As one could imagine, when it comes to outdoor photography in Paris, it will come as no surprise that the most requested backdrop is France's most famous tourist attraction, the Eiffel Tower. Standing at 324 metres (1063 feet) tall - the equivalent to an 81-storey building - it is a landmark that dominates the skyline of a large area of the French capital. For this reason, the options for photographing it are virtually unlimited.
Whilst creative landscape photographers will tend to frame the iconic structure within the surrounding Haussmann architecture, when the tower itself is the background element to a candid moment or a headshot, the choice in location is very different. Here I'll discuss the best places to be photographed in front of the Eiffel Tower, from right up close to far away in the distance, detailing the advantages of each.
THE TOP THREE PLACES FOR YOUR EIFFEL TOWER PHOTO
Champ de Mars
The exact location of the Eiffel Tower is at the north-west end of this large public green. Whilst, being so close, this area doesn't offer the best perspective for getting the whole of the tower in frame, the advantage of shooting here is the sheer variety of angles you can get as it allows views from directly underneath and all around which concentrate on the unique architecture itself; as many a postcard photo will demonstrate, even a fragment of its structure is enough to indicate, unmistakably, that you're at the Eiffel Tower.
Another much overlooked advantage of shooting so close to the tower is the visibility it offers: on very overcast days, from a distance the tower can appear wrapped in a cloud, shooting at the Champs to Mars you'll get your guaranteed Eiffel Tower photo, no matter the weather.
Trocadéro Plaza
The classic and best known spot for Eiffel Tower photography. Even if you don't recognise the huge plaza itself with the golden statues that align it, you'll instantly recognise its unparalleled view. For a dedicated Eiffel tower portrait, where the structure of the capital’s icon absolutely dominates the background of the shot, this is undoubtedly the best spot.
As my portfolio shows, whilst full-body portraits are possible here, unless you want your photos to be shared with hordes of tourists the only option is to do your shoot early morning (and even then - particularly in the high-season - don’t expect to have the plaza to yourself!)
Note: if you want a photo shoot option where the Paris icon is visible at all times, we can combine the above areas (The Eiffel Tower Route, as I call it).
Pont Alexandre III Bridge
As an experienced Paris photographer, this is my favorite location for shooting the Eiffel Tower. To the naked eye, you have a view of the city's main symbol which includes both the Seine river along with its adjoining bridge, the Pont d'Iéna, the Parisien cityscape, and, taking a step back, elements of the magnificently unique elements of the Pont Alexandre III itself. Added to this, through the lens of a professional's camera you'll also have shots with the tower placed much larger in frame.
Whilst an undeniable attraction and, as a main route of transport, receiving its fair share of passersby, the Pont Alexandre III Bridge simply doesn't have the tourist density of other viewing spots. For this reason, at the right time of day (and with a little luck), wide angle shots can be possible that incorporate all of the above whilst giving the impression that you are completely alone in Paris. This is facilitated by the fact that the bridge’s sidewalk is extremely wide, which, as a photographer, allows me to create some real distance between me and the subject (without stepping into the main road!)
The main reason I like the Pont Alexandre III spot: its view of the Eiffel Tower isn't even its best feature; its best feature is the bridge itself. This really is my recommended starting location if you want a Paris Photo Shoot that includes the Eiffel Tower in part, but isn't entirely dominated by it.
RUNNERS UP: GOOD ALTERNATIVES
Pont d'Iéna / Jena Bridge
If you've opted for The Eiffel Tower Route mentioned above (i.e. Champs de Mars + Trocadero), you'll be crossing this bridge anyway and, in that case, getting some photographs here really is a must. However, in terms of including the tower in the frame, the volume of traffic and the narrower pavement make the composition and the realisation a little more difficult. Whilst the traffic can be avoided by descending onto the quais, you're then faced with having to shoot upwards at the tower, which isn't ideal for portraits. That said this spot nevertheless offers an undeniably unique and captivating perspective on the tower.
Passerelle Debilly / Debilly Footbridge
The Seine crossing in between Pont d'Iéna and Pont de l'Alma. Being a pedestrian footbridge with nowhere near the pedestrian circulation of the major Parisian bridges, the advantages for shooting here are clear, especially if you want an intimate moment such as a surprise marriage proposal photographed. The view of the tower from here has neither the overview given from Pont Alexandre III nor the symmetry achieved from Trocadéro, but Passerelle Debilly remains a very good compromise all the same!
FURTHER INFORMATION
The above are my own recommendations as a Paris-based lifestyle and portrait photographer. To decide for yourself which spot is for you, there's no better way than by checking out complete case studies from professional shoots, such as those you’ll find throughout this website.