10 landmarks to photograph in Paris (including some that might surprise you)

Paris is a city built for photographs. Its grand boulevards, shimmering riverbanks and timeless architecture make it endlessly photogenic. From the obvious icons to secret angles that most tourists overlook, every corner offers a story. Whether you’re working with a smartphone or a DSLR, these 10 spots are the perfect starting points for your first visit to the City of Light.

Capture the Eiffel Tower from the Trocadéro Gardens

There’s no denying it: the Eiffel Tower is Paris’s most photographed landmark. But rather than cramming yourself under its iron arches among the crowds, head to the Trocadéro Gardens across the Seine. The wide terrace here gives you a sweeping, symmetrical view that perfectly frames the tower.

Early morning is ideal – the golden light softens the steel, and you’ll avoid the worst of the crowds. If you’re visiting at night, wait for the hourly sparkle (5 minutes after the hour) for a magical long-exposure shot.

View Notre-Dame from the Square Jean XXIII

Notre-Dame remains one of Paris’s most evocative monuments, even as restoration continues following the 2019 fire. While many people shoot it from the front on the Parvis Notre-Dame, try walking around the back to Square Jean XXIII.

This small garden gives you a quieter, more dramatic angle of the apse and flying buttresses – a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Arrive in late afternoon for soft light, and if you can, include the surrounding trees in your composition for natural framing.

Visit the Louvre Pyramid at twilight

The Louvre Pyramid is a modern design statement set against the backdrop of the world’s largest museum. The contrast of its glass-and-steel structure with the ornate palace walls makes it a must-shoot subject.

Go at blue hour, just after sunset, when the pyramid lights up but the sky still holds some colour. Stand at the edge of the central courtyard to use the pools of water for reflections. If you’re after something different, try a close-up composition from the pyramid’s side to highlight its geometric pattern.

Snap Montmartre’s Sacré-Cœur from the steps – and beyond

Perched high on Montmartre Hill, Sacré-Cœur Basilica dominates the northern skyline. Most people aim their cameras from the bottom of the steps, but for a more unique angle, climb up to the dome itself.

The views stretch across Paris, making it perfect for wide cityscapes. If you’d rather stay on the ground, wander around the backstreets of Montmartre – cobbled lanes like Rue de l’Abreuvoir offer charming vignettes with the white dome peeking through.

Photograph the Seine from Pont Alexandre III

Paris is full of photogenic bridges, but Pont Alexandre III is arguably the most ornate. Its Art Nouveau lamps, golden statues and views of both the Eiffel Tower and Les Invalides make it a classic spot.

Go at sunrise for empty walkways, or at night when the bridge glows in warm light. Frame the Eiffel Tower in the background for a quintessential Parisian shot – or turn the other way towards the gilded dome of Les Invalides for a fresh perspective.

Find the hidden perspective of the Eiffel Tower from Rue de l’Université

Just a short stroll from Champ de Mars, Rue de l’Université is a favourite among Instagrammers for its dramatic street-level view of the Eiffel Tower. The narrow street leads the eye straight to the iron latticework, with Haussmann-style buildings flanking each side.

It’s best shot early in the morning to avoid parked cars and heavy foot traffic. For added interest, wait for a passing cyclist or pedestrian to add scale and life to your frame.

Wander the colourful streets of Rue Crémieux

If you’re craving colour, Rue Crémieux is the place. This pedestrian street in the 12th arrondissement is lined with pastel-painted houses, flowerpots and quirky details – a striking contrast to Paris’s more formal boulevards.

Come mid-morning when the light is soft, and be respectful – it’s a residential street. Focus on doorways, windowsills and close-up details to capture the street’s charm without disturbing those who live there.

Frame the Arc de Triomphe from the Champs-Élysées – or from above

The Arc de Triomphe is impressive up close, but for a dramatic leading-line composition, photograph it from the lower end of the Champs-Élysées. The broad avenue draws the eye straight to the monument, especially at night when traffic trails add movement to the shot.

For something special, climb the Arc itself. The panoramic view over the city, with the Eiffel Tower in one direction and La Défense in the other, makes the ascent worth it – particularly at sunset.

Discover the rooftops from Galeries Lafayette’s terrace

Hidden above the bustle of Boulevard Haussmann, the rooftop terrace of Galeries Lafayette offers one of the city’s best free viewpoints. From here, you’ll have a vantage point over the Opera Garnier, the Eiffel Tower and beyond.

Arrive around golden hour for soft, flattering light across the rooftops. The terrace is spacious, so you can easily experiment with different compositions, whether you want sweeping panoramas or tighter architectural details.

Escape to Parc des Buttes-Chaumont for unexpected views

Paris isn’t all monuments and avenues. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in the 19th arrondissement offers rugged hills, waterfalls and a picturesque temple perched on a cliff.

Head up to the Temple de la Sibylle for a surprising panorama of Sacré-Cœur in the distance. Because it’s away from the tourist trail, it’s easier to capture tranquil, atmospheric images – especially in early morning mist or late-afternoon light.

Paris is all about mixing the iconic with the unexpected. While no trip to the city is complete without the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre, it’s often the quieter corners – a hidden street, a rooftop terrace, an unassuming park – that will result in your most memorable shots.