Finding some of the world’s most beautiful spots has become as simple as downloading Instagram (Are you following us?). The photo-sharing app is one of the best and easiest ways to not only satisfy your wanderlust, but also discover places unknown to you, including places in Paris. Thanks to Instagram, some spots have become extremely popular. Paris is a city brimming with gorgeous places that fill your feed, but if you’re looking to find a different vantage point on a classic sight, or something a little different, we’ve put together a list of 10 of the prettiest Insta-famous spots in Paris: five can’t-miss classics and five more obscure places. And don’t forget to check out some of our most Instagramable apartments, as well as some of the Paris Instagram accounts we love.
Classic Insta-Famous Spots in Paris
Arc de Triomphe
Let’s kick off the list with the best view of the Eiffel Tower in town (apart from the one from your Paris Perfect apartment, of course): the Arc de Triomphe. The 284 steps up to the top may seem intimidating, but we promise that the panoramic view over the city once you reach the top is absolutely worth it.
Place de l’Étoile, 75008
La Maison Rose
This cute little restaurant in Montmartre has a well-earned reputation as one of the most insta-famous spots in Paris- not only because of its own pink façade, but because it’s at the top of one of the most quintessentially Montmartre-looking streets in the whole district, the rue de l’Abreuvoir. While you’ll find fewer people here in the morning, the sunset light looks the loveliest over the street.
2 rue de l’Abreuvoir, 75018
Pont Alexandre III
Often referred to as the most beautiful bridge in the world, the Pont Alexandre III is stunning from every angle. You’ll see many a bride photographing here no matter what the time of day, all looking for the best angle to capture both themselves and the bridge’s gorgeous details, like the Art Nouveau lamps evenly spaced along each side. We love the view from the northwest corner by the Grand Palais, facing the golden dome of l’Hôtel des Invalides on the Left Bank, and particularly at sunset, watching the light fade away behind the Eiffel Tower.
Palais-Royal
If you’re looking to get the most bang for your Insta-buck, you won’t want to miss the Palais-Royal. It provides at least three opportunities for very distinct photos: the Colonnes de Buren, the black-and-white striped columns that decorate the south side of the palais complex; the garden, which has both rows of symmetrical trees and classic green chairs strategically placed next to a beautiful fountain; and the galleries, the walkways that frame both the columns and the garden which look equally beautiful in the sunshine and the rain. Bring a book to read under a tree on a sunny day or grab a coffee at Café Kitsuné if the weather’s not as stellar.
8 rue du Montpensier, 75001
Galeries Lafayette
Arguably the most beautiful department store in Paris, Galeries Lafayette not only boasts a killer view over the city from its rooftop terrace, but a stunning multi-colored Neo Byzantine dome that sits over the center of the store. It’s a great place for a photo all year round- we recommend heading up to the 3rd or 4th floors to really get a good view over the ornate central rotunda- but be sure to make a trip here if you’re visiting between mid-November through December, as there is always a massive themed Christmas tree that is alone worth the visit.
40 boulevard Haussmann, 75009
PRO TIP: Unlike many other big cities, Paris doesn’t really start waking up until after 8am, no matter what the season, so go early if you’d like to have these locations to yourself!
Hidden Insta-Famous Spots in Paris
Avenue de Camoëns
This little street, while discovered long ago by the in-the-know Insta crowd, still manages to remain fairly calm despite its proximity to the much more popular Trocadéro. It provides a gorgeous frame on the Eiffel Tower, with the Hausmannian façades on either side and the perfect little streetlamp- almost as if it were made to be photographed!
3 avenue de Camoens, 75116
Café Saint-Régis
While you may often see pictures of Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots, those in the know head to the Café Saint-Régis on the Île Saint Louis. We’re not sure what’s more charmingly photogenic- the façade, the view, the menus, the St Regis printed on the top of every plate… It’s equally lovely for breakfast on a chilly morning as it is for rosé on a warm evening. You may even spot some of your favorite Paris Instagrammers at the next table!
Not only is this place perfectly Instagrammable, it’s only a 15 minute walk from our Paris Perfect apartments at La Place Dauphine!
6 rue Jean du Bellay, 75004
Rue de l’Université
Just a hop skip and a jump from many of our Paris Perfect apartments in the 7th arrondissement, much like Avenue de Camoëns, the western end of the rue de l’Université provides the perfect framing on one of the city’s most impressive views of the Iron Lady. We think we can let this one speak for itself.
228 rue de l’Université, 75007
Merci
If you’ve been hunting for where to find that adorable red Mini Cooper hidden in a Parisian courtyard, look no further. It sits in front of the door to the concept store Merci, located on the fringes of the Marais neighborhood. The store even occasionally changes up its look for pop-ups at the store or for the holiday season- we’ve seen it at different times dressed up in pink, multicolored, and adorned with festive twinkly lights!
111 boulevard Beaumarchais, 75003
Petit Palais
Don’t sleep on the Petit Palais- if you like the diversity of the Palais Royal, this pretty museum should be your next spot. Come early (or late!) before opening or after closing to get a shot of its incredible gold doors, but don’t forget to pop inside too. Hidden in the interior courtyard is one of the cutest cafés in Paris, overlooking a lovely garden (which has cherry blossoms in the spring!). Stop here for a coffee, or keep wandering around the museum for pretty photos spots- the marble staircase leading to the underground galleries is a favorite!
Avenue Winston Churchill, 75008
Have you visited any of these Insta-famous spots in Paris? Follow us on Instagram if you’re not already. Make sure to tag us in your Stories so we can share them on our account!
