Photography Guide: Paris

7 essential spots + ideal timing to photograph the City of Light

⏰ Best time: Sunrise (6am-7am) empty OR Blue Hour (8pm-9pm) illuminated

💡 Classic angle: Trocadéro Gardens. Arrive 30min before sunrise for central position without tourists.

Access: Metro Trocadéro (L9) for best view | Bir-Hakeim (L6) for tower base

Avoid: 10am-4pm (crowded) | Tower closes 11:45pm (last ascent 11pm)

⏰ Best time: 7am-8am (empty courtyard) or 9pm-10pm (illuminated pyramid)

💡 Tip: Napoleon Courtyard accessible 24/7 (pyramid exterior). Interior requires €22 ticket. Book online.

How to get there: Metro Palais Royal (L1/L7)

⏰ Best time: Blue Hour (7pm-8pm) for avenue lights

Photograph from middle of Champs-Élysées (use underground passage, don't cross above!). Arc top: €13, 360° view.

💡 Angle: From atop Arc see 12 avenues forming star + Eiffel Tower in background.

Metro: Charles de Gaulle-Étoile (L1/L2/L6)

⏰ Best time: Sunset (6pm-7pm) for Paris view

White basilica atop Montmartre. Panoramic Paris view from stairs. Interior free.

💡 Avoid: Pushy vendors on stairs. Politely decline "free" bracelets.

Metro: Anvers (L2) + stairs OR funicular (€2)

⏰ Best time: Early morning (8am) or late afternoon (5pm) side lighting

2025 Status: Under reconstruction after 2019 fire. Facade photographable. Reopening expected late 2024/early 2025.

💡 Alternative view: Adjacent bridge (Pont de l'Archevêché) to frame complete cathedral.

Metro: Cité (L4)

⏰ Best time: Golden Hour (7am or 7pm)

Paris's most beautiful bridge with golden statues. Eiffel Tower in background. Free.

💡 Composition: Bridge center with Eiffel Tower aligned between golden statues.

Metro: Invalides (L8/L13)

⏰ Best time: 9am opening (empty gardens)

Palace + immense gardens. Reserve full day. Ticket €20 palace + gardens free (except fountain show days).

💡 Tip: Gardens better than interior. Fountains run Saturdays/Sundays summer (€10 extra).

How to get there: RER C to Versailles (45min from Paris)

Complete visual tour of photography spots