PHOTO // FRANCE6 locations

Best Photography Spots in Paris

Paris is built for the golden and blue hours — pale stone at sunrise, the Eiffel Tower sparkling after dark.

Paris, France — Paris — a city photo, not one of the spots below

Best light overall

Sunrise for empty landmarks; blue hour for the Eiffel Tower's hourly sparkle.

Trocadéro

16th

The head-on Eiffel Tower view across the plaza.

Best light: Sunrise for an empty square and soft pink light on the tower.
Tip: Come back at blue hour — the tower sparkles for five minutes on the hour after dark.

Rue de l'Université

7th

The tower framed at the end of a Haussmann street.

Best light: Early morning, before traffic and parked delivery vans.
Tip: Rue Saint-Dominique nearby gives a similar café-lined framing.

Louvre Pyramid

1st

The glass pyramid and its fountains.

Best light: Blue hour, when the pyramid glows and the courtyard empties.
Tip: Use the side fountains for a mirror reflection of the pyramid.

Sacré-Cœur & Montmartre

18th

The white basilica and the city view from its steps.

Best light: Sunset over the rooftops from the steps; sunrise for empty lanes.
Tip: Wander up early for the village streets before the crowds and caricaturists.

Pont Alexandre III

7th/8th

The ornate gilded lamps and statues over the Seine.

Best light: Blue hour, when the lamps switch on against the sky.
Tip: Frame the Invalides dome or the Eiffel Tower beyond the balustrade.

Palais Royal

1st

Buren's black-and-white striped columns.

Best light: Overcast or soft daytime light for even tones.
Tip: Low angles among the columns give clean, graphic compositions.

A note on access

Opening hours, ticketing and access change, and some viewpoints sit on private or ticketed property. Check before you go, respect closures and residents, and never trespass or block traffic for a shot.