17 Best Paris Photo Spots – Stunning Eiffel Tower Views & Hidden Gems

Trocadero is a spectacular stage for Paris’s most instantly recognizable view of the Eiffel Tower. This multi-tiered location offers countless fabulous photo opportunities. The central platform (Parvis des Droits de l’Homme) and east and west terraces capture that must-have tower shot. Below, elegant staircases and the Warsaw Fountain create additional enchanting scenes with the Iron Lady.

Best Time to Arrive: For optimal results, rise with the sun. Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes before daybreak, allowing time to meet your photographer, review the session plan, and claim the ideal spot as the light emerges.
Year-Round Beauty: Spring’s cherry blossoms enchant, but Trocadero dazzles no matter which season you visit.
Recommended Duration: 45 Minutes
Photo Sequence:

• Start at the main platform or side terraces for your essential Eiffel Tower photographs.
• Move to one of the symmetrical grand staircases. When posing on walls, safety comes first.
• Visit the Warsaw Fountain for breathtaking Tower views. During summer, the active fountains create spectacular backdrops (stay mindful of water spray to protect your attire).
• The Trocadero Gardens offer beautiful green spaces perfect for stylish picnic scenes (we can arrange stunning photos and delicious food here; just ask).
• Conclude at Pont d’Iéna with dramatic Tower views, or capture additional photos while awaiting your ride to the next destination (such as the Louvre, Alexander III Bridge, or Notre Dame).

Ideal For: Couples, families, solo travelers.
Nearby Locations: Avenue de Camoëns (3 min), Pont d’Iéna (2 min), Bir Hakeim Bridge (10 min).

Pont de Bir Hakeim is one of Paris’s most cinematic bridges, and it has been featured in films like Inception and Midnight in Paris. This dual-level structure offers striking Eiffel Tower views from its elegant steel arches and central island platform.

Best Time to Arrive: Both sunrise and evening work beautifully. Arrive 10-15 minutes before sunrise to capture incredible silhouettes and be the first to get the dazzling infinity arch effect along the covered walkway. Evening sessions catch golden light playing off the Seine. This location is also an excellent backup during rain, as the covered passage provides shelter.
Recommended Duration: 30 Minutes
Photo Sequence:

• Begin with silhouettes under the main central arch before sunrise
• Capture the stunning infinity view along the covered walkway
• Move to the central island for unique perspectives of the Eiffel Tower
• Explore the Seine cobblestone paths or continue to nearby spots like Trocadéro, Avenue de Camoëns, or Pont d’Iéna.

Important Notes:

• Bir Hakeim Bridge is not recommended for families with small children due to traffic
• For proposals, consider the central island; opt for a photographer’s associate (ask us to add one to your photography collection) to help keep crowds at bay.

Nearby Locations: Avenue de Camoëns (10 min), Pont d’Iéna (10 min), Trocadéro (10-13 min).

Pont Alexandre III, commissioned for the 1900 World’s Fair and featured in films like Midnight in Paris and Emily in Paris, is Paris’s most ornate bridge. Its gilded sculptures, Art Nouveau lamps, and French Baroque details create a striking backdrop connecting the Grand Palais to Les Invalides.

Best Time to Arrive: This location works beautifully throughout the day, but sunset and blue hour create pure magic. The evening offers enchanting scenes with illuminated lampposts reflecting off the Seine. Early sunrise provides serene views of Les Invalides and editorial opportunities on the Petit Palais steps.

Recommended Duration: 30-40 Minutes

Photo Sequence:

• Begin with western-facing bridge shots toward the Eiffel Tower
• Explore the beautiful alcoves on the Grand Palais side (following safety guidelines near walls)
• Capture riverside views from the Seine staircases
• Conclude at the grand Petit Palais steps

Important Notes:

• Evening sessions benefit from a lighting associate to balance exposure for Paris landmarks and assist with crowd management.
• An ideal starting point for extended photo sessions, including the Tuileries Garden, Louvre, and Passerelle Léopold-Sédar-Senghor.

