Searching for the best photo spots in Paris?
Having lived in Paris for almost five years, I am still stumbling upon gorgeous photo-op locations. From epic Eiffel Tower views to cityscape overlooks to lesser-known parks and gardens, Paris oozes a romantic European aesthetic that begs to be photographed.
This exhaustive list is every Paris photo idea I recommend, categorized by type or location. Be sure to save these locations to add them to your next Paris itinerary!
Eiffel Tower views
1. Avenue de Camoens
One of the best portrait locations with the Eiffel Tower is Avenue de Camoens. It's a small, open area between two buildings that has impressive views of the tower.
People often sit on the railing for photos or bring props like flowers or balloons to pose with. There's still plenty of space in this pedestrian street to walk around if you're shooting a video or need to set up a tripod.
This spot can get pretty busy in the summer, so you may have to be patient to get a photo without other people.
2. Rue du Général Camou | American Library in Paris
I like this spot because it's not nearly as popular of a photo location as Rue de l'Université, but still offers a view of the Eiffel Tower with authentic Parisian buildings.
3. Rue de l’Université
Rue de l'Université is one of the most well-known Eiffel Tower photo-op spots - and for good reason. This side street is right next to the monument, making it look larger than life in photos.
4. Port Debilly
Cross the Pont d'Iéna bridge and take the stairs down to the riverside. Just to the right of the bridge is known as Port Debilly. Here, you can capture shots of the Eiffel Tower, the Seine, Pont d'Iéna bridge, and docked boats in the foreground all in one image.
This spot is still comparatively quiet to most photo spots in Paris, so you don't usually need to worry about big crowds.
5. Le Recrutement Café / Au Canon des Invalides Brasserie
Le Recrutement Café and Au Canon des Invalides Brasserie are two equally Parisian-looking cafés on street corners one block away from each other. They both offer strong visual interest for a more "out and about in the city" shot that just so happens to have a stunning backdrop of the Eiffel Tower.
Buildings & architecture
6. Clock in the Musée d'Orsay
Of course, you'd need a ticket to the Musée d'Orsay for this one, but if you're already planning on going then be sure to stop here for a photo. Located on the far end of the top floor with some of the world's best impressionist works, this clock offers unique silhouette shots. And be sure to peer out the clock's glass to spot the Sacre Coeur basilica!
7. Hotel de Ville
This Neo-Renaissance town hall building makes for the perfect photo backdrop of quintessential Parisian architecture. In addition, the front facade is currently home to the 2024 Olympic rings in anticipation of the summer 2024 Olympics which will be taking place in Paris!
8. Louvre
How can you visit Paris without grabbing a photo of the Pyramids outside the Louvre? This spot is mobbed all year round, so you'll have to go early if you're looking for a photo sans tourists. One of the best spots usually means it's one of the busiest!
If you get there when there are simply too many people for a good shot, consider moving away slightly and taking a photo of one of the Louvre's archways that lead into the Pyramids square. They, too, have ornate architecture and you can usually get a break in people to get the shot all to yourself.
9. Moulin Rouge
The Moulin Rouge is best experienced at night but makes for a great photo opportunity at any time of day. Pose with a baguette or pastry in front of the famous windmill, or get a shot of it at night when the place really comes to life.
Just a word to the wise, the Pigalle area can be a bit sketchy after dark so keep your wits about you if you're there late.
10. Palais Royal & Columns of Buren
This is one of the most fun and playful photo places in the city! Climb on the striped columns, waltz through the archways, and stroll through the sandy park. There are so many glamorous photos waiting to happen here.
11. Palais Garnier (Opera House)
Though you have to pay to go inside, Palais Garnier is well worth the €14 admission fee. Whether you're there to see a show or just explore the extraordinary interior, it's one of the most opulent spaces in the city. The photos basically make themselves.
12. Shakespeare & Co.
Shakespeare & Co is a well-known English language bookstore near Notre Dame in the 5th arrondissement. The shop doesn't allow photos of the inside, but the exterior's signature green look is well-documented among visitors.
