Paris is magic in every month and every season—but it’s not one-size-fits-all when it comes to Paris photoshoot locations. One of the most common questions we get asked is: “When is the best time to take photos in Paris?” They are ALL amazing and honestly, it depends on the vibe you’re after.
The trick isn’t just choosing the right season—it’s knowing how to pair the season with the photo shoot location.
So where to start?
Paris changes every month in ways both subtle and dramatic. Light shifts. Crowds ebb and flow. Trees bloom or stand bare. And that can completely transform the look and feel of your photos.
If you have the flexibility to schedule your Paris trip for any time of the year, take a look at this list so you can make an informed decision. That way you can guarantee success with the weather and atmosphere. If you only have a little time off-work to travel to Paris and it’s limited to a specific month, don’t fret! Find that month in the list below and check out my recommendations for the best Paris photoshoot locations during that time.
Feel free to stray from the Paris photo shoot location list if you have another place in mind. But if you don’t have a vision just yet, and need a little direction, this is a great place to start!
here’s our Month-by-Month Guide to the Best Paris photoshoot locations
(plus a few pro tips on how to make the most of each month in some of my favorite places)
A little Disclaimer:
Every month has its *magic*, all of these Paris photo shoot locations are amazing all year round.
If you want to see MORE examples of each location, head to our website HERE where you can filter through by location and season!
Paris photo shoot locations in…
january:
The quieter side of winter. January in Paris is calm, even a little mysterious. With fewer tourists, it’s the perfect time to capture minimalist architecture without distractions. This month has NO CROWDS!! Moody grey skies, amazing black and white photographs, feels like a postcard out of the 1920s. Gorgeous soft light if it’s sunny. Early mornings at the Trocadéro photo shoot location mean fewer crowds and soft winter light hitting the Eiffel Tower just right. Afterwards, wander the nearby streets for quiet, cinematic shots—or duck into a cozy café for a coffee-and-croissant moment.
Pro TIp:
Mornings are especially quiet. Bring a cozy coat or chic winter accessories—textures like wool and cashmere photograph beautifully. I LOVE cozy sweaters and wool coats. Bring a scarf for a stylish accessory. Here is the Paris photo shoot locations for your best views of the eiffel tower.
Feature location:
Trocadéro, Streets next to the Eiffel Tower (avenue de camoens, etc…), Café
Check out our Portfolio HERE for more examples of our Trocadero portrait sessions!
paris photoshoot locations in…
February:
Valentines day!! Absolutely the month of love. The city slowly begins to stretch out of winter. Paris is still slow which means you get a true Parisian vibe, it’s often moody and cozy weather but if you get some sunshine it’s this gorgeous soft light. I LOVE more architectural locations for this month. There’s something undeniably romantic about Montmartre in February. With cobblestone streets, hidden stairways, and soft winter skies, this neighborhood brings a storybook charm to any photoshoot—especially around sunrise when this Paris photo shoot location is nearly empty.
local tip:
This is a great Paris photo shoot location for couples! Choose elegant, cozy outfits and don’t be afraid to lean into the intimate vibe with close-up, candid moments.
feature paris photo shoot location:
Montmartre
Check out our Portfolio HERE for more pictures from Dustin and Tamara’s portrait session in Montmartre!
Paris photo shoot locations in…
march:
First buds of spring, the green of spring is out of a renaissance painting, just thinking about it I can smell the new leaves and damp earth as I walk through the Luxembourg Gardens. The first 10 days of March is when the Magnolias in Palais Royal start their buds! By the end of the month you have the whole city in bloom with cherry blossoms. March brings a special surprise: magnolia trees in bloom at Palais Royal. These blush-pink blossoms only last for a short time, but when they appear, it’s absolutely breathtaking. Paired with the striking black-and-white columns and regal architecture, it’s a dreamlike Paris photoshoot location.
Pro tip:
Layer up—it’s still chilly! But the soft morning light paired with the garden’s texture gives photos a fresh, peaceful energy. Timing is everything—aim for mid-to-late March, and be flexible with your shoot day to catch peak bloom.
Feature Paris photo shoot location:
Palais Royal for the Magnolias
Check out our Portfolio HERE for some more examples of portrait sessions at Palais Royal!
paris photo shoot locations in…
April:
Cherry blossom season is here! Spring has officially sprung! April is full of flowers all over Paris, I LOVE featuring these fleeting flowers inside the incredible architecture of Paris. St. Germain is the perfect place to soak it in. With blooming trees, charming storefronts, and quiet little corners, this Left Bank neighborhood gives off a warm, poetic energy perfect for lifestyle or editorial-style shoots.
Pro Tip:
Weekdays = less crowded. Arrive early to beat the rush and catch soft light—your future self will thank you. Early mornings mean golden light and empty streets. This is one of our favorite Paris photo shoot locations for natural, movement-based shots.
Feature Paris photo shoot location:
Saint-Germain-des-Près
Check out our Portfolio HERE for more pictures of portrait sessions in Saint-Germain-des-Près!
paris photo shoot locations…
May:
This is the garden month. Incredible weather, flowers, every single location is stunning, early morning sunrises, little rain. The Jardin du Luxembourg comes alive with perfectly manicured flowerbeds, green chairs, fountains, and tree-lined paths. The garden is basically bursting with color—from the flower beds to the bright green chairs scattered around the fountains. It’s iconic, elegant, and endlessly photogenic. Honestly, I could write a book on Jardin du Luxembourg. It’s just one of the best Paris photo shoot locations. Period.
