Authored by Dan Bagby
The Eiffel Tower truly is one of the most iconic, most visited and most photographed landmarks in France, and if you love travel photography, getting the perfect shot will most likely be at the top of your list.
Situated in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, whether you’re cruising past it on the Seine, climbing to the roof of a nearby Cathedral, or standing directly below it, there are a million ways to get a shot of the Eiffel Tower, and it’s quite easy to take a great photo here.
Though this is one of the most photographed landmarks in the world, so what’s not always easy is taking an interesting one. As a tourist, it’s difficult to capture a unique angle which the world hasn’t already seen. But you can find new alternatives if you decide to spend more time in Paris, maybe move there for a while in order to capture the wonders of this city.
The following are great photography locations for shooting the Eiffel Tower. Head here if you’re looking to travel like a photographer and not a tourist.
The Best Places to Photograph the Eiffel Tower (or Catch an Amazing View)
Tour Montparnasse
The observation deck on the Tour Montparnasse provides a 360 view of all of Paris. It is the 2nd largest building in Paris, with only the Eiffel Tower being taller.
On the 56th floor you can view the entire city with wall to ceiling windows and interactive displays highlighting the historic buildings, both close by and in the distance.
Additionally, the terrace provides an open-air view and lends itself perfectly to capturing a perfect photo.
River Cruise
Taking a river cruise on the Siene is a great way to see the entire city, including the Eiffel Tower.
You can jump on a day cruise, though there are also many Seine river cruises which also include parts of the English Channel with stops in Giverny, Rouen and Normandy.
Photo by Artur Staszewski (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Flickr
Printemps
Beyond being an amazing shopping destination on its own, on the 9th floor terrace of the Printemps you can enjoy views on the Eiffel tower while eating at the café. On one side you can admire Montmartre fairly close and see the Eiffel Tower looking the opposite direction.
Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris
A great complement to the tour of the interior of the Notre Dame cathedral is climbing the towers.
The entrance is on the left hand side of the building and gets you a close up view of the roof, church bells, gargoyles and of course, the Eiffel Tower.
Photo by Julian Fong CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Below the Tower
My personal favorite view of the Eiffel Tower is from up close. Standing under the structure, you really get a feel for the grandeur of it.
The steel beams seem to weave in and out of each other creating an impressive display of architectural design.
The Essential Night Time View
Regardless of where you view the Eiffel Tower from, make sure you see it sparkle at night. It sparkles every hour on the hour for 5 minutes. It makes for an amazing site that is hard to tire of.
Your Hotel
If you can find hotels in Paris that have a view of the Eiffel Tower within your budget (or even for a fun splurge) I highly recommend you book it.
Nothing beats a suite with a view of the Eiffel tower and a private balcony. Or enjoying the view while eating breakfast.
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28 Comments
Your shot from Notre Dame is excellent!
I also like the views from some of the surrounding side streets.
So many different ways to view such an iconic landmark :) The viewpoint from Notre Dame is our favorite – glad you like the photo! That one was taken by an excellent photographer named Julian Fong :)
I personally think that below the tower is the best place to photograph it! Love the angles.
Unique angles aren’t they! I agree with you, and you rarely see these kind of shots having been taken from underneath :)
Ah, the eternal question when visiting Paris! I think River Cruise is my favorite option of all of these, partly because then you get the soothing flow of the boat movement to heighten the magic!
Very true, river cruising is a great way to find new and exciting angles for photography, and I’ve found that mood has a way of shining through when taking photos of a scene :)
I liked this post, because everyone who visits paris needs to get a good shot of the famous Eiffel Tower and sometimes it is not easy.
Glad you liked the post Barbara :) I know, I feel like some of these iconic landmarks have already been photographed in every single way, but there are always unique angles which haven’t been seen as much :)
The 9th floor terrace of the Printemps will definitely have to go on my next itinerary for a Paris trip. In my mind, eating at a cafe and viewing the Eiffel Tower is what Paris is all about!
Absolutely – that’s the Paris dream!
Also agree that the best spot to capture all the beauty of the Eiffel Tower is right underneath it. That’s the image I have of it in my mind from my first visit to Paris. I was laying below the tower in the end of the day when all the tower lights were turned on. It was an incredible experience. :)
What an incredible way to remember your trip to Paris! Absolutely agree, those who haven’t laid below it are missing out!
Seeing the Eiffel Tower at night made Paris so so so worth it. It’s a magical experience. I want to go again soon.
Totally agree with you! So different experiencing it during the evening than it is being there during the day. Takes on a whole different persona!
These are such fab spots Meg! I’ve only been to paris once and the visibility was so poor because we went in February, I didn’t manage to get a good shot of the Eiffel Tower :( I want to go to all these spots and get them next time especially if can book the Hotel Le Littre :)
Sounds like you have the perfect excuse for a return trip … maybe a little closer to summer. Winter is great for immersing yourself in the local experience when there are few tourists around, though it is always a game of luck when it comes to the weather.
Hopefully you’ll have nothing but sun and clear skies next time!
Your suggestions are great. As you know, things always look different from different angles and you offer great suggestions on how to get that one shot. And what’s not to love about a river cruise when it involves getting that perfect photo, right?
Give me a river cruise with the perfect photo opportunity any day :D
Your post makes me nostalgic for a return to Paris! These photography tips are SO handy for taking great pics of the historic Eiffel Tower from every vantage point. I need to get back to the City of Light soon.
Maybe we’ll bump into you in Paris when you do! :)
I’ve read so much about the Eiffel Tower but this post is definitely unique! Thanks for sharing on where to actually capture the best views! The photographer in me is very grateful right now :) Bookmarking for the future, thanks for sharing.
You’re most welcome, so glad you enjoyed the post! Have an amazing time in Paris!
The view from the top of the funicular at Sacré Coeur is my favorite. I relocated from Rue Charles Nodier to Rue Cortot and found this beautiful surprise my first commute. J’aime Paris!
Thanks for the tip on the view from the the funicular at Sacré Coeur Kim :) I haven’t taken this yet myself, so will have to make a note for our next trip! J’aime Paris!
Eiffel Tower is a really beautiful and most visited Place.you got nice view of photography under the Eiffel Tower.
Underneath the tower is probably my favorite place :)
These are some great tips and great photos of the Eiffel Tower! I really need to get back to Paris someday soon :)
Dan definitely did well! Have a wonderful return trip to Paris!