Paris, the City of Light, is a place that oozes beauty from every corner. This city offers endless iconic landmarks that are perfect for your travel photography. I can confidently say that there are certain spots in this breathtaking city that you simply cannot miss—both in terms of sightseeing and photography. Paris offers endless photo opportunities, from grand landmarks to charming, tucked-away streets. I will share my top ten must-see attractions in Paris and provide tips on the best photo-taking spots, photography angles, and the most convenient ways to get around.
Let’s dive into Paris’s most photogenic and unforgettable locations!
- Eiffel Tower – The Iconic Symbol of Paris
Photography Tips:
The Eiffel Tower is undoubtedly the most iconic landmark in Paris, and it’s impossible to visit the city without capturing this breathtaking structure. For the best photos, try to shoot it from various angles to showcase its majestic presence.
• Trocadéro Gardens: Located across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower, the Trocadéro Gardens offer one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower. It’s the perfect place for a wide shot, especially at sunset when the light bathes the tower in a soft golden glow. The Palais de Chaillot creates a beautiful frame for the tower, making this a classic photography spot.
• Champ de Mars: The park near the Eiffel Tower is another great place to photograph it. I love capturing the tower’s full height from the open grass areas, especially when the sun is setting. A photo here gives you the sense of the tower’s immense scale.
• Underneath the Tower: A close-up shot taken from directly beneath the Eiffel Tower creates a dramatic perspective with the latticework and beams stretching upward. Be sure to experiment with different angles to capture the intricate details.
Travel Tip:
To avoid crowds and get that perfect shot, try visiting early in the morning or later in the evening. The Eiffel Tower is lit up at night, creating another fantastic opportunity for photos. Also, don’t forget to book your tickets in advance if you plan on going to the observation deck!
- The Louvre Museum – Art and Architecture Combined
Photography Tips:
The Louvre Museum is not just home to world-famous art collections but also boasts stunning architectural features, including the iconic glass pyramid at the entrance.
• Louvre Pyramid: For an incredible shot of the pyramid, head to the Cour Napoléon courtyard. I recommend shooting at sunset or during the golden hour for a softer light that enhances the glass pyramid’s reflective qualities.
• Courtyard Reflection: If you’re looking for a more creative shot, use the courtyard’s reflective pools to capture the pyramid’s image reflected in the water. The contrast between the sharp angles of the glass pyramid and the classical architecture of the museum creates a stunning effect.
• Inside the Louvre: Once inside, I love taking shots of the museum’s grand halls, particularly the Denon Wing, where the Mona Lisa resides. The juxtaposition of the artwork with the grandeur of the museum’s architecture makes for beautiful compositions.
Travel Tip:
The Louvre can get very busy, so it’s best to visit early in the day, preferably on a weekday. A skip-the-line ticket can save you valuable time. Make sure to explore the museum’s less crowded wings, where you can find hidden gems and avoid the crowds.
- Montmartre – A Charming Bohemian Neighborhood
Photography Tips:
Montmartre is an artistic district that exudes charm and is filled with narrow streets, vibrant cafés, and picturesque spots. It’s also home to the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica at the top of the hill.
• View from the Sacré-Cœur: Climb up to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and take in one of the best panoramic views of Paris. The basilica’s white-domed architecture and the city sprawled out beneath you make for an unforgettable photo.
• Place du Tertre: This square, located near the basilica, is filled with artists displaying their work. It’s a great spot to capture the creative spirit of Montmartre. I love snapping candid photos of the artists painting or sketching, as well as the vibrant cafés that line the square.
• Rue de l’Abreuvoir: One of the most photographed streets in Montmartre, Rue de l’Abreuvoir has a charming, quaint vibe with its cobblestone streets, old buildings, and hanging flower baskets. It’s one of my favorite spots for capturing the essence of Montmartre’s beauty.
Travel Tip:
Montmartre is hilly, so be prepared for some steep climbs. Wear comfortable shoes, and try to visit early in the morning when the area is quieter, especially if you’re planning to take photos without too many people in the frame.
- Notre-Dame Cathedral – A Gothic Masterpiece
Photography Tips:
The Notre-Dame Cathedral is an architectural marvel and a must-see when in Paris. Whether you’re admiring it from the front or the back, there’s no shortage of amazing photo opportunities.
