Fiona's Paris Guide
Where to Take Photos in Paris
My 10 favorite spots — and exactly how to shoot them.
Paris is basically one giant photo backdrop, but after way too many trips these are my ten non-negotiables — the spots that actually make your camera roll look like a magazine. Here's exactly where to stand, what to shoot, and when the light is best. I dropped every single one on a map you can save below, so you can just follow the pins. 🤍
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01
Trocadéro
The classic head-on Eiffel Tower shot — the whole tower framed straight ahead from the esplanade, or lower and softer from down in the gardens.
📸 Tip: Stand on the Trocadéro terrace for the full tower; walk into the gardens for a framed, fountain-forward angle.
⏰ Best time: Sunrise — you'll have it almost to yourself with golden light on the tower.
02
Palais Garnier
The opera house — all gold, marble and drama, inside and out.
📸 Tip: Shoot the façade from across Place de l'Opéra; inside, the grand staircase is the money shot (ticketed entry).
⏰ Best time: Early morning for a crowd-free exterior; midday for the best interior light.
03
Rue Edmond Valentin
The Eiffel Tower peeking perfectly down a classic Haussmann street.
📸 Tip: Step toward the middle of the street (watch for cars!) to center the tower between the buildings.
⏰ Best time: Early morning, low traffic.
04
Rue de Monttessuy
One of THE iconic Eiffel-down-the-street shots, framed by cream Parisian façades.
📸 Tip: A longer lens compresses the tower and makes it feel huge at the end of the street.
⏰ Best time: Sunrise — photographers start lining up by 9am.
05
Le Café Marly
The arcade café facing the Louvre pyramid — pure Parisian main-character energy.
📸 Tip: Sit outside under the arches (my move) with the pyramid behind you and shoot across the courtyard.
⏰ Best time: Late-afternoon golden hour, when the pyramid glows.
06
Bachaumont / Sessùn
A dreamy, editorial storefront and quiet-Paris street in the 2nd.
📸 Tip: The Sessùn shopfront and little street make the perfect soft, fashion-y backdrop for outfit shots.
⏰ Best time: Morning, before the shops get busy.
07
Rue de l'Université
Another gorgeous street with the Eiffel framed right at the end.
📸 Tip: Line the tower up dead-center; step back to get more of the street in frame.
⏰ Best time: Early morning.
08
Avenue de New York
The Eiffel Tower across the Seine, with the river leading your eye right to it.
📸 Tip: Shoot from the Right Bank for tower + water; the nearby Debilly footbridge is a bonus angle.
⏰ Best time: Sunrise, or blue hour when the tower sparkles on the hour.
09
Sevenly Heart
The cozy, aesthetic café moment — pretty interiors and latte-and-pastry flatlays.
📸 Tip: Grab a window seat for soft natural light on your table shots.
⏰ Best time: Mid-morning.
10
Avenue de Camoëns
The famous stone-balustrade-and-staircase Eiffel view — the most photographed for a reason.
📸 Tip: The balustrade with the tower rising behind is the shot; there's often a small queue, so go early and be patient.
⏰ Best time: Sunrise, hands down.
That's my whole Paris photo playbook. Tag me @findingfiona when you shoot these — I love seeing your versions.
Have the most beautiful time. 🤍
— With love, @findingfiona