If you’re dreaming of timeless portraits in Paris (and who isn’t?), you’ve come to the right place. Paris isn’t just a city—it’s a whole mood. As a portrait photographer based here, I’ve spent years exploring every corner of this magical place. I’ve been here for a long time and I’m excited to share my favorite locations that make for unforgettable portraits.
If you’re planning an engagement session, a family shoot, or simply capturing yourself in the City of Light, these spots promise that dreamy, oh-so-Parisian aesthetic. We also love collaborating with our clients if they have a different location in mind. But these spots are an amazing starting point if you’re unsure of where to go.
So maybe you’ve seen these names listed on our website and have no idea how to choose between them. Don’t worry, here’s everything you need to know to make the perfect choice for your portrait aesthetic!
1. Banks of the River Seine
There’s something incredibly romantic about the banks of the Seine River—especially in the morning light. Lucky for you, we do all of our outdoor photo shoots in the morning when the lighting is best and there are less people in the streets. The Seine is truly the heart of Paris, like an artery between the right bank and the left bank.
Also the riverbanks are peaceful, with iconic views of the city and a charming stillness that feels like you’ve stepped into a postcard.
Bonus: the soft light bouncing off the water makes everyone’s skin and eyes look amazing.
2. A Charming Parisian Café
You haven’t done Paris right until you’ve posed at a café table with a coffee in hand. I always encourage my clients to embrace the moment: sip your espresso or chocolat chaud, laugh with your partner, browse a newspaper, pretend you’re writing your next novel…
A cozy café creates such authentic, lifestyle-style portraits. So I love doing both romantic couple photo shoots and adorable family scene shoots at cafés. We’ve taken some HEART MELTING shots of kids sharing croissants with their parents and sipping from bowl sized mugs of hot chocolate. I just love the natural everyday feel of an indoor cafe or an outdoor terrace.
Plus, it’s a great way to warm up on those chilly mornings!
3. The Eiffel Tower
Ah, the queen of Paris. The Iron Lady. There are endless angles to photograph her, but for portraits, I always find the most flattering and elegant compositions are a little off the beaten path. Think early morning light, soft colors, and space to breathe. She’s so iconic that I made up a list of different places that offer a view of the Eiffel Tower, so you can compare then and pick out the best one for your session.
The first one is…
Avenue de Camoëns
This little gem might be my favorite hidden spot for Eiffel Tower views. It’s quiet, elegant, and feels like your own secret balcony over Paris. The architecture here is classic Haussmann style, and it frames the tower so beautifully. This dead-end street is a a must for romantic, editorial-style shots. We’ve taken gorgeous springtime shots at Avenue de Camoens and even black and white rainy day portraits. It’s impossible to choose, I love them all!
But I can say for sure that this is one of my favorite places for Eiffel Tower photos. Even though it’s not the most popular spot for unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower, it makes for some of the best photos in my opinion. If you want the Eiffel Tower in your portraits but feel like the Trocadero is little too much, this beautiful spot is a great alternative.
Pont de Bir Hakeim
Architecturally striking and cinematic, Bir Hakeim bridge is for those looking for something bold and modern in their photo shoot. The symmetry, metalwork, and those arches—yes, it’s the one from Inception! This bridge is fantastic for fashion-forward portraits and a unique perspective of the Eiffel Tower.
Insider Tip: Bir-Hakeim bridge has a covered walkway which makes it an ideal spot for rainy day sessions. It also frames the portraits in a really classy way. We’ve done a lot of couple shoots here, and some of my favorites are of couples holding hands and even dancing together with the Eiffel Tower in the background.
Trocadéro
For that jaw-dropping, full Eiffel Tower moment, Place du Trocadéro is where it’s at. Sunrise is the secret—before the tourists arrive and the city fully wakes up. The light here is golden, the vibe is peaceful, and the result is simply magical. If you want Paris in its bold splendor, look no further. This is the most iconic location we offer for portrait sessions. We’ve done incredible proposals here, energetic family sessions, and moviestar-style formal portraits of couples and solo travelers. I love how wide open it is. The sky’s the limit!
4. Île Saint-Louis
This island in the middle of Paris has such a romantic, old-world charm. The quiet streets, colorful doors, and quaint storefronts feel frozen in time. It’s a perfect spot for intimate portraits and soft, natural light.
So this neighborhood doesn’t necessarily scream Paris, but it does express the beautiful architecture of historical Europe. If you’re not one for big, iconic monuments in your photos, Ile Saint-Louis is an excellent option. Think street corners with climbing wisteria vines, heavy wooden doors, bicycles whizzing by. I love doing walking shots here and close-up portraits in doorways.
