A Photographer’s Guide to Paris
Where to take stunning footage in Paris
Paris evokes a sense of marvel. Avenues exude French character; monuments painting class with gothic structure, to not point out the Parisian rooftops, cafes and gardens.
Photographing Paris is unquestionably a journey by time and also you’ll need to go to well-known icons and distinctive areas to safe one of the best view doable of this unbelievable metropolis.
What began out as my high 5 areas quickly developed into extra of a information to the unbelievable sights and hidden gems you may {photograph} across the French capital. It’s undoubtedly too exhausting to slender this listing down any additional so make sure you give your self just a few days to discover all that this stunning metropolis has to supply.
Below you can find an inventory of one of the best images areas in Paris alongside a group of photos I’ve personally taken at each.
Somewhat tip – in the event you’re planning on visiting quite a lot of monuments, museums and sights throughout your keep, choosing a 2, 3, 4 or 6 day Go Paris Pass may also help you save as much as 47% off common ticket costs and have entry to over 70 areas, experiences + 50 museums in Paris. It additionally consists of wine tastings, Seine cruises, strolling excursions and probably the most iconic sights.
** Paris Photography Location Map: Scroll to the underside of this information for a Google Map with a advised strolling route + all Paris images areas mapped out to your subsequent go to to this beautiful metropolis. There’s additionally a helpful little part with hyperlinks to different photogenic areas in France!
eBook Announcement – If you need to skip the advertisements and obtain a Paris eBook for photographers straight to your gadget, I’ve simply launched my model new ‘Paris Photography Location Guide’, it’s huge, stunning and stuffed with over 65+ images areas, 75 pages, customized maps and self-guided strolling excursions to comply with in my footsteps.
D’accord, allons-y (okay, let’s go!)
Paris Photography Locations:
#1 Basilique du Sacré-Coeur – Panoramic Views + Sunset
Overlooking the whole metropolis, the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur affords what’s in my view, one of the best view in Paris. Few folks realise you may entry the highest of the dome so at sundown you’ll be sharing with solely a handful of holiday makers who dared to tackle the 300 stair climb. The peak of the dome has a slender walkway that provides you 360degree views, an unbelievable scene to witness because the solar units over Paris. Be positive to examine closing instances earlier than you begin the climb as they differ from month to month and typically even day after day. View the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur web site with additional customer data right here.
Paris Photo Tip –
In summer season the solar doesn’t set till late within the night, providing the possibility to wander the streets and take in the gorgeous golden mild. Plan a path to comply with or just wander again from Montmartre and get splendidly misplaced alongside the way in which. Read extra about suggestions for photographing in sundown and golden hour here.
The path across the dome with numerous picture home windows to see and seize the town from.
#2 Saint-Michel + The Latin Quarter – Street Scenes + Cafes
For quaint cobbled streets lined with cafes and eating places that ooze attraction, that is the place to wander. You’ll discover this space simply over the river to the south of Notre Dame. Roam alongside Rue de la Bûcherie and Rue Saint- Séverin for pictures of conventional Crêperies and road scenes.
Paris Photo Tip –
Wander from the banks of the Seine in direction of Tour Montparnasse to move by a number of the highlights of Saint-Germain-des-Pres and Left Bank. Read extra about my adventures photographing the Left Bank of Paris right here.
#3 Montmartre – Artisans + French Character
One of one of the best locations to take footage in Paris and residential to resident creatives and road artists, Montemartre is the epitome of French character. At first look it’d appear to be a vacationer frenzy however in the event you enterprise away from the Place du Tertre (artist sq.) you’ll discover a village like ambiance with a novel atmosphere in contrast to wherever else in Paris. Have a peek on the cute pink restaurant ‘La Maison Rose’ and the draping vines alongside Abreuvoir Street then head all the way down to the windmill of Moulin de la Galette on the nook of Rue Lepic and Rue Girardon.
Paris Photo Tip –
Visiting Montmartre within the early afternoon provides you loads of time to wander the streets after which benefit from the altering ambiance as night approaches. Street images alternatives are nice round lunch time then once more as soon as the crowds begin showing for dinner.
#4 Notre Dame Cathedral – Low mild interiors and panoramic metropolis views
*Update 01/05/2019 – Due to the hearth inside Notre Dame in April 2019, it’s not doable to at the moment entry this magnificence from the within. You can nonetheless nonetheless see and {photograph} Notre Dame from numerous spots alongside the banks of the Seine River.
One of the best examples of French Gothic structure, Notre Dame is an important picture cease in Paris, even in the event you can’t enterprise inside. Take benefit of glowing morning mild alongside the Seine and head straight for Pont Saint-Michele the place you’ll have a ravishing vantage level towards Notre Dame. The roof and spire in the back of Notre Dame have been broken probably the most within the fireplace, nonetheless the entrance towers are nonetheless as they have been, albeit with somewhat extra scaffolding.
