Paris is a photographer’s dream, and there is so much magic in Paris, that you will have to plan your photography itinerary in advance. You don’t want to miss the best spots. Here’s my list for the places that have the best views and scenery for your Paris photoshoot.

1. Sacré Coeur Basilica in Montemarte

The view of Paris from the top of the steps of Sacré Coeur Basilica is one of the best. The Sacré Coeur Basilica is a Roman Catholic church and is the second most visited monument in Paris. If you’re an architecture enthusiast, this church is a must visit. It’s also the second highest point of the city.

2. The Eiffel Tower Carousel

This carousel, with the Eiffel Tower soaring above it, is one of the most beautiful carousel’s in the world. At night, it’s covered with twinkling lights. This is a great spot if you are taking photographs of children.

3. The Louvre

Of course, visiting the Louvre is a must, for some of the most Instagrammable photos of Paris. The Louvre is the world’s largest art museum, and is a central landmark of the city. It’s home to Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, and it’s best if you plan out what you want to see before visiting. And, you might want to read a few articles on how to take good pictures in a museum before you visit. Note that the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays.

4. Pretty Much Any Doorway

There are so many colorful doors in Paris, that when I went, most of my photos were of doors! The Ile Saint-Louis is  a good street to wander down for some of the most beautiful ones. Make sure to take a few closeups of the door knockers. They are fantastic.

5. Le Moulin Rouge

This world-famous cabaret is well-known for its can-can dance numbers and elaborate costumes. The best way to take a snapshot of the windmill is to walk across the street so you can get a global view of the cabaret. If you go at night, you will get the best shots of the colorful lights.

6. Any Paris Cafe

Go to pretty much any Paris café and take incognito photos of the people. Everyone in Paris is so stylish, and there’s nothing like getting photos of the real slice of life at the Paris cafes.

7. The Top Of Notre Dame

When it comes to Paris places to take pictures, I think it is hard to beat the top of Notre Dame Cathedral for the views of the city and of these gargoyles of Paris. Gargoyles help direct water away from the buildings, and what an artistic water-spout!

8. Sunset Along The Seine

The real essence of Paris is captured by the river Seine. The river Seine flows right through the heart of Paris bordering 10 of the 20 arrondisements. The river is still the chief commercial waterway and half of the water used in Paris still comes form the Seine. There are 32 bridges on the river in Paris, some of them more impressive than others, and they also make for some great photos.

9. Pont Alexandre III

Speaking of bridges, the Pont Alexandre III is Paris’ most elegant bridge. It’s in the 7th district, not far from the Eiffel Tower, the Champs Elysées, and the Invalides. I recommend capturing it at sunrise or sunset for the best lighting.

10. Arc de Triomphe

The Arc itself is a great photography subject, but so are the views from the top. From the top of the panoramic terrace, your eyes sweep over the whole of Paris. Go an hour before sunset for the best light. It’s also less crowded at this time.

11. Paris Bicycles

The vintage bicycles of Paris are great fun to take photos of. Combined with the cobblestone streets, they make for some romantic photos.

12. Macaron Shops

This sweet meringue-based confection makes for a colorful photo, and the bonus is you get to eat all the macarons that you buy. In 1792, macarons began to gain fame when two Carmelite nuns, seeking asylum in Nancy during the French Revolution, baked and sold the macaron cookies to pay for their housing. These nuns became known as the “Macaron Sisters”. Go to Laduree for the orange blossom ones or to Pierre Herme for the jasmine ones.