Updated October 13, 2026
The Palais Royal and the Louvre are a five minute walk apart, and together they make one of the best family photoshoot routes in Paris: stone colonnades, the striped columns kids love to jump off, and the Louvre courtyard and pyramid. As a Paris family photographer, I photographed this family there, and it is exactly how I want my sessions to be.
What You’ll Find in This Blog:
Fun, Loving, Silly
When I asked these guys three words to describe their family their answers were simple: fun, loving, silly. I absolutely LOVE this session because that’s exactly how the photos tell their family story!
You can see their love, silliness and how they are enjoying just being together. Nothing fancy or extravagant, simple. And that’s exactly how I want my sessions to be: casual and filled with love, fun and filled with laughs, and most importantly, a real snapshot of what family (and childhood) really looks like. (Which totally includes jumping off things and running around together!!)
The Palais Royal: Columns to Jump Off
The courtyard of the Palais Royal is filled with black and white striped columns of different heights. For kids, it is a playground. For parents, it is the easiest place in Paris to get real laughter in a photo. The stone colonnade next to it gives beautiful soft light, even on a bright morning.
The Louvre: Courtyards and the Pyramid
From the Palais Royal we walked over to the Louvre. Early in the morning the courtyards are quiet, and the pale stone bounces light back onto everyone’s faces.
Enjoy!!
Want a session that is casual and filled with love and laughs?
That is every session. Family photoshoots with our English-speaking team start at €150, and you see your photos the same day in our Saint-Germain studio.
Or first see how a Paris photoshoot with us works.
Tips for a Family Photoshoot at the Palais Royal and the Louvre
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- Go early. Just after sunrise, both are quiet.
- Let the kids jump and run. A real snapshot of childhood totally includes jumping off things.
- Wear something that pops against pale stone. Navy, red and polka dots worked beautifully here. See our what to wear guide and my favorite pieces on ShopMy.
- Think of three words that describe your family, and tell us. We will photograph that.
More ideas: the 13 best Paris photoshoot locations, how to add personal meaning to your Paris photoshoot, and how to pose families naturally. Or visit our Paris family photographer page.
Palais Royal and Louvre Photoshoot Questions
Yes. It is one of our three favorite locations in Paris. Kids love the striped columns in the courtyard, and the colonnade gives soft, flattering light.
Yes. This family was photographed in the Louvre courtyards and in front of the pyramid, early in the morning when it is quiet.
They are next to each other, about a five minute walk.
A mini session of 30 to 45 minutes covers one neighborhood with plenty of variety, and these two spots are in the same neighborhood.
“Zoe instantly put us at ease and has such a gift for capturing real, unposed moments.”
Marina
5-star Google review
About the author
Katie Donnelly, Paris Photographer
Katie Donnelly is an American photographer who opened her Paris studio in 2013 and was voted Best Portrait Photographer in Paris in 2017. She and her English-speaking team photograph families, couples and solo travelers at sunrise, so visitors go home with relaxed, real portraits instead of rushed selfies. Meet Katie and the team.
Ready to Book Your Paris Photoshoot?
Fun, loving, silly. What are your family’s three words?
- When: Mornings, just after sunrise, when the city is quiet
- Who: Families, couples, engagements and proposals, and solo travelers, with an English-speaking team
- Your photos: Viewed the same day at our studio in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
- Session fee: From €150. Inquire for our full price list.
Tell us your dates and we will help you plan the rest.
Or first see how a Paris photoshoot with us works.
