Capture Paris’s most iconic symbol from rooftops, riversides, and hidden streets. Whether you’re a first-timer or a return visitor, here are the best angles to shoot the Iron Lady.
1. Trocadéro Square (16th Arr.)
🎯 Best for: Classic symmetrical photos
🕰️ Best light: Sunrise
The most famous Eiffel Tower viewpoint. Come early for golden light and fewer crowds. It’s a prime spot for engagement shoots and time-lapse photography.
👉 Pro Tip: Walk down to the lower fountains for dreamy reflections.
2. Rue de l’Université (7th Arr.)
🎯 Best for: Romantic street photography
🕰️ Best light: Morning or golden hour
This charming cobblestone street perfectly frames the Eiffel Tower between elegant Haussmann buildings.
👉 Pro Tip: Stand near the corner of Rue de l’Université and Avenue de la Bourdonnais for the best symmetry.
3. Pont de Bir-Hakeim (15th–16th Arr.)
🎯 Best for: Framed shots, dramatic architecture
🕰️ Best light: Early morning or sunset
The bridge features arched metalwork that frames the tower beautifully — a favorite spot for films and Instagram reels.
👉 Pro Tip: Use the center walkway and shoot through the columns.
4. Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck (15th Arr.)
🎯 Best for: Panoramic skyline views
🕰️ Best light: Sunset and blue hour
Take in Paris from above with the Eiffel Tower as the centerpiece. A must-do for photographers seeking that elevated skyline shot.
👉 Affiliate CTA: Skip-the-Line Tickets to Montparnasse Tower ➤
5. Seine River Cruises
🎯 Best for: Moving perspectives and nighttime shots
🕰️ Best light: Sunset into evening
Glide past the Eiffel Tower on a Bateaux-Mouches or Bateaux Parisiens cruise, especially stunning when it sparkles on the hour after dark.
👉 Affiliate CTA: Book a Seine River Dinner Cruise ➤
6. Champ de Mars (7th Arr.)
🎯 Best for: Picnics and relaxed foregrounds
🕰️ Best light: Afternoon to golden hour
The park directly beneath the tower offers a relaxed vibe and great people-watching while capturing the Iron Lady looming overhead.
👉 Pro Tip: For depth, photograph from behind the lawns near École Militaire.
7. Galeries Lafayette Rooftop (9th Arr.)
🎯 Best for: Shopping + skyline combo
🕰️ Best light: Sunset
This free rooftop deck gives you a view of Paris rooftops with the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Plus, champagne available at the café bar.
👉 Pro Tip: Bring a zoom lens or phone with 3x telephoto to close the gap.
8. Parc de Belleville (20th Arr.)
🎯 Best for: Lesser-known, offbeat panorama
🕰️ Best light: Sunset
This hilltop park gives a wide, distant view of Paris with the Eiffel Tower framed by urban rooftops. A local favorite.
👉 Pro Tip: Bring a blanket and enjoy a quiet picnic away from tourists.
9. A Rooftop Bar: Le Perchoir or Terrass” Hotel
🎯 Best for: Nighttime shots with ambiance
🕰️ Best light: Blue hour + Eiffel lighting
Enjoy cocktails and Eiffel views at trendy rooftop lounges. These are best for relaxed, romantic evenings.
👉 Affiliate CTA: Reserve at Terrass” Rooftop Bar ➤
10. Avenue de Camoëns (16th Arr.)
🎯 Best for: Epic staircase compositions
🕰️ Best light: Afternoon
This quiet cul-de-sac offers a staircase descending directly toward a beautiful Eiffel Tower view with ornate Parisian buildings for framing.
👉 Pro Tip: Perfect for fashion shoots or long exposure portraits.
🧭 Eiffel Tower Viewpoint Comparison Table
Spot | Best For | Lighting | Tripod-Friendly? |
---|---|---|---|
Trocadéro | Iconic sunrise shot | Sunrise | ✅ |
Rue de l’Université | Romantic framing | Morning | ✅ |
Pont de Bir-Hakeim | Urban contrast | Sunset | ✅ |
Montparnasse Tower | Aerial cityscape | Sunset/Night | ✅ |
Seine River Cruise | Motion/night shots | Twilight | ❌ |
Champ de Mars | Relaxed picnic angle | Afternoon | ✅ |
Galeries Lafayette Rooftop | Rooftop + skyline shot | Sunset | ✅ |
Parc de Belleville | Offbeat panorama | Sunset | ✅ |
Rooftop Bars | Chic night shots | Blue hour | ❌ |
Avenue de Camoëns | Staircase framing | Afternoon | ✅ |
📷 Pro Tips for Eiffel Tower Photography
- 🌅 Sunrise: Best for soft light and minimal crowds (Trocadéro, Rue de l’Université)
- 🌇 Golden Hour: Ideal for warm tones on stone facades (Pont Bir-Hakeim, Montparnasse)
- 🌌 Night Shots: Arrive early for setup — the Eiffel sparkles on the hour from dusk till 1am
- 📱 Gear Tip: Bring a phone tripod or gorillapod for low-light shots
🎁 Free Paris Photography Guide
Want the full map + photo checklist?
📩 Download Your Free Eiffel View Map + Tips PDF ➤
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