post filed in:

Paris Photoshoot Locations

Best Photoshoot Locations in Paris (That Aren’t the Eiffel Tower!)

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a solo adventure, or a family vacation, choosing the right backdrop can make your Paris photoshoot unforgettable. Here are my favorite spots for the best photoshoot locations in Paris, no Eiffel Tower required!

Because Paris is more than just one tower-shaped icon!

I know you know and love the Eiffel Tower. And don’t get me wrong, she’s a beauty! But if you’re looking for photo spots with a little more charm, a little less crowd, and a whole lot of personality, I’ve got you covered.

From tucked-away gardens to side streets that feel straight out of a movie set, these are my go-to photoshoot locations across Paris that don’t involve dodging influencers or waiting in line for your favorite photo. 

Whether you’re envisioning cobblestone strolls, romantic bridges, or quiet nooks that only locals know about, I’ll help you find the setting that fits your vision of Paris.

And the best part? Most of these areas are super flexible! So if you’re up for exploring, we can mix and match to create your perfect route. 

Let’s dive into the magic of Montmartre, the beauty around the Louvre, and beyond! Because your Paris photos deserve more than just the usual backdrop.

Montmartre: A Dreamy Paris Photoshoot Location

Artistic alleyways and pastel-colored buildings

I always say Montmartre is the Paris I dreamed of before I ever set foot in the city! With cobblestone streets, artist-filled squares, and some of the best views in town, Montmartre brings a little bit of everything you love about Paris to your photoshoot. And it’s easily one of the best photoshoot locations in Paris if you’re dreaming of charming street views with an artistic flair.

The Sacre Coeur

Couple embracing on the steps of Sacré Coeur, one of the best photoshoot locations in Paris for romantic sunrise moments
The area around the Sacré Coeur offers stunning sunrise views and peaceful early morning light, one of the best photoshoot locations in Paris for couples.

We’ll skip the crowds (early mornings are key!) and explore this iconic Parisian landmark with stunning views of the domes and the city below. Bonus: sunrise here is pure magic!

Place du Tertre

Couple sitting at a colorful Parisian café in Place du Tertre, a charming Montmartre location and one of the best photoshoot spots in Paris
Colorful cafés and cobblestone streets make Place du Tertre a favorite Montmartre stop for personality-packed photos.

A lively square full of artists sketching portraits and cafés spilling onto the cobblestones. It’s full of color, character, and a certain je ne sais quoi that makes your photos feel alive. 

Square Marcel Bleustein-Blanchet

Man proposing to his partner in Square Marcel Bleustein-Blanchet, one of the best hidden photoshoot locations in Paris near Sacré Coeur
Tucked behind Sacré Coeur, Square Marcel Bleustein-Blanchet is one of the most peaceful and romantic photoshoot locations in Paris.

This peaceful little square is one of Montmartre’s best-kept secrets with park bench moments, vine-covered walkways, and a calm oasis in the middle of the buzz. Escape the crowds in a park that offers the best view of the Basilica!

Rue de l’Abreuvoir

LGBTQ+ couple laughing and embracing on Rue de l’Abreuvoir in Montmartre, one of the best photoshoot locations in Paris for colorful charm
This curvy street is pure Parisian romance with pastel buildings, cobblestones, and wisteria that blooms in the Spring!

Rue de l’Abreuvoir is arguably one of the prettiest streets in Paris. Between the Maison Rose and the winding path, this spot delivers all the romantic charm your heart could want! But be ready to get here before the other Emily in Paris lovers fill the street!

Louvre District: Iconic Paris Photoshoot Backdrops

History meets modern art in the city’s cultural heart

If you’re dreaming of clean lines, iconic architecture, and a little touch of grandeur, the Louvre area delivers! It’s stylish without being stuffy, timeless without being touristy (if you know where to go). From modern glass pyramids to secret garden nooks, here you’ll find some of the best photoshoot locations in Paris for timeless, stylish backdrops with a side of art history!

The Louvre Pyramids

Family playing and walking near the Louvre Pyramid in Paris, one of the best photoshoot locations in Paris for stylish, modern backdrops
With sleek lines and glowing light, the Louvre Pyramid makes a striking setting for a fun, relaxed family photoshoot.

