The Best Paris Instagram Spots

Looking for the best Paris Instagram spots? Well, you’re in luck because Paris is one of the most picturesque cities in the world. I’ve visited the City of Lights more than once and have scoured the internet to find the best Instagrammable places. With its beautiful architecture, iconic landmarks, and charming streets, it’s no wonder that Paris is a popular destination for all, especially photographers. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing some of the best photo spots in Paris that you need to add to your list.

Eiffel Tower

Name a more iconic landmark than the Eiffel Tower. It’s a must-visit spot for everyone visiting Paris as it’s been featured in thousands of movies, art, and literature. Lucky for us, there are tons of great spots for pictures with the Eiffel Tower. For the most iconic views, head to Trocadéro Square, which is located across the Seine River from the tower. Finally, in my personal opinion, I don’t think you need to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower in order to view Paris from above. Try a lesser-known gem like the Galeries Lafayette Rooftop.

If you’re looking for a more unique perspective make sure to visit:

• Rue de l’universite (street)
• Bridge Pont d’Alene
• Avenue de New York
• Avenue de Camoens
• Jardin d’erevan
• Galeries Lafayette Rooftop

Finally, the iron lady sparkles every evening on the hour starting at dusk until 11 pm is the last sparkle.

While all opinions and recommendations are always my own, my content on this blog post may contain affiliate links for hotels I’ve traveled to, tours I’ve completed, and products I recommend. This means I get a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you book a stay or purchase a product after clicking one of these links. As always, I am so thankful for your support so I can continue to offer free resources.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Despite the recent tragedy, Notre Dame Cathedral is still a stunning location for photography. While you can’t go inside at the moment and admire the grandeur and stained glass windows. You can still view the facade from one of the nearby bridges across the seine. It’s one of the best examples of French Gothic architecture and is a huge part of French history. Finally, It is slated to be open back to the public in 2024 however the church’s repairs can take up to 2028.

Palais Garnier

A stunning opera house inspired the phenomenon that is the Phantom of The Opera. This intricate architectural masterpiece is so grand and one of the most popular spots to visit in Paris. The grand foyer is designed after the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles and it shows. The ornate ceilings were painted by artist Marc Chagall so make sure to look up and admire the details. Finally, I highly recommend booking your tickets in advance and spending at least one hour exploring. You can also visit during an opera or ballet and have the grand staircase all to yourself.

Montmartre

This charming hilltop neighborhood is a must-visit and one of my favorite spots in all of Paris. It has cobblestoned lined streets, cute cafes for days, and the architectural beauty of the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre. Furthermore, the infamous Moulin Rouge is located in Montmartre, make sure to visit a show. It’s a photographer’s paradise and you can easily spend a few hours photographing this part of the city. I would recommend visiting early in the morning because in recent years it has gained quite a lot of popularity. Furthermore, it is extremely hilly so wears comfortable shoes.

Here are the top Paris Instagram spots to check out in Montmartre:

• La Basilique du Sacré Cœur de Montmartre
• Ivy Wall
• La Maison Rose
• Odette Cafe (Rue Galande)
• Le Consulat
• La Boheme
• Moulin Rouge

Cute Cafes + Restaurants

Paris is known for its charming and cozy cafes that are perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee or tea, indulging in pastries, and soaking in the Parisian atmosphere. They line the streets with their bistro tables and it’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon people-watching. Here are some cute cafes in Paris that you might enjoy:

Paris Instagram Spots: Cute Cafes

1. Cafe de Flore
   • A historic cafe located in the Saint-Germain-des-Pres neighborhood, this place was a popular spot for intellectuals and artists in the 20th century. Today, it still retains its vintage charm and offers a selection of coffee, tea, and pastries.
2. Le Train Bleu
   • Le Train Bleu is a historic restaurant located inside the Gare de Lyon train station in Paris. It features ornate ceiling paintings, chandeliers, marble columns, and gilded moldings, all of which create a lavish and glamorous ambiance.
3. Cafe Kitsune
   • Located in the Palais Royal Gardens, this cafe offers a serene and picturesque setting. The menu features Japanese-style coffee and pastries.
4. Angelina
   • Known for its famous hot chocolate, this elegant cafe is located near the Tuileries Gardens. It also offers a variety of pastries, cakes, and macarons. There is usually a line around the block so get there early!
5. Carette
   • Carette is a classic French patisserie located in the heart of Paris, on Place des Vosges in the Marais district. The patisserie was founded in 1927 and has become a popular spot in the city, known for its delicious pastries, macarons, and hot chocolate.
   • The menu at
6. Pink Mamma
   • Pink Mamma is a popular Italian restaurant located in the heart of the trendy South Pigalle neighborhood in Paris. The restaurant is known for its vibrant and colorful decor, which includes a pink-hued bar, plants and greenery, and various vintage touches.

