Best Places to Take Photos in Paris with Your iPhone: Top 10 Scenic Spots and Photography Tips

Discover the best places to take photos in Paris using your iPhone. Capture stunning images of iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Paris, known as the “City of Light,” offers countless photographic opportunities. With an iPhone, you can capture stunning images of this beautiful city. Here are some prime locations in Paris along with tips and techniques for using your iPhone to photograph each spot.

1. Eiffel Tower

• Trocadéro Gardens: Offers a wide view of the Eiffel Tower, especially beautiful at sunrise.
• Champ de Mars: Provides a close-up perspective, perfect for detailed shots of the tower.

Recommended iPhone Photo Techniques:

• Portrait Mode: Use Portrait mode to blur the background slightly, highlighting the Eiffel Tower.
• HDR: Enable HDR (High Dynamic Range) to capture better details in both bright and dark areas.
• Night Mode: Use Night mode for capturing the Eiffel Tower illuminated at night.

2. Louvre Museum

• Pyramid Courtyard: The juxtaposition of the glass pyramid with the historic buildings makes for a striking composition.
• Interior Courtyards: Capture the contrast between modern and classical architecture.

Recommended iPhone Photo Techniques:

• Symmetry: Use the grid feature on your iPhone to align your shot and emphasize the symmetry of the pyramid.
• Reflections: Use the reflection of the pyramid in the pools for creative compositions.
• Live Photos: Capture Live Photos to add movement to your shots, which can be converted into short videos​.

3. Montmartre

• Sacré-Cœur Basilica: Offers panoramic views of Paris and an impressive architectural subject.
• Place du Tertre: A lively square filled with artists and vibrant life.

Recommended iPhone Photo Techniques:

• Wide Angle: Use the ultra-wide lens to capture the full scope of the basilica and the view.
• Burst Mode: Use Burst mode to capture candid street scenes and lively activities.
• Depth of Field: Use Portrait mode to blur the background slightly and focus on specific details.

4. Seine River and Its Bridges

• Pont Alexandre III: Known for its ornate design and expansive views of the river.
• Pont des Arts: Famous for its “love locks” and views of the Seine and historical buildings.

Recommended iPhone Photo Techniques:

• Panorama: Use the Panorama mode to capture wide views of the river and bridges.
• Night Mode: Use Night mode to capture beautiful evening and night scenes with clear details.
• Live Photos: Capture Live Photos to add a dynamic element to your shots of the river and bridges​​.

5. Notre-Dame Cathedral

• Square Jean XXIII: Provides a picturesque view of the cathedral’s rear façade and garden.
• Pont de l’Archevêché: Offers a beautiful side view of Notre-Dame across the Seine.

Recommended iPhone Photo Techniques:

• HDR: Enable HDR to capture the intricate details of the cathedral’s architecture.
• Zoom: Use the telephoto lens to get close-up shots of architectural details.
• Sunset Silhouette: Use exposure adjustment to capture the silhouette of the cathedral against the setting sun​.

6. Le Marais

• Place des Vosges: The oldest planned square in Paris, surrounded by stunning architecture and charming arcades.
• Rue des Rosiers: A lively street perfect for street photography and capturing the local vibe.

Recommended iPhone Photo Techniques:

• Candid Shots: Use Burst mode for capturing candid moments in the lively streets.
• Wide Angle: Use the ultra-wide lens to capture the historic buildings and their details.
• Golden Hour: Shoot during the golden hour to add warmth and depth to your photos​​.

7. Jardin du Luxembourg

• Medici Fountain: A tranquil spot with a reflective pool and classical sculpture.
• Central Lawn and Flowerbeds: Perfect for capturing the manicured beauty and Parisian lifestyle.

Recommended iPhone Photo Techniques:

• Macro Photography: Use the macro mode on newer iPhone models to capture detailed shots of flowers and plants.
• Portraits: Utilize the beautiful garden backgrounds for portrait photography using Portrait mode.
• Reflections: Capture reflections in the fountain for a serene and balanced composition​.

8. Palais Garnier

Vantage Points:

• Grand Staircase: The interior with its grand staircase and chandeliers makes for dramatic photos.
• Exterior Facade: The ornate facade is stunning, especially when lit up at night.

Recommended iPhone Photo Techniques:

• Low Light Photography: Use Night mode and a steady hand (or tripod) to capture the dimly lit interior without a flash.
• Details: Focus on the intricate details and patterns in the architecture using the telephoto lens.
• Symmetry: Align your shots using the grid feature to emphasize the symmetrical design of the staircase and halls​.

9. Sainte-Chapelle

• Upper Chapel: The walls of stained glass create a kaleidoscope of colors that are breathtaking to photograph.
• Exterior Views: Capture the chapel’s spires and Gothic details from the outside.

Recommended iPhone Photo Techniques:

• Stained Glass: Use a tripod and a mid-range aperture in Night mode to capture the vibrant colors and intricate designs of the stained glass windows.
• Interior Lighting: Balance the exposure between the bright windows and the darker interior using HDR.
• Wide Angle: Use the ultra-wide lens to capture the entirety of the stunning chapel interior​​.

10. Rue Crémieux

• Colorful Houses: The pastel-colored houses with their charming details make it a perfect backdrop for portraits and street photography.

Recommended iPhone Photo Techniques:

• Portraits: Use Portrait mode to make your subject stand out against the colorful background.
• Vibrant Colors: Enhance the colors in post-processing to make the pastel hues pop.
• Leading Lines: Use the street itself as a leading line to guide the viewer’s eye through the photo.

By leveraging these techniques with your iPhone, you can capture stunning images of Paris’s most iconic and picturesque spots.

Whether you’re photographing the grandeur of the Eiffel Tower or the charming streets of Montmartre, your iPhone can help you take home beautiful memories that encapsulate the magic of Paris.