An Instagram Guide: Top Photo Spots in Paris

By Megan Hills

From culture to sky views, check out the top 15 photo spots in Paris below

Paris is one of the most visited and most photographed cities in the world, with images of its stunning landmarks spread all over films and the internet. Make your memories last and beef up your Instagram with a guide to the top photo spots in Paris, spanning culture, food and history.

Y con ese cielo se levanta imponente la Catedral de Notre-Dame de Paris #france 🇫🇷 #notredame #paris #gotic

A post shared by Mie Cabrera (@miecabrera) on May 16, 2017 at 2:54am PDT

Notre Dame

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Step into the world of The Hunchback of Notre Dame and snap a selfie with this stunning Gothic cathedral in the background, which is also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage site. This stunning building is a marvel of French architecture and there's plenty of details to capture: the gargoyles, stained glass windows, the organ and more. If you've got some good walking shoes on, scale their towers and see the views over Paris.

Le Samedi 20 Mai , à l'occasion de la nuit des musées , n'hésitez pas à visiter gratuitement le château de Versailles et la splendide galerie des glaces ! #versaillesbynight#NDM #citybestpics#cityview#citybreak#cityscapes#mysupervacations#heavenlyplanet#hello_worldpics#fotografpark#photooftheday#picoftheday#europe_vacations#iwalkedthisstreet#hello_worldpics#guardiancities#cettesemainesurinstagram#postcardsfromtheworld#artofvisuals#wanderlust#cntraveler#theprettycities#ig_sharepoint#special_shots#forbestravelguide#master_shots#tasteintravel#instagoodmyphoto#bestplacetogo#paris#france

A post shared by Régine Semaan (@reginesemaan) on May 15, 2017 at 11:25am PDT

Palace of Versailles

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This opulent palace is one of the most popular landmarks in Paris as well as being an important historical site. Grab the ultimate mirror selfie at the Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, with its hundreds of reflective surfaces. If it's a sunny day, spend time exploring its sprawling grounds and don't forget to pop into Marie Antoinette's apartment.

🇫🇷

A post shared by Guilherme Milani (@guimilani_) on May 16, 2017 at 3:23am PDT

Arc de Triomphe

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This gigantic arch is dedicated to the French soldiers who gave their lives in service of the country and remains a moving place, with an eternal flame lit to honour them. Zoom into the names carved into the underside of the arch, pay your respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and climb to the top of the arch to its viewing platform for a panorama over the capital.

Seine-sational day in Paris!* * * #travel #ilivetravel #wanderlust #paris #traveleverydamnday #traveladdict #instatravel #instagood #worldtraveler #explore #travelbuglife #exploretocreate #traveller #travelgirl #adictedtotravel #travelphotography #france #seine #parisinthespring #sunshine #seetheworld

A post shared by KatonDemand (@katondemand) on May 15, 2017 at 9:47pm PDT

Bateaux de Parisiens

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Take to the River Seine in one of Bateaux de Parisiens boat tours for a sightseeing whirlwind. The tour starts off near the Eiffel Tower and continues to bypass other highlights of the city including the Louvre, Tuileries Garden, Notre Dame Cathedral, Orsay Museum and the Grand Palais. (We're sure you'll find something to photograph along the way.)

Bonjour from 🇫🇷 - #skachkosonholiday

A post shared by Katerina Skachko (@katyaskach) on May 15, 2017 at 3:44pm PDT

Montparnasse Tower

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This building is tallest in Paris at 689 feet tall and as such has a totally unrivalled view over the city from its glass terrace on its 56th floor. Named for the Greek mountain Mount Parnassus, it's well worth booking a table in advance at Le Ciel de Paris - Paris' highest restaurant.