Nearby Locations: Place Vendôme (15 min), Tuileries Garden (12 min), Grand Palais (3 min), Petit Palais (2 min), Champs-Élysées (10 min), Passerelle Léopold-Sédar-Senghor (10 min), Louvre Museum (20 min).

Avenue de Camoëns, a charming residential street featured in the final season of Emily in Paris, offers one of the most elegant Eiffel Tower views in Paris. This intimate location provides unobstructed views of the Iron Lady without the distractions of traffic, vendors, or crowds.

Best Time to Arrive: This location shines throughout the day and evening. Morning light creates soft, romantic photo opportunities, while evening sessions capture the Eiffel Tower’s golden glow.

Recommended Duration: 10 Minutes

Important Notes:

• A sophisticated alternative to the bustling Trocadéro for Eiffel Tower pictures
• Popular for wall-sitting portraits (safety is always the top priority)
• Consider combining with nearby locations for a diverse photo collection

Nearby Locations: Trocadéro (4 min), Pont d’Iéna (8 min), Bir Hakeim Bridge (10 min)

Booking Requirements

• Shangri-La, Four Seasons, and Bulgari require booking their Eiffel Tower terrace suite/penthouse for the night.
• Our private residential terrace and the Peninsula’s Secret Table offer convenient hourly rentals.
• L’Oiseau Blanc, which owns and operates the Secret Table, mandates that evening proposals include their 6-course tasting menu served by a private butler.

Dining Options

• Venues with professional kitchens often provide Michelin-starred fine dining experiences, complete with butler service.
• Locations without commercial kitchens welcome elegant picnics paired with Champagne and culinary treats.

Space & Capacity

• The Peninsula Secret Table suits intimate celebrations (4-5 people maximum) and solo travelers
• Larger spaces like Bulgari or the Peninsula’s L’Oiseau Blanc terrace below the Secret Table accommodate bigger groups
• Most private venues excel for proposals, elopements, and private festivities

Logistics

• Professional coordinator/planner required for most venues
• Vendors must show European ID and professional insurance at some commercial properties
• Strict elevator access protocols for security clearance and vendor management

Special Considerations:

• Perfect for couples seeking privacy
• Ideal for select cultural preferences requiring discretion
• Professional planning ensures smooth and timely access

Le Recrutement Café, a distinguished brasserie in the 7th arrondissement, offers a quintessential Parisian café setting along Boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg. Select tables provide understated Eiffel Tower views, while the classic façade creates an authentic backdrop for street photography.

Best Time to Arrive: Visit right at opening or around 9:45 AM after the morning rush subsides. The afternoon sweet spot falls between 2:30-4:00 PM, after lunch service, but before evening diners arrive.

Recommended Duration: 30-40 Minutes (including 15-20 minutes for seating, ordering, and waiting for your coffee service)

Photo Sequence:

• Once seated, capture café scenes with subtle Eiffel Tower views in the background
• Document the coffee service and traditional café elements
• Create walking shots along Boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg

Important Notes:

• Tables with Eiffel Tower views are first-come, first-served
• Always order from the café when using tables for photography
• Maintain a discreet approach to respect other patrons’ dining experience

Nearby Locations: Les Invalides (8 min), Pont de l’Alma (12 min), Champ de Mars (15 min)

The Louvre Museum, a former royal palace turned world-renowned art museum, presents an architectural masterpiece. The glass pyramids contrast boldly against 16th-century limestone façades, while majestic colonnades and expansive courtyards offer exceptional backdrop diversity.

