21 Best Photo Spots In Paris | The Photographer’s Guide
The City of Light offers endless opportunities for capturing stunning photos. Epic landmarks, charming streets, and Seine views create gorgeous backdrops whether you’re a couple, solo traveler, or family group.
Our team, known as the original fun photographers in Paris, has been photographing here for over a decade, capturing thousands of photoshoots at these exact locations since starting Kiss Me in Paris in 2013. This guide shares the optimal lighting windows, crowd-avoiding strategies, family-friendly assessments, and efficient commute planning we’ve developed through countless sunrise sessions and blue hour shoots.
The locations are divided into Primary Spots (worth 60+ minutes of exploration) and Secondary Stops (ideal for quick 15-to-30-minute visits).
Ready to discover Paris’s most photogenic corners for your vacation memories?
Primary Locations for Extended Sessions
Trocadéro Eiffel Tower View – The Quintessential Spot
“I’ve been shooting here since 2009, when sunrise photography was virtually unknown in Paris—arriving at 5:45 AM still guarantees that jaw-dropping empty-terrace feeling I discovered all those years ago. Actually, it was right here that I captured my first international photography award: a couple in silhouette with a single bird perfectly positioned above them, and unexpectedly, a cyclist who had likely spent the night on the platform.”
Trocadéro delivers that postcard-worthy Eiffel Tower view everyone wants to capture. This elevated plaza spans several terraces, each offering a different perspective of the Iron Lady. The grand staircases create strong leading lines, while the formal gardens provide softer backdrops.
Critical timing note: Arrive at sunrise when the space feels almost private—this is essential. Later in the day, you’ll compete with crowds of tourists, street vendors, performers, and, unfortunately, pickpockets who target distracted photographers. The sunrise window gives you clean shots and a safe, peaceful environment.
Families love the open space where kids can move freely, while couples find endless romantic corners. The morning light is gorgeous, casting warmth on both you and the tower.
Since you’re minutes from the Bir-Hakeim Bridge and Pont d’Iéna, this works beautifully as a starting point. Plan about an hour here to explore the different vantage points.
Louvre Pyramid & Museum – Classic Parisian Architecture
“The symmetrical walls flanking the underpass entrance remain my secret weapon—I’ve been using this vantage point to the great delight of my clients since the very beginning in 2013. Shooting from behind these walls with couples elevated on top creates clean silhouettes against the pyramids without a single soul visible in the frame, even when crowds gather behind them. The continuous lighting during blue hour produces incredibly romantic results here.”
The glass pyramid rising from the Louvre’s courtyard creates one of Paris’s most striking architectural contrasts. However, this isn’t just about that famous pyramid shot—the courtyard offers incredible variety within minutes of walking.
Morning brings soft light and smaller crowds, but this location shines at sunset and into blue hour. Watch the pyramid illuminate against deepening skies while the palace walls glow with warm lantern light. The stunning columned underpass leads to the rear courtyard, offering multiple composition opportunities.
The traffic-free courtyard works well for families and larger groups. Explore beyond the main pyramid—the covered walkways provide elegant backdrops, while the rear courtyard offers quieter spots with stone benches. The Colbert staircase adds strong architectural lines.
For detailed insights about maximizing your Louvre photography session, including seasonal timing and crowd patterns, this location anchors beautifully into longer sessions since you’re steps from Tuileries Garden, Palais Royal, and Pont des Arts.
Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur – Village Charm Above the City
Montmartre feels like stepping into a different era. The white-domed Sacré-Cœur crowns this artistic hilltop village, but the real magic happens in the winding cobblestone streets below. Every corner reveals something photogenic—charming cafés, colorful building fronts, vintage street lamps, and those signature staircases.
Early morning hours change this neighborhood completely. Arrive at sunrise to find the streets nearly empty, with soft golden light filtering through the tree-lined paths. Evening brings a different energy as cafés light up with quintessential Parisian café culture.
Families appreciate the mostly car-free streets, and kids often enjoy getting caricature drawings at Place du Tertre. For couples, you’ll find romantic spots like La Maison Rose on Rue de l’Abreuvoir, where Sacré-Cœur peeks through the rooftops.
For adventurous couples: Continue from La Maison Rose to the nearby Moulin Rouge for the ultimate save-the-date worthy champagne pop at Paris’s most iconic cabaret. This combination creates an unforgettable evening that perfectly captures both Montmartre’s romantic village charm and its bold, artistic spirit.