13. Pantheon
Yet another architectural marvel of the city. Grab a photo of the columns and oversized doors, or pay for a ticket and snap photos of the luxurious interior.
14. Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel
Sadly, the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, located just off the Tuileries Garden, is currently being restored. There are walls up and so much scaffolding that the arc is unrecognizable. Hopefully, it'll be finished soon since this pinkish monument makes for lovely photos!
15. Arc de Triomphe
You may not have heard of the previous arc, but you're probably familiar with this one. The Arc de Triomphe is located in the center of a large and chaotic traffic circle - one that you do NOT cross to get to the arc! You can take photos from the Champs Elysée and up to the edge of the pavement. Then to actually get to the arc, you'll need to use the underground tunnels and buy a ticket to the monument.
Bridges
16. Pont Alexandre III
Perhaps the most exquisite bridge in Paris, Pont Alexandre III is an ornate, late 19th century bridge that looks best at sunset when it's bathed in gold. I'd view it from the river banks, though you can also walk across it for a decent view of the Eiffel Tower.
17. Pont des Invalides
Pont des Invalides is best viewed from the right river bank. You can get a shot of the adorable house boats bobbing in front of the lowest bridge that crosses the Seine in Paris.
Cafes
18. Odette
Right down the street from the famed bookshop Shakespeare & Co., Odette is a longstanding café that serves only one thing: dessert. Take a few photos, and then stop in for a delicious puff pastry.
19. Le Vrai Paris
The inside of this café is truly spectacular, but the exterior is just as fun in the summer. They always decorate the sunroof with colorful fake flowers that explode off the roof's edges, making for a vibrant snap of one of the most well-known cafés in the city.
20. Cafe de Flore
Located centrally in the 5th arrondissement, Cafe de Flore was frequented by some of the most famous artists of the 19th century. Make sure you stop in for a hot chocolate and document the interior.
21. La Maison Rose
This cute little pink building is home to La Maison Rose in Montmartre. The whole neighborhood is photo worthy (more on Montmartre later), but this corner café is in a league all on its own. Looking for props? Think of a red beret or pink roses. Touristy? For sure. But when in Paris...
22. Le Consulat
Another café gem of the Montmartre district is Le Consulat. A favorite of artists since passed, be sure to stop for a café créme and people watch. It's one of the most beautiful locations in Paris.
Montmartre
23. Lamarck-Caulaincourt metro station
The old art nouveau metro signs in Paris are sooo photographable. Shoot from the top of the stairs looking down at sunset, or grab a few close-ups of the signs.
24. Rue de l'Abreuvoir
After taking photos at La Maison Rose, remember to take a stroll down the rest of the street. Rue de l'Abreuvoir looks like it's been preserved in a time capsule. If there's anywhere in Paris where you'll feel the romance of the city, it's here.
25. Villa Léandre
This is a small, quiet offshoot in Montmartre, away from the attractions. It's a quaint street that looks like it's been pulled from a countryside village, not hectic Paris. Feel free to take pictures of the houses, just be respectful to their residents and keep a low volume! Villa Léandre is one of the only peaceful spots in the 18th arrondissement I've ever seen, and I'm sure they like it that way.
26. Rue du Chevalier-de-La-Barre
Around the back of the Sacre Coeur, you'll stumble upon Rue de Chevalier-de-La-Barre. It's stuffed with touristy shops and touristy people in the daytime, but if you go early enough you can snap epic shots of yourself in front of the Sacre Coeur.
27. Square Marcel Bleustein Blanchet
This small city park is also located behind the Sacre Coeur. It's a unique vantage point of a famous landmark.
28. Musée de Montmartre
The museum is interesting and worth a pop-in, but what I love most about the Musée de Montmartre is its gardens! Have a seat at one of the many garden tables, dangle your feet on their tree swing, and peek over the wall to see the vineyard next door. The photo possibilities are endless.