Best Time to Arrive: The Louvre offers exceptional photos throughout the day, with these prime times:

• Early morning for soft light and minimal crowds (Summer note: check courtyard access hours due to security gates)
• Blue hour when illuminated pyramids and lanterns create a striking contrast against the deep sky
• Even midday excels here, a rarity among Paris locations

Recommended Duration: 60 Minutes

Photo Sequence:

• Start in the main courtyard behind the pyramids (opposite the museum entrance)
• Include the fountains when operating
• Visit the symmetrical walls (left or right side) at the pathway before the underpass to the rear courtyard – both offer excellent elevated, crowd-free vantage points
• Visit Colbert Pavilion’s magnificent staircase

Additional Locations:

• Palais Royal for cinematic shots (columns, courtyards, garden)
• Pont des Arts for enchanting Seine River panoramas
• Passerelle Léopold-Sédar Senghor: Choose between eye-catching portraits on the lower level or sweeping views of Paris landmarks (Eiffel Tower, Grand Palais, Musée d’Orsay, Louvre)
• Select cafés for authentic lifestyle photographs

Important Notes:

• The museum may close on Tuesday evenings
• Security barriers can limit summer sunrise access
• Expect temporary closures during special events and Paris Fashion Week preparations (particularly in the rear courtyard)
• Security protocols discourage proposals or formal bridal photography

Nearby Locations: Within a 5-10 minute walk are Palais Royal, Pont des Arts, and the Tuileries Garden. A 10-15 minute stroll brings you to Passerelle Léopold-Sédar Senghor, Square du Vert-Galant (perfect for picnic sessions), and Pont Neuf. For those venturing 15-20 minutes out, reach Notre Dame and Shakespeare & Company.

Palais Royal, a historic treasure in central Paris, combines contemporary art with classical French grandeur. Featured in films like Mission Impossible and Midnight in Paris, this location showcases the striking Buren Columns alongside elegant covered walkways and manicured gardens.

Best Time to Arrive: This location offers distinct vibes throughout the day:

• Sunrise to 9:30 AM for minimal crowds at the Buren Columns
• Morning light floods the covered walkways with soft, flattering light
• Domaine National du Palais-Royal opens at 8:30 AM year-round
• Jardin du Palais Royal opens at 8:00 AM year-round

Recommended Duration: 30-40 Minutes

Photo Sequence:

• Start with playful shots at the iconic Buren Columns
• Move to the covered walkways with their limestone columns and antique lanterns
• Visit the gardens’ tree-lined esplanades, where benches adorned with French poetry create fantastic settings for couples
• Include the central fountain to add variety to your collection
• Finish along the dreamy outer arcades, famous for Mission Impossible chase scenes

Important Notes:

• The Buren Columns area becomes crowded after mid-morning
• Domaine National closes at 10:30 PM
• Jardin du Palais Royal closes at 8:00 PM
• Areas may close during Paris Fashion Week

Nearby Locations: The Louvre Museum and Rue de Rivoli are within 5 minutes. Pont des Arts and Seine River views are a 10-minute walk. Place Vendôme and Tuileries Garden are 15 minutes away.

While Notre Dame’s instantly recognizable façade can be captured from Rue de la Bûcherie, the area’s true appeal extends to its Seine River scenery, cobblestone streets, and Left Bank atmosphere. Featured in films like Mission Impossible and Midnight in Paris, these riverside vistas showcase classic Paris.

Best Time to Arrive:

• Early morning to beat the crowds
• Early April for fabulous cherry blossoms along Square Jean XXIII
• Evening sessions can combine Notre Dame with extraordinary Blue Hour portraits at the Louvre (20-30 minutes after sunset)

Recommended Duration: 60-90 Minutes

Photo Sequence:

• Begin at Pont au Double, a picturesque wooden bridge with vintage lampposts and beautiful Seine views
• Take the stone staircases down to the riverfront quays for timeless compositions
• Visit Square Jean XXIII’s garden paths (lovely cherry blossoms in early April)
• Stop at Shakespeare and Company Café (opens 9:30 AM) for lifestyle shots with a book and one of Paris’s finest cappuccinos
• Conclude with a memorable portrait featuring Notre Dame from Rue de la Bûcherie

Important Notes:

• Occasionally, Seine floods may affect staircase access
• The area becomes busy after mid-morning
• Cherry blossoms bloom in early April, though garden access can be limited
• Be mindful of pickpockets

Nearby Locations Square du Vert-Galant (10 minutes), Shakespeare and Company (3 minutes), Pont Neuf (7 minutes), Latin Quarter streets (10 minutes), Saint-Chapelle (5 minutes), Louvre Museum (15 minutes)

Parc Monceau whispers tales of aristocratic splendor from Paris’s 8th arrondissement. This intimate park, created in 1778 as an English-inspired fantasy, became a canvas for creative excess. The Rotonde de Chartres—once a grand toll gate—now stands as a neoclassical masterpiece, while La Naumachie’s Corinthian colonnade reflects in the park’s tranquil waters.