The neighborhood offers enough visual variety to easily fill 90 minutes.
Notre-Dame Area – Gothic Architecture Meets Seine Views
The Notre-Dame area includes far more than just the cathedral itself. This is where Gothic architecture meets riverside romance, creating some of Paris’s most versatile photography opportunities. The cathedral provides stunning backdrops, while the nearby Seine offers softer, more romantic riverside scenes.
Morning light on the cathedral’s stone front is particularly beautiful for formal portraits and intimate ceremonies—making it ideal for Paris elopements. Early evening creates a romantic atmosphere that transitions beautifully into blue hour shots, wonderful for pre-wedding photography sessions and engagement portraits.
The surrounding area pulses with character. Charming cafés like Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole provide genuine Parisian backdrops, while Shakespeare and Company bookstore adds literary charm. The nearby bridges and Île Saint-Louis extend your options further.
This location combines naturally with other central Paris spots—a 20-minute riverside stroll brings you to the Louvre, making it an excellent choice for longer sessions that capture multiple moods and settings.
Palais Royal – Cinematic Variety in One Location
Palais Royal delivers more visual variety per square meter than almost anywhere else in Paris. The famous black-and-white striped Buren columns create playful, modern compositions, while the surrounding architecture provides elegant classical backdrops. The formal gardens, central fountain, and covered arcades offer completely different moods within this intimate setting.
This location has serious cinematic credentials—it’s appeared in Mission: Impossible and Emily in Paris. That film-worthy quality comes from the incredible architectural diversity packed into this traffic-free courtyard, grounds, and gardens.
Visit in the morning, ideally right when it opens, for the best light on those Instagram-worthy shots and minimal crowds competing for the columns. The elegant arcades provide excellent cover during unexpected rain, while the literary-inscribed benches add thoughtful personality to portraits.
Palais Royal works beautifully for couples, families, and even larger groups who want maximum variety without overwhelming tourist crowds. You can easily spend an hour here exploring different corners and capturing completely different looks.
Secondary Spots for Quick Captures
Pont Alexandre III – Paris’s Most Elegant Bridge
Pont Alexandre III is often regarded as the most beautiful bridge in Paris, known for its Belle Époque design. It offers a refined setting with a subtle Eiffel Tower view, particularly photogenic at sunrise and during Golden Hour and the Blue Hour, when light reflects off the Seine River, truly worthy of the City of Light.
The bridge’s primary appeal lies in its architectural detail, expansive views, and incredible photo variety within a few minutes’ walking distance. This location is magnificent for solo travelers, couple portraits, pre-wedding shoots, and infinitely Instagrammable influencer reels. Due to traffic, it is less suitable for families with young children.
Additional vantage points are accessible via stairways on either side of the bridge. The riverside promenade opposite the Grand Palais offers more space and cleaner visuals, with nearby waterside restaurants.
Its central location places it within short walking distance of other prominent Paris photography spots, including the golden gate of the Petit Palais, Place de la Concorde, the Champs-Élysées, Tuileries Garden, and the Passerelle Léopold-Sédar-Senghor.
Pont des Arts – Dreamy Parisian Views from the City’s Most Romantic Bridge
Pont des Arts, once famously known as the “Love Lock Bridge,” remains one of the most cinematic and romantic photo spots in Paris. Featured in films like The Bourne Identity and Midnight in Paris, this pedestrian bridge delivers truly postcard-perfect views over the Seine, with open sightlines toward Île de la Cité, Notre-Dame, Musée d’Orsay, and even the distant Eiffel Tower.
Though the love locks are mostly gone, the bridge still feels like a tribute to romance. Its see-through railing allows for clean compositions and unobstructed backdrops—ideal for solo portraits, engagements, couples sessions, family portraits, and public proposal photography. Being pedestrian-only means no traffic concerns and minimal background distractions when photographing subjects against the river.
Sunrise offers golden light and fewer crowds, but Pont des Arts also photographs beautifully at sunset. This central Paris photography location connects easily to other prime photo spots—continue your session at the Louvre Rear Courtyard, the Tuileries, or across the river to Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Pont de Bir-Hakeim – Cinematic Eiffel Tower Views
Pont de Bir-Hakeim offers one of the most striking and cinematic Eiffel Tower views in Paris, featured memorably in films like Inception and Last Tango in Paris. With its double-decked structure, Art Deco styling, and signature hanging lamps, this bridge delivers bold visual lines for stunning portraits.
