12 Best Photo Spots in Paris For Epic Instagram Shots

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Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world: there are thousands of incredible photography spots all over the city. It’s impossible not to get your camera out at every street corner. Even though I grew up in Paris, I never get bored of walking around the city looking for epic Instagram shots! To make your trip a little easier, I have compiled a list of the best photo spots in Paris from the eyes of a local.

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The 12 Best Photo Spots in Paris

1. The Eiffel Tower from Trocadero

Trocadero Square is arguably the best place to photograph the Eiffel Tower. The steps and railings will provide endless opportunities to pose in front of it. The Trocadero steps are one the best photo spots in Paris, but also one of the busiest! The square is flooded with busloads of tourists for most of the day. The best time to take pictures at Trocadero is at sunrise, especially during winter when the sun rises right behind the Eiffel Tower. But if you’re not a morning person, don’t worry – you can still angle your picture with the railing to avoid crowds in your shot.

2. La Maison Rose in Montmartre

Walk up Rue de l’Abreuvoir in Montmartre and you’ll come across La Maison Rose: this cafe restaurant has become Instagram famous thanks to its pastel pink and green façade and is now an iconic photography location. If you go early in the morning the street is likely to be less busy and the restaurant will be closed. It’s the perfect time to take some quiet shots in front of the façade and down this adorable street without being bothered by crowds (and cars turning into you!). However, I tend to prefer this shot when the restaurant is actually open and the terrasse is lively. La Maison Rose and la Ruse de l’Abreuvoir are some of the best photo spots in Paris to create an epic Instagram shot!

3. Pont Alexandre III

Pont Alexandre III is probably the most ornate and extravagant bridge in the city. It’s one of my favorite photo spots in Paris, especially at sunset. There are a few angles to take epic Instagram pictures on and around this bridge. From the bridge itself, you can get a fabulous picture of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower in the background. You can also walk over a little bit to the right of the bridge along the “Quai de Seine” and shoot towards it.

4. The Quais de Seine

“Les Quais” are the banks on each side of the Seine. You can walk up alongside the railing or walk down the stairs and walk right by the river. There is not denying that Paris is one of the most romantic places in the world, and nothing quite beats a walk along the Seine at sunset with your significant other. I absolutely love walking by the Eiffel Tower because you will get a lot of unique vantage points along the way. These pictures were taken across the street from Trocadero by walking just a little bit to the left, showing both up and down the stairs. On this walk you will find some of the best photography locations in Paris. Bring a picnic to set up by the Seine for the ultimate Instagram shot!

5. Les Galleries Lafayette

Les Galleries Lafayette is a department store on Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th arrondissement. The glass dome is gorgeous all year round but the store really comes alive during the holidays. A gigantic tress is set up in the middle of the store and decorated in a completely unique fashion every year. The Galleries are one of the best photo spots in Paris during the holiday season.

6. The Palais Garnier

The Palais Garnier is the oldest opera house in Paris and the inside is a feast for the eyes. Make sure you are using a quality camera to take pictures as it is quite dark inside. But the details are so intricate, you will find dozens of unique angles to photograph the balconies and the grand ballroom.

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7. Les Bouquinistes

The riverside Bouquiniste bookstalls are the perfect backdrop for a quintessential Parisian shot. The old books and paintings will frame your photo with Notre Dame and l’Ile de la Cite in the background.

8. The Champs de Mars

The Champ de Mars is a large public green space and park located in the seventh arrondissement. It is another perfect location to photograph the Eiffel Tower with amazing tree framing. Champs de Mars is one of the best photo spots in Paris and another great place to bring a picnic. This area is especially gorgeous in the Spring when all the flowers are blooming.

9. The Quartier Latin

The Quartier Latin is located on the left bank of the Seine in the 5th and the 6th arrondissements. This area is full of cute cafes and adorable streets so it’s easy to find dozens of photo spots. My favorite would be the Odette Patisserie located on Rue Galande. And take a second to stop and try the cream puffs, they are definitely worth it!

10. La Madeleine

L’Eglise de La Madeleine is one of the most beautiful churches in Paris. It is one of the least known spots on this list but it definitely deserves a spot. We took this pretty picture from the balcony of the Hyatt Madeleine, which has an incredible view of the Church and the Eiffel Tower. La Madeleine is one of the best photo spots in Paris and will make for an amazing Instagram shot with the right angle and perspective.

11. Cafe Le Consulat in Montmartre

Le Consulat in Montmartre is one of the most Instagrammable cafes in Paris. Located at the heart of Montmartre, Le Consulat is a unique photo spot that has become extremely popular in the past few years. Avoid this area during the weekend and come early morning for a quiet shot of this cute cafe.

12. Notre Dame de Paris

Last but certainly not least, the gorgeous Notre Dame Cathedral. Probably the most photogenic spot in Paris, Notre Dame is breathtaking from all angles. To me, Notre Dame is the best photo spot in Paris, especially when photographed at sunset.

If you are looking for more itinerary inspiration, check out my Paris hidden gems, or if this is not your first trip, these unusual things to do in Paris.

Tell me your best photo spots in Paris so I can add them to the list!