Planning a Pictours Paris photo shoot in Paris in 2026? We can’t wait to create beautiful, timeless memories together for you.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time, planning a surprise proposal, celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or simply want beautiful photos that feel like you, choosing the right Paris locations makes all the difference.
At Pictours Paris, we’ve been photographing couples, families, and travelers in Paris since 2012. With over almost 15 years of experience (and a few thousand sunrise alarms), here are our favorite Paris photo shoot locations, updated for 2026 — plus tips on what works best for each style.
Firstly: how many locations can we realisticly get to during a photo session? This is our rule-of-thumb, but it also depends on time of day (traffic in the evenings is bad!) and the distance between locations.
- 30 minute shoot: 1 location
- 1-hour shoot: 1-2 nearby locations
- 2-hour shoot: 2-3 locations
- 3-hour shoot: 2-4 locations
We can provide suggestions on locations that work well together based on your session length and time of day. We do enjoy walking between some locations, so ladies, bring comfortable shoes if you plan to wear heels. Also, reference our FAQ for more tips.
Iconic Paris Locations
Eiffel Tower (Trocadero)
Timeless. Romantic. Instantly recognizable.
The Eiffel Tower remains one of the most requested photo shoot locations in Paris — and for good reason. We know the best angles, quiet corners, and ideal times to avoid heavy crowds (yes, it is possible).
Best for:
• Early morning is important for crowds and light. Overcast days can work in the afternoons.
• Couples & engagements
• First-time visitors
Louvre Museum
Elegant, architectural, and effortlessly Parisian.
From the Louvre Pyramid to the surrounding courtyards, this area offers symmetry, history, and a chic editorial feel.
Best for:
• Works well in the morning or evening (much quieter in the morning though)
• Fashion-forward shoots
• Couples who love clean lines & architecture
• Black & white photography lovers
Pro tip: Morning sessions here are stunning and surprisingly calm.
Pont Alexandre III with Eiffel Tower views
Grand, glamorous, and cinematic. With ornate lampposts and views toward the Seine and Eiffel Tower, this bridge delivers elegance without trying too hard.
Best for:
• Afternoon or evening for nice backlit images
• Elegant couples
• Surprise Proposals (dreamy!)
• Anniversary shoots
• Flowing dresses & timeless, classic looks
Tuileries Garden
Classic Paris with space to breathe.
Stretching between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, the Tuileries Gardens offer symmetry, greenery, fountains, and wide-open views—a great balance between iconic and relaxed.
Why we love it:
Unlike smaller gardens, Tuileries feels airy and calm, especially in the morning. It’s ideal if you want greenery without feeling tucked away.
Best for:
• Couples & engagement sessions
• Families with kids (room to move!)
• Elegant, timeless portraits
Pro tip:
Tuileries pairs beautifully with a Louvre → Seine River walk for variety without extra travel time.
Jardin du Luxembourg
Natural, colorful, and relaxed.
Perfect for families or anyone wanting greenery mixed with classic Paris architecture.
Best for:
• Family photo shoots
• Spring & summer sessions
• Relaxed, joyful energy
Palais Royal
Minimalist meets royal.
The black-and-white columns, arcades, and quiet courtyards make Palais Royal a favorite for modern, artistic shoots.
Best for:
• Parisian architecture
• Couples and families wanting something chic but understated
Seine River (Riverbanks & Quais)
Effortless, cinematic Paris.
The riverbanks of the Seine are one of our favorite places to photograph — walking, laughing, pausing at the water’s edge, with Paris unfolding naturally in the background.
This is where photos start to feel less “posed” and more lived-in.
Best for:
• Couples who want natural, movement-based photos
• Lifestyle & storytelling sessions
• Repeat visitors looking for something less touristy
Why it works so well:
• Long, uninterrupted stretches
• Iconic bridges in the distance
• Gorgeous light at almost any time of day
Popular stretches we love:
• Near Pont Alexandre III
• Between the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay
• Across from the Eiffel Tower (morning only)
A Walkabout Paris, in noir & blanc
Also consider one starting point (such as the Louvre), and then we walk and wander and take photos along the way… feel the magic unfold!
🌿 Beyond Paris: A Dreamy Day Trip
Palace of Versailles
Grand, romantic, and worth the extra effort.
Just outside Paris, Versailles offers a completely different atmosphere: formal gardens, tree-lined paths, fountains, and regal symmetry. It’s ideal if you want photos that feel cinematic, spacious, and unmistakably French — without the buzz of central Paris.
Why clients love Versailles:
It feels like stepping into a period film. The scale, the light, and the calm (especially on weekday mornings) create images that are both elegant and timeless.
Best for:
• Engagement & anniversary sessions
• Couples wanting something truly special
• Clients returning to Paris who want a new experience
Best timing:
• Early morning or late afternoon
• Weekdays over weekends
• Spring through early fall
Good to know:
Versailles requires a bit more planning (transport + timing), but we guide you through everything — and yes, it’s absolutely worth it.
Versailles sessions also include additional planning and travel time. A €200 travel fee applies to all photo shoots in Versailles.
How to Choose Your Perfect Location
Every Pictours Paris session includes personalized planning. We consider:
- Your style & energy
- Time of year & light
- Crowd levels
- Walking pace (especially important for families, more mature couples & proposals)
Sometimes the best photos happen between landmarks — on a quiet street, at a café corner, or during a stroll along the Seine.
Ready to Plan Your Paris Photo Shoot?
Whether you dream of an iconic Eiffel Tower backdrop or a low-key neighborhood stroll, we’ll help you choose the perfect setting — and make the experience relaxed, fun, and unforgettable.
👉 Contact us here to start planning your Paris photo shoot for 2026.
Reader Interactions