Paris / 20 photo spots
20 Instagram spots around Paris
Paris rewards a closer look at its squares, gardens and monumental architecture. These photo ideas mix city landmarks with details that give each neighbourhood character.
The first 10 photo spots
Paris rewards photographers who go early and walk a lot. These 10 spots mix the landmarks with corners that photograph just as well.
Explore the map
Photo spots on the map
8 of 20 photo ideas have sourced location coordinates. The initial view is for orientation. An area marker does not indicate an exact photo position.
Select a highlighted number to show its sourced location on the map. Every name links to the photo spot.
If the map does not load, use the OpenStreetMap link or the photo spot list.
All photo spots
- Louvre MuseumSourced place
- Arc de TriompheSourced place
- Pont Alexandre IIISourced place
- Le ConsulatSourced place
- Place VendômeApproximate area
- Palais GarnierSourced place
- Jardin du LuxembourgApproximate area
- PanthéonSourced place
Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.
Destination reference: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Spot coordinates: Wikidata, CC0. Selection, association and some calculations by You, Me, Away.
Louvre Museum
The glass pyramid reflects the palace facades around the courtyard. Arrive before opening time to shoot the forecourt without tour groups.
Open in Google MapsInstagram examples (1)
Arc de Triomphe
The arch anchors the straight line from the Louvre through the Champs-Elysees. Shoot it from the middle of the avenue at the crosswalk, or go up top for the radial street view.
Open in Google MapsInstagram examples (2)
Pont Alexandre III
Gilded lamps, stone statues and a single steel span decorate this bridge over the Seine. Walk across at golden hour with the Invalides dome behind you.
Open in Google MapsInstagram examples (2)
Eiffel tower - Trocadéro
The Trocadero esplanade faces the Eiffel Tower straight across the river. Come at sunrise for an empty terrace, and include the carousel for a second composition.
Open in Google MapsColonnes de Buren - Palais Royal
Striped columns of different heights fill the courtyard of the Palais Royal. A wide angle from one corner fits the grid pattern best.
Open in Google MapsInstagram examples (1)
Notre Dame
The cathedral's towers and flying buttresses read well from the bridges on either side. Shoot from Pont de l'Archeveche at dusk for the lit facade over the water.
Open in Google MapsInstagram examples (1)
Pont de Bir-Hakeim
Two levels of steel arches carry the metro above and cars below, with the Eiffel Tower in line. The upper walkway frames the tower between the pillars.
Open in Google MapsInstagram examples (2)
Dior House
The Dior flagship on Rue Saint-Honore redecorates its facade for each season. Check the current installation before you go, since the look changes regularly.
Open in Google MapsLe Consulat
This corner restaurant in Montmartre keeps its old painted facade and awning. A straight-on shot from across Rue Norvins fits the whole frontage.
Open in Google MapsInstagram examples (2)
Montmartre - La Maison Rose, a small café
Pink walls with green shutters make La Maison Rose a much-painted corner of Paris. Shoot from the uphill side of the street to include the cobbles in the foreground.
Open in Google MapsInstagram examples (1)
Place des Vosges
Red brick façades and arcades surround the garden at Place des Vosges. Photograph through an arcade to frame the square and repeat its arches across the image.
Search Google MapsPlace Vendôme
The column at Place Vendôme anchors a square lined with formal façades. Position it between two sides of the square to build a balanced, architectural composition.
Search Google MapsPlace Dauphine
Place Dauphine sits on the Île de la Cité behind the Palais de Justice. Use the surrounding buildings and trees to make a layered portrait of the square.
Search Google MapsPalais Garnier
The ornate Palais Garnier faces Place de l’Opéra. Photograph the opera house from the square and leave room around the façade so its decorative details remain in context.
Search Google MapsJardin du Luxembourg
The Luxembourg Gardens surround the Palais du Luxembourg. Compose with a garden path in the foreground and the palace beyond to give the formal setting a clear focal point.
Search Google MapsJardin des Tuileries
The Tuileries gardens lie between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. Use a path or a sculpture in the foreground to create depth in the formal landscape.
Search Google MapsParc des Buttes-Chaumont
A lake, footbridge and the Temple de la Sybille shape this hilly park. Include the water beneath the temple to show the height and layers of the landscape.
Search Google MapsGalerie Vivienne
The Galerie Vivienne pairs a glass roof with colourful mosaic floors. Compose along the passage so the roof and floor form two parallel paths through the frame.
Search Google MapsBasilique du Sacré-Cœur
The white basilica crowns the hill of Montmartre. Choose a view from below and include the approach in the foreground to emphasise its position above the city.
Search Google MapsPanthéon
The Panthéon’s columned front and large dome rise above the Latin Quarter. A straight-on composition can bring out the symmetry of the building and the square.
Search Google MapsSources for the added photo spots
- Paris je t’aime: Parisian squares
- Paris je t’aime: Place des Vosges
- Paris je t’aime: Place Dauphine
- Paris je t’aime: Saint-Germain and Luxembourg Gardens
- Paris je t’aime: Jardin des Tuileries
- Paris je t’aime: A walk above Belleville
- Paris je t’aime: Galerie Vivienne
- Paris je t’aime: Basilique du Sacré-Cœur
- Paris je t’aime: A walk in the Latin Quarter