Spring transforms these grounds into nature’s theater as cherry trees burst into clouds of pink blossoms above manicured lawns. Morning light transforms La Naumachie’s reflection—the same view that captivated Monet’s brush—into ribbons of gold across still waters. Writers find inspiration on benches near statues of Maupassant and Chopin while children play beneath century-old plane trees.

Unlike the grand expanse of Bois de Boulogne or the tourist flow at Jardin des Tuileries, Parc Monceau offers an intimate refuge where Right Bank residents savor their afternoons. Gilded gates frame each entrance, setting the tone for this refined green space, where architectural follies watch over champagne toasts.

Best Time to Visit: Early April captures peak cherry blossoms; arrive at sunrise for tranquil morning light.
What Makes It Special: Aristocratic follies meet peaceful intimacy; Right Bank refinement.
Best Photo Spots: La Naumachie, Cherry blossom archways, La Rotonde de Chartres
Good to Know: This compact treasure fills quickly on warm days. Our discreet setups complement the park’s elegant atmosphere. The park closes earlier than other Parisian gardens—we’ll time your experience perfectly.

Crowning Paris’s highest hill, Montmartre presents various enchanting locations for a picnic in Paris. The neighborhood’s artistic soul lives in its winding cobblestone streets, where Picasso and Modigliani once roamed. Below the white domes of Sacré-Cœur, the terraced lawns of Square Louise-Michel cascade down the hillside, offering sweeping views across the capital’s rooftops.

Behind the basilica, Parc de la Turlure provides an intimate setting with its grassy slopes sheltered by mature trees. Street musicians’ melodies drift up from the squares below while fresh crêpes and coffee aromas float from nearby cafés. The historic Clos Montmartre vineyard adds rural charm, and though picnicking among the vines isn’t permitted, the surrounding streets offer scenic spots to pause, with provisions from the artisanal shops along Rue Lepic.

As evening approaches, small groups gather on the Square Louise-Michel steps, sharing wine and cheese while the light bathes landmarks in gold. Place du Tertre buzzes with artists crafting caricatures and portraits—a playful stop for couples and families seeking a memorable souvenir of their visit.

Best Time to Picnic: Early evening until sunset, when crowds thin and light softens. Spring and early fall offer pleasant temperatures and clearer skies.
What Makes It Special: The combination of sweeping Paris views, artistic heritage, and village-like atmosphere creates an experience unique to this hilltop haven.
Best Photo Spots: The Sacré-Cœur’s grand staircase (featured in John Wick), Square Louise-Michel’s geometric gardens, the charming Rue de l’Abreuvoir, and quiet corners of La Turlure.
Good to Know: Pack comfortable shoes for the climb or take the funicular. Find exceptional provisions along Rue Lepic’s fromageries and boulangeries.

At the western tip of Île de la Cité, Square du Vert-Galant offers a secluded hideaway where the Seine embraces Paris. Named after Henri IV, the “Green Gallant” king known for his romantic nature, this triangular haven sits below street level—offering an intimate escape from the city’s rhythm. Ancient weeping willows bow gracefully, while stone walls cradle this unique space at the river’s edge.

From this sheltered sanctuary, Paris reveals itself like a living canvas. Boats glide past as bridges arch overhead, creating a sense of being on your private vessel in the heart of the city. The garden’s position provides a natural theater for watching light dance across the Seine. Surrounded on three sides by the river, you’ll discover an almost island-like feeling of escape.

The square’s location makes it ideal for combining your picnic with exploring Paris’s historic heart. The Louvre’s grandeur beckons from one bank, while Notre Dame rises majestically from another. Steps away, Pont Neuf—Paris’s oldest bridge—stands witness to centuries of romance, while Île Saint-Louis invites afternoon strolls through its historic streets.

