(A Local Photographer’s Guide)
Visiting Paris and trying to choose the perfect location for your Eiffel Tower photos can feel a little overwhelming, but don’t worry, I’ve got you. I'm a photographer living in Paris, and after shooting several sessions with couples, solo travelers, families, and pets, I’m sharing my 8 favorite Eiffel Tower photo locations so you can capture the dreamy, Pinterest-worthy pictures you’ve always imagined!!
Golden Rule: ✨ Arrive as early as possible. From 7:00 to 9:00 AM is the golden hour for empty backgrounds, soft light, and that magical Parisian quiet everyone loves. And remember: Paris is safe, but always keep an eye on your phone and bags, especially in popular tourist areas.
Let’s go!
1. Place du Trocadéro & Trocadéro Gardens
If there is only one spot you can visit, it’s this one. Place du Trocadéro is the most famous Eiffel Tower viewpoint for a reason. From the top platform, you get an unobstructed, cinematic view of the Tower, the one you’ve seen in movies, travel magazines, Instagram, Pinterest, everywhere. It’s the classic postcard shot. But the magic doesn’t end there.
🌟 Why this location is special
- The Eiffel Tower looks perfectly framed from the center terrace.
- The wide space allows full-body shots, dancing photos, outfit details, and even drone-like angles.
- The architecture + the Tower creates a timeless Paris feel.
📸 Photographer Tips (my personal musts!)
Walk down the stairs instead of staying only at the top. The lower viewpoints are usually less crowded and add depth and more greenery. In the gardens, you can capture the Tower between trees, fountains, and floral paths — a softer, romantic vibe.
This location is the busiest of all, even at sunrise. Expect to see photographers and other travelers.
2. Passerelle Debilly
Passerelle Debilly is one of those locations people rarely think of, but once you go, you fall in love. It’s an elegant pedestrian bridge with beautiful textures, lines, and a side-angle view of the Eiffel Tower that feels more candid and cinematic.
🌟 Why this location is special
- The bridge’s structure creates natural leading lines that look stunning in photos.
- Since it’s pedestrian-only, you can move freely without worrying about cars.
- The Tower appears at a perfect distance, close but not overwhelming.
- It feels peaceful and intimate. Perfect for couples, solo portraits, and fashion shots.
📸 Photographer Tips
- Try walking shots across the bridge — the background feels straight out of a movie.
- Shoot both center and from the sides for different moods.
- If you're into romantic symbols, you’ll see love lockets along the railings, which add a sweet detail to your photos.
3. Quai / Port Debilly
This spot feels like you’re right under the Eiffel Tower. If you want photos where the Tower feels huge and dramatic behind you, this is the location.
🌟 Why this location is special
You’re photographing at river level, so the Tower looks tall, powerful, and almost protective in the background.
The wide walkway gives a clean background, which is great for portraits and long poses.
Light reflects beautifully from the Seine in the morning, giving a natural glow to your skin.
📸 Photographer Tips
Take the stairs down from either side of the bridge — both sides work!
Early morning = empty. Afternoon = very busy. Always aim for sunrise here.
If you walk towards Pont Bir-Hakeim, you’ll find several gorgeous mini-spots along the way.
Get closer to the bridge structure to capture a two-in-one shot: the Eiffel Tower + the bridge.
4. Avenue de Camoëns
Avenue de Camoëns is elegance, romance, and Parisian charm all in one. It’s a quiet residential street with one of the most beautiful framed views of the Eiffel Tower. For couple sessions, this is where I always get the more intimate, calm moments.
🌟 Why this location is special
- The architecture is stunning — classic balconies, soft neutrals, curved steps.
- The Eiffel Tower appears perfectly centered when you stand at the top.
- It gives a luxury “Paris chic” vibe that influencers love.
📸 Photographer Tips
- The area is very small, so getting there before 7:30 AM is a must if you want it empty.
- Use the stairs! Shooting from different levels gives depth and variety.
- Afternoon light is beautiful here because the buildings block harsh shadows.
5. Pont Bir-Hakeim
This location is iconic and ultra-photogenic. It became famous from the movie Inception, and now it’s one of the most cinematic bridges in Paris. Ideal for couples, fashion photography, solo portraits… everything!
🌟 Why this location is special
- The metal structure creates perfect symmetry, amazing for walking shots.
- The Eiffel Tower appears beautifully from the sides and the center of the bridge.
- You get multiple angles without moving too much.
📸 Photographer Tips
- Take metro line 6 and film the view as the train crosses the river. The perfect Instagram reel.
- The lower level (under the bridge) gives a strong architectural vibe.
- The upper sidewalk has the classic view with the Tower behind you.
- Look for the mini terrace area where you can sit — amazing for relaxed, lifestyle-style shots.
6. Champ de Mars Park
Champ de Mars is one of the most iconic and spacious parks in Paris. It’s perfect for relaxed, natural photos surrounded by greenery with the Eiffel Tower towering behind.
🌟 Why this location is special
Endless space = tons of variety and angles.
Beautiful during cherry blossom season and summer.
Perfect for picnics, couples, families, pets, and playful sessions.
You can have portraits, candid shots, picnic setups, and wide-angle photos all in one location.
📸 Photographer Tips
If you want empty backgrounds, early morning is essential.
Bring accessories! Flowers, a baguette, a blanket, a book — they look gorgeous in lifestyle pictures.
Walk around, don’t stay only in the main center path. There are hundreds of micro-spots that feel more private.
7. Rue de l’Université
One of the most classic streets in Paris for photos. The contrast of Haussmann buildings + the Eiffel Tower at the end of the street creates a perfect postcard scene.
🌟 Why this location is special
It feels intimate and very “Paris local.”
The street is narrow, so the Tower appears tall and majestic in the background.
Beautiful for outfit photos, editorial shots, and soft portraits.
📸 Photographer Tips
This street is tiny, so it gets crowded fast. Sunrise is your best friend.
Move slightly to the left side of the street for a stronger Eiffel Tower composition.
Afternoon can work too, but be patient — people form lines here!
8. Pont de Grenelle / Île aux Cygnes (Statue of Liberty Viewpoint)
This is one of my favorite underrated spots. Very few tourists come here, which makes it perfect for peaceful, creative shots.
🌟 Why this location is special
You get a wide, skyline-style view of the Eiffel Tower — unique compared to the usual close-up locations.
It feels more local, less touristy, and more artistic.
The small island, Île aux Cygnes, gives you different levels and backgrounds, including the mini Statue of Liberty.
📸 Photographer Tips
This is perfect for fashion shoots or editorial-style photos.
Play with the long walkway on the island — it creates gorgeous leading lines.
If you want something different from Pinterest clichés, this is the spot.
✨ Final Tips from a Paris Photographer
The best time for photos is always early morning.
Bring comfortable shoes while we move from one location to another.
Save your favorite poses on Pinterest before the shoot.
Stay safe with your belongings.
And most importantly: enjoy your moment in Paris!
If you want professional photos during your trip, I’d love to capture them for you.
📸 Book your Paris photoshoot HERE, and if you have any questions don't doubt in contacting me
📸 Book your Paris photoshoot HERE, and if you have any questions don't doubt in contacting me