What a lovely day at pantheon 💙#canonphotography #canon5d #toureiffel #eiffeltower #parigi #super_france #hello_france #igersfrance #igersparis #ig_photooftheday #france_vacations #traveling #travelphotography #architecturephotography #architecture #architecturelovers #explore #巴黎 #파리 #パリ #Париж #topparisphoto #loves_france_ #loves_paris_ #loves_world #rooftop #архитектура #montmartre #living_europe #lightroom

A post shared by AlbParis (@albparis_) on May 15, 2017 at 10:15am PDT

Panthéon

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This striking building with its Roman columns and facade is where some of France's greatest heroes are honoured, including scientist Marie Curie as well as writers Victor Hugo and Rousseau. While it was initially a church, it was converted into a mausoleum following the French Revolution. The high ceilings, colourful frescos and neoclassical details will make for some beautiful travel photographs.

A post shared by Yvonne (@yvonne.mou) on May 16, 2017 at 2:24am PDT

Opera Garnier

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France is packed to the brim with culture and the grand opera house on Rue Scribe is a fantastic place to indulge in some. Designed in the 19th century, there's beauty all around from the sparkling glass chandeliers to marble staircases and photo opportunities to spare. Take a break from tech for a night and make sure to see a performance of the Paris Ballet while you're there, who call the Opera Garnier their home.

These stained glass windows... and the people looking up in awe, is one of the reason why I always always and forever always love Paris 💖 Shot with Sony A7Rii + SEL2470GM

A post shared by Nicoline Patricia Malina (@npmalina) on May 11, 2017 at 8:07pm PDT

Sainte-Chapelle

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This beautiful Gothic chapel is filled with over one thousand stained glass panels depicting biblical scenes, which cast beautiful patterns on its floors on sunny days. While it may not be as famous as the Notre Dames of the world, it's one of the most beautiful buildings in Paris and well worth a visit.

A post shared by Mari Baramidzé 🔆 (@mari_baramidze) on May 16, 2017 at 2:04am PDT

Montmartre

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This hilly district is full of beautiful little boutiques, restaurants and Parisian landmarks, making it ideal Instagram fodder. The narrow winding streets are postcard perfect and while you're in the area, grab a coffee and channel your inner Parisien at Cafe des Deaux Moulins where Amelié was shot. If you're a little tired of walking, hop on Le Petit Train de Montmartre, which will tour the streets of this quirky district as well as take you up the hill for beautiful views of the city.

Masée du Louvre 😍 #France #Paris #Forex #Trading #Success #Entrepreneur #Market #Business #Stocks #Shares #Finance #Wallstreet #Profit #SignalGroup #Money #Travel #Adventure #Photo #Photography #Love

A post shared by Shane Silvanus (@shanesilvanus) on May 16, 2017 at 4:03am PDT

Louvre

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Add a dash of culture to your photo grid with a visit to the Louvre, which is the largest museum in the world and home to countless masterpieces. See the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Great Sphinx of Talins and Liberty Leading the People in person and get lost in its varied wings for hours.

At the Sunday Market. #paris #bastille

A post shared by Jay Aldeguer (@jayaldeguer) on May 7, 2017 at 4:49am PDT

Bastille Market

This bustling market is the perfect place to see what makes French cuisine so great, with fresh ingredients, artisan cheeses and meats, street food stalls and more lined up along the Boulevard Richard Lenoir. Held twice a week on Thursdays and Sunday, you'll want to stock up on souvenirs to take home.

한국 가기전에 한번 더 가고싶다 ☺️

A post shared by 4 / Dahee (@o.p.q.r.s.t.u) on May 16, 2017 at 6:09am PDT

Eiffel Tower

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If there's one sight people think of when Paris comes to mind, the Eiffel Tower is always it. The gigantic latticed metal structure was originally meant to be a temporary fixture in the city skyline, but has remained there years after it was supposed to be torn down. Lounge in the grass for a picnic or scale the tower for a panoramic view over the city.