5. The Louvre
So everyone knows the Louvre. Art meets elegance here. The Louvre’s glass pyramids, arches, and endless symmetry create the most regal backdrops. Whether you’re in a flowing dress or comfy chic, this location makes portraits feel like a scene from a classic film.
This is also a fun choice for artists and creatives who want portraits that relate to their passion.
6. Luxembourg Gardens
The best way to describe Luxembourg Gardens? Effortlessly Parisian. It’s where locals go to read, stroll, and catch the sunlight on park benches. The city puts such care and effort into maintaining this beautiful park, including the corridors of orange trees dating back to the 1890s! Isn’t that crazy?!
The flowers, tree-lined paths and hedgerows, the palace in the background—it’s like a little oasis in the city. Perfect for playful, romantic portraits.
This is our most green and nature-focused location. Also there are springtime and summer offer gorgeous blossoms in the background that you can even pair your outfit with in advance! I can’t get over how gorgeous this place is on a sunny day.
Oh and duck pond is a huge hit among kids! So if you’re looking for a family session, this can be a perfect spot to keep the kids entertained and bring out some of their natural joy as they interact with the surrounding area. Honestly, this is kind of the jackpot of photo locations. We have so many requests for the Luxembourg Gardens because it has lots of backgrounds to offer. So if you love greenery and garden settings, don’t skip over this place. It’s one of my favorite spots to go, no matter the time of day.
7. Montmartre
This neighborhood is pure magic. Think slopping cobblestone streets, ivy-covered walls, and that unbeatable bohemian vibe. I love wandering through Montmartre with my clients, finding tucked-away corners and cafés. And believe me, Montmartre is full of them. So many charming staircases and hidden alleys. Calling all Midnight in Paris lovers…this is the place for you!
Also the Sacré-Cœur Cathedral! Don’t forget about the reward for climbing up all those stairs! It’s iconic, but I think the real beauty is in the little streets you find along the way.
8. Palais Royal
Hello, symmetry lovers! The black and white striped columns here are playful and modern, while the surrounding gardens are beautifully classic. This spot gives you a bit of everything—artistic lines, soft greenery, and a dose of Parisian elegance.
We’ve done some really fun ballet shoots here! I’ve also done some family shoots where everyone is wearing black and white to compliment the columns. And we’ve even shot families dressed in breton stripe shirts for that classic French look! I love coming up with creative ideas for the Palais Royal.
9. Parc Monceau
A bit of a local favorite, Parc Monceau is quieter than the larger gardens and so dreamy in spring and fall. The curved bridges, ornate gates, and romantic statues give the park a fairy tale feel—especially lovely for family sessions or maternity shoots.
10. Place Dauphine & Pont Neuf
Tucked away on Île de la Cité, Place Dauphine is peaceful and full of charm. It’s the kind of spot where you want to sit on a bench and just be. Add nearby Pont Neuf—Paris’s oldest bridge—with its wide sidewalks and stunning river views, and you’ve got yourself a perfect duo for portraits, just a short walk away.
11. Place des Vosges
In the heart of the Marais, Place des Vosges is one of Paris’s most beautiful squares. Red brick facades, arcades, and soft garden spaces make it an elegant and cozy location.
12. Pont Alexandre III
If you want opulence, drama, and a touch of glam, Pont Alexandre III delivers. Gold details, Art Nouveau lamp posts, and a sweeping view of the Seine and Eiffel Tower—it’s the perfect mix of romantic and grand. And I think this is probably the most beautiful bridge.
13. Saint Germain des Prés
I adore shooting in Saint Germain. It’s effortlessly chic, filled with literary history and stylish storefronts. Whether we’re strolling through antique-lined streets or grabbing a shot at Café de Flore, this neighborhood gives such authentic, lived-in Parisian energy.
So every one of these Paris photo spots tells a different story—and that’s the beauty of a portrait session in this city. Whether you’re dreaming of something intimate and classic or bold and modern, there’s a place (or three!) that will feel just right.
And the good news is that some of these portrait spots are located in the same neighborhood! So depending on your vision, we can easily knock out a couple different backgrounds within one portrait session that lasts about an hour. For those of you who are more ambitious, we also offer 2 hour sessions during which we can shoot at 2 different neighborhoods of your choice! Whatever it is you’re looking for, we can find a way to make it happen!
Dreaming up ideas for portrait sessions with clients is my favorite thing to do! I hope when you visit, you can spend as much time as possible in the French capital.
Want help choosing the perfect spot for your Paris session? I’d love to help you plan it. Let’s make magic together.
Book your Paris portrait session with us at Katie Donnelly Photography HERE
