The city of light is also a great place for photographers! The beauty and romance that Paris offers make it perfect for taking photos. If you are going to be in the area, there are some places that will give you the best opportunity to take amazing pictures. In this blog post, we’ll go over 8 of the top spots for photography enthusiasts visiting Paris.
Table of Contents
1. The Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris. It was commissioned by Napoleon and completed under King Louis XVIII between 1806 and 1836. The obelisk on top is called the “Regina” or “Queen” because it symbolizes female power, victory, and peace; Under the Arc de Triomphe is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of France.
The Arc de Triomphe is near the Place de l’Etoile. Outside this monument you will find a bronze statue that honors women who served with distinction during World War I: Genevieve de Galard du Gourbon (1878-1960), nicknamed Sister Agnes Marie; Jeanne Hébuterne (1901-1920) – Pablo Picasso’s mistress.
This place is at the crossing of 12 streets. It is hard to get here and it gets too busy. But there are many people who come here because they want to see the Arch. You can take a good photo of it even if you come late in the day.
2. Eiffel Tower
One of the most recognizable landmarks in Paris is, without a doubt, the Eiffel Tower. Built for the International Exhibition Expo to commemorate 100 years since France’s revolution in 1887 and 300 years of absolute monarchy;
The Eiffel Tower is always considered “the symbol of France and Paris”. Located just northeast of Trocadero (“the place where we watch”), it is visible from almost any point in the city. At nightfall, lights illuminate its lattice structure making it a breathtaking sight that can be seen for miles beyond the confines of the City of Lights. There are several vantage points within walking distance including Champ de Mars on École Militaire which offers an unobstructed view as well as a nearby stairs leading up to Trocadero with another great perspective; or you could simply walk around one side or other while admiring this magnificent piece of history.
3. Louvre Museum
Originally built as a royal palace by King Louis XIV, it was transformed into a museum in 1793. The Louvre Museum is home to the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and La Grande Jatte by Georges-Pierre Seurat;
The Musée d’Orsay was originally built as an train station but has been transformed into a museum in 1986.
4. Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral is located on the eastern half of the Ile de la Cité. It is the cathedral of Paris. Notre Dame Cathedral was commissioned in 1163 and completed in 1345;
The Sacre Coeur Basilica, also known as The Basilique du Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre, is a Roman Catholic basilica on top of Montmarte that has become an iconic symbol for France. This church was modeled after Saint Peter’s Church in Rome and opened its doors to pilgrims on October 12th 204;
Montparnasse Tower (Tour Maine-Montparnasse) – Originally built as the headquarters for Air France, it became one of the most famous skyscrapers in all of Europe when it first opened up at 30 years old with 34 stories dedicated to office space.
5. Palace of Versailles
The Château de Versailles is built in the 17th century as a symbol of military power of France and as a demonstration of French supremacy in Europe. It is the largest palace in Europe and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.
Paris Opera – The opera house still operates today, attracting many visitors each year with productions of classic operas from around the world to modern musicals like “Crazy for You” and “The Phantom of the Opera.”
Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel) – This iconic landmark stands at 324 meters tall and was built as an entrance to Paris’ 1889 Universal Exposition. Originally slated to be torn down after 20 years following its construction, it was saved by public demand who believed that there couldn’t possibly be just one copy of this impressive structure. It remains open for tours today; you can even take dinner up on top!
6. The Latin Quarter – Luxembourg park
The Latin Quarter is a place where many higher education institutions, such as the Ecole Normale Superieure or the Ecole des Mines de Paris, are located in. It’s also an area with many cafés, restaurants and bookstores.
The Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg) is a popular tourist destination for Parisians as well as visitors to the city. It was originally built in 1612 by Marie de’ Medici while she was queen of France, commemorating her husband Henry IV of Bourbon who had just died from wounds received at the Battle of Ivry-sur-Seine during the Franco-Spanish War. The park covers 26 hectares and includes formal gardens, lawns for picnics or playtime, lakeside trails, flowers beds amid groves of trees – some 250 meters long – which are ideal places to sit on a bench and enjoy lunch al fresco!
7. Moulin Rouge
The Moulin Rouge is a cabaret known as the spiritual birthplace of the famous French Cancan. It is located in Paris, on the Rue de Clichy. The building has variously housed a theatre, restaurants and businesses through its history – but it first opened as a dance hall for entertainment of Parisian society (though not all were welcomed!)
8. Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris has two theme parks: Disneyland (with Sleeping Beauty’s castle) and Walt Disney Studios. Disneyland Paris has been a popular tourist destination for European families since it opened in 1992. Visitors can explore the many attractions including three theme parks (Fantasyland, Adventureland and Frontier land), five themed hotel complexes, sixteen restaurants ranging from luxurious to quick-service as well as other entertainment venues like the Cinemagique theatre or Videopolis
The first phase of this enormous project is now complete: opening on 15 April 1989 with just one theme park – Eurodisney – which welcomed some 12 million visitors that year! The second part of its development saw the construction of Walt Disney Studios complex in 1994 followed by a third major section called Village de la Magie.