• Front Facade: The grandeur of the cathedral’s front façade with its intricate Gothic design is perfect for wide-angle shots. Try capturing it at golden hour to highlight the stunning details of the rose window and sculptures.
• Backside and Seine River View: For a more unique shot, head to the Ile de la Cité and photograph Notre-Dame from across the river. This angle shows the cathedral in its entirety, surrounded by trees, with the Seine creating a picturesque foreground.
Travel Tip:
Since the Notre-Dame Cathedral is located on an island, it’s easily accessible via the Pont Saint-Louis bridge. If you plan to go inside, check the hours of operation, as it may be closed for restoration following the fire. It’s still worth photographing the exterior, though!
- The Arc de Triomphe – A Monument of Triumph
Photography Tips:
The Arc de Triomphe stands proudly at the top of the Champs-Élysées and is another iconic spot in Paris.
• Avenue des Champs-Élysées: A photo of the Arc de Triomphe from Avenue des Champs-Élysées gives a sense of the monument’s grandeur. Stand in the middle of the wide avenue to get the best shot of the arch framed by the trees and the shops.
• Top of the Arc de Triomphe: If you want a great view of the Place Charles de Gaulle and the sprawling avenues leading to the Arc, head up to the observation deck. It’s the perfect place to photograph the city’s famous radial street system and the Eiffel Tower in the distance.
Travel Tip:
The Arc de Triomphe has a small entrance fee, and I recommend visiting during the evening when the monument is beautifully illuminated. If you want to get to the top, there are 284 steps to climb, so make sure to be prepared.
- Musée d’Orsay – A Former Railway Station Turned Museum
Photography Tips:
The Musée d’Orsay is housed in a former railway station and is one of my favorite museums in Paris for both art and architecture photography.
• Clock Window: One of the most iconic photos you can take here is of the massive clock on the museum’s upper floor. You can shoot it from inside or take a photo looking out of the clock with Paris in the background. The contrast between the clock face and the cityscape creates a striking composition.
• Grand Central Hall: The spacious, beautifully designed hall of the museum offers a perfect shot of the structure’s grand arches, glass roof, and sculptures.
Travel Tip:
The Musée d’Orsay is less crowded than the Louvre, and it’s a great place to spend a few hours immersed in art. If you’re interested in art history, make sure to dedicate enough time to enjoy the collections.
- Palais Royal – Tranquility in the Heart of Paris
Photography Tips:
The Palais Royal is a peaceful and beautiful area, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Paris while still being in the city center.
• Colonnes de Buren: The modern art installation Colonnes de Buren, made up of striped black-and-white columns, offers a fantastic contrast to the classic architecture surrounding it. It’s a fun, quirky spot for creative photos.
• Gardens and Fountains: The gardens in the Palais Royal offer a calm atmosphere, ideal for capturing the serenity of Paris. The fountains, lined with manicured hedges, are particularly stunning.
- Luxembourg Gardens – Beauty and Tranquility
Photography Tips:
The Luxembourg Gardens are one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris, with lush green lawns, statues, and fountains.
• Medici Fountain: A perfect photo spot, the Medici Fountain is an elegant, Baroque-style fountain that creates a peaceful, romantic setting. Capture the reflection of the fountain in the water for an extra special shot.
• Flowerbeds and Statues: Wander through the gardens and take photos of the vibrant flowerbeds and the numerous statues that are scattered around the park.
- Seine River Cruise – Paris from the Water
Photography Tips:
A Seine river cruise provides a different perspective of Paris. You can photograph landmarks like Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and Musée d’Orsay from the comfort of the boat.
• Golden Hour on the Water: The best time to take a cruise is during sunset, as the golden light reflects off the water, casting a magical glow on the buildings and landmarks.
- Le Marais – Historic Charm and Picturesque Streets
Photography Tips:
The Le Marais district is full of cobblestone streets, old buildings, and charming courtyards.
• Place des Vosges: This iconic square with its red-brick buildings and arcades is a fantastic spot to capture the heart of old Paris. The symmetrical layout creates a beautiful shot.
How to Get Around
To make the most of your Paris photography adventure, it’s best to use public transportation, including the Paris Metro and RER trains, which are both efficient and affordable. For more flexibility, consider walking between nearby attractions, as many of Paris’ most photogenic spots are close to each other.
By visiting early in the day or later in the evening, you can avoid crowds and capture Paris in its most magical light. Don’t forget your camera and be ready to explore the most photogenic spots in the City of Light!