I’ll additionally point out my description from previous to the hearth as I beloved visiting Notre Dame and hope that at some point, in the event you haven’t already, you’ll be capable of go inside too. The inside is dimly lit providing shadowed arches, intricate detailing and patterned flooring. If you arrive early sufficient within the day (earlier than 10am) you’ll keep away from prolonged queues to climb to the highest of the cathedral…an absolute should for a wonderful view! Climbing the slender staircase to the highest is an expertise in itself then when you arrive to the open air walkway circling the tower you’ll be greeted with views alongside the Seine River all the way in which to the Eiffel Tower. My favorite angle was wanting down upon the Parisian rooftops the place the Gargoyles sit, such a novel technique to view the town! Be warned nonetheless it’s highly regarded and may really feel somewhat rushed because of teams being ushered by to keep away from congestion.
Updated picture by Google – A present view of the development at Notre Dame. It’s finest to {photograph} from Pont Saint-Michel in the meanwhile to seize the entrance facades, compose your picture to exclude the cranes/scaffolding and as an alternative {photograph} Notre Dame with the Seine within the foreground. *Unless you prefer to doc the development, during which case you’ll discover many angles to do that from!
#5 Eiffel Tower – Iconic Scenes + Photo Locations
I’m fairly positive that in the event you’re going to Paris you need a minimum of one shot of the magical Eiffel Tower, proper? Well the good information is you’ll see this mighty icon popping up from completely different vantage factors everywhere in the metropolis. The hottest spot is after all proper beneath it or from the gardens of the Champ de Mars however in the event you’re on the lookout for someplace completely different listed here are just a few choices…
- Printemps Department Store. Catch the elevator as much as the rooftop café and luxuriate in views over the Parisian roof tops with the Eiffel Tower standing tall behind them.
- Chaillot Hill and the Trocadéro. You undoubtedly gained’t be alone right here however the view is tough to beat and you should use the Fontaine de Varsovie (Warsaw Fountain) as an amazing topic to compose your picture in opposition to the Eiffel Tower.
- The banks of the Seine. Stroll alongside the river banks to take some distinctive photos of the Eiffel Tower framed with bushes, as boats move by or only a assorted metropolis scene from the norm.
Read extra – “Perspectives: 14 Places to Photograph the Eiffel Tower in Paris“
The Eiffel Tower framed by the Warsaw Fountains.
The Eiffel Tower peeking from behind the Carousel on the banks of the Seine River.
#6 The Louvre – History + Architecture
As a central landmark in Paris and some of the inspirating Paris images areas, the Louvre was initially constructed as a fortress within the 12th century. Now probably the most visited museum on the earth housing over 30,000 objects from historical past, you possibly can spend all day right here taking photographs and that’s simply the inside. Outside are the peerlessly landscaped areas, The Carrousel Garden and The Tuileries. When the climate warms up you’ll discover folks sharing picnics and absorbing the solar within the gardens creating an amazing ambiance! The Cour Carrée is one other nice picture location inside the Louvre advanced. This sq. courtyard was accomplished by King Louis XIV as a part of the ‘Old Louvre’ and is ideal for composing linear angles.
#7 Jardin du Luxembourg – Fountains + Gardens
A inexperienced oasis amongst the 6th arrondissement of Paris, the Jardin du Luxembourg is understood for tree lined promenades and chestnut groves. The good place to set your self up for the day to seize way of life photos and have a picnic on the identical time! You’ll additionally discover little crusing boats obtainable for rent to drift round within the fountain in entrance of the Palais du Luxembourg. Fontaine Medicis is nestled in somewhat nook and is effectively value a peek too.
#8 Avenue des Champs-Élysées – Evening Slow Motion Shots
Perhaps probably the most well-known road on the earth, the Avenue des Champs-Élysées is bustling all through the day with customers, vacationers and locals visiting the shops and places of work that reside right here. The finest time of day to {photograph} right here could be within the night as soon as the shops have closed and the streets are somewhat emptier. You’ll discover the gorgeous Arc de Triomphe sitting fairly on the high of the road ready to be photographed because the visitors lights glow under. In the center of the street are pedestrian islands so you may cease and take sluggish movement photographs with out worrying about being hit by a automotive!
#9 The Paris Metro – Murals + Architecture
Underneath the streets of Paris you’ll discover inventive areas and tunnels to {photograph}. Of course not each metro station is picturesque however some are little gems of creativity with murals, themed designs and artwork nouveau entrances. If you are feeling like coaching it across the metropolis take a peek at Arts et Métiers, Saint-Michel, Varenne (Rodin Museum), Concorde (designed as an enormous phrase puzzle), Abbesses and Cité stations.