Feature location:
Jardin du Luxembourg
Check out our Portfolio HERE for more examples of our Luxembourg Gardens portrait sessions!
paris photo shoot locations in…
June:
June is wonderful everywhere, the sun is overhead, the flowers are blooming, people are happy and Paris is glorious. Every Paris photo shoot location is a winner. In June, Place des Vosges feels like a secret retreat. The symmetrical architecture, red brick arcades, and lush green lawns make it an ideal Paris photo shoot location for relaxed, sun-soaked portraits.
Local Tip:
Bring something light and flowy to wear—you’ll want to match the easy summer mood. And don’t forget water—it gets warm! Avoid clothing that is too form fitting and tight. The camera loves movement and elegant drape!
feature paris photo shoot location:
Place des Vosges
Check out our Portfolio HERE for more pictures from Shirley and Jim’s session at Place des Vosges!
paris photo shoot locations in…
July:
July can be HOT, but the morning light is beautiful and happy. This month brings bright skies, long days, and high energy. We love starting at Bir-Hakeim Bridge for architectural lines and a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower, then strolling over to Champ de Mars for relaxed shots with greenery and space to move. I love that Bir Hakeim bridge is the perfect Paris photo shoot location to capture the Seine and Eiffel Tower views all in one.
Local tip:
It’s busy this time of year, so early morning shoots are your best bet for calm backdrops and cooler temps. The sun rises quite early in July, so the sky is the limit for an early morning session. I love doing Paris photo sessions in the morning on a sunny day. It’s basically like golden hour and you can avoid the heat of the day.
feature paris photo shoot location:
Pont de Bir Hakeim and Champs de Mars
Check out our Portfolio HERE for more examples of portrait sessions at Bir Hakeim Bridge and Champs de Mars!
Paris photo shoot locations in…
August:
August is HOT but Paris feels empty. All the Parisians have left for the countryside (yes, pretty much all of France goes on vacation for the month of August!) even though the city of lights is at peak beauty. So why not capitalize on the empty streets by choosing this incredible Paris photo shoot location. It’s the perfect time to explore the louvre pyramids in the Louvre courtyard without the usual crowds and stroll through the Tuileries for soft, symmetrical garden scenes.
feature paris photo shoot location:
Louvre and Tuileries
Check out our Portfolio HERE for more examples of portrait sessions at the Louvre and the Tuileries Gardens!
paris photo shoot locations in…
September:
Part summer, part fall, the perfect mix of heat and cold and all the seasons.. I LOVE Place Dauphine all year but especially in September. You feel as if you’ve walked onto a movie set. September in Place Dauphine is a quiet kind of lovely. Tucked behind the busy bridges of Île de la Cité, this little square is full of soft autumn light, charming cafés, and classic architecture. It’s an elegant Paris photo shoot location without being showy.
Local tip:
Wear neutrals or warm tones to match the changing season—rust, camel, and deep blues look gorgeous here.
feature paris photo shoot location:
Place Dauphine
Check out our Portfolio HERE for more examples of portrait sessions at Place Dauphine!
Paris photo shoot locations in…
October:
I LOVE fall in Paris, the colors are stunning against the rich creams of the beautiful buildings in the houssmanian architecture style. We’re back at Jardin du Luxembourg—but trust us, it’s totally different in October. The fall leaves here are stunning: rich oranges, golden yellows, and deep reds that create a fairytale backdrop. Luxembourg is a location that has a very special place in my heart because of this perfect combo.
Local Tip:
October light is softer, which means flattering tones all day long. Also this is a favorite Paris photo shoot location for family shoots and maternity sessions.
feature location:
Jardin du Luxembourg
Check out our Portfolio HERE for more examples of portrait sessions in Luxembourg Gardens!
Paris photo shoot locations in…
November:
Rainy and cold, and yet still somehow stunningly beautiful. November is moody, quiet, and full of soul. Île Saint-Louis feels like stepping into another time, with narrow cobble stone streets and stone buildings reflecting the gray-blue sky. It’s peaceful and poetic, especially for more intimate portraits. Basically, this is one of those hidden gems of a Paris photo shoot location.
feature paris photo shoot location:
Ile Saint Louis
Check out our Portfolio HERE for more portraits from Jeff and Sheila’s portrait session in Ile Saint Louis!
Paris photoshoot locations in…
December:
December has that holiday magic, there’s SO MUCH going on in the city. The lights, the reflections on the river, the warm glow of cafés—Pont Neuf and the banks of the Seine offer one of the best backdrops for holiday-season photos. Essentially, the beautiful architecture of Pont Neuf and the banks of the Seine go perfectly for a dreamy December Paris photo shoot location.
feature location:
Pont Neuf and the Banks of the River Seine
Check out our Portfolio HERE for more examples from Pont Neuf and the banks of the River Seine!
Book your own Paris photo shoot!
Get in touch HERE to book your session!
No matter when you’re visiting, there’s a perfect place to capture your moment. We’ve helped hundreds of clients—from solo travelers to families to newlyweds—create memories that feel as special as Paris itself.
For more detailed information about all of our Paris photo shoot locations with photo examples of each one, check out our blog HERE.
Let’s plan your Paris shoot together.
We can’t wait to help you find your perfect time and place.
Client review of Katie Donnelly photography:
“Katie could not have been nicer, as well as being a complete professional. I really enjoyed meeting her in person. Zoe, the photographer who took my photos was also extremely kind and professional. My portraits are so beautifully done that it was hard to choose just a few. Way before your photoshoot takes place, you will also be sent complete instructions on what to wear and suggested locations. I highly recommend Katie Donnelly photography!”
– Susan Slowes
