the most beautiful and photogenic part of Paris! There is a wonderful film that captures that beauty, it is called ‘Amelie’ (my daughter is named after her).

Oh what a wonderful tribute! I love the movie Amelie also, and it’s a beautiful name ๐Ÿ™‚

I’m going to Paris soon and would like to download the “map: Paris Photo Walk” how do I do that? Photos are great! Thanks.

Hi Marshall, if you’re reading the article on your phone you should be able to open the map and it switches to Google maps so it’s accessible for you.

Excellent! Heading to London, Paris, Cologne and Zurich next months with my 4 kids. I’m mapping out walking trips. You had some points that weren’t on my map already. Thank you!

So, I’m second guessing carrying around thousands of dollars worth of camera gear but I know I’ll be upset if I didn’t. What gear did you take? What precautions did you take?

That’s so great to hear! I hope you have a wonderful trip ๐Ÿ™‚ it’s a beautiful time of year to visit Europe!
I always have my gear with me and it’s just a matter of being wary and keeping it close, I’ve never had any issues with theft. If you’re feeling a bit funny about it, wear your backpack on the front so it can’t be unzipped from behind. Also sometimes when I travel alone I carry a camera handbag, it’s big enough to fit my camera + lens but doesn’t look like it’s got expensive gear inside!

awesome suggestion. thanks for the sharing. useful information.

Hi, Lisa. Iยดve been checking your blog and really liked your pictures. I was checking the ones from the Sacre Coeur Dome and wanted to ask you how did you get to take them. I looked at the opening hours during the whole year, and I can see it is never open at sunrise. Do you have to ask for special permission or any type of authorization? Thanks in advance!

Hi Martin, lovely to hear you’ve been enjoying my website! The images captured from the top of the Sacre Coeur were taken at sunset and at certain times of the year you’ll find the opening hours actually coincide with sunset. It’s best to head up to the top about an hour or more before sunset to capture the golden hour (which is what you see in my images), the stairwell closes roughly 30minutes before closing but always check this beforehand as times do change regularly!

Excellent.!!!
Thanks for sharing

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