Dreaming of taking the most Instagrammable photos when in Paris? Lucky for you, we’ve searched high and low for the best spots.
Whether you are a solo traveller or visiting with friends, Paris is teeming with quiet squares and bustling avenues perfect for snapping that coveted shot. While it’s true that just walking around the city will reveal hidden gems, it’s best to plan ahead.
Every season in Paris is special and brings its own flavour of “je ne sais quoi.” In autumn, the falling leaves make for a beautiful backdrop. And in the spring, the blooming flowers add a romantic undertone. In the summer, vibrant outdoor festivals enliven the streets. And in the winter, the holiday decorations and Christmas markets create a beautiful ambience of winter magic.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s explore the city of lights through the lens. Here is our list of the best spots in Paris for photos— no selfie-stick required.
- Photo spots for friends
- Photo spots for couples
- Photo spots for family
- Photo spots for the solo-traveller
Photo spots in Paris for friends
Paris is chock full of sociable hangout spots perfect for getting together with friends, or meeting new ones. Vibrant and fast-paced, there is no shortage of picturesque spots that make for an unforgettable moment in the city. Here are our favorite photo spots for friends:
Montmartre
From the view atop Sacre Coeur to the winding streets made famous by the impressionist painters, there is no shortage of idyllic photo spots in Montmartre.
Don’t forget about the lesser-known spots as well, such as the Carousel, Rue de l’Aubrevoir, and the restaurant le Moulin de la Galette, which makes for a wonderful dinner spot as well!
Trocadero
No photo in Paris would be complete without getting a shot at the Eiffel Tower.
However, we recommend getting off at the Trocadero metro stop and climbing down the stairs to the park at the bottom of the square. Stand as a group on one of the garden’s lower walls to get an undeniably cool angle of the Effiel Tower. At night, the tower sparkles every 30 minutes, so make sure to stop by just in time.
Arc de Triomphe
We couldn’t leave this one off our list. It’s a great setting for group photos because the roundabout is so wide. There are endless photo spots with a 360-degree view of the monument. For an even cooler shot, climb the stairs to the top of the arch and get an incredible view of all of Paris.
Ladurée
Sprinkled throughout the capital is this bakery famous for its delicious macaroons, a traditional French pastry.
Grab a table at their tea salon and take pictures together while enjoying the colourful pastries. The mint green interior is sure to please the eye.
Pont Alexandre III
One of the most magnificent bridges in all of Paris, Pont Alexandre III connects the Invalides to the Petit and Grand Palais.
The best time to visit and take photos is at sunset when the cotton-candy-coloured skies bathe the bridge in beautiful hues.
Pink Mamma
An Instagram-famous restaurant, the interior of Pink Mama is perfect for taking group shots amongst the ivy and Italian decorations. The staircase also makes for an interesting photo op. Head to the basement and walk past the bathrooms to a meat locker door, open the door and this is where you will find a hidden bar. Mamma mia!
Photo spots in Paris for couples
It’s not hard to see why Paris is made for couple’s photography.
Known for being the city of love, and lights, many couples flock to Paris every year for their marriage or engagement photoshoots.
Here are our top photo spots for couples:
Eiffel Tower
There is nothing more iconic than taking a romantic photo with this famous landmark as your backdrop.
Just be sure to arrive early before the throngs of tourists descend. And while many people first think of taking photos on the Champ de Mars, the view from the other side, at Trocadero, is just as breathtaking for a couple’s photos.
Place Vendôme
Are you a lover of luxury? Place Vendôme is home to some of the most beautiful and luxurious fashion and jewellery brands in the world.
More than just a typical square, it was designed to look like a palace that opens toward the sky. Make sure to go during the holidays for some beautiful decorations, or, for a romantic hue, at sunset as the city lights just start to come on.
Louvre
There is nothing more iconic than taking romantic photos with the Louvre’s glass pyramid as your background.
It may sound a little cliché, but there are actually many hidden arcades and beautiful arches along the palace’s walls that make for a stunning photo.
To beat the crowds, we recommend going during the early morning or early evening.
Notre Dame
The Notre Dame might still be under construction, but that doesn’t mean the beautiful park at the back of the church, or the quaint streets surrounding this popular spot are still not worth a visit.
There is also a stunning view on the other side of the Seine river just in front of the Shakespeare and Company bookshop.
Île Saint-Louis
Known as the most picturesque island in the centre of Paris, Île Saint-Louis has preserved the charm of old Paris.
`With winding, cobble-stone streets and little brasseries dating back hundreds of years, you’ll be sure to find a romantic café or corner to take endless pictures.
Baguette and béret are not required, of course.
Palais Royal
Start at Place Colette and then pass under the limestone archways to take photos on the black and white striped columns of various sizes.
Many television shows and movies have been shot in the Palais Royal park, making it easily recognizable and a fan-favourite amongst photographers.