Louvre Pyramid

The glass pyramid at the entrance of the Louvre Museum makes for a striking photo. The Louvre Pyramid consists of 603 glass panes and 70 tons of steel. It is considered to be a masterpiece of modern architecture and has become a symbol of the Louvre Museum and Paris itself. It is surrounded by smaller pyramids and reflecting pools. Try shooting from different angles to capture the pyramid against the museum’s historic architecture. Finally, it’s best to visit early in the morning as it’s the most visited art museum in the world.

Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is an iconic monument in Paris that offers stunning views of the city. There are a couple of ways to take photos of the monument. First, the end of the famous Champs-Elysées Avenue has a stunning view. You can also go around the backside and take a photo from the metro escalator entrance. Finally, climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe and capture stunning panoramic views of the city from the observation deck. The views include the Eiffel Tower, the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, and other Parisian landmarks.

Pont Alexandre III

This ornate bridge over the Seine River is a popular spot for photographers. The bridge is renowned for its ornate Art Nouveau style, featuring elaborate sculptures, golden statues, and intricate metalwork. The bridge’s four pillars are decorated with sculptures of cherubs and nymphs, while the main arch is adorned with a gilded winged victory figure. You can even view the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Finally, try shooting at sunset or at night in order to capture the bridge’s beautiful lights.

Rue Crémieux

This colorful street in the 12th arrondissement is a photographer’s dream. The pastel-colored houses and cobblestone streets make for a picture-perfect scene. The street was originally named Avenue Millaud when it was built in the late 19th century. It was later renamed Rue Crémieux in honor of Adolphe Crémieux, a French lawyer and politician who fought for the rights of French Jews in the 19th century.

Today, Rue Crémieux is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who come to admire its picturesque and charming atmosphere. It is also a residential street, so be respectful of the occupant’s privacy and keep noise levels down.

Jardin du Luxembourg

This beautiful park is a hidden gem located in the heart of Paris. It is a great place for photography and to spend an afternoon people-watching. It features beautiful French and English-style gardens, a large pond, and numerous statues and fountains. One of the most iconic features of the Jardin du Luxembourg is the Medici Fountain, which was built in the 17th century and features a statue of Polyphemus, the one-eyed giant from Greek mythology. The fountain is surrounded by lush greenery and provides a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. Take a stroll around the park’s fountains, statues, and gardens, or head to the pond to capture some wildlife.

Palais-Royal

The Palais-Royal is a historic palace located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, near the Louvre Museum and the Jardin des Tuileries. It features a beautiful garden, elegant arcades, and several cultural institutions. The garden is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, featuring manicured lawns, flower beds, and fountains. One of the most striking features of the Palais-Royal is the Buren Columns, a contemporary art installation by Daniel Buren. The columns are black and white striped and create a dramatic visual effect against the historic architecture of the palace.

Place Vendôme

This square in the 1st arrondissement is known for its high-end jewelry shops, elegant hotels, and the impressive column that stands in the center of the square. The Vendôme Column is a 144 feet tall monument set against the surrounding buildings making for a striking photo. It is a popular destination for luxury shopping and a prime spot for people-watching.

Paris Instagram Spots: Palace of Versailles

Versailles, located 40 minutes outside of Paris, is a stunning location for photography. If you’re visiting Paris for the first time it is well worth the day trip. From the grand palace to the picturesque gardens, there are plenty of photo spots to explore. Here are the top spots to take pictures when visiting:

Palace of Versailles

The grand palace itself is a must-visit spot for any photographer. Head to the Hall of Mirrors for the stunning palace’s famous mirrors, or capture the grandeur of the palace’s exterior from the gardens. Finally, the exquisite gold gates leading to the courtyard with black and white tile are one of my favorite spots in the world! If those gates could talk.

Gardens of Versailles

The Gardens of Versailles is an expansive and beautiful garden set on acres of land. Walk along the manicured lawns, fountains, and statues, and capture the symmetry and beauty of the gardens. During the summer they have fountain shows that are choreographed to music.

Grand Trianon + Petit Trianon + Queens Hamlet

The Grand Trianon is a small palace that was originally built by Louis XIV as a retreat away from the main palace and has since been used by many French monarchs for various purposes. The marble exterior is incredible. The Petit Trianon is so charming and a great spot for architectural photography. The pastel-colored exterior and surrounding gardens make for a beautiful photo.

The Queen’s Hamlet, a unique part of the property, is where Marie Antoinette spent a lot of her time because she craved a simpler life. The rustic buildings and surrounding nature make for a charming scene. Finally, it has a working farm to this day!

Thank you for reaching my “The Best Paris Instagram Spots” guide. With so much beauty and charm in the city, there are endless opportunities for great photos. And add some time in your plans for a little of that spontaneity and witness the Paris Magic. Finally, Don’t forget to check out my Ultimate 4-Day Paris Itinerary and my full Paris Packing List.

Au Revoir,

Courtney

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