The photography guide to
Paris
Paris photography guide
Our contributors have added 49 photo spots to this Paris photo guide. Have you discovered an amazing new location in Paris?
Introduction
Paris is the second most visited European city and definitely up there when it comes to dream destinations for photography. Known as 'The City of Light', Paris is the epitome of romance, culture and elegance. Each Arrondissement has its own individual personality and each offers different photographic opportunities. Wander along the banks of the river Seine, or down the tree-lined Champs Elysées, explore the many iconic landmarks, museums, and monuments, find an elevated view of the city skyline with its endless rooftops, or treat yourself to a coffee or 'apéro' on the terrace of a traditional Parisian café while you snap the world going by- there's plenty to explore here. However much time you have in this city, it will never be enough, so we've pulled together some of the best photo spots in Paris to help you get the most of your stay and find some inspiration from fellow photographers who have visited before you.
Light changes everything in a city like Paris. The best light is when the sun is first rising for those first couple hours before it gets too bright and the hour just before sunset.
There are few restrictions to photographing in Paris other than the usual you would expect in a city. Buildings such as museums, churches and art galleries will display their own guidelines clearly. When it comes to using a tripod, apply common sense when photographing in crowded areas where a tripod might be an irritation to others or even be a safety hazard.
Most popular Paris photo spots
Travel
Fly into one of two main airports in Paris: 1) Charles de Gaulle Airport - take the RER train, bus or night bus to the city centre (approx €6 to €18; taxi €50 to €55). Note it's more expensive evenings and Sundays.
2) Orly Airport - take train to Orlyval then RER,, bus or night buses to the centre (approx€8.70 to €13.25; T7 tram to Villejuif–Louis Aragon then metro to centre; taxi approx €30 to €35.
Arrive by train into Gare du Nord train station within central Paris - served by the Metro.
This is a city best explored on foot and by Metro & RER. There are city bike schemes such as Vélib’ bikes with docking stations across the city (electric bikes also available).
The Batobus offers a handy hop-on/off service stopping at key destinations along the Seine.
Links
Plan your trip
Transport in Paris
Book Eiffel Tower tickets
Explore more photo spots in France
If you want to explore beyond Paris, we have 333 photo spots that you can visit in France.
Curated By
Frédéric Monin Curator
James Billings. Curator
We hope you enjoy this guide to photographing Paris - don't forget to share your images on PhotoHound and tag us on social media using hashtag #photohound