More Paris, More Unique

This is my mantra for the year - offer you more of the Paris postcard locations that are not focused solely on the Eiffel Tower , but it is part of the view. Think of it as more tasteful views of the Tower where you can get a full sized photo of yourself and the tower is also complete…and it doesn’t steal attention from you. Don’t be afraid to experiment more, it is still Paris. Just make it your Paris.

Louvre & Palais Royal

It was the royal palace of the French monarchy, now it is one of the most popular museums of the planet and a beautiful garden. The architecture is majestic and timeless mixed with the modernism of pyramid and a gorgeous garden a quick walk. Being a popular museum, scheduling the photos early is key - early mornings or on Tuesdays when the museum is closed. Later in the day is still possible, but it will be super slow with really selective angles to hide the crowds. For Palais Royal, only mornings are recommended.

Pros: as Parisian as it gets, specially at Palais Royal
Cons: can get busy at the Louvre before opening times with long queues, closure of the Louvre for special events.

Luxembourg Garden

Personally, it's the best garden in Paris. The flowers get changed with the seasons to go with the colors of the trees - vibrant colors in summer, warm yellows and oranges for fall. It is a bit isolated location-wise with the closest being Notre Dame area, but it is a good spot to wrap up your session.

It is technically the backyard of the French Senate, but it rarely gets affected by the politics. You will see some armed guards by the fences, but that is it. There is a large fountain in the center surrounded by Palm Trees. Yes, Palm Trees in Paris.

Pros: Parisian Garden, Parisian Architecture, green and not urban.
Cons: crowded during daytime hours, but possible.

Alexander 3 bridge, Rue Saint-Dominique, Petit Palais

The most photogenic bridge in Paris in my mind. Elegant with dark and gold details, it's one of the staple locations for photoshoots in Paris, including for tv and film (another Emily in Paris reference).

Like most of the locations in Paris, the best time to shoot here is early in the day. All four sides of the bridge offer gorgeous views - Invalides stands at south end of the bridge while Grand & Petit Palais stand on the northern side. Then on the sides you have views of the Louvre covered in soft light at sunrise and a stoic view of the Eiffel Tower on the opposite side. All year round, this bridge gives itself for a great setting for your photos.

Depending of the time of the year or if the museum is closed, we can make the most of the Golden doors. It is worth the little detour. If you have doubts, check out the photos below.

A short walk away from this bridge is Rue Saint Dominique and a really iconic Café on social media - Le Recrutement. This is an ideal combo for a 1 hour photoshoot with a more tasteful view of the Eiffel Tower.

Pros: classical Parisian location, comfortable to reach, proximity to Grand/Pelit Palais and views of the Eiffel Tower.

Cons: it gets busy during the day, susceptible to fencing during festivities.

Notre Dame, Place Dauphine and Pont Neuf

Notre Dame finally reopened after the fire in April 2019, but the reconstruction material is still out and about. My hope is that for this Spring, we can use the Cherry Blossom tree on the side of the cathedral finally! The area around is beautiful with different bridges like Pont Neuf and the pretty cute Place Dauphine. There are two cafés I like to frequent for photoshoots - the cuter one being Saint Régis on Ile Saint Louis if the staff allows. There are the alleys on the St Michel side as well and beautiful scenes by the water.

About Place Dauphine and Pont Neuf, on the opposite side of Notre Dame's island, this combo of locations have become a little bit more known thanks to Emily in Paris. In summer, the trees of along this plaza are lush with pink flowers in the second half of May. In winter, they are completely bare, but it allows for more light to the benches underneath. A few steps away is Pont Neuf - a gorgeous bridge with little alcoves where you can sit. Both of this locations can be used any time of the day as long as there is time to grab the best moment without having too many people in the frame.

Pros: Parisian architecture views along the sides of the Seine without the crowds, tasteful view of the Eiffel Tower in the background, a beautiful garden.

Cons: requires a walk from one side of the island to the other, requires transport if part of larger itinerary.

Montmartre

The home of the Sacred Heart Basilica - or Sacre Coeur - on top of the hills of Montmartre, it is by far one of my favorite places to start a morning session with the city of Paris starting to get blanketed by the sunlight. Then, the cute streets of the neighbourhood are filled with cafés, stores, and art galleries that add to the magic of the place. It also has some vineyards by the Maison Rosé and the LoveWall at the bottom of the hills.

Pros: the Paris city view and the streets.
Cons: only available in the mornings due to crowds.

Musée Rodin

A bit of a secret spot, the gardens are at our disposal for photoshoots as long as we pay an entrance. The museum is off limits, although my wife has managed to get some photos shot at one of the staircases. I don’t dare with my indiscreet height and frame, I can’t hide nor blend really.

Pros: not as concurrent as other places in Paris
Cons: paid entrance

Eiffel Tower Area

Trocadéro, Passy, Bir Hakeim - iconic and as gorgeous as they are, incredibly busy. Either full of tourists, content creators or other photographers. Yes, it isn’t as glamorous as we make it look, but I try to be honest. I have seen the sparkle of couple’s eyes go out after running into all the other photoshoots. If and only if you are ok with that - they are still the most direct view of the Eiffel Tower. Unlike in the movies where they have the whole plaza for themselves, we need to get up bright and early to avoid the general masses. That’s the trick. Starting times go from 630am in Summer to 930am in Winter.

For afternoon shoots - there are Bir Hakeim bridge, Passy balcony and lower Trocadero Gardens.

Pros: the view, that view, and just the view.
Cons: only available in the morning, it has become crowded in the mornings by other photographers, walking shoes are a must if you’re not comfortable in heels (cobblestones).

Something Different

There is more to Paris than the Eiffel Tower, so if you want to try something a little bit differently, tell me! Let’s try to find a way to make your dreamy portraits come true.

Fun and Romantic Paris Photoshoots

Portraits to Celebrate.

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