Best Time to Picnic: Early mornings and the pre-sunset golden hour. Spring through early autumn provides ideal conditions, with weekdays offering more tranquility.
What Makes It Special: A water-level garden creating the sensation of floating on the Seine, complete with unique views of Paris’s most beautiful bridges and monuments.
Best Photo Spots Nearby: Notre-Dame Cathedral, Pont Neuf, Pont des Arts, The Louvre, Île Saint-Louis’s charming streets.
Good to Know: Access requires descending stairs, and space fills up quickly during peak hours. No public restrooms within the square.

At the western tip of Île de la Cité, Square du Vert-Galant offers a secluded hideaway where the Seine embraces Paris. Named after Henri IV, the “Green Gallant” king known for his romantic nature, this triangular haven sits below street level—offering an intimate escape from the city’s rhythm. Ancient weeping willows bow gracefully, while stone walls cradle this unique space at the river’s edge.

From this sheltered sanctuary, Paris reveals itself like a living canvas. Boats glide past as bridges arch overhead, creating a sense of being on your private vessel in the heart of the city. The garden’s position provides a natural theater for watching light dance across the Seine. Surrounded on three sides by the river, you’ll discover an almost island-like feeling of escape.

The square’s location makes it ideal for combining your picnic with exploring Paris’s historic heart. The Louvre’s grandeur beckons from one bank, while Notre Dame rises majestically from another. Steps away, Pont Neuf—Paris’s oldest bridge—stands witness to centuries of romance, while Île Saint-Louis invites afternoon strolls through its historic streets.

Best Time to Picnic: Early mornings and the pre-sunset golden hour. Spring through early autumn provides ideal conditions, with weekdays offering more tranquility.
What Makes It Special: A water-level garden creating the sensation of floating on the Seine, complete with unique views of Paris’s most beautiful bridges and monuments.
Best Photo Spots Nearby: Notre-Dame Cathedral, Pont Neuf, Pont des Arts, The Louvre, Île Saint-Louis’s charming streets.
Good to Know: Access requires descending stairs, and space fills up quickly during peak hours. No public restrooms within the square.

At the western tip of Île de la Cité, Square du Vert-Galant offers a secluded hideaway where the Seine embraces Paris. Named after Henri IV, the “Green Gallant” king known for his romantic nature, this triangular haven sits below street level—offering an intimate escape from the city’s rhythm. Ancient weeping willows bow gracefully, while stone walls cradle this unique space at the river’s edge.

From this sheltered sanctuary, Paris reveals itself like a living canvas. Boats glide past as bridges arch overhead, creating a sense of being on your private vessel in the heart of the city. The garden’s position provides a natural theater for watching light dance across the Seine. Surrounded on three sides by the river, you’ll discover an almost island-like feeling of escape.

The square’s location makes it ideal for combining your picnic with exploring Paris’s historic heart. The Louvre’s grandeur beckons from one bank, while Notre Dame rises majestically from another. Steps away, Pont Neuf—Paris’s oldest bridge—stands witness to centuries of romance, while Île Saint-Louis invites afternoon strolls through its historic streets.

Best Time to Picnic: Early mornings and the pre-sunset golden hour. Spring through early autumn provides ideal conditions, with weekdays offering more tranquility.
What Makes It Special: A water-level garden creating the sensation of floating on the Seine, complete with unique views of Paris’s most beautiful bridges and monuments.
Best Photo Spots Nearby: Notre-Dame Cathedral, Pont Neuf, Pont des Arts, The Louvre, Île Saint-Louis’s charming streets.
Good to Know: Access requires descending stairs, and space fills up quickly during peak hours. No public restrooms within the square.

At the western tip of Île de la Cité, Square du Vert-Galant offers a secluded hideaway where the Seine embraces Paris. Named after Henri IV, the “Green Gallant” king known for his romantic nature, this triangular haven sits below street level—offering an intimate escape from the city’s rhythm. Ancient weeping willows bow gracefully, while stone walls cradle this unique space at the river’s edge.