Sacré-bleu! 🙏🏼

A post shared by Rose (@rmalein) on May 15, 2017 at 11:16pm PDT

Sacre Coeur

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Take the funicular to the top of the Montmartre district and this gigantic white cathedral will come into your eyeline, surrounded by tourists and locals alike. The sheer size of Sacre Coeur is the first thing you'll notice (and strain to fit into photographs) and after you've finished exploring its breathtaking halls, slip out onto the staircase and sit for a while to drink in the unbeatable view of the city.

The Musée d'Orsay!😊💙 (One of the largest art museums in Europe) Le Musée d'Orsay!🤗🇫🇷 (L'un des plus grands d'art musées en Europe!) __________________________________________________ #paris #巴黎 #Париж #パリ#파리#parigi#باريس #loves_paris#pariscityvision #merveillesdefrance #geo_plc #parisjetaime #pariscartepostale #hello_france#super_france #visitparis #iamatraveler #france4dreams #topparisphoto #sacrecoeur #montmartre #toitsdeparis#topparisphoto #toureiffel #museedorsay #museum #orsaymuseum #iphonephotography #iphoneonly #iphonephoto

A post shared by J'aime Paris❤️ (@_emilyso_) on May 13, 2017 at 9:12am PDT

Musée d'Orsay

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This gorgeous museum is a haven of artistic impressionism, with artists like Van Gogh, Renoir and Monet lining its walls. Once you've finished perusing its collection, take in its beautiful architecture. Its stunning clocks feature in many dreamy photographs, with its larger clock face doubling as a window that looks over Paris and the second made of an ornate gold.

the sugar coma is so real • • • • • #wanderlust #EFcollegebreak #macarons #wanderlust #food #yum #Paris #France

A post shared by Kelsey Johnson (@kjsgreatadventure) on May 16, 2017 at 5:35am PDT

Laduree Champs Elysee

Home to some of Paris' most famous macarons, this stunning mint green building is always filled with people keen on getting their hands on these rainbow treats. Not only are its patisseries perfect for Instagram, but the restaurant itself with its opulent architecture are a beautiful setting for a quick snack break.

Megan Hills
Paris Travel Expert

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Did you know...? Interesting facts about Pablo Picasso

