Photography spots
10 best photography spots in Paris
Paris has been photographed for 200 years, but the iconic shots remain iconic. These 10 spots include the classics – and the underrated alternative angles that still produce a fresh-feeling image.
Eiffel Tower from Trocadero
Location: Place du Trocadero, opposite the Eiffel Tower
The shot: Symmetrical Trocadero plaza leading to the Eiffel Tower
- When to shoot
- Sunrise (~6:30am summer) for empty plaza and warm light
- Lens / settings
- 24-35mm wide-angle for the full plaza-and-tower composition
- Tips
- Most-photographed Paris view. Get there 30 min before sunrise for empty plaza.
Pont Alexandre III at blue hour
Location: Bridge crossing the Seine near Invalides
The shot: Gilded lamp posts on the bridge with the Eiffel Tower in the background
- When to shoot
- Blue hour (~30 min after sunset)
- Lens / settings
- 35-50mm equivalent
- Tips
- Most ornate bridge in Paris. The gilded statues lit at blue hour are the iconic shot.
Montmartre street stairs
Location: Rue Foyatier (stairs leading up to Sacre-Coeur)
The shot: Steep cobbled staircase with funicular running up the side, Paris skyline in background
- When to shoot
- Sunrise (~7am) for empty steps and warm light
- Lens / settings
- 35mm equivalent
- Tips
- Sacre-Coeur at the top is the destination shot. The stairs themselves are the iconic Paris-vertical shot.
Louvre pyramid reflection
Location: Inside the Cour Napoleon, looking from a low angle
The shot: Glass pyramid reflected in the surrounding pools
- When to shoot
- Sunset for golden glass reflection
- Lens / settings
- 24mm wide-angle for the full pyramid with reflection
- Tips
- Best at sunset when the pyramid catches the orange light. Free to access (don’t need museum ticket).
Notre Dame from Pont de la Tournelle
Location: Left Bank, looking northeast
The shot: Notre Dame’s east end with flying buttresses and the Seine in the foreground
- When to shoot
- Sunset (the east end is hit by golden light)
- Lens / settings
- 35-70mm equivalent
- Tips
- Post-restoration Notre Dame (reopened December 2024). This angle shows the rebuilt spire.
Pere Lachaise tomb-lined paths
Location: Pere Lachaise Cemetery, near the eastern entrance
The shot: Tree-lined cobbled paths with weathered tombs in dappled light
- When to shoot
- Late afternoon (3-4pm) for slanted side-light through trees
- Lens / settings
- 35mm equivalent
- Tips
- Free entry. Pick up a map. The most photographed graves: Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde.
Sacre-Coeur from Square Louise Michel
Location: Square Louise Michel below Sacre-Coeur
The shot: Full basilica facade with the carousel at the base
- When to shoot
- Sunrise for warm light and empty square
- Lens / settings
- 35mm equivalent
- Tips
- The carousel adds a Parisian-classic element to the composition.
Rue Cremieux pastel facades
Location: 12th arrondissement, near Gare de Lyon
The shot: Cobbled pedestrian street with pastel-painted small houses
- When to shoot
- Mid-day for clean lighting on the facades
- Lens / settings
- 35-50mm equivalent
- Tips
- Residents have asked tourists to be quiet. Be respectful. Free public street.
Galeries Lafayette glass dome
Location: Galeries Lafayette department store, central Paris
The shot: Belle Epoque glass-and-iron dome over the central atrium
- When to shoot
- Mid-day when natural light streams through the dome
- Lens / settings
- Wide-angle 16-24mm for the full dome
- Tips
- Free entry to view. The terrace on the 7th floor has a free Paris skyline view including Eiffel Tower.
Le Marais skyline from Centre Pompidou rooftop
Location: Centre Pompidou’s 6th floor
The shot: Marais rooftops with Notre Dame and Sacre-Coeur visible
- When to shoot
- Sunset for golden roof light
- Lens / settings
- 35-70mm equivalent
- Tips
- Centre Pompidou access included with museum entry. Closed Tuesday.