The glass pyramids give off cool, contemporary vibes against the old Louvre Palace. It is especially beautiful at sunrise when the light dances off their surface. And you know we’ll skip the crowds by knowing exactly when and where to shoot!

Palais Royal

Woman in a black dress posing on striped columns at Palais Royal, one of the best photoshoot locations in Paris for chic solo portraits
Palais Royal is the perfect blend of playful and elegant with iconic black-and-white columns and historic Parisian architecture.

Come for the black-and-white columns, stay for the hidden arcades and tucked-away courtyards! The Palais Royal is both artistic and elegant, perfect for modern looks, playful posing, or just soaking in the history of this stunning place.

The Tuileries Garden

Romantic couple embracing in the Tuileries Garden in Paris, one of the best photoshoot locations in Paris for elegant outdoor backdrops
With regal paths, soft morning light, and a peaceful setting, the Tuileries Garden is a classic choice for a romantic Paris photoshoot.

Craving something romantic and relaxed? The Tuileries bring classic Parisian charm with gravel paths, tree-lined walkways, and that soft garden glow. Whether you’re strolling hand in hand or exploring Paris on your own, this spot is full of natural beauty.

Pont des Arts

Couple embracing on Pont des Arts bridge in Paris at sunset, one of the best photoshoot locations in Paris for romantic Seine views
Pont des Arts is a golden hour dream! It is romantic, wide open, and full of that warm Paris glow!

A pedestrian-only bridge with unbeatable cityscapes and a panoramic view in the heart of the city! The Pont des Arts is my favorite place to watch the sunrise. Bonus: it pairs beautifully with a Louvre or Tuileries session if you’re looking to mix things up.

The Marais: Hidden Gems for Paris Photography

A little bit royal, a little bit romantic, and full of hidden gems

If Montmartre is the creative artist, the Marais is the effortlessly stylish friend who always knows where to brunch. This neighborhood mixes centuries-old architecture with modern flair, giving you the best of both worlds. It’s a treasure trove of photo-worthy backdrops and a go-to for anyone searching for the best photoshoot locations in Paris that feel a little more local.

Place des Vosges

Family playing by the fountain in Place des Vosges, one of the best photoshoot locations in Paris for relaxed, elegant moments
Place des Vosges combines Paris’s timeless elegance with space to play. This spot is perfect for joyful family sessions and romantic couple sessions alike.

Perfectly symmetrical and effortlessly elegant, the Place des Vosges is one of the oldest (and prettiest) in Paris. The arched walkways, red-brick facades, and central green space make it ideal for hand-holding, people-watching, or letting the kiddos run free.

Hôtel de Sully

Couple embracing in the courtyard and garden of Hôtel de Sully in Paris, one of the best hidden photoshoot locations in the Marais
With sculpted gardens and castle-like charm, Hôtel de Sully is a romantic Marais hideaway perfect for dreamy portraits.

Right next to Place des Vosges, this architectural gem brings serious drama. Stone walls, manicured hedges, and historic charm make it feel like a secret garden from another era.

Jardin de l’Hôtel de Sens

Couple embracing in Jardin de l’Hôtel de Sens in Paris, a hidden romantic garden and one of the best photoshoot locations in the Marais
Get colorful, romantic portraits with this quiet little garden in the Marais, a fairytale find.

Tucked away and often overlooked, this little garden is a peaceful escape with romantic benches, blooming flowers, and castle-like backdrops. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale without a single tourist in sight!

Off the Beaten Path

Couple walking through quiet side streets and sitting at a café in the Marais, one of the best photoshoot locations in Paris for candid, local charm
From tucked-away cafés to cobblestone strolls, the side streets of the Marais offer relaxed charm and an effortlessly local vibe.

Let’s be honest: the real magic often lives in the in-between moments. The winding streets of the Marais are full of colorful doors, quirky details, and oh-so-Parisian balconies. We’ll take our time wandering through some of my favorite secret corners!

Central Paris: Classic Photoshoot Spots Along the Seine

Sweeping cityscape views from some of Paris’s oldest neighborhoods

This area is home to some of the best photoshoot locations in Paris—right in the heart of the city. You’ll find places that feel calm and cinematic, even in the middle of it all. If you’re drawn to the kind of Paris that feels straight out of a black-and-white film, this is the neighborhood for you!