Paris has captured artists' imaginations for centuries, and the celebratory Picasso Museum continues to inspire creatives to this day. Before you visit their stunning collection, here are some interesting Pablo Picasso facts to help you enrich your cultural experience. Visiting Paris to soak up the culture? With The Paris Attraction Pass®, you'll get a free Paris Museum Pass to see the Picasso Museum, plus over 50 other must-see Paris attractions like The Louvre, Centre Pompidou, and the Arc de Triomphe. 🎨Explore the attractions you can see with the Paris Museum Pass🎨 -✈️ Buy The Paris Pass® ✈️ While Pablo Picasso is best known by his last name, his full name is 25 words long At his baptism, Picasso was christened – deep breath – Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno Crispín Crispiniano María de los Remedios de la Santísima Trinidad Ruiz Picasso. His incredibly long name is a mixture of relatives' and saints' names. Ruiz was his father's surname, and Picasso his mother's. Picasso's first word was ‘pencil’ With a father who also worked as a painter, it was expected that art would be in Picasso's blood and his first word – said to be the Spanish word lapiz, meaning pencil in English, merely proved that. His father, who specialized in naturalistic paintings of birds, began teaching him to create artistic works from the age of seven. He decided that he would give up painting when Picasso turned 14 – claiming that his son had become a better painter than him. Picasso was a bad student After Picasso's father felt he had nothing left to teach his son, Picasso moved on to a fine art school when he turned 13. Even as a prodigy, his academics suffered as he spent most of his time painting. Police thought Picasso had stolen the Mona Lisa... The international art world had one of its biggest scandals in 1911 –  the Mona Lisa was stolen from The Louvre. When the police began asking the public for tips, one of the former thieves singled out French literary figure Guillaume Apollinaire, whom he had apparently sold stolen work to. Apollinaire then claimed that his good friend Picasso was responsible for stealing the Mona Lisa and Picasso was detained as a suspect. Da Vinci's masterpiece was later found a couple of years later – stolen by a former Louvre security guard during a deal gone awry. ...Ironically, Picasso has had more works of art stolen than any other artist According to the Art Loss Register, over a thousand Picasso works have been listed as lost, stolen or disputed. They even continue to be stolen to this day, with a spate of robberies happening between 2010-2012. Picasso was infamous for his love affairs It’s no secret that Picasso has had a string of romantic entanglements with several women throughout his life, with four children fathered by three different women. He was married to former ballerina Olga Khokhlova for 10 years. They separated after a few years, and as divorce was a costly process they remained married until she passed away in 1955. In 1961 he remarried Jacqueline Roque. Several of his works were inspired by his lovers, including Fernande Olivier, who's said to have inspired his 'Rose Period', Dora Maar, and Marie Thérese Walter. Picasso produced an astonishing 150,000 works With collections and museums dedicated to the artist across the world, Picasso's body of work spans an incredible 76 years and over 150,000 different works. Divided into different artistic phases of his life, including Cubism and the Blue Period, he was incredibly experimental and was constantly evolving as an artist. Picasso wrote poetry and plays While Picasso is best known for his paintings, in the latter years of his life he also began to dabble in other creative arts. He wrote over 300 poems and a couple of surrealist plays. While they weren't nearly as successful as his other artistic works, one of his plays had a public reading with leading thinkers Albert Camus, Simone de Beauvoir, and Jean-Paul Sartre. Picasso's last words inspired a Paul McCartney song At the age of 91, Picasso said at a dinner party in Mougins (a village in the south of France), "Drink to me, drink to my health; you know I can't drink anymore." He died of a heart attack. Inspired by the artist, Paul McCartney wrote a song named "Picasso's Last Words (Drink to Me,)" where the artist's final utterance is the foundation of its chorus. Visit the Picasso Museum and more with The Paris Pass® With The Paris Pass® you can access the fabulous Picasso Museum for free, plus you'll get free entry to over 50 top museums in Paris. One pass, in one app, for everything you want to see. 🎨Explore the attractions you can see with the Paris Museum Pass🎨 -✈️ Buy The Paris Pass® ✈️
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Things to do in Paris When its Hot Out

