Updated October 13, 2026
The Jardin du Luxembourg is one of the best places in Paris for a casual family photoshoot with toddlers: wide gravel paths, lawns, tree-lined alleys, the palace in the background, and cafés nearby for a croissant afterwards. As a Paris family photographer, I spent a morning there with this sweet family and their two little ones.
What You’ll Find in This Blog:
A Morning in the Jardin du Luxembourg with Two Toddlers
It’s pretty amazing how much fun you can have with two little babes in such a short period of time. Our sessions are never too long, but always long enough to get a beautiful variety, and tell a true story of your time here in Paris. Some of my clients come just for a few days, some live here.. but in all cases, we have LOTS of fun together and get to share their stories.
This sweet family was so much fun to spend the morning with. We ran, we played, we did lots of tickeling. It was very cute and their giggles and smiles seemed to light up the very cloudy day!
Why the Luxembourg Gardens Work So Well for Families
- Room to run. Wide paths and open space, away from traffic.
- Variety in one place. The palace, the lawns, the green chairs and the long tree-lined alleys all look different in photos.
- It is one of our favorites. Our top three spots in Paris are Palais Royal, the Luxembourg Gardens and Pont Neuf.
- Cafés close by, for hot chocolate and croissants when little legs are tired.
End Your Session at a Café
We finished at a café terrace with croissants and hot chocolate. It is a lovely way to end a session with small children: everyone relaxes, and the photos of sticky fingers and happy faces are some of the most real of the morning.
Coming to Paris with little ones?
Our sessions are never too long, but always long enough to get a beautiful variety. Family sessions with our English-speaking team start at €150.
Or first see how a Paris photoshoot with us works.
Tips for a Family Photoshoot with Toddlers
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- Play first. We ran, we played, we did lots of tickling. Giggles come from games, not from “say cheese”.
- Keep it short. A mini session of 30 to 45 minutes in one neighborhood is a good fit for most families.
- Dress warm and in layers. See our what to wear guide and my favorite pieces on ShopMy.
- Do not worry about clouds. This was a very cloudy day, and their smiles lit it up.
Read more: creative family photoshoot ideas in Paris parks, what to do in Paris with kids, and how long a family photoshoot should be. Or visit our Paris family photographer page.
Jardin du Luxembourg Family Photoshoot Questions
Yes. It is one of our three favorite locations in Paris, with open space for kids to run, the Luxembourg Palace, lawns and tree-lined alleys.
Our mini sessions run 30 to 45 minutes in one neighborhood, which is a good fit for most families with little ones.
Cloudy days give soft, even light. This session was photographed on a very cloudy day. If the forecast is really bad, we try to move your session to a better time.
In the morning. All our outdoor sessions take place just after sunrise, when the city is quiet.
“Zoë put us at ease right away during our family photoshoot in the Jardin de Luxembourg and had some great ideas for different settings and poses.”
Clementine D., family photoshoot
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?
We run, we play, we do lots of tickling. Come join us.
- 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.
