The Best Time for a Photoshoot in Paris (and How to Avoid the Crowds)
Updated: 5 hours ago
The time you book changes your photos more than almost anything else: the light, the number of people around you and the mood of the city. Here is how I advise my clients.
Sunrise: empty streets and soft light
If you want the Eiffel Tower without the crowds, sunrise is unbeatable. Trocadéro, Bir-Hakeim and the little streets around the Tower are almost empty, and the light is soft and flattering. It means an early alarm (around 6am in June, closer to 8:30am in winter), but it's the best way to get photos where Paris feels like it's yours.
Morning: a good compromise
Mid-morning is easier for families with young children. The light is still good, and the popular spots fill up gradually, especially Trocadéro. I know the quieter angles nearby, so we can still get clean backgrounds.
Midday: possible, with the right locations
Around midday the sun is high and the light is harder. That doesn't mean bad photos: I use shade, arcades and places like Palais-Royal or the Louvre courtyards, where the light is easier to work with.
Golden hour: warm, romantic light
The hour before sunset gives warm, golden light that flatters everyone, which is why couples and proposals love it. The spots are busier, but this is when Paris looks its warmest.
Night: the Eiffel Tower lit up
After dark, the Tower is lit and sparkles for a few minutes at the start of each hour. Night sessions have a completely different atmosphere: elegant and dramatic. Sessions after 5pm have their own rates, listed on the prices page.
The best season for a Paris photoshoot
Spring (April to June): blossoms, fresh green trees and mild temperatures.
Summer: long days and very early sunrises. It's busy, so early sessions are a smart choice.
Autumn: warm colors in the parks and softer light all day long.
Winter: fewer tourists, beautiful low light, and Christmas decorations in December.
There is no bad season in Paris. What matters most is choosing the right time of day.
What if it rains?
A light drizzle or a grey sky can give a soft, romantic look, and an umbrella makes a nice prop. We'll be in touch the day before your session, and if the weather looks really bad, we'll adapt the plan together.
My advice in short
For quiet photos at the Eiffel Tower: sunrise.
For families with young kids: mid-morning.
For couples and proposals: golden hour or night.
Tell me your priorities and I'll suggest the best time slot for your dates. Book your Eiffel Tower photoshoot or send me a message.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time for a photoshoot at the Eiffel Tower?
Sunrise if you want as few people as possible. Golden hour or night if you prefer a warm, romantic atmosphere.
What time is sunrise in Paris?
Around 6am in early summer and around 8:30 to 8:45am in mid-winter, so the session start time changes with the season.
Does the Eiffel Tower sparkle every hour?
Yes. After dark, the Tower sparkles for a few minutes at the start of each hour.
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