Top 10 Instagram Spots in Paris

Paris is, no doubt, one of the most photographed cities, and surely one with more Instagramable spots in the world.  The light and the soft color palette of the city, along with all the artistic, architectural and lifestyle features of this stunning place contribute to unforgettable moments and great pictures.

In this post, I'll be sharing some of my favorite spots, where you can capture that image that will back up your memories in years to come. I'm conscious that 10 is a very short number to sum up all the must-go places in Paris, but we have to start somewhere and who knows, maybe one day we'll have 10 more Instagram Spots in Paris.

1. ANY PLACE WITH AN EIFFEL TOWER VIEW

A photo of the Eiffel Tower is a must, but the size of this quintessential landmark makes it visible from almost anywhere in the city. Actually, I'm collecting all the perspectives I can get from the old Iron Lady, and always find new, stunning ones. The views from Trocadero or Champs de Mars are perhaps the most up-close ones, but I find that this one, from Avenue de Camoens, is in total Parisian vibe.

A post shared by Maria (@thewandererschronicles) on Jan 9, 2018 at 1:59pm PST

2. THE ART NOUVEAU DOOR AT AVENUE RAPP

There are plenty of Art Nouveau architectural examples in  Paris, but maybe none has been so photographed as the door of the Lavirotte building, that you can find at 29, Avenue Rapp. Because of its erotic motifs and figurative symbols, the building caused a huge scandal when it was built in 1901. Nearby you can find another great spot to snap a shot at Eiffel Tower.

A post shared by Maria (@thewandererschronicles) on Jan 9, 2018 at 1:59pm PST

3. PLACE DES VOSGES

Place des Vosges is perhaps my favorite square in Paris. Perfectly symmetric is one of the oldest planned squares in Paris. Entering through an arch, one can admire the surrounding red brick facades of the houses, stroll under the arcades, visit the shops, walk across the central garden or seat in a restaurant or cafe.

A post shared by Maria (@thewandererschronicles) on Jan 9, 2018 at 1:59pm PST

4. JARDINS DU LUXEMBOURG

Inspired by the Boboli Gardens and by the Pitti Palace in Florence, the Gardens and the Palace of Luxembourg were created for Queen Marie de Medici in the 17th century, as a way for her to remember her native city. Today the gardens are open to the public and are the perfect place to spend a few relaxed hours in one of the most beautiful sceneries of the city.

A post shared by Maria (@thewandererschronicles) on Jan 9, 2018 at 1:59pm PST

5. JARDINS DES TUILERIES

Between the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre, the Tuileries area was built as a place of kings, queens, and palaces. Walking around the Jardin des Tuileries to look at the numerous statues or to act like a local and enjoy the sun or a good book in one of the chairs available all over the garden will be time well spent.

A post shared by Maria (@thewandererschronicles) on Jan 9, 2018 at 1:59pm PST

6. NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL

Nôtre-Dame is an icon of Paris and its most significant landmark. After the tragic fire that destroyed part of the cathedral last year, it is only possible to see this masterpiece of architecture from the outside and at some distance. Let's hope that the recovery works give back Notre Dame to the Parisians and the city visitors.

A post shared by Maria (@thewandererschronicles) on Jan 9, 2018 at 1:59pm PST

7. BRIDGE BIR-HAKEIM

The bridge, made of steel, was constructed between 1903 and 1905 and is structurally stunning with its double-decker steel framework. Located just south of the Eiffel Tower, offer astounding views of the tower, especially in the early morning or during sunset.

A post shared by Maria (@thewandererschronicles) on Jan 9, 2018 at 1:59pm PST

8. CAFÉ DE FLORE

The plant covered facade of Café de Flore, has become one of the most posted on Instagram. If you want this coveted picture, head to Saint Germain des Prés and enter the Parisian way of life, enjoying your time in a café terrace, with a coffee or a chocolat chaud in hand.

A post shared by Maria (@thewandererschronicles) on Jan 9, 2018 at 1:59pm PST

9. PALAIS ROYAL

At Palais Royal, the black and white striped columns by Daniel Buren are a top attraction. The contrast with the classical building in the background makes it even more interesting as a photo subject.

A post shared by Maria (@thewandererschronicles) on Jan 9, 2018 at 1:59pm PST

10. SHAKESPEARE & CO. BOOKSTORE

Shakespeare and Company is kind of a treasure cove of books meeting a time machine. It is not allowed to take pictures inside, but the facade of the bookstore is an Instagramer magnet for sure. But don't limit yourself to a nice picture, enter and let the bookworm inside you think it has died and gone to book lovers  heaven.

A post shared by Maria (@thewandererschronicles) on Jan 9, 2018 at 1:59pm PST

You can find more on #Paris on my Instagram and I would love to take a look at your best Instagram pics of Paris. So, if you have some, please share them with me on the comments (links please) and I'll be glad to write a future article with the best Paris pictures on Instagram. Let's bring as much people onboard as we can, sharing this post with your friends. I'll be looking forward to know you and your Instagram profiles.

You can check our Top 10 Instagram Spots in Lisbon, Porto and Barcelona on the pictures bellow:

Chronicles from Paris | Le Méridien Etoile Hotel

On our visit to Paris, last November, we stayed at Le Méridien Etoile and, we were so happy with our choice that it is more than fair that I share it with you. This was our second time at this hotel and the comfort, excellent service, and perfect location make it a superb choice for anyone wanting to visit Paris. 

We stayed in a Smart Guest Room, and although not an enormous room it was quite comfortable and had most amenities (maybe an Espresso coffee machine, available in so many hotels, could be a nice addition!). The mattress is divine and the linens of good quality. On the other hand, the bath towels could be a little bit larger, but as we had bathrobes available, that was not a problem.

The hotel has a Fitness Center, a Bar (opens for breakfast and lunch), a Restaurant and a Jazz Club. The Longitude 2°17’ Bar with an Illy coffee, presents us with signature savory or sweet pastry, and quick lunches, on-site or for taking away. The legendary Jazz Club Etoile is renowned for its live music scene since 1976. There, guests can enjoy performances every Friday and Saturday night, alongside a curated Chef’s menu and Barchef’s Cocktail list.  We only eat there one night, when we were tired from walking all day, and although our choices were quite simple, the food was very good and the service exceptional. 

The hotel location, less than 10 minutes walking away from the Champs Élysées, makes it a great choice for anyone wanting to walk around the city. The modern design and boutique hotel vibes (the photography exhibition you can find all over the hotel is stunning!) makes Le Méridien Etoile a smart choice if you are planning to visit Paris soon. 

LE MÉRIDIEN ETOILE
81 Boulevard Gouvion Saint Cyr
75848 Cedex 17, Paris 75017
France
+33 140683434

FOR OTHER CURATED HOTELS IN PARIS, CHECK OUR REVIEW ON:

2019 Travel Highlights

2019 went out in a blink, and here we are in the first days of 2020, looking back and making a choice of the memories we want to take forward, the lessons we learned and the projects we must carry on.

This year I've worked less on the blog and making a full year review would be a more difficult exercise. So, for your benefit and mine, let's look at the travel highlights of this past year. Prague and Paris. Porto and, of course, Lisbon. And a Summer visit to the Southwest coast of Portugal. 

LISBON

Sometimes I put my traveling shoes and walk around Lisbon with the spirit of a visitor. Looking at things as if it was the first time (and sometimes it is!), and making discoveries. After so many years in this city, I still find it awesome, vibrant and new. Let me share with you some snapshots I collect all over the year. For more info on the city, you can check our Lisbon City Guide, and published this year, our posts on the Jacaranda Season and Lisbon's Christmas decorations.

PRAGUE

A visit to Prague during Easter was such a treat! The weather was magnificent, and the city was bright and full of flowers. Prague is well preserved and has layers and layers of history and culture at every corner. There is a lot to see,  the food is great and the atmosphere is remarkable. You can find some more information on what to see and what to eat on our blog posts (check the links!). 

SOUTHWEST COAST OF PORTUGAL

This was the magical place of my childhood summer holidays. Then it was less touristy and more down to earth, especially on the small towns along the coast. But still, much of nature is preserved and is always a pleasure to come back. Last year it was a "girls only" extended weekend, and it was nothing less than amazing. We promised to return in 2020 and you should go there too!

PORTO

It's always a pleasure to travel up north to Porto, and last October I had the opportunity to stay for a couple of days in the city for a work assignment. After work, no way I would return to the hotel and rest for a while. Walking around the city and capturing some pictures is my way of relaxing. 

PARIS

November was time to return to Paris, a city that always makes me happy. I've carefully planned the visit to return to some of my favorite places and to go to some new ones that I didn't have the time on previous occasions. Although it was cold, the (mostly!) sunny days helped to walk a lot, experience much and bring home a lot of photos to share with you.