11 Photogenic Spots in Paris

The Pont Alexandre III is one of the most gorgeously iconic bridges in Paris, a historic monument inaugurated in 1900 to connect the Invalides on the Left Bank to the Grand Palais and Petit Palais on the Right Bank. At its four extremities are huge 17-meter-high pylons crowned with gilt bronze sculptures of winged horses. From the bridge you can enjoy a sweeping view of these buildings as well as the Eiffel Tower and over the Seine, which are particularly stunning in the spectacular glow of sunset.

The iconic Louvre Pyramid was built in the 1980s as the main entrance to the Louvre Museum. Its modern glass structure forms a daring contrast with the historic facades of the Louvre, stretching to the epic heights of 21 meters, and has become a historic landmark in its own right. The puddles from the fountains can be crafted into an incredibly photogenic shot.

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, commonly known as Sacré–Cœur Basilica, is a world famous Roman Catholic church consecrated in 1919. It offers beautiful panoramic views from the top of the Butte Montmarte, and while it is already established as one of the most iconic monuments in Paris, experimenting with multiple exposure in your shots can add a vibrant sense of motion to the surrounding landscape.

The sweeping panoramic view from the 6th floor of this contemporary arts museum is quintessentially Parisian, stretching across the rooftops and right over to the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, and the Defense in the distance. The price of this panoramic view is included in the entrance ticket.

Notre Dame is the medieval Catholic cathedral that literally everyone knows about. Since it is widely considered to be one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture, and is among the largest and most well-known church buildings in the world, a shot directly from the bottom of the cathedral is probably a little cliché. However, you can create a fabulous photo from the nearby Nouvelle Seine peniche (where you can also dine), framing the building in the foliage to accentuate its mysterious, gothic character.

The Pont de Bir-Hakeim is one of the lesser known bridges in Paris, usually visited only as a stopping point to the Eiffel Tower, making its stunning nighttime silhouette a more unique shot. It’s a two-level bridge built in the early 20th century whose double structure is aesthetically complementary to the stone buildings in the background.

The Galeries Lafayette is an upmarket French department store chain whose flagship store is located on Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. The building oozes opulence at every turn, bearing more resemblance to the interior of an opera house than to a shopping center.

Le Meurice is one of the most elegant hotels in the world whose five-star facilities boast dreamy interiors of extravagant Louis XVI décor that have been dazzling celebrities for centuries. Nestled in the heart of the 1st arrondissement, between the Place de la Concorde, Musée du Louvre, and the Tuileries Garden, you’ll find the most photogenic restaurant in Paris. Le Meurice’s two Michelin-starred restaurant is named in the honor of one of their most surreal guests.

Rue de Rivoli is one of the most famous and iconic streets in Paris. This isn’t just because it’s home to some of the most fashionable names in the world, but because of its uniquely militant architecture. Rue de Rivoli runs along the north wing of the Louvre Palace in an unflinchingly straight line, with cute lanterns dotted along each archway.

This list would not be complete without mention of the world famous monument, the Eiffel Tower. While this wrought iron lattice tower situated on the Champ de Mars in Paris has been featuring on postcards ever since its completion in 1889, you can still get creative with your photography. This can be achieved by shooting from below on the nearby bridges, rather than directly in front of the monument where all the tourists will be doing the same thing. The streetlights make a fabulous aesthetic match.

The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most triumphal Parisian monuments, looming over the western end of the Champs-Élysées at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle at 164 feet high and 148 feet wide. Built between 1806 and 1836 at the request of Napoleon, it’s iconic in style and sculpture, and particularly stunning when the photographer captures its delicate design and engravings. L’Arc de Triomphe is the second largest arch in the world.