From this sheltered sanctuary, Paris reveals itself like a living canvas. Boats glide past as bridges arch overhead, creating a sense of being on your private vessel in the heart of the city. The garden’s position provides a natural theater for watching light dance across the Seine. Surrounded on three sides by the river, you’ll discover an almost island-like feeling of escape.

The square’s location makes it ideal for combining your picnic with exploring Paris’s historic heart. The Louvre’s grandeur beckons from one bank, while Notre Dame rises majestically from another. Steps away, Pont Neuf—Paris’s oldest bridge—stands witness to centuries of romance, while Île Saint-Louis invites afternoon strolls through its historic streets.

Best Time to Picnic: Early mornings and the pre-sunset golden hour. Spring through early autumn provides ideal conditions, with weekdays offering more tranquility.
What Makes It Special: A water-level garden creating the sensation of floating on the Seine, complete with unique views of Paris’s most beautiful bridges and monuments.
Best Photo Spots Nearby: Notre-Dame Cathedral, Pont Neuf, Pont des Arts, The Louvre, Île Saint-Louis’s charming streets.
Good to Know: Access requires descending stairs, and space fills up quickly during peak hours. No public restrooms within the square.

At the western tip of Île de la Cité, Square du Vert-Galant offers a secluded hideaway where the Seine embraces Paris. Named after Henri IV, the “Green Gallant” king known for his romantic nature, this triangular haven sits below street level—offering an intimate escape from the city’s rhythm. Ancient weeping willows bow gracefully, while stone walls cradle this unique space at the river’s edge.

From this sheltered sanctuary, Paris reveals itself like a living canvas. Boats glide past as bridges arch overhead, creating a sense of being on your private vessel in the heart of the city. The garden’s position provides a natural theater for watching light dance across the Seine. Surrounded on three sides by the river, you’ll discover an almost island-like feeling of escape.

The square’s location makes it ideal for combining your picnic with exploring Paris’s historic heart. The Louvre’s grandeur beckons from one bank, while Notre Dame rises majestically from another. Steps away, Pont Neuf—Paris’s oldest bridge—stands witness to centuries of romance, while Île Saint-Louis invites afternoon strolls through its historic streets.

Best Time to Picnic: Early mornings and the pre-sunset golden hour. Spring through early autumn provides ideal conditions, with weekdays offering more tranquility.
What Makes It Special: A water-level garden creating the sensation of floating on the Seine, complete with unique views of Paris’s most beautiful bridges and monuments.
Best Photo Spots Nearby: Notre-Dame Cathedral, Pont Neuf, Pont des Arts, The Louvre, Île Saint-Louis’s charming streets.
Good to Know: Access requires descending stairs, and space fills up quickly during peak hours. No public restrooms within the square.

Pont des Arts is one of Paris’s most picturesque bridges, offering dreamy views in both directions. This pedestrian bridge gives you the Eiffel Tower to the west and Notre Dame Cathedral’s spires to the east. Looking east offers Paris’s quintessential postcard view—the Seine River gracefully splitting around Île de la Cité, framed by the historic Pont Neuf and the tree-filled Square du Vert-Galant, with colorful houseboats adding life to the riverbank.

Best Time to Arrive: Early morning brings soft, flattering light and fewer crowds. We also love evening sessions for their romantic vibe and beautiful lighting.
Recommended Duration: 10-15 Minutes
Photo Tips:

• Capture both stunning perspectives—the Eiffel Tower to the west and the Seine’s division around Île de la Cité with Notre Dame rising beyond to the east.
• Mix portraits against the railing with fun bench shots and romantic strolls along the bridge, using the Seine’s flowing waters as your backdrop. Note: The bridge’s wooden planks run its full length, with small gaps between boards that require attention from those wearing heels

Ideal For: Couples, solo travelers, and surprise proposals.
Nearby Locations: The Louvre (3 min), Palais Royal (7 min), Tuileries Garden (7 min), Square du Vert-Galant (5 min), Léopold Sédar Senghor (4 min).