Let me take you on a tour of 10 of the best places to get killer photos for the ‘gram in the most romantic city in the world: Paris, France.
1. Trocadéro
For the best place to get photos of the most famous landmark in Paris, the Eiffel Tower, or as it’s known in French, Tour Eiffel, head to Trocadéro.
From here you will get an unobstructed view from the walls and stairs looking out at the Eiffel Tower from Palais de Chaillot.
Get to this spot by taking the métro to Trocadéro (line 9) and walk 1 minute to Palais de Chaillot.
This area gets busier as the day goes on so be prepared to wait your turn if you go in the late morning or afternoon. These photos were taken at sunrise on a morning in December which was 7.45am, that will change seasonally though so check when sunrise is for the day you’re planning to go. I cannot guarantee you will have a sunrise like this though, in all my time in Paris I have never seen anything like it.
2. Le Café Marly
Located within the grounds of Musée de Louvre, why not dine out with one of the best views in Paris. Look out at the museum and the Pyramids from the outside seating and down at the sculpture hall from the indoor seats.
Get to Le Café Marly by taking the métro to Palais Royal Musée du Louvre (line 1 and 7) and walking 1 minute through the gates opposite the station. The café is on the right just past the gates.
Le Café Marly is open daily from 8am – 2am.
We went in December and it was virtually dead but it is a very popular spot in the summer, so arrive early.
3. The Louvre Pyramids
Musée de Louvre is the world’s biggest art museum but it’s probably more famous for being home to Da Vinci’s masterpiece, Mona Lisa. Should you not wish to venture into the museum (even though you really should) you can visit another work of art at the Louvre for free, Pei’s Pyramide du Louvre.
PFH Fun Fact: The Louvre Pyramids turn 30 this year.
Get to Musée de Louvre by taking the metro to Palais Royal Musée du Louvre (line 1 and 7) and walking 2 minutes through the gates opposite the station.
This area can get very busy from early on, no matter what time of year. Whether it’s people queueing to enter the museum (the big pyramid is also one of the Louvre’s entrances), coming to take photos, shopping at Carrousel du Louvre or simply walking around, it will be tough to get an unobstructed photo unless you come first thing.
We got this photo not long after 8am and by then a lot of people were walking between the Pyramids, we just had to wait for people to pass and snapped in the moments it was clear.
The grounds of the museum and pyramids are open 24/7.
Are you European and aged 18 – 25yrs? Check out my blog post 7 free museums in Paris for Europeans aged 18-25.
4. The Métro
I have been to Paris eight times and lived there for a year and even now I still find new Métro sign designs that I have never seen before. Some date back to the 1920s and have so much character, much like the one featured below.
You can find this entrance to Franklin D. Roosevelt (line 1 & 9) where Avenue Montaigne meets the Champs-Élysées in front of the Gucci store.
Any time of day is fine to shoot at this location, it doesn’t get busy. The only thing you have to be aware of is the bus stop behind and that you might have to wait for buses to move out of your shot.
5. Jardin du Palais-Royal
Tucked away a few streets behind Rue du Rivoli are the beautiful grounds of Jardin du Palais Royal. The neoclassical palace built in 1633 is now home to the French Council of State. However, the gardens and surrounding shopping arcade are open to the public, and a lovely way to spend a lazy afternoon.
Of course, before you’ve eaten your picnic by the fountain, enjoyed a coffee at Le Kitsuné and done a spot of shopping, snap a few photos of you frolicking between or hopping over the black and white striped platforms of Les Deux Plateaux, also known as Colonnes de Buren.
Get to Jardin du Palais Royal by taking the metro to Palais Royal Musée du Louvre (line 1 and 7) and take the Place Colette exit.
Open every day from 8am – 8.30pm from October – March and 8am – 10.30pm from April – September.
It can get quite busy around here, not just people coming to visit the art installation but it’s also used as a short cut so it’s best to get here first thing. We were here at 8.15 and shot for about 20mins then stopped when a school group came in and we were surrounded by 30 children running in-between the platforms.
6. The Seine
The river Seine is the river that runs through Paris dividing it into two. For the best place to get a photo of the Seine which also happens to feature the Eiffel Tower, head for Avenue de New York, it’s the road that runs parallel to the river on the opposite side to the Eiffel Tower.
To get to this spot get off the métro at Trocadéro (line 9) and walk through Palais de Chaillot, down the steps and slope all the way to the river. Turn left and continue on for about four minutes. BE CAREFUL on the wall, safety comes before getting a good Instagram photo!
You can shoot here any time of day, it’s a long wall, there’s room for everyone!
7. Dior
Christian Dior is one of the world’s leading haute couture fashion brands and has been shaping the way women dress for seven decades.
If you’re reading this post I have no doubt your Instagram feed featured the Dior shop on Avenue Montaigne over this Christmas just gone. I still see it now!
Of course, it’s particularly glamorous at Christmas when its grand decorations go up. In fact the whole avenue is worth a visit at Christmas because thanks to all of the designer stores’ Christmas lights and those in the trees lining the road, the whole place sparkles and it’s magical.
PFH Fun Fact: This was the Dior that Carrie Bradshaw took one of the most dramatic falls on television in the last few episodes of Sex and the City. Also, the hotel she stayed in with a view of the Eiffel Tower from the balcony, Plaza Athénée, is just up the road on the opposite side and has a spa that uses Dior products.
To get here, take the métro to Franklin D. Roosevelt (line 1 & 9) it’s the one featured in number 4. Walk down Avenue Montaigne for four minutes.
There isn’t particularly a best time to shoot here. It’s on the corner of a cross road and there is valet parking out front so you will need patience to get a clear shot. The best place to take a photo is from the other side of the road but be mindful of pedestrians and traffic depending on where you wish to pose. The best time is when the lights are red for cars and no one is crossing.
8. Rue de l’Université
The chances are if you’re here it’s because you’re curious of how to get here for this shot. It’s seen all over Instagram but not everyone is hot on sharing its location.
To get here you want to walk along Rue de l’Université heading west right to the very end where it meets the Champ de Mars, the park surrounding the Eiffel Tower.
It’s an incredibly popular location to take photos. Get here FIRST thing, and honestly, it’s going to be a case of pot luck whether you have vehicles parked in the bays at the end of the road. We had a good 20mins of shooting before a street cleaner came into frame and a builder’s truck arrived for work. It’s a residential area too, so always expect cars, it’s up to you how you crop as to whether they’re in the photo or not.
9. Any café terrace
One of the best things to do in Paris is sit at any café terrace with a tea or coffee and watch the world go by, particular in winter when the outdoor heaters are switched on above your head.
There are some really pretty ones on Rue du Rivoli and Rue Saint Honoré, but this one in particular is La Station Rambuteau which is behind the Pompidou Centre. Le Nemours is also great for photos because it has a large outdoor seating area and also serves delicious food.
10. Disneyland Paris
What’s the second most magical thing in Paris after you’ve seen the Eiffel Tower sparkling against the night sky? Seeing the Magic Castle sparkle against the night sky of course! Who doesn’t love a good photo op that also comes with a great experience? A day at Disneyland Paris is fun for everyone whatever their age.
Park hours and ticket prices vary on the day, season and whether you want access to one park or two. For accurate pricing click here for the Disneyland Paris website.
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If Instagrammable locations are your thing take a look at PFH’s 10 Best Instagram spots in L.A. and PFH’s 5 most Instagrammable restaurants in Seminyak, Bali.
Happy snapping everyone!
Aloha, Gabriella
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