What makes a Paris photoshoot at and near the Louvre the next popular choice after the Eiffel Tower?

The charm of this place is in its combination of the modern (the pyramids) and French Renaissance architectures (the palace). Plenty of leading symmetrical lines softened by beautiful carved facades and columns. You can photograph here in so many ways, with so many backgrounds. Unlike the Eiffel Tower, the pyramid need not be your only anchor point (unless you want it to be).

Here is a list of different spots at and around the Louvre to help you plan and visualise your Paris photoshoot before your session.

1. Paris Photoshoot at Cour Napoléon and Pyramide du Louvre

Here is the main entrance to the museum. I usually start my photoshoot at this big courtyard before it gets swamped by bus loads of tourists.

There are many angles to photograph with the pyramids in the background. When you have your backs to the pyramids, you will see lamp posts, columns, doors and detailed stone carvings lining along the Louvre castle.

Think of the myriad photos you are able to have from this one spot. Your creative Paris photographer should be able to help you get the most from this spot.

2.Quiet Cour Carrée for your Paris Photo Session

When I see people filling up Cour Napoléon, I take my clients into Cour Carrée. It is a quieter square courtyard and still as charming. I adore photographing my clients with the doors here too.

3.Place du Carousel for a quick Paris Photoshoot

Exterior facades of the Louvre is similar to the main courtyard, as appealing and less crowded.

There is also a space next to the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel du Louvre providing great views to the Louvre. It is possible to have undisturbed photos here very early in the morning when there’s not much traffic nor crowd.

4.The Small Garden next to École du Louvre

Walking down from Place du Carousel is a charming garden area with a labyrinth.

It is also situated next to École du Louvre.  It gives captivating views to the Louvre without vehicles and crowds in the background.

A little tip: Port des Lions found here is a quieter entrance to the Louvre museum when it’s open.

5.Terrasse du Bord de l’Eau

Here is a stunning tree lined terrasse that runs alongside the start of the Tuileries garden (from the Louvre side).

Quiet and ideal for a Paris surprise proposal photoshoot!

Some fun facts of the Louvre:

It took over 300 years to build the surrounding Louvre castle to what it is today and less than 6 years to build the pyramid in the 1980s. Kasia Writes has a short and sweet article here on the Louvre. If you’re pressed for time, here are 13 things you need to cover at the Louvre written by Walks of Italy.

6.Other Paris Photoshoot Locations around the Louvre

i. Pont des Arts

This used to be the love locks bridge. Couples would put their names and date on metal padlocks before hooking them to the bridge railings. About a million love locks were removed due to structural weight hazard to the bridge. It is still a very photographable place especially at sunrise.

Exit to the right from Cour Carrée, you will find Pont des Arts. At the end of it is the enchanting dome of the Institut de France for a lovely photo background.

There’s a nice write up on Pont des Arts here from Tripsavvy if you’d like to learn about this bridge.

ii. Jardin du Palais Royal and Colonnes de Buren

Enter from Place Colette, you will first encounter the Colonnes de Buren: 260 playful candy striped black and white columns of various heights fill up Cour d’Honneur.

This place is great for playful and romantic photos.

Further along you will find yourselves in Jardin du Palais Royal. A peaceful manicured square garden framed by three arcades. The arcades are home to upmarket clothes and art shops as well as cafes and restaurants. There are tree lined sand paths, a fountain and sections of small flower gardens. All stunning backdrops for your Paris photos.

Palais Royal is a delightful place for both the locals and tourists. On warm days, people walk, lounge around to read or people watch. It is also a popular place for playing petanque by the locals, a metal ball game like the British lawn bowling.

Jean Cocteau and Colette who are two famous French writers have lived within the apartments of this garden. How lucky!

I hope this post has given you a heart pulpitating glimpse of what it’s like to have a Paris photoshoot at and near the Louvre. Please spread the love, share it, tag it, pin it.

You can also book your Paris photoshoot with me here.

Shantha xx