The Notre Dame (from the bridge)

Proposal on a quiet bridge with Notre Dame in the background, one of the best photoshoot locations in Paris for peaceful, iconic moments
Sometimes the best view of Notre Dame isn’t front and center, it’s just off to the side, where you can get the full view without being tiny in the picture.

Notre Dame is iconic, but the real secret? The best views are just off to the side. I love photographing couples and solo travelers from the nearby bridges where you get the cathedral in the background without the crowds. It’s peaceful, stunning, and beautifully Parisian.

Pont Neuf

Couple sharing a quiet moment on Pont Neuf in Paris, one of the best photoshoot locations for romantic river views and classic architecture
Feature one of the dreamiest spots for a quiet, romantic pause with the Pont Neuf. It’s easy to see why filmmakers love this bridge!

Despite the name (“New Bridge”), the Pont Neuf is actually the oldest standing bridge in Paris. It’s wide, full of texture, and gives you those sweeping Seine views that make every frame feel unmistakably Paris. Bonus: it looks amazing in every season.

Île Saint-Louis

Couple holding hands on a peaceful street on Île Saint-Louis, one of the best photoshoot locations in Paris for families and relaxed sessions
Île Saint-Louis is calm, charming, and perfect for mid-morning sessions without the crowds. This island is ideal for families and easygoing travelers.

Smaller, sleepier, and totally charming. This is where I go when I want a slower pace and quieter photos. With pretty facades, peaceful riverbanks, and a few secret nooks I keep close to the chest, it’s perfect for capturing a more intimate side of the city.

Latin Quarter: Charming & Historic Paris Photoshoot Locations

Where history hums and side streets surprise

This neighborhood is where history and imagination meet, where philosophers once walked, students still gather, and every cobblestone seems to tell a story. It’s a little poetic, a little unpredictable, and full of personality.

The Luxembourg Gardens

Couple walking in front of the Medici Fountain in the Luxembourg Gardens, one of the best photoshoot locations in Paris for romance and greenery
The Medici Fountain in the Luxembourg Gardens is one of the dreamiest corners of the Luxembourg Gardens. A quite corner of this bustling garden that is rich with old-world charm.

This spot is beloved for a reason. It’s spacious, regal, and full of lush corners to explore. The Luxembourg Gardens are filled with tree-lined paths, classic fountains, and tucked-away benches perfect for a snuggly moment. Mornings here are especially peaceful and picture-perfect.

The Panthéon

Couple kissing and sitting on steps near the Panthéon in Paris, one of the best photoshoot locations for bold architectural portraits
Right in the heart of the Latin Quarter, the Panthéon offers grand architecture and calm corners for striking portraits.

Looking for something grand and a bit dramatic? The Panthéon’s stately columns and wide open plaza deliver! This one’s perfect if you want a little architectural edge in your shoot without venturing too far from the garden calm of Luxembourg.

Off the Beaten Path

Woman enjoying a croissant at a café and walking in the Latin Quarter, one of the best photoshoot locations in Paris for quiet, off-the-beaten-path charm
Even the side streets in the Latin Quarter are charming! This vibrant neighborhood offers a more relaxed pace and timeless textures, ideal for solo portraits or thoughtful lifestyle shots with a Parisian twist.

This is where the real Parisian magic hides: colorful storefronts, crooked stairways, and the kind of lived-in beauty that gives your photos character. It quietly earns its place on any list of the best photoshoot locations in Paris, especially for couples or solo travelers looking for something a little less expected.

Ready to Find Your Paris?

Paris has endless beauty to offer, but the best photos happen when you’re in a place that feels like you. Whether you’re drawn to quiet corners, grand views, or somewhere off the tourist track, I’ll help you choose the perfect setting that fits your story, your style, and the side of Paris that keeps you wanting to come back.

Not sure which location to choose? That’s what I’m here for! When you book your session, I’ll help you map out the best route, the best lighting, and the best spots so all you have to do is show up and soak it in.

Let’s create something beautiful together!

No matter which neighborhood speaks to you, these are truly some of the best photoshoot locations in Paris to capture moments that feel authentic, spontaneous, and so very you.

Ready to plan your Paris photoshoot?

Leave a Comment

Timeless and romantic images for the modern francophile