Paris is one of the most photogenic and, subsequently, instagrammable places on Earth. Everyone that travels to this amazing city wants to get some of those incredible photos themselves. Therefore, we decided to put a list together that will help you find these great spots and fill your social media with the type of photos you’ve been salivating over.
The Eiffel Tower
The most important photo you’re going to take home with you from Paris will be of it’s most recognizable landmark, The Eiffel Tower. As such there are a number of locations that give fantastically photogenic views and are regularly used by professional photographers. I was going to list them out and provide details on how to find them, but the people over at “This Life of Travel” have already done a better job than you’ll find anywhere else. They even have a map that helps you find these specific locations as well as a ton of useful advice for planning your photoshoot. Click on the link above to see their excellent review.
The Stained Glass of Saint-Chapelle Cathedral
Commissioned by King Louis IX of France to house his collection of Passion relics, including Christ’s Crown of Thorns, construction on Saint-Chapelle Cathedral began around 1238 and was completed by 1248. This incredible achievement of Gothic architecture is considered by many to have the prettiest stained glass on the planet. Wide lens photography or panoramic iPhone photos will be needed to properly capture its grandeur.
Notre Dame Cathedral
Obviously, the recent fire at the Cathedral of Notre Dame will limit your ability to enter this magnificent church for some time, but there are still ample opportunities to take photos from around the structure. Some of the best vantage points are directly in front of the cathedral and along the southern side of the river either in front of the structure from around the Pont Saint-Michelle (a bridge with fantastic views of Notre Dame), directly besides it from further up the street or from behind, even a bit further East down Quai de Montebello
The Lafayette Galleries
The gloriously beautiful ceiling at the center rotunda or Paris’ most glamorous shopping mall is a must stop for shopaholics and photographers alike. Obviously the best place to get this photo is from directly inside this rotunda from one of the many balconies through which you can look up and see it. Wide angle lenses and/or panoramic photos with your iPhone are a must for this shot.
La Mason Rose
This small cafe in Paris’ 18th Arr. is about a quintessential and beautiful a cafe as you’re going to find in all of Paris. It is very frequently photographed and all over instagram, but it also has excellent coffee and food.
Musee d’Orsay Clock
One of Paris’ coolest photo opportunities sits at the top of the Musee d’Orsay’s clock tower. The museum is an old train depot repurposed into a stunning art museum that has plenty of photo opportunities itself. However, the coolest shot by far exists up on the fifth floor where you can stand behind the large windows of the clock that faces outward towards the city. From this vantage point you can see almost all of Paris’ most famous structures peaking above its skyline. You’ll also get the coolest photos of yourself standing in front of the giant clock hands and Roman numerals of the museum’s large clock tower.
Pigalle Basketball Court
This cool basketball court, located at 17 Rue Deperré, in Paris’ 9th Arr., has been painted by French fashion company Pigalle in conjunction with Nike to make for some really cool urban photography opportunities.
Trocadero Carousel
Sitting in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower this is an ideal spot to grab some photos of an adorable and ornate antique carousel. The Eiffel Tower in the background just makes these shots perfection.
Sacre Coeur Carousel
Another gorgeous antique carousel in front of one of Paris’ most recognizable landmarks, the Sacre Coeur.
Le Consulat
This classic Parisian cafe, located at 18 Rue Norvins, is a favorite amongst photographers looking for a quintessential French cafe for their photoshoot.
Avenue de Camoëns
Already discussed a bit in the article linked to above regarding great places to get photos of the Eiffel Tower, this street abounds with excellent photo opportunities even where the Eiffel Tower is not visible. The moveitapp provides extremely detailed directions to this location as well as a ton of other spots in Paris if you’re interested in following step by step instructions on how to get there.
The Sinking house of Montmartre
This fun Parisian optical illusion is right next to the Sacre Coeur. When going up the stairs, you can view it on the right.
Shakespeare & Company
A fantastic little bookstore and cafe that offers great background for photos.
Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole
One of Paris’ most beautiful cafes.
29 Avenue Rapp Doorway
Paris’ most gorgeous doorway.
Hall of Mirrors at Palais Garnier
You can go into this famous and opulent opera house and just walk around even if you don’t have tickets for a performance. It’s well worth checking out.
Pink Mamma
A stunningly gorgeous trattoria that provides fantastic photos.
Rue des Barres
This 150 meter long street is, along the Seine River, is one of the oldest streets in in Paris, appearing on maps as early as the early 1200s. It’s a fantastically photogenic place to walk around for a bit.
Rue Cremieux
A beautiful, brightly painted street in Paris’ 12th Arr.
Odette Cafe
The cutest little Parisian Cafe, with amazing pastries, smooshed between two buildings on the corner.