9. Opera Garnier
Opera Garnier, a masterpiece of the 19th century theater art architecture is without doubt one of the most prestigious buildings in Paris. Moreover it’s also been ranked as 2nd on The Guardian’s list for best opera houses behind Milan’s Teatro alla Scala which ranks at number 1.
If you want to take pictures outside then we suggest coming early as there are often long queues and crowds with people waiting their turn to go into this stunning building. Unfortunately sadly too many tourists frequent this area so if that isn’t what you’re looking for than steer clear! There are plenty other companies around here including banks and cafes where locals work during office hours or lunchtime breaks – although exploring these might not be possible either due to
10. Pont de Bir Hakein
Pont de Bir Hakeim is a bridge that crosses the Seine river in Paris. Its architecture and design are pretty unique and highly photogenic, with it being made of steel to form 2 levels: one for motor vehicles on top while pedestrians have their own level below them as well as the metro crossing over both sections! It’s an amazing viewpoint for Eiffel Tower lovers because you can see its beauty from this point without having to go up all those stairs like at Montparnasse tower or Notre Dame Cathedral. Many famous movies such as Inception showed some scenes filmed here too – no wonder why many people want photos taken near it when they visit Paris!
11. Pont Alexandre III
The Pont Alexandre III is such a beautiful bridge! It was built for the Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair) of 1900. Its Art Nouveau Style makes it one my favorite bridges in Paris and is classified as French monument historique since 1975, so I couldn’t help but add this to the list. Many people come here for photoshoots (wedding, couples,…).
12. La Maison Rose
La Maison Rose is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. The pink building has been featured on Instagram many times, but it had another meaning before social media became so big – this was the meeting place of important artists like Pablo Picasso during its golden era in Paris. You can read more about that here! In recent years, La Maison rose underwent restoration to return it back to how things were at the beginning: an artist’s hang-out with good food and coffee where you could chat endlessly without being interrupted by anyone else.
The café’s heyday came after World War II when famous French artists frequented La Masion Rouge because they admired its owner Andree Hacquard as well as her housekeeper.
13. Musée Gustave Moreau
Gustave Moreau Museum is a Parisian gem. It’s filled with items from Gustave Moreau’s personal collection, including heirlooms, paintings, drawings, watercolors and sculptures. Of course we can’t forget to mention the most impressive part of the museum: The stunning spiral staircase on the second floor while first floor of his house-studio set up more like home with apartments; 2nd & 3rd floors spacious art studio
The Gustave Moreau Museum in Paris is definitely one for everyone who has ever wondered what it was like inside an artist’s workshop or perhaps how painters lived during that era!
14. Square Louise-Michel
After visiting the Montmartre neighborhood and Sacré Cœur, you might want to start making your way down Montmartre hill towards a metro station. On your descent, make sure take the stairs directly in front of basilica to explore Square Louise-Michel. This park offers spectacular views of Paris with stunning carousel that also has plenty of photo opportunities!
15. Le Consulat
If you’re looking for an adorable café with a rich history, then Le Consulat will be your perfect destination. Located in Montmartre (just across the Sacré-Cœur), this restaurant is easy to visit if it’s on your bucket list of things to see while visiting Paris. As these parts are very popular among tourists, expect prices here to be relatively high but don’t worry about that at all – as long as you go before noon! You’ll want a wide angle lens and early morning light so when people do show up later they won’t take over every photo from where ever their seat may have been located inside or outside.
16. Sinking House in Montmartre
If you’re looking for an optical illusion that will blow your mind, then look no further than Sinking House in Montmartre. I recommend trying to get this photo directly after visiting Sacré Cœur because the church is on your left and Paris lies before you when taking a picture of the house—which if you wanted to be captured as well, have someone else take it from behind so they can shoot over the railing. To make sure that building looks like it’s sinking instead of staying put or falling down , tilt your camera at an angle parallel with grassy hill rather than straight-on; do not forget about framing out one side by cutting off any interfering objects with each other (for example trees).
17. Sacré Cœur (front façade)
On the way up Montmartre hill, you’ll be able to see Sacré Cœur’s iconic dome. The church is a must-see for any tourist visiting Paris that wants an incredible view of the city and its landmarks from above! When I visit this landmark in particular, I enjoy taking pictures with it as my backdrop because they always turn out beautifully thanks to all those gorgeous French architecture details. My favorite spot on top of Sacré Cœur? You guessed right: In front of those beautiful stone steps leading up into what could easily pass off as one big cathedral made mostly out marble – not too shabby if you ask me!
18. Rue Crémieux, the most colourful street in Paris
Rue Crémieux is the most Instagrammed street in Paris, and it’s paved with setts. It has a rainbow of houses that are painted every color you can imagine on one side.
19. Shakespeare & Company
This legendary bookshop in Paris is a truly beautiful place. The books are arranged nicely and the staff really take care of you when you come into this store. They sell new, second-hand and antiquarian books as well as promoting talented artists from all over the world with their work on display inside or outside for everyone to see at any time! I took my mom here last week because she’s an avid reader like me, but also loves going out around town exploring different places which make her happy too! It was such a great experience walking through these stacks of paperbacks until we found just what we were looking for.
20. Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole
In the beautiful city of Paris, Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole has a pretty façade with eau-de-nil, half covered in rambling bougainvillea. The café is tucked away behind Notre Dame Cathedral and remains relatively unknown to tourists making it perfect for coffee or picturesque photographs! In summertime you’ll be able to enjoy drinking your drink outside on their patio which overlooks one of the most famous areas in France: Les Quais Seine.
21. Le Recrutement Café
This Parisian cafe with a beautiful Eiffel Tower backdrop is one of the most popular spots on Instagram, and has been visited by many influencers in fashion and travel. Besides being an amazing photo spot for photos of the famous landmark, it’s also just as picturesque when photographed from its own vantage point. The colonnade makes for great scenery behind your picture-taking subject: pedestrians enjoy looking up to see street lights lining this steel structure that runs over two levels – at top level you’ll find metro line 6 trains running through while below there are vehicles allowed such as cars or bicycles; walkways allow space between these layers so people can still cross each other without interference.
22. Le Conciergerie
Learn about the past and present of Paris as you tour an important landmark. Located next door to Sainte-Chapelle, this is a building that was home for some time to Marie Antoinette during her imprisonment before she left France forever in 1791 on what would be called “The Flight.” Although not large by any means, visitors will still get quite the history lesson when they stop here!
23. Montparnasse Tower
You know how it’s said that Paris is the City of Lights? Well, this spot will make you believe. It doesn’t matter what time of day or night because Montparnasse Tower has something for everyone! Come at sunset to enjoy one last view before heading home and linger into evening as we do in France; come during a full moon when there are no stars – yes, really! The tallest building in all of Europe also offers unparalleled views from its observation deck 260 meters above ground so don’t miss out on your chance to take pictures with the Eiffel Tower while creating memories worth sharing.
This place is amazing – trust me, I’m not lying- just ask anyone who lives nearby.
24. Trocadéro Gardens
The elevated area of the Trocadéro Gardens is one in a million. It’s not every day that you find yourself with camera in tow, capturing some pretty special moments and memories to last a lifetime. The scenery here at this beautiful location makes for postcard perfect shots of the Eiffel Tower which can be shared effortlessly on all your social media pages and help bring those who haven’t been there yet even closer to Parisian culture!
Paris photography tip: Paris is a world-renowned city for its art and culture. One of the best times to explore it’s beauty appears as early in the morning, before most tourists arrive!
25. Sainte Chapelle
The Sainte Chapelle Church’s stained glass windows are a perfect way to photograph the beauty of this historic church, and on sunny days, its colors cycle through purple and red.
The cathedral is also home to some incredible sights like ornate stain-glass windows that feel sacred under their influence – even though they’re just decoration!
This stunning French cathedral that’s perfect for photography and Instagram. The interior contains a staggering 1113 stained glass windows, and the building as an incredible high ceiling so make sure to use your wide-angle lens when taking pictures! We recommend buying skip-the-line tickets in advance if possible because there were huge queues on our visit – this ticket allowed us walk straight past them.
The Sainte-Chapelle, built by King Louis IX in 1248 and consecrated on April 26th of the following year. The chapel was commissioned to house relics from Christian lands outside Jerusalem held at that time as well as those acquired during the Seventh Crusade (1249) led by Saint Louis himself who died before reaching his goal but had established a solid reputation for piety and justice amongst Christians of all denominations.
26. Sacre Coeur
The views of Paris that you will see from the Sacre Coeur are nothing short of breathtaking. One could spend an entire day up on Montmarte and not get bored at all- there is plenty to do, such as visiting its beautiful white church or catching a show in one of their many theaters. But for those who want stunning views but little else, it’s worth climbing your way up to the top!
27. Les Bouquinistes
The riverside Bouquiniste book stalls are the perfect backdrop for a quintessential Parisian shot. The old books and paintings will frame your photo with Notre Dame in the background or you could get an even more iconic picture by shooting from across on l’Ile de la Cite, framed up against one of those famous bridges that crisscrosses it’s way across to both banks of this most well-known body of water!
If you are traveling to Paris, make sure to visit the most popular locations for taking photos. You will find plenty of other picturesque places as well that do not require a trip on foot or by metro, but if you have time we recommend checking out some of these spots. The bottom line is this – take your camera with you everywhere! Whether it’s day or night, rain or shine – there will always be something beautiful waiting to be captured at any given moment.
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