When Paris gets hot, it gets really hot. Cole Porter even wrote a ditty about it, declaring “I love Paris in the summer when it sizzles.” Sure, average highs tend towards the mere balmy during July in August – we’re talking high 70s/low 80s – but the mercury has been known to top out at north of 100°F on occasion. Add to that the ‘heat sink effect’ caused by all that sweltering cement and asphalt and you have the perfect recipe for sweat patches, chafing, and limp frazzled hair, a look that’s hardly de rigueur when in the fashion capital of Europe. With all that in mind, here’s our guide to keeping cool in summer, featuring all our favorite things to do in Paris when it’s hot out, from leafy parks and subterranean caverns to air-conditioned museums and, of course, ice cream. Hit the Beach If you’re the kind of person who sees the sun peeping out and sprints, semi-nude, to the nearest outdoor space in order to sizzle like a French fry until you’re golden brown, then Paris Plages is the summer event for you. Every year, the Seine riverbanks in Trocadéro Gardens, Parc Rives and the Bassin de la Villette are transformed into St Tropez-style sandy beaches complete with sun loungers, parasols, cocktail bars and yup, even swaying palm trees. Slap on the sunscreen, grab yourself a pistachio ice cream (or, y’know, a fruity French 75 if the sun’s over the yardarm), and join sun-seeking locals in this city-center slice of French Riviera until you’re grilled to perfection. Park Life! Paris does leafy outdoor spaces remarkably well, from the tree-lined avenues of the Jardin des Tuileries, between the Louvre Museum and Place de la Concorde in the 1st arrondissement, to the peaceful woodland expanse of Père Lachaise Cemetery in the 20th. And there are plenty more parks to be discovered in between, where verdant canopies and cooling waterways provide much-needed respite from the noon heat.  Parc de la Villette is a hot summer favorite with locals, thanks to its fine shady picnic spots and outdoor events that include music, theater, cinema and more. Then there’s the epic Parc des Buttes-Chaumont with its Eiffel-designed suspension bridge, refreshingly cool secret grotto, artificial waterfall and panoramic Paris views. Or hit up the Jardin des Plantes botanical garden in the 5th arrondissement for some of the most densely packed foliage in town. Water, Water Everywhere… Not only does Paris boast some 1,200+ drinking fountains throughout the city, some of them produce sparkling water, which might just be the most Paris thing that’s ever happened. Refill your bottle with your preferred format of H2O and seek out further watery treats around town. We’re talking outdoor pools, water jets, mist sprays and more. Don your swimming smalls and hit up Piscine Joséphine Baker, a giant pool-in-a-barge that floats on the Seine at quai François Mauriac, or try the slightly more secluded Piscine Hébert, set in a tree-lined garden in the La Chapelle district. Sure, this one is technically indoors, but the roof is retractable and opens on sunny days. Kids will love splashing in the fountains at Place de la République and Parc André-Citroën and you can even take a boat out onto the canal at Bassin de la Villette for an hour or two, no license required! The Hottest Art in Town Most of the major museums in Paris are of course air-conditioned. The Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, the Pompidou Center… all promise a refreshingly icy blast on hot days. But who wants to be indoors on a beautiful Paris summer day? No-one, that’s who. Get your culture fix instead in the stunning seven-acre sculpture garden at the Rodin Museum, where many of the maestro’s best-loved creations – including The Thinker and The Gates of Hell – can be found scattered among ornamental pools and perfectly sculpted box hedges. Or head for the Louis Vuitton Foundation, where contemporary art by the likes of Jeff Koons, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Gilbert & George is housed inside a typically brilliant Frank Gehry masterpiece and complemented by shaded grounds that include water features galore. A world-class collection of indigenous art isn’t the only feather in Musée du Quai Branly’s bow. The exterior is also a work of art in itself; a vast green wall of foliage that looks like a lush garden flipped on its edge, and perfect for cooling off on hot Paris days. Stay Cool in the Catacombs As temperatures rise at ground level, what better way to escape the heat than to hang out with centuries-old corpses down in the Paris Catacombs? This damp, dank network of underground ossuaries is stacked top to bottom with the mortal remains of around six million former residents of Paris. Displaced here by increasing demand at the city cemeteries during the 18th and 19th centuries, these poor souls are now on display for all to see, stacked in macabre arrangements that are very much not for the faint of heart. Ignore the warning sign above the entrance beseeching you to turn back from ‘death’s empire’, and head inside, where bone-chilling delights such as the Barrel of Passion – a keg-shaped structure made of human bones and skulls – may have you wishing you’d stayed out in the reassuring sunshine.  We All Scream for Ice Cream The ice cream in Paris is enjoyable year-round, but never more than in the height of summer when those refreshing and colorful sorbets really come into their own! There are dozens of great gelato emporia across the city, but for the quintessential Paris experience you’ll want to hit up the original Berthillon on Île Saint-Louis, a stalwart of the sweet stuff here since 1954. Bag a zingy lime, fruity pineapple or classic cassis for the win. Don’t be put off by the queues (and believe us, there will be queues) – trust us: better the long wait and the world-class reward than a quick-and-dirty disappointment from the first mobile-freezer-toting street vendor you lay eyes on. Elsewhere, Pozzetto in the atmospheric Marais district, Grom in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and the multi-award-winning Une Glace à Paris in historic Montmartre are gelato geniuses, and all worth a visit if you’re in the area, summer or not. Save on Activities, Tours & Attractions in Paris Save on admission to Paris attractions with The Paris Pass. Check out @TheParisPass on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
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