It’s not a secret anymore, I must admit it, I might be a little bit addicted to Instagram. Are you looking for a nice restaurant to go to with friends? Check on Google Maps and then look at more photos on Instagram (sometimes I even decide what to order based on Instagram photos, haha)—looking for lovely locations when traveling? Instagram. Latest trends? Instagram. You can find almost anything on Instagram; the platform can be used as a fashion magazine, travel magazine, food magazine, and so on, you choose. So, it has become a significant source of inspiration for me. I know it is visually based, so it can sometimes lack information. Still, after seeing something I like on Instagram, I can look for more information about that particular thing, place, etc.
I only realized the importance of a beautiful Instagram feed last year, so I am still working on mine. I started thinking in little squares and seeing my feed like a puzzle. Instagram is fun, but it can also be time-consuming, haha.
Paris has always been one of the most photogenic cities in the world. Artists, photographers have always found inspiration here. Now, with the Instagram wave, many places in the City of Lights have become “Instagrammable,” as they call it. Since it was my first time in Paris, I wanted to see the famous parts first and will let the “hidden gems” maybe for a future trip. This trip was like a treasure hunt trying to find all the cool places I have been dreaming about for so many years, and I have repeatedly seen photos on Instagram.
1. Palais de Chaillot
No trip to Paris would be complete without admiring the Eiffel Tower (and taking photos of and with it, of course). There are quite a few places where you can get excellent views of the tower, but this was my favorite—the stairs at Palais de Chaillot with the Eiffel Tower behind form a perfect framework.
Tip: Go there early if you want to have the whole place for yourself and take as many photos as you’d like.
Tip 2: Go during nighttime for beautiful views of the sparkling tower.
Metro: Trocadéro
2. Louvre Pyramid
The modern glass structure designed by Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei brought about a lot of controversies regarding the unmatching styles between the new structure and the old French Renaissance style of the Louvre building. I am a fan of the new vs. old in architecture, and I seek places where new buildings peacefully coexist with older ones. Thus, for me, this represented a beautiful contrast, as reflected in the photo below.
Tip: As Louvre can be pretty tiring before or after your art immersion, I recommend a sweet treat from La Maison du Chocolat located in Carrousel du Louvre, an underground shopping mall right near the museum.
Metro: Palais-Royal–Musée du Louvre station
3. Palais Royal
Very close to the Louvre museum, you can find Palais Royal and in its inner courtyard ‘Les colonnes de Buren’ designed by Daniel Buren, a controversial work of art. One of the famous Insta-worthy places where you “must” take photos. However famous it might be, it wasn’t very crowded, and I enjoyed taking pictures there.
Tip: Wear stripes! 🙂
Metro: Palais-Royal–Musée du Louvre station
4. Musée d’Orsay
Musée d’Orsay was probably the most beautiful museum I have ever seen in terms of interior architecture. It is housed in the former Gare d’Orsay, making it unique and interesting. Important Instagram spot here, the clock located on its fifth floor, also offers a great view over the city. You can get beautiful contre-jour photos of people against the clock.
Metro: line 12, to Solférino
5. Galeries Lafayette
Galeries Lafayette, most beautiful department store I have ever seen! I recommend it as an Insta spot for the gorgeous interior architecture and the beautiful (and free) view over Paris from its 7th floor. If weather conditions are bad, the terrace might be closed, so choose your day to visit wisely. I’ve heard that the nearby Printemps department store also has a rooftop terrace, so if you have time, you can see both.
Metro: Line 7 – Chaussée d’Antin – La Fayette
6. Ladurée Paris Champs Elysées
This place is Mecca for macarons, so you have to pay a visit if you love macarons and wish to enjoy them in a stunning setting. One of the oldest tea rooms in Paris, Ladurée, did not disappoint. I’ve heard they have a tea room in Ginza, Japan, so next time I should pay a visit and tell you my impressions.
Metro: Charles de Gaulle–Étoile
7. Pont de Bir-Hakeim
Also known as the “Inception Bridge,” Pont de Bir-Hakeim has everything that counts for an Insta-worthy photo: lines, perspective, depth… And a person walking in the middle of this scene = perfect shot! Many couples were also taking wedding photos here.
Metro: Bir-Hakeim
8. Montmartre
Montmartre has many small streets, parks, chic boutiques, cafes, and you can easily get lost here. Notable Instagram spots would be Le mur des je t’aime (I love you wall), Sacré-Cœur, and the famous sinking building, a famous optical illusion, which is very popular on Instagram. You might have seen it with the green plateau in front of it, but since it snowed when I went there, there was no green plateau, but I still managed to get the optical illusion somehow.
Metro: Anvers
9. Versailles Hall of Mirrors
The Hall of Mirrors at Versailles Palace is stunning, and the good thing is that you can take photos there (for example, the Hall of Mirrors at Peles Castle in Romania doesn’t allow it). The disadvantage is that there will be many others visiting, so it’s kind of hard to take a photo with no people in it.
Access: RER line C, Versailles Château – Rive Gauche
10. Disneyland Paris
The happiest place on earth! Do you agree? Impossible not to get some pretty, colorful, and happy photos here, with the beautiful Sleeping Beauty Castle, during the fireworks show, or with some adorable yummy treats from the many shops aligned with the Main Street USA.
Tip: Avoid the weekends if possible.
Access: Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy train station
Thank you for stopping by 🙂
Have a beautiful week!
