Top 10+ Free Instagrammable Locations in Paris
On its own, Paris is (in my opinion) one of the most chic and picturesque cities in the entire world.
Despite it’s innate beauty and grandeur, there are some places in specific that can really jazz up any Instagram feed or photo session!
1. Pont Alexandre III
Connecting the 8th arrondissement (Champs-Elysées, Grand Palais, L’Arc de Triomphe, etc…) with the 7th (La Tour Eiffel, Les Invalides), the beautiful and ornate Pont Alexandre III acts as a lavish and classy backdrop to any photo-seeking individual.
Still need some persuading to visit? It officially became a French Monument Historique in 1975, cementing it as an artistic 19th century marvel of the Parisian city.
No matter what side of the bridge you end up on, you’ll never be far from key Parisian tourist attractions, such as Les Champs-Elysées, Grand Palais, and L’Arc de Triomphe on the right bank, and La Tour Eiffel and Les Invalides on the left bank.
Location:
Pont Alexandre III
2. Luxembourg Gardens
The gardens of the Luxembourg Palace built in 1612 by Marie de Medici offers natural floral and architectural beauty. Each quadrant of the garden’s 23 acres has new gorgeous things to see. Statues, a mini palace pool, flower displays, fountains… indeed, these grounds once fit for royalty will surely be fit for your Instagram feed.
The other wonderful thing about the gardens is that they are beautiful in any season. The colour of the flowers change from fall to spring, and the gardens look just an enticing under a sheath of snow as they do basked in bright sunlight.
Location:
Jardin du Luxembourg, 75006
3. Trocadero
What says “Paris” more than the Eiffel Tower?
Although there are multiple areas from which you can view the Iron Lady, the area I personally think is the most picturesque from which to do a shoot is right outside the Trocadéro Metro station (rather than Trocadéro Gardens).
Fountains and lush green spaces add some interest and colour to any classic French picture (and are excellent if you’re in the mood for a picnic after your photo-taking session).
Location:
Trocadéro, 75007
4. 59 Rivoli
Although you cannot take photos in the actual artists’ studios themselves, this multi-level building has a graffiti-covered winding staircase that add can add an edgy feel to your feed.
After you’ve taken some shots, get further inspiration as you view the works of inspiring and established artists alike at this Châtelet gallery. There is always a new reason to visit this unique and innovative space. Out of the 30 studios available, 15 are permanent, and the other 15 are reserved for 3-6 month residencies. Best of all, it’s completely free to visit!
Press here if you want a more in-depth review of this free Parisian gallery: 59 Rivoli.
Location:
59 Rue de Rivoli, 75001
5. Rue Crémieux
Coloured terrace houses lining a pretty European street. No, I’m not talking about Notting Hill, but the French equivalent in the 12th district, right outside of Gare de Lyon.
Enjoy picturesque shots of the pastel-coloured houses on this incredible pretty street.
Note: This is a residential street, so don’t loiter or plan an entire photoshoot in front of their houses! Be mindful, and be respectful as people do live here. If you do want to take photos, try to limit it to off-peak times, such as during 10:00 am - 2:00 pm on a weekday, and only take quick shots. (If you are unsure, you can also ask one of the residents if you can take photos in front of their home!)
Press here if you want a more in-depth review of this beautiful street: Rue Crémieux.
Location:
Rue Crémieux, 75012
6. Jardin des Plantes
As it is the main botanical garden in France, the Jardins des Plantes 28 hectares of land are a wonderful place in which to take beautiful pictures.
Let yourself delve into the beautiful floral landscape that hide many fascinating sculptures and art pieces.
The Jardins des Plantes is also home to the French National Museum of Natural History (Muséum national d'histoire naturelle), and the Gallery of Mineralogy and Geology (Galerie de Minéralogie et de Géologie), Gallery of Palaeontology and Comparative Anatomy (Galerie de Paléontologie et d’Anatomie comparée), Gallery of Botany (Galerie de Botanique), and the Grand Gallery of Evolution (Grande Galerie de l’évolution).
Location:
57 Rue Cuvier, 75005
7. Parc des Buttes Chaumont
The Parc des Buttes Chaumont is a magnificent park in Paris that features a bridge over an artificial lake that leads to the Temple de la Sibylle.
Located 50 meters above the lake, this temple provides gorgeous panoramic views of the surrounding natural landscape, and would be a welcome feature to anyone’s Instagram feed.
Location:
1 Rue Botzaris, 75019
8. Parc de Bercy
Parc de Bercy is another beautiful park inside of Paris. Formerly a wine depot, the 13.9 hectares of this park are now devoted to plants, flowers, rose gardens, and tranquil ponds. Three separate gardens exist within the space (the "Romantic Garden", the "Flowerbeds", and the “Meadows"), and each of them were built according to a different theme.
Don’t forget to check out the peaceful Jardin Yitzrak Rabin located across the street from the main park area - it’s very peaceful, and worth a viewing.
Location:
128 Quai de Bercy, 75012
9. Colonnes de Buren
Somewhat separate from the garden area of the Palais Royal, but still within it’s confines, are the modern and contemporary Colonnes de Buren/ Les Deux Plateaux. These columns are a fascinatingly divise art work created in 1985 to help conceal the ventilation shafts below. You either love them, or you hate them.
Personally, I found them very intriguing amongst the classical columns and architecture of the original 17th century palace. There is certainly no shortage of tourists vying to take arty shots with them most hours of the day. I do suggest arriving either early, or before sunset in order to beat the crowds!
Press here if you want a more in-depth review of this beautiful street: Les Colonnes de Buren.
Location:
2 Rue de Montpensier, 75001
10. The Seine
The easiest place - and one of the most beautiful places - to take a photo in Paris is anywhere along the Seine. Allow the natural beauty of this chic city to be the perfect backdrop to any photo. Make sure to pack some food to have a picnic along the river after you work up an appetite from all that arduous photo taking!
Location:
It’s pretty hard to miss…
11. Église du Madeleine
This Parisian Roman Catholic Church is a magnificent structure that is mesmerizing to behold. It took 85 years to build, and all those years of hard work are apparent when you set your eyes upon the ornate ceiling and sculptures located throughout.
From the outside, this church can jazz up anyone’s Instagram feed. When you’re done taking photos, try popping in for the one of many music concerts they hold during various days of the week.
Location:
Place de la Madeleine, 75008
12. “I Love You” Wall
This wall, located in Montmartre, is a very popular place in which to take Instagram photos. Unfortunately, all of my photos of it are on my friend’s phone, so I’ll just give it a shoutout, and you can enjoy it in person!
Thank you for reading, lovely! Happy snapping!
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