#10 Marché aux fleurs Reine Elisabeth II
A flower markert on Ile de la Cite – Somewhat oasis simply close to Notre Dame
Nestled in a quiet sq. one block away from Notre Dame is the tranquil Marché aux fleurs Reine Elisabeth II market of Paris, certainly one of my favorite Paris images areas. Here you’ll discover what appears like a greenhouse of desires with so many blooming florals in rigorously organized bunches, it’s exhausting to imagine you’re proper within the centre of the town. Little inexperienced market stalls hyperlink collectively to kind a maze of all issues gardening and decor, boy is it photogenic!
#11 Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
Located on Boulevard Haussmann within the Opera district, this division retailer is a buying dream! It’s additionally for photographers, go to for the spectacular theatre-like design within the centre of the shop, a stunning bazaar! Take the steps to the highest degree for views throughout the town, it’s out of doors panoramic deck affords an alternate view of the Eiffel Tower and also you’ll be capable of seize spectacular photographs above the Palais Garnier.
Other notable Paris images Locations –
Marché Mouffetard: A slender road market described by Hemingway as ‘A Moveable Feast’. Colourful contemporary meals stalls and a vibrant ambiance!
Place de la Concorde: A major thoroughfare for vacationer buses and pedestrians, this can be a excellent spot to sit down on the stone partitions and watch the world go by. Located on the finish of the The Tuileries Garden not removed from the Louvre, it’s an enormous public sq. embellished with fountains. Side notice…you’ll additionally discover THE finest public bathroom in Paris right here on the entrance to the backyard. I’m not even joking, you’ll thank me later!
Palace of Versailles: A 40minute prepare journey out of the town will take you to the Palace of Versailles, an extravagant royal chateau. Have a peek inside right here.
Hotel de Ville: The city corridor of Paris is house to the town’s administration places of work nonetheless it’s exterior is way much less boring. Looking extra like a palace, the Hotel de Ville incorporates a beautiful Gothic roof and in winter it’s the backdrop to an enormous ice skating rink…it seems stunning lit up within the night too!
Le Stade Roland Garros: Even in the event you’re not on the town for the French Open in May, Roland Garros is a good day journey for tennis followers like me! You can get fortunate and see a event or take a tour behind the scenes. Catch the Metro to Porte d’Auteuil and wander the stunning space and parks too!
St Etienne du Mont: An spectacular Gothic church with distinctive particulars corresponding to stone spiral staircases and large stained glass window panels…mild and ethereal.
Galeries Vivienne: A hidden little arcade off Rue Des Petits Champs stuffed with character.
Roland Garros…tennis followers get your self right here!
The ceiling of Galeries Lafayette in Paris.
Hotel de Ville in winter
Galeries Vivienne (picture from Google Maps)
Palace of Versailles
The courtyard of Versailles Palace
Where to Stay in Paris
When masking quite a few Paris images areas, there are after all 1000’s of motels, residences and boutique properties to decide on between relying on which areas swimsuit you finest. For me, there’s one spot I like to remain when photographing Paris. Right close to the Eiffel Tower. Not solely as a result of this iconic magnificence is correct exterior the window, however since you’re near the Seine and a brief stroll from among the most stunning areas within the metropolis.
Mercure Paris Central Tour Eiffel – If you’re on the lookout for someplace fabulous to remain in Paris that doesn’t break the funds BUT affords views of the Eiffel Tower out of your room I’ve discovered simply the place! The Mercure Paris Central Tour Eiffel is just not solely a cool and actually snug lodge however it’s positioned one block from the Eiffel Tower! From your room you may watch because the tower sparkles earlier than you drift off to sleep, solely to wake and watch the dawn glow behind the French icon. Because I solely listing locations I’ve personally stayed, make sure you ask for room #1031, #1131 or #1211 for one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower! To examine room charges go to – Mercure Paris Central Tour Eiffel
Take a peek on the view from the room…
Take me with you: Maps to Paris Photography Locations
Map: DIY Paris Photo Walk
Start your strolling tour in Saint-Michel then stroll to the entire main websites of Paris, ending on the Luxembourg Gardens. This stroll takes over 4hours with out picture stops or going into museums and many others, so I extremely advocate breaking it up into just a few days! If you’re brief on time, soar on the metro to zip between areas simply.
Map: Paris Photography Locations
Now in the event you’re extra into catching the metro or selecting which areas you need to see, here’s a map to the entire images areas listed under on this information. You ought to be capable of click on open this map and add your personal areas, or create a personalized strolling tour. By clicking the ‘add directions’ button on the map it can convey up a Point A + Point B to work out instructions for driving or public transport.
Paris Photography Resources + Other Photogenic Locations in France
For all different articles referring to Paris and France, take a peek at my France Archives.
Want to share a few of your secret Paris images areas? If you’re prepared, I’d love to listen to about them within the feedback under!
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Hello! I’m the founder and photographer behind The Wandering Lens.
With 17+yrs expertise as an expert journey and panorama photographer, all recommendation discovered on this web site is from my private expertise on the street. I hope it’s helpful to your personal travels and would love to listen to within the feedback about your journeys and experiences all over the world.