A Photographer’s Lifestyle Guide to Paris, France

Paris is a city that lives and breathes art, beauty, and a certain je ne sais quoi. Of course, it might be known for its fancy landmarks and fashion shows, but the real magic? It’s in the side streets, the cafés, the indie bookshops, the walks along the canals… If you’re ready to fall in love with the city in your own way, we’ve got a little guide packed with community-approved places to explore and just vibe!

Just outside Paris lies a veritable paradise for lovