Before launching into my 15 instagrammable spots in Paris, I’d like to start with a few photography guide rules. I love taking pictures and finding the best spots for that one epic photo. Pictures capture memories and if you love photography, there’s nothing better than looking back on a photo and remembering what it felt like to actually be there but also reveling in the fact that you captured the intended mood.

We’ve landed in the “Instagram Age,” where ‘gramming the best photo is almost like a sport. Bloggers and photographers around the world do everything they can to get the perfect shot – Do it for the gram, as they say. It even has its own hashtag now (closing in on half a million posts at the time of this article).

But let’s not lose sight of a few things.

Be respectful, always. Period. Do not trespass onto private property, stay behind any marked barriers, and if it says “no photos” then comply with it. I’m sure there are some that will roll their eyes at my squareness here, but I just think it’s the right thing to do.

Okay, now for the fun part…

15 of the Best Instagrammable Spots in Paris

Eiffel Tower Photos

ONE- Rue de l’Université

This spot is one of the more popular places to get a beautiful photo of the Eiffel Tower juxtaposed with gorgeous Parisian architecture. On a nice day, the morning light is perfect for capturing a dreamy mood.

TWO- Trocadero

The time of day can make a difference here, but regardless it’s worth a venture. Stunning and unobstructed views await you. Position yourself on the steps or sit like I did for the ultimate portrait.

THREE- Avenue de Camoëns

If you really want to avoid crowds and feel like you’ve scoped a secret location, Avenue de Camoëns does not disappoint. Not only are the views of the Eiffel Tower pretty grand, but I also liked the classic French architecture that surrounds you. We shared this spot with only one other couple, so it felt like a private moment.

FOUR- Eiffel Tower Carousel

Carousels give me time traveler vibes, and the one at the Eiffel Tower is breathtakingly vintage in its aesthetic. Angle your camera up at the tower while grabbing a corner of the carousel in your shot. It’s also fun to take a Boomerang as it goes around.

FIVE- The Seine

I recommend going river level for photos of the Eiffel Tower so that there are fewer people around you. Most are too busy snapping away on the streets and bridges around it, but take a few steps down to the Seine and you’ll have a beautiful view waiting just for you.

SIX- Galleries Lafayette Rooftop

At the top of this large department store is a rooftop with 360 degree views of Paris. You’ll be able to spot the Eiffel Tower from here on a good day. When we visited it was cloudy but I could still make out the tower. I actually loved how this photo turned out.

Museum Photos

SEVEN- Musée d’Orsay

Make sure to build in some time to enjoy this gorgeous museum. We actually thought it was a wonderful alternative to the Louvre. One of the most fun photos to capture (especially if you enjoy black and white or silhouette photography) is to get a photo of the giant roman numeral clock. There is more than one, but due to renovations we were only able to access the one located in the cafe. You would never know that there are a hundred people dining casually right behind me, would you? This remains one of my favorite photos of our trip.

EIGHT- Louvre Pyramid

Just googling Louvre gives you thousands of photos taken of the pyramid from all angles. We stopped by at night and the place was practically deserted. Bring a tripod and snap away. The illumination from within provides a gorgeous visual effect.

Montmartre Photos

NINE- Sacré-Cœur Basilica

In winter, Paris weather can play a factor in the quality of your photos. On the day we visited the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, it was foggy and quite overcast. We could not see the views of surrounding Paris which you normally can from this landmark (it’s the highest point in the city). But, the gloomy weather made for some really interesting photos of the Basilica itself. I love how it ascends into the heavenly fog. There was also a carousel at the base, which added to the mystique.

TEN- Sinking House

While at Sacré-Cœur, make sure not to miss the sinking house. Is it an illusion or is it really sinking? The house is not sinking at all, actually, but it’s a fun trick of the lense to try and capture. When walking up the front and facing the Basilica, look to your right.

ELEVEN- La Maison Rose

If you’ve spent any time on Instagram at all, you’ve undoubtedly run across a photo of La Maison Rose, the pink house of Montmartre. Located just steps behind the Sacré-Cœur, La Maison Rose is probably best photographed in the spring or summer. But in the winter it’s still just as pink and just as pretty. It operates as a coffee shop and cafe now, and Picasso once frequented it.

Other Instagrammable Spots in Paris

TWELVE- Colonnes de Buren/Les Deux Plateaux

This black and white art installation is located within the courtyard of the Palais-Royal. It is a very popular spot in Paris for taking photos. Day or night, you can’t really go wrong. We arrived right at dusk and found it to be mostly deserted. The evening light worked well, too. This photo looks a little fuzzy here, but not on Instagram. 

THIRTEEN- Arc de Triomphe

The traffic zooming around and around the Arc de Triomphe may seem intimidating, but you can manage to get a photo as if you’re braving it in the middle of the street. As you cross the street, there will be a midpoint that you can actually stand in for a great photo. You’re basically in part of the crosswalk. Other people will be clamoring for this photo, too, so just be patient. The monument is huge so really any angle works, but this one is especially fun.

FOURTEEN- Moulin Rouge

Personally, I prefer night photos of this Parisian landmark. The red neon lights against the dark night sky are pretty epic. It’s also another opportunity to Boomerang that windmill as it spins around.

FIFTEEN- Rue Crémieux

Colorful houses line this cobblestone street, making it one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in all of Paris. It’s a short, residential street so especially remember to be respectful of the residents’ privacy. If you want to feel as if you’ve stepped out of Paris for a moment, Rue Crémieux is it.

Happy ‘gramming!

Xo – Erin

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