Don’t forget to take some snaps in the tranquil gardens with burbling fountains and roses.
Paris is full of beautiful places and taking a good photo can be a great way to look back on fond memories in the future.
If you’re looking for a place to live in Paris for 6 months or more, and really get to know the city, check out our coliving homes for a community-focused experience!
Photo spots for family
Contrary to what many might believe, Paris is a wonderful city for families.
Throughout the sprawling landscape, there are many locations that are perfect for a planned or impromptu family photo shoot.
Here are our favourite photo spots for families of all shapes and sizes:
Sainte-Chapelle
Located on the île de la Cité, this is a lesser-known and smaller church in comparison with Notre Dame, however, this gothic-style church is just as incredibly beautiful.
With huge, stained-glass windows throughout, this makes it a gorgeous location for family photos.
A tip: make sure to take pictures outside of the church. If you want to sneak a few insides, make sure the flash is off.
Panthéon
Situated in the heart of the Latin Quarter and with a beautiful roman style designed by the architect Soufflot, this building and its huge square are great for both exploring and a family photoshoot.
The cobblestone streets that off-shoot the square are always worth a photo or two, as they are picturesque and truly Parisian.
Jardin du Luxembourg
Ideal in summer and springtime, the Jardin du Luxembourg is a familial and kid-friendly park.
You can ride ponies in the park during the warmer months, and in the centre of the park is a fountain where children can buy boats and send them into the water for some fun in the sun.
If the children are a little older, there is a great photo spot at the Médici Fountain.
Palais Garnier
A night at the opera? Yes, please. If you are looking to get dressed up and see a beautiful opera or ballet, this is the occasion to take some stunning photos at the Palais Garnier, which is famous for its Napoleon III architecture.
You can also tour the opera during the day, just make sure to book in advance.
Buttes Chaumont Park
Looking to escape into nature? Buttes Chaumont Park is located in the northeast sector of Paris.
Made famous by its Temple de la Sibylle, inspired by the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, Italy, and perched at the top of a cliff fifty meters above the waters of the artificial lake.
It might be a little bit of a hike, but the views at the top will be worth it!
Hôtel de Ville
Hôtel de Ville, the city hall of Paris, is a wonderful photo spot as it is centrally located and has a grandiose facade.
There are usually seasonal decorations adorning the building and a carousel placed in front for the holidays, making this historic building, even more, picture-perfect for your winter family photos.
Paris is full of beautiful places and taking a good photo can be a great way to look back on fond memories in the future.
If you’re looking for a place to live in Paris for 6 months or more, and really get to know the city, check out our coliving homes for a community-focused experience!
Photo spots in Paris for the solo-traveller
Paris is truly a paradise for the solo traveller.
Hidden all over the city are dreamy streets and quaint cafés perfect for snapping that selfie. Don’t be afraid to use a timer or ask someone to help you out.
The options are truly limitless!
Musée D’Orsay
The Musée D’Orsay is an old train station turned into a beautiful art museum.
While its many impressionist paintings are worth a look, the clock with a window onto the Seine on the last floor makes for an unforgettable photo.
You may have to ask someone to take a photo of you, but it’s worth it!
Galerie Lafayette Rooftop
Known for selling luxury goods and fashions, Galerie Lafayette is also hiding a secret on its rooftop: a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower!
Take the escalators to the very last floor where you will find a terrace big enough that you should be able to find the perfect spot.
Rue Crémieux
With its painted houses and a cobblestone street, Rue Crémieux is a one-block pedestrian street located in the 12th arrondissement.
The houses were originally built as worker’s housing, and now this little street is famous for all the pictures that are taken here.
Moulin Rouge
Hop off the line two metro at Blanche and get ready to be engulfed in Paris’ nightlife scene.
Located at the beginning of Montmartre, the Moulin Rouge is an iconic Parisian cabaret with historic charm.
Many tourists flock to this spot to take a coveted photo in front of its famous, red windmill. The best time to come is at night when the whole cabaret lights up in red just before the nightly shows.
Carette Café
Nothing screams traditional Parisian brunch more than Carette Café. With three locations at Trocadero, Place des Vosges and Place du Tertre, be sure to arrive early to get a spot, as they don’t accept reservations.
On the menu? Cute photos with huge croissants, hot chocolates with mountains of whipped cream and gorgeous green salads.
Square Rapp
You may know this incredibly popular photo spot thanks to Instagram.
However, it can often be hard to find, because the two streets that juxtapose the Eiffel Tower come together only in a small area called the Square Rapp.
It’s worth the search because this location creates a great frame in which to take a solo picture worth remembering.
Paris is full of beautiful places and taking a good photo can be a great way to look back on fond memories in the future.
If you’re looking for a place to live in Paris for 6 months or more, and really get to know the city, check out our coliving homes for a community-focused experience!