What sets Bir-Hakeim apart is its covered pedestrian path, making it one of the few rain-resistant locations in Paris. It shines at sunrise, but is equally magical at sunset and nighttime, when the glowing lamps cast a warm ambiance. It’s a popular alternative to Trocadéro, offering a different angle on the tower.
It’s ideal for families, elopements, and well-planned marriage proposals—including those involving custom setups like “Marry Me” letters or big love heart displays. On the bridge, you’ll share space with cars, bikes, and the Metro, so while it’s not ideal for younger children, it’s fantastic for couples, solo travelers, and Insta-style photo sessions.
Tuileries Garden – Parisian Oasis in the Heart of the City
Tucked between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, the Tuileries Garden is a calm, elegant escape right in the center of Paris. Its tree-lined paths, signature green chairs, and wide gravel walkways create a setting perfect for Paris pictures.
The elevated stretch along the Seine side stands out with subtle views of the Louvre façade. Expect fewer crowds than at the Luxembourg Gardens, making this spot ideal for public engagement proposals, intimate wedding portraits, and relaxed family sessions. While the main gardens are undeniably beautiful, you are often interrupted by overzealous guards, which is why we prefer the esplanade.
Plan your visit around sunrise for great light (check seasonal opening times), though this Paris photo location holds its charm throughout the day, and even in the early evening.
Nearby landmarks like the Passerelle Léopold-Sédar-Senghor, Pont des Arts, the Louvre Museum, the Seine River, and even Palais Royal are all within a 10-minute walk. Bonus tip for families: swing by Angelina afterward for their famously rich hot chocolate.
Moulin Rouge – Paris’s Boldest Nighttime Spot
Lights, music, drama—Moulin Rouge is a larger-than-life photography location that’s unforgettable, iconic, and best saved for couples or individuals craving something bold. With limited photo variety and a slightly edgy atmosphere, it’s all about that striking red windmill backdrop and the nighttime champagne pop.
This Instagrammable location photographs best during Blue Hour and after dark, when neon signs create a cinematic ambiance. Plan it as a finale after your Montmartre shoot, creating a fun conclusion to your Paris photography session.
Luxembourg Gardens – Elegant Setting in Paris’s Historic Park
A favorite among Parisians and travelers alike, the Luxembourg Gardens combine romantic charm with refined architecture, featuring tree-lined alleys, manicured lawns, and historic fountains. At the heart of the gardens sits the Luxembourg Palace, home to the French Senate, adding gravitas to this otherwise peaceful retreat.
One of the top photography locations for nature lovers, it offers a rich variety: regal façades, classic green benches, open promenades, and the iconic Medici Fountain—among the most recognizable in Paris and a dream backdrop for marriage proposals and intimate elopements. Ideal for couple portraits, pre-wedding shoots, and family photography.
VIP Rooftop Photo Settings with Eiffel Tower Views
Shangri-La Shangri-La Paris – Ultimate Private Eiffel Tower Spot
For a luxury marriage proposal that’s breathtakingly private and unmistakably Parisian, the Shangri-La Paris delivers. Nestled in the upscale 16th arrondissement, this former royal residence turned luxury hotel is renowned for its timeless elegance, world-class service, and the most intimate Eiffel Tower views in town.
To propose here, you’ll need to book one of the suites with a private terrace, though not all terraces are equal. An experienced Paris proposal planner can help you select the perfect suite and handle the logistics to ensure everything unfolds flawlessly.
Peninsula Paris Rooftop – Secret Eiffel Tower Location
With its rich history dating back to 1908, the Peninsula Paris is one of the city’s most prestigious Palace hotels, renowned for refined luxury, impeccable service, and iconic Eiffel Tower views. Unlike some other luxury venues, proposing here doesn’t require booking a suite. Instead, you can reserve the hotel’s exclusive rooftop gem: Secret Table.
Perched high above the city with sweeping views of the Iron Lady, this hidden terrace is one of the top places to propose in Paris. To ensure smooth access, vetted vendors, and a picture-worthy experience, working with an experienced local marriage proposal planner in Paris is essential.