29. Place du Tertre
Place du Tertre is an artist's paradise. Artists come every day and set up their stands and sell their work. Especially in the summer, there are also artists that you can pay to draw you! I had this done a long time ago, and it's fun to get a photo of yourself sitting in the chair alongside the half-finished portrait of yourself. The art and the photo make for great souvenirs.
Overlooks & rooftop views
30. Galeries Lafayette
Galeries Lafayette has one of the best free terraces in Paris. You can clearly see the Eiffel Tower, the seasonal Ferris wheel in the Tuileries, and more Parisian landmarks.
31. Montparnasse Tower
Worth every cent. If you asked me what my favorite view of the city is, this is it. Montparnasse, though not the city's prettiest building by any means, has a rooftop terrace on the 59th floor. Buy a ticket and ride the elevator all the way up to 56, and then make your way up the last three flights of stairs by foot. What will emerge is easily the best view in the city.
The edges of the terrace are covered with tall glass walls, but there are openings for you to look out and take photos.
32. Pompidou Center
This fifth floor terrace has a wonderful view of attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Sacre Coeur, the Arc de Triomphe, and Palais Garnier.
Of course, you'll need a museum ticket to access the terrace. Be sure to go now before the Pompidou Center closes for four years at the end of 2023 for renovations!
33. Base of the Sacre Coeur
At the top of the stairs in front of Sacre Coeur, you'll be able to admire a 180-degree view of the city. On a clear day, you can see everything from the Pompidou Center, Notre Dame, and Montparnasse Tower.
34. Arc de Triomphe
Another amazing view of the city is at the top of the Arc de Triomphe. You need a ticket (and strong legs) to get to the top, but it's worth the cost (and the climb!). I like to visit at sunset and watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle for the first time that night. It's also fun to watch all the lights come on on the Champs de Elysée.
Squares & green spaces
35. Trocadéro Gardens
The Trocadéro Gardens are opposite the Eiffel Tower and are one of the best photo spots in the city. When the fountains are going and the cherry blossoms are in bloom (as early as March), it's pretty hard to beat. You can also sit on the stairs in front of the Palais de Chaillot for a romantic, classic photo of Paris.
Note: As of spring 2023, there is construction going on at Trocadéro. There used to be several cranes, scaffolding everywhere, and the steps in front of Palais de Chaillot as well as the garden was fenced off. The iconic steps have recently been re-opened though, so it's a perfect spot for photos. But keep in mind that this is subject to change since the construction is part of a larger greenification project to be completed by the 2024 Olympics. The gardens are being redone and the Pont d'Iéna car bridge will become a pedestrian-only garden bridge that will connect Trocadéro to the Eiffel Tower! You can see a rendering of what it will look like on YouTube. I recommend checking the most recent photos on Google Maps to get an idea of what the construction looks like when you're visiting.
You can hide the construction with a low camera angle at the Parvis des Droits de l'Homme.
36. Champ de Mars
The green space right in front of the Eiffel Tower is known as the Champ de Mars. You can stage a sunset picnic photoshoot here, or capture the early morning light as it hits the tower.
Note that the Champ de Mars is often inaccessible and fenced off in the winter. But you can still take photos next to it as I did here.
37. Tuileries Garden
The Tuileries is home to compelling statues, fountains for toy boat racing in the summertime, and a Ferris wheel in the summer and holiday season. It's best in the warm weather as you might imagine, but the winding, sandy pathways, and wonderful statues are photo-worthy all year round.
38. Place des Vosges
Though small, Place des Vosges is the oldest planned square in Paris, dating back to 1612 when Henry IV had it made. The richest of the rich live here. Take a stroll along the red brick buildings and take note of the Louis XIII statue in the center.
This list of the best photo locations in Paris is only going to continue to grow! There are so many gorgeous spots in the city that call you to take out your camera and document them. Are there any places I missed? Leave them in the comments below, and together we can make the definitive list of where to go for Paris photo ideas!
