24 UNIQUE SPOTS FOR AESTHETIC MEMORIES IN PARIS
This is a guide for anyone who wants to find beautiful and aesthetic places to visit in Paris that make your trip unique and authentic.
When you think of Paris, what do you think?
Parisian cafes? Baguettes and beret’s? The Eiffel Tower for sure.
We need to be more original. And to do that, we need to build the perfect itinerary for Paris with the most unique spots that are yet still beautiful and picture worthy. You should make beautiful and authentic memories on your trip to Paris.
Before my first trip to Paris, I did my best to research all of the best spots. Particularly the places in Paris that are perfect for budget travel.
I gathered all of the best locations, mapped out the best routes, and walked to each destination with ease during the actual trip.
The city really is a treasure trove for old Parisian beauty. And you don’t necessarily have to go hunting for picturesque spots as they have a way of finding you.
I want everyone to experience their own authentic version of Paris. But I also don’t want anyone to miss the most beautiful locations either.
So here I have compiled a list of the most beautiful and aesthetic spots in all of Paris.
When is the best time to visit Paris?
I would really suggest you do not visit Paris in summer or during a trash strike. I was in Paris during the latter and it was for sure an interesting time to tour Paris. However, trash was found at every corner in large heaps. That was just unfortunate timing.
Though I love a good protest, they were difficult to navigate around as well.
Summer is particularly bad because of the crowds and the heat. It’s the time when most can visit, but it might also ruin your experience to deal with long lines and wait times.
Otherwise, any other time, such as September through April, is the perfect time to visit beautiful old Paris!
Whether you find yourself exploring Paris during a trash strike or under more typical circumstances, I’ve got you covered with the best locations.
Most Aesthetic Spots in Paris
1) Av. de camoens
This little street is just a block away from Trocadéro Square, a popular tourist spot for taking breathtaking photos of the Eiffel Tower from across the river Seine. Avoid the crowds and go straight to Av. De Camoens, which is a much quieter and more attractive view point. It is a dead end street which leads to a gorgeous viewing of the Eiffel Tower with beautiful old buildings lining the street.
2) Rue de l’Université
Even though these two streets are quite similar, both providing breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower, Rue de l’Université is much closer to the tower than Av. De Camoens. This is the best spot for a close up view of the Eiffel tower.
3) Île Saint-Louis
This cute little island has some of the oldest buildings in the city. You’ll find the most ideal tranquil streets lined with cute old shops on the island. A perfect place for a morning or evening stroll on the cobblestone streets along the Seine. Make sure to get a cup of the most popular ice creams in Paris at Berthillon.
4) Passerelle Debilly
As you cross the river towards the Eiffel Tower, this footbridge surely provides some of the best views of the Eiffel Tower along the Seine.
5) Trocadéro
Above the Trocadéro Gardens is a large open area centered right before the Eiffel Tower. While Av. De Camoens is a quiet little street down the corner, Trocadéro is a popular spot for photos and has much more activity in the area, filled with people, live music, and stunning views.
6) Rue de l’Abreuvoir
What many people miss when visiting Montmartre, is taking a stroll behind Sacré Coeur. There you’ll find idealistic old streets with the beautiful basilica up the hill in the background.
7) Le Consulat
In a popular square that is also found behind Sacré Coeur, is Le Consulat, which is an aesthetic little cafe amongst the old streets of Montmartre. This famous cafe is the perfect spot for a cute street corner shot as you walk through Montmartre.
8) Square de la Turlure
Just behind Sacré Coeur is Square de la Turlure, which is a small park away from the crowds of the basilica. Here you’ll find the best angles of Sacré Coeur with a more natural set up, away from the crowds.
9) Rue Cler
This street is lined with adorable little shops selling flowers, chocolates, produce, and baked goods. Full of color and charming appeal, this is the perfect street for aesthetic market pictures.
10) Arc de Triomphe
A sight that cannot be missed is of course the Arc de Triomphe. Whether you are taking pictures of the Arc or on top of the Arc, you will find everything you need in this famous circle. Take gorgeous pictures in front of the Arc de Triomphe and then visit the top to get the best view of Paris from above.
11) Galerie Vivienne
The covered passages are a must visit in Paris, the Galerie Vivienne being one. It is well lit with natural light from the glass roof and lined with beautiful shop windows.
12) Louvre
The Louvre is one of the most popular sights in Paris, but one that cannot be missed. Whether you go in the Louvre, or just wander around the grounds of the Louvre, you’ll find plenty of aesthetic spots for photos, as it is a very large historic building with an abundance of beautiful architecture and art.
13) Palais Garnier
The Palais Garnier is a must see for all romantics. Not only is the building’s exterior beautiful, but the inside is like a hidden treasure. You’ll find a beautiful old theater which the Phantom of the Opera was inspired from, a stunning main foyer with an abundance of chandeliers lined along the sides, the grand staircase, an elegant little library, and open rooms with an amazing view of Parisienne buildings surrounding the theatre.
14) Notre-Dame
Despite the damage made by the fire in 2019, the reconstruction hardly leaves much of an obstacle for taking gorgeous pictures of this beautiful medieval cathedral. You’ll find many stunning spots to get the perfect shot of the world’s most well known cathedral.
15) Church of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont
Just before the Pantheon is this breathtaking old church, which is open to visitors if you also want to take a look at the even more beautiful interior. You can take stunning pictures of the church with the Pantheon in the background, making your Paris photos look even more epic.
16) Champs-Élysées
Another popular destination in Paris is the famous Champs-Élysées, and it is without a doubt a perfect spot for aesthetic photos. Despite the busy road that it is, there are many spots where you can find an easy set up for the perfect background. Don’t forget to take a walk along Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré as well, where you’ll find plenty of beautiful picture-worthy doorways.
17) Galeries Lafayette Haussmann Rooftop
Galaries Lafayette is a magnificent sight in itself, which I highly recommend stopping to take a glance at the inside. But an even better sight is the rooftop of Galaries Lafayette. Here you get a free rooftop view of the Palais Garnier, the Eiffel Tower and the rest of beautiful Paris.
18) Pont de Bir Hakeim
Just across from the L’île aux Cygnes, is the Pont de Bir Hakeim where you will find a little balcony overlooking the Seine and the Eiffel Tower. The bridge in itself is an aesthetic photo-taking spot, so don’t miss this underrated view of Paris.
19) Pont Alexandre III
This golden bridge is in the perfect location where you can see the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Palais, and the Hôtel des Invalides. Lined with beautiful lamp posts and gold statues, this old elaborately designed bridge will never disappoint.
20) Passage des Panoramas
Another passage in Paris is the Passage des Panoramas, which contains, what I believe, are the cutest shops in Paris. Even if the shops aren’t your style this is another opportunity to take aesthetic pictures in a well lit passageway with old books and pretty shop windows.
21) Pont des Arts
Directly across from the Louvre is the Pont des Arts, which is a quaint little bridge that has beautiful views on all sides. Across the way is the Institut de France, which creates a great symmetric backdrop.
22) Rue Saint-Julien le Pauvre
A little street that goes down the side of the green space of Square René Viviani is the perfect spot for shots in front of the Notre Dame or around the adorable corner café Odette. Get an aesthetic shot along the fence of the small park with the beautiful Notre Dame making an appearance in the background.
23) Place Dauphine
This is one of my favorite spots in Paris. Not just for pictures, but also to just experience Paris as it is. This little park has the perfect symmetry for picture taking with a quiet perspective of the Île de la Cité. The park is full of perfectly placed benches and trees, surrounded by beautiful old buildings leading to the Pont Neuf.
24) Square du Vert-Galant
Directly across from Place Dauphine, is Square du Vert-Galant, which is another small park along the Seine. This is the perfect view point of the historic river, and you might be able to capture pictures of the swans that swim by. There you can take stunning pictures at any hour of the day with the weeping willow along the Seine.
For anyone fortunate enough to explore the enchanting city of Paris, I hope this guide is helpful for you to easily navigate the most aesthetic spots of this beautiful old city.
Enjoy exploring Paris!
And let me know if you know any unique and aesthetic spots in Paris that I missed, I’d love to hear you your thoughts.
Maeve
Welcome to our little corner of the internet!
Just an American girl living in India and exploring the rest of the world on the side. Most of my joys come from traveling beautiful places, good old fashioned handwritten letters, fresh flowers, and a warm cup of chai.
So allow me offer you a cup of tea (with a spoonful of chini, of course!) as you join me in sharing about travel tips for discovering the most beautiful locations, insights into life as an expat in India with my wonderful Indian husband, and discussions about navigating long-distance relationships.
Join me for stories filled with wanderlust, cross-cultural love, and the little joys of life. Whether you’re an aspiring traveler, in a multicultural relationship, or just curious about life abroad, there’s something here for you.
Our Long Distance Story
We are Maeve and Kart – a long distance married couple from America and India.
To all kindred spirits out there trying to navigate a multicultural or a long distance relationship, you’re not alone. Learn from our own experiences of how we finally found each other from across the world and remain together living with a blend of both cultures and languages.
Get a cup of tea and a spoonful of chini and take in the advice from those who have successfully created a strong cross-cultural relationship from a distance.
