Paris : This city was made for Instagram!
Paris – The City of Love, The Fashion Capital of the World, a city that has wowed so many historians and artists, is no stranger to tourists . It is a heaven for photographers who have an endless supply of photo-ops. In the age where social media is so central to anything you do, a city like Paris is a dream come true for Instagram influencers!
“Hey, do you want to go to Paris for the weekend?” I asked. Sandhya gave me a puzzled look, quickly followed by an expression which seemed to say – Are you crazy?
“No I am not” – reading her. “Flight tickets are 40 euros return and I got a deal on a nice hotel”
I have been told by many people that Paris is a city that will make you fall in love. Sandhya certainly feels so (thanks to Instagram), so off we went, leaving rainy Dublin behind for a weekend getaway in Paris, all ready for some social gratification.
Some things to note before you get your phones out!
1. Airports :
We reached Paris on Friday night taking the evening Ryan Air flight which took us to Paris Beauvais Airport. The airport is located about an hour and a half away from the city, but there are buses running every hour. One way ticket costs 16 euros if booked online (pre-book here). Paris has 2 other airports – Charles de Gaulle Airport and Orly, which are located more centrally, so if you are not a budget, we would recommend taking an airline which flies into these airports.
2. Language :
Most locals speak French, but there will always be someone, who knows English and can help you out (but we would recommend installing Google Translate (iOS/Android) as it came in handy quite a number of times)
3. Getting around in Paris
Paris has an impressive public transport system. The RATP website is an amazing resource to help plan your trip as it would tell you the transport options you can use to move around. Taking a Paris Visite pass, makes economical sense, if you plan to use public transport. This website summarises info about all the tickets very well.
4. When to visit Paris
April to May and September to October are great months to be visiting as you avoid the high season (even with COVID, many people still visit Paris). March-April is also a good time with the flowers blooming all over the city. If you like the city lit up December is a good time but so is any other European city.
The Top Instagrammable places in Paris
We have been to many European cities, but Paris is likely Sandhya’s favourite city by now. There are many places that we couldn’t visit due to lack of time, but here are the top places, we would recommend to get that perfect Instagram shot!
1. Eiffel Tower view from Pont d’léna
The Pont d’léna is a beautiful bridge, right in front of the tower and is a must – visit if you want to get that epic Eiffel Tower shot.
Best time to go : Early morning (it gets busy quite quickly). Else just find a spot round the corner and take a pic – the way we did!
2. Avenue de Camoens
Avenue de Camoens is a great spot to get the view of the Eiffel as it is not something that is frequented by your average tourist. The stairway at the end of the street is exactly what you need for that dream shot!
Best time to go : Pre-Lunch while the crowd is busy at the Trocadéro
3. Carousel Swings next to the Eiffel Tower
We will let the pic speak for itself here!
4. Sacré-Coeur Basilica
A beautiful Roman Catholic church, with a splendid view of the city – yes please!
5. The streets leading to Champs-Élysées
The neighbourhood of Champs-Élysées is a delight and there are plenty of spots to take a pic.
Best time to go : Dusk
6. The view of the Siene
The Siene is to Paris what The Thames is to London.
You just can’t get go wrong with a view like this!
Best time to go : Throughout the day
7. The Notre Dame
The Notre Dame is an imposing and beautiful structure. It was recently in the news for the wrong reasons as a fire broke out destroying a significant part of the monument. People queue up to get a shot of the famed monument nonetheless.
Best time to go : Early morning
8. The Parthenon
It’s not just Rome, Paris has it’s own Parthenon, which is a mighty structure that is not to be missed.
Best time to go : Early morning as it can get super busy
9. The Arc de Triomphe
One of the most important monuments of France and one of the most Instagrammable spots in Paris without a doubt. When we went in September 2021, it was covered in sheets, but looked quite unique nonetheless.
Best time to go : Dusk or late night
10. The Louvre Museum
The pyramid structures at the Louvre is likely the 2nd most popular place for an Instagram shoot after the Eiffel Tower and for good reasons.
Best time to go : Nightfall
Some Honourable Mentions
1. View of the Eiffel Tower from Trocadéro
Trocadéro is often the first view people get of the Eiffel Tower and is arguably the best one. It’s a large square and you can choose plenty of angles to get that perfect photo.
Best time to go : As early as possible, it gets really busy and there is only so much that photo editing apps can do with removing people in the background 🙂
2. Moulin Rouge
A great musical and a unique building
3. Latin Quarter
Famed for its cafes, bookshops and theatres, this is one off the most clicked neighbourhoods in Paris
4. Rue Crémieux
One of Paris’ prettiest streets
5. Pont Alexandre III (at night)
Sure you will find loads of people (most of them making videos for their social accounts), but you just can’t leave Paris, without clicking a photo of the Eiffel Tower and the Pont Alexandre III at night
Paris is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world and there is no doubt it is a favourite amongst Instagrammers. There is so much more we could have visited but it would need a much longer trip, but hopefully, our own experience and research was able to give you all you need to help glamorize your Insta feed 🙂
P.S. Don’t forget to comment with any suggestions you have on other Instagrammable places in Paris and while you are at it follow our Instagram page. Until next time – Au revoir!
