From the iconic structures on the skyline to the lesser-known places in hidden alleys, here are the best spots Paris to captivate your social media following.
1. Eiffel Tower
This has got to be one of the most romantic places in Paris with many people travelling here to propose to their significant others. However, it still makes a great snap whether you’re there with a loved one or not. Located on Champ de Mars, the 300m wrought iron lattice tower was named after Gustave Eiffel who was behind its design and construction in 1887. It’s especially striking when it lights up at night.
Métro: Champs de Mars – Tour Eiffel
2. Rue Cremieux
Much like some of London’s famous pastel-coloured mews, this Paris street makes the perfect backdrop for those looking to add a pop of colour to their Instagram feed. Located near Gare de Lyon, the street is lined with pretty painted buildings and potted plants that will add charm to your Instagram profile.
Métro: Gare de Lyon
3. Sacré-Coeur
Put your comfortable walking shoes on for a trek up the 130-m high Montmartre hill to this beautiful building, or if you don’t want to, it makes just as stunning a photo from down below. Located in the 18th arrondissement, the big white church is so grand, it wouldn’t look out of place in a Disney animated film.
Métro: Abbesses, Lamarck Caulaincourt, Anvers
4. Pigalle Duperré
It’s worth visiting the 9th arrondissement of Paris just to capture this colourful shot from above. Ill Studio’s collaboration with French fashion brand Pigalle and Nike resulted in the Pigalle Duperré basketball court – named after the street it’s located on, between two Parisian apartment blocks. It’s in the same neighbourhood as the iconic Moulin Rouge. The transformation was inspired by Russian artist Kazimir Malevich’s Sportsmen painting, which shows four people standing alongside each other. Even if you’ve seen it before, it’s worth going back as the court is updated with new colour schemes.
Métro: Blanche
5. Colonnes de Buren
A popular Instagram shot to take is of French artist Daniel Buren’s Les Deux Plateaux, commonly known as the Colonnes de Buren, located in the cour d’honneur (inner courtyard) of the Palais Royal. Known as a “village in the city”, you’ll find pretty shopping arcades dating back to the 17th century here, among the palace and gardens. The place is popular among tourists and locals alike thanks to the Le Grand Véfour restaurant and Comédie-Française, the oldest still-operating theatre in the world.
Métro: Palais Royal Musée du Louvre
6. Jardin Du Luxxembourg
Have a regal time at the Luxembourg Garden which was created by King Henry IV’s widow Marie de’ Medici in 1612. Located at the Luxembourg Palace in Paris’ 6th arrondissement, its style is influenced by Italian Baroque, more specifically, the Boboli Gardens in Florence. You’ll find plenty of picture-worthy spots in the 25-ha space, including a pond, fountain and rose garden, and activities like remote-control boat racing, photography exhibitions and even live concerts.
Métro: Odeon, Mabillon, Saint-Michel, Cluny
7. Sainte-Chapelle
Up until the 14th century, the gothic Sainte-Chapelle, situated in the Palais de la Cité, was where French kings have lived since 1248. With 1,113 scenes from the Old and New Testament of the Holy Bible depicted across 15 stained-glass windows, each 15m high, it’s one of the most prominent places in Western Europe in terms of religion and politics. In fact, the venue was supposed to house Jesus Christ’s crown of thorns which Saint Louis was in possession of. Download the Saint-Chapelle windows app which explains the story behind each window – make sure to get a pretty snap.
Métro: Cité
8. Notre-Dame Cathedral
This medieval Catholic cathedral located in the fourth arrondissement of Paris is another famous location where tourists love to take their photos, and for a certain generation, the Disney movie named after it might have a lot to do with that. The Gothic structure is surrounded by gargoyles while inside, the North Rose window is sure to mesmerise your followers. Unfortunately due to the devastating fire in 2019, the historic cathedral is closed for restoration and will only be open to the public in 2024.
Métro: Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame
9. Musee d’Orsay
Capture your shadow by day as you stand in the light of the Musée d’Orsay’s giant clock window. Designed by Brazil’s Campana brothers, it looks out over the left bank of the city’s River Seine and is situated inside a former railway station. The museum’s cafe is the ideal place for a spot of afternoon tea before continuing to snap all the iconic places Paris has to offer.
Métro: Gare du Musée d’Orsay
10. Pont des Arts
This River Seine pedestrian bridge is well known for its love locks, an idea that has been copied worldwide. Couples would scribble their names on a padlock, affix it on the bridge railing, then throw the key into the water, in a symbolic gesture forever sealing their love. In 2015, one million locks weighing 45 tonnes in total were removed as their weight was damaging the bridge and causing safety concerns, but the tradition lives on at other bridges across the city.
Métro: Pont Neuf
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– TEXT BY LEAH SIMPSON
Please check the establishments’ respective websites for opening hours as well as booking and seating requirements before visiting, and remember to adhere to safe-distancing measures while out and about.
To learn more about Singapore Airlines flights, visit singaporeair.com. For updates and travel advisories, please visit Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website.
PHOTOS: INSTAGRAM, 123RF.COM
This article was originally published by Singapore Press Holdings.
