The Best Paris Photoshoot Locations for first-timers
Many of my clients are visiting Paris for the very first time, which makes the choice of photoshoot location obvious – after all, where better to capture the magic of Paris than in front of its most majestic, unmistakable icons?
If you ask me, my top three recommendations are: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and… a Parisian café. Yes, the Arc de Triomphe and Sacré-Cœur are absolutely legendary, but there’s something about the simple pleasure of sitting at a café with a croissant and coffee that feels just as iconic — maybe even more so.
In this blog, I am going to share photos of many popular locations, including a few of my favourites that don’t always come to mind as the most obvious option.
The Eiffel Tower
Location: Trocadero
The Trocadero is in the 16ème arrondissement of Paris and is named after the 1823 Battle of Trocadero, in which the French opposed the Spanish liberals. The Trocadero is one of the most visited areas of Paris, due to its magnificent view of the Eiffel Tower. It’s just the perfect spot to have your photo taken with the legendary monument. The famous stairs and that epic bird’s-eye view of the tower are a favourite spot for many people.
After the Trocadero, we can head towards the tower, through the Jardins de Trocadero, which is perfect for a romantic stroll, especially in Spring when the sakura blossoms are blooming. I have taken many sweet photos here, and I love the idea of a park with an Eiffel Tower view.
Since this blog post was published, I have written a complete post about: Eiffel Tower Photoshoots
TIP: Where to eat after your Eiffel Tower photoshoot.
There are a few food trucks around the Trocadero and gardens; they mostly sell drinks and sweets like crepes and gaufres. Other than that, if you are truly hungry, I recommend moving far away from the touristy areas and finding a bistro which all have standard French-style food like steak and frites, steak tartare, onion soup, etc.
Ask me for other recommendations – I have a bunch saved on Instagram.
Le Palais du Louvre
Originally a French palace, which became a museum – the biggest in the world – during the French Revolution between 1789 and 1799. The palace features incredible architecture, with of course, at the centre of it, the famous glass pyramid. Depending on the time you visit, it can be crowded so early mornings are the best for photoshoots. A little secret of my own, there’s another court behind the main one, which is much less crowded, so it’s great for photoshoots with the grand architecture of the Louvre in the background.
Les Jardins des Tuileries
Touching le Louvre is Les Jardins des Tuileries. The Tuileries is a public park which was originally the gardens of the French monarchs who lived in the Tuileries Palace. Les Tuileries has many photogenic possibilities, my favourite is the classic view of the two rows of trees leading into a vanishing point that brings the eye to the Palais du Louvre in the background.
A recce is a good idea if you wish to shoot here as there’s so many different backgrounds with different vantage points including some spots with the Eiffel Tower in the far off distance.
Palais Royal
Cross Rue Rivoli from the Louvre, and you will find the Palais Royal, also an ancient royal palace. It’s popular in the photography scene for its stunning ambient light, the limestone walls look fabulous in photos and work as a natural reflector. Les colonnes de Buren is an artwork located in the inner court of the palace, great to take fun photos with kids.
Authorisation and permits
Word of warning, Les Tuileries and Jardins de Luxembourg are the only locations where I have been asked to leave as a professional shoot was not permitted without authorisation. I have also been asked to stop looking so professional at Palais Royal 🙂 I had set up a tripod to attach a reflector and the polite security said that this type of equipment was not permitted.
What time of year is the best for a Paris photoshoot?
One word: Spring. The weather is always so fickle but Spring is my favourite time of year in Paris.
What if it rains? Here is an alternative photoshoot location that still features the Paris icons.
The threat of rain is only too real however unless it really is bucketing down, I will always go ahead with my planned photoshoot. A really nice umbrella as an accessory can be a cute addition to a shoot. I have one in clear plastic which matches all outfits and a lovely big red one too.
I allow a little more time when the weather is being temperamental as that gives us the option to pop into a cafe or brasserie to wait out the showers and warm up. Photos in cafes can also be a cool addition to your photo shoot!
The Bir Hakeim bridge
The Bir Hakeim bridge is probably the best place to shoot the Eiffel Tower if it is raining in Paris on the day of your photoshoot. The bridge provides cover and the Eiffel Tower still makes an appearance in the distance. If there is a break in the rain, the balcony over the river offers another angle with the typical Parisian residential architecture also appearing in the background.
Am I going to look or feel silly?
Paris is so used to professional photoshoots. Bloggers and social influencers are EVERYWHERE. Parisians don’t take its reputation as one of the most beautiful cities in the world for granted and locals often stop to enjoy my clients in their beautiful gowns… especially in the lesser common spots like on Ave de Camoens. As for tourists, I can see them wondering if my client isn’t some kind of celebrity 🙂