Marignan Champs-Elysées
Another centrally located 5-star Parisian hotel rooftop terrace with dazzling Eiffel Tower views. Ask your proposal planner to personalize the space for you. Then, have a private butler serve your first champagne as you are newly engaged.
George V, Paris Proposal
When you’re after the most exclusive rooftop in Paris, “The Penthouse” by the Four Seasons Hotel George V offers magical 360-degree views of the City. Only recommended for a healthy proposal budget. An experienced planner is a must.
Rue Copernic Rooftop – A Residential Eiffel Tower Viewpoint
Positioned on Rue Copernic, this exclusive rooftop offers subtle yet striking Eiffel Tower views at an accessible price point. As one of the most spacious private terraces in Paris, it’s ideal for beautifully styled setups and intimate events, especially when accommodating friends, family, or larger groups.
Secret Garden – Private Eiffel Tower View Location
Tucked high above the city in a quiet residential setting, this exclusive rooftop terrace offers one of the most intimate photography locations with unobstructed Eiffel Tower views. Rivaling the vistas from luxury hotels like the Shangri-La and Peninsula—at a fraction of the cost—this venue delivers a premium experience ideal for marriage proposals and intimate elopements with budgets under €2,000, outstanding for those who value privacy without the distraction of tourist crowds.
Bonus: Majestic Château Settings Outside Paris
Château de Villette – Historic Estate for Exclusive Shoots
This magnificent 17th-century estate offers spectacular settings across 185 acres of formal gardens. Designed by François Mansart with grounds by André Le Nôtre (Versailles’ landscape architect), Château de Villette provides an aristocratic alternative to Paris landmarks for extraordinary luxury photography.
Featured prominently in “The Da Vinci Code,” this château requires substantial fees (€5,000+++) and advance booking. Our proposal planning team can coordinate access and handle all logistics for your dream château photoshoot, proposal, or wedding.
From Paris: 60-minute drive northwest. Private transportation is recommended.
Vaux-le-Vicomte – Grand Château Setting for Spectacular Photography
France’s largest privately-owned château inspired Versailles itself, featuring spectacular formal gardens by André Le Nôtre. This architectural marvel has appeared in numerous films, including “Moonraker,” “The Man in the Iron Mask,” and “Marie Antoinette.”
Professional photography sessions require advance booking with significant fees (€3,000+++). Professional planning teams maintain excellent relationships with the château management and can arrange exclusive access for your event.
Don’t miss the magical “Soirées aux Chandelles” (Candlelit Evenings) from May through October for extraordinary evening photo opportunities.
From Paris: 70-minute drive. Private transportation is recommended.
Got Questions? Get Answers.
What time of day is best for Paris photoshoots?
Paris is always beautiful—whether bathed in golden light, shrouded in mist, or glistening after rain. While lighting is important, your comfort and enjoyment during your shoot are equally essential for creating beautiful vacation memories.
One of the biggest photography misconceptions is that bright sunshine creates the best photos. While the warm, directional light of “Golden Hour” (approximately 30 minutes after sunrise or before sunset) creates stunning images, many professional photographers actually prefer cloudy or overcast days. Diffused light creates more flattering portraits by reducing squinting, minimizing reflective shine on skin, eliminating harsh shadows, and preserving details in light-colored clothing like white wedding gowns.
“Blue Hour” (20-30 minutes after sunset, during nautical twilight) offers another magical window when the deepening blue Parisian sky creates a cinematic quality that’s impossible to achieve at other times. For precise timing calculations, including civil twilight, nautical twilight, golden hour, and blue hour during your visit, we recommend checking timeanddate for Paris.
That said, a talented photographer can work with almost any lighting situation. While we can plan around sunrise, sunset, or night photography, weather remains largely beyond our control. So, rather than fixating on lighting, focus on elements you can influence: selecting a photographer whose style resonates with you, choosing fashionable outfits, planning an efficient commute, and most importantly, allowing yourself to relax and enjoy your experience.
For couples seeking something different, consider exploring unique photography locations like La Défense that offer a modern contrast to Paris’s classic landmarks.
What Paris locations are best at sunrise versus evening?
Paris offers magical light during sunrise and sunset. Morning sessions (especially sunrise) make for fewer crowds, particularly during summer when early daylight arrives before most tourists are active. Evening golden hour through blue hour provides warm, romantic lighting.
Trocadéro, the most iconic Eiffel Tower spot, is essential to visit at sunrise when you can capture unobstructed views without the massive crowds that make evening photography here nearly impossible.
Palais Royal, especially the Buren columns, photographs beautifully in morning light when the courtyard first opens to the public.
Bir Hakeim Bridge requires a sunrise visit if you’re seeking the clean, cinematic infinity arch perspective under the bridge. Morning hours are essential, as the passageway becomes filled with commuters, cyclists, and other photographers later in the day.
Luxembourg Gardens’ Medici Fountain is best captured in morning light before afternoon crowds gather. The same goes for Montmartre’s cafés, Sacré-Cœur stairs, and La Maison Rose—some of the top locations in Paris for capturing charming and iconic scenes.
Prime evening and night spots include Moulin Rouge and Pont Alexandre III (which comes alive after dark when its ornate lanterns illuminate and city lights reflect on the Seine). The Louvre Pyramid and courtyard become spectacular at night, with the added benefit that evening hours allow for formal attire that might be restricted during museum operating hours. Bir Hakeim’s hanging lanterns provide excellent illumination for nighttime Eiffel Tower shots. Montmartre’s Place du Tertre and Rue de l’Abreuvoir come alive with evening energy, making these some of the top spots in Paris after sunset.
Paris café photography presents a choice—sunrise offers clean, editorial-style images without patrons, while evenings capture the genuine Parisian atmosphere but risk disturbing customers who may not appreciate being photographed, potentially ending your session if management intervenes. These cafés rank among the top spots in Paris for capturing genuine local charm.
Where are the best family-friendly locations in Paris?
When selecting family-friendly locations in Paris, safety is our primary concern. We typically avoid areas with heavy traffic, busy streets, or unsecured edges where children could wander. We also consider locations with enough space for children to move around without strict containment.
Our top family-friendly locations include Luxembourg Gardens, Trocadéro (away from the fountains), The Louvre, Tuileries Garden, Palais Royal, and Montmartre. We generally avoid locations like Bir Hakeim Bridge, Alexandre III Bridge, and areas near busy streets where traffic may pose a safety concern.
We highly recommend and gladly organize an associate to watch over children when parents want to capture a few romantic photos during the family session.
What’s the best way to travel between Paris locations?
The most efficient way to move between locations depends on distance and time of day.
For nearby spots in central Paris, walking is often fastest—a stroll from the Louvre to Notre Dame takes just 20 minutes, with countless photo opportunities along the way. This scenic route passes through some of the top spots in Paris, making it ideal for capturing a variety of backdrops. We can provide an associate to carry equipment and protect your belongings from theft, ensuring comfort throughout your session.
For locations further apart, most clients prefer a Mercedes V-Class with an English-speaking chauffeur (€120/hour), especially when traveling with children, visiting during cold weather, or needing comfort and convenience. This option provides space for bulky props and a private changing area instead of cramped restaurant restrooms.
If transportation will be featured in your photos, we can organize a stunning vintage car, Bentley, or Rolls-Royce with positioning for your photographer. Airport transfers are also available upon request.
We always plan shoots by neighborhood clusters to minimize transit time and maximize opportunities.
Which locations in Paris offer the most variety in a single spot?
If you’re looking to maximize photo variety without constantly changing locations, focus on what we call “primary” spots—areas so visually rich they easily warrant 60+ minutes of shooting time. These locations offer exceptional diversity with minimal walking and no vehicle transportation required between setups.
Trocadéro offers iconic Eiffel Tower views, grand staircases, and lush gardens—making it the quintessential location. Montmartre packs tremendous range into its compact hillside neighborhood—winding cobblestone streets, artistic cafés, colorful façades, and the white-domed Sacré-Cœur all within a short walking radius.
Palais Royal combines modern and classical elements with its striking Buren columns, formal gardens, historic arcades, and elegant architecture.
The Louvre offers far more than the famous pyramid; its courtyard features columned walkways, historic façades, and both grand and intimate corners that create completely different moods and styles.
The greater Notre Dame area includes Gothic architecture, Seine riverbanks, charming bookshops, and lovely cafés—all within easy walking distance.
Additional versatile locations include the Pont Alexandre III/Grand Palais area and Luxembourg Garden. These locations feature prominently in this guide because they allow you to capture a remarkable variety efficiently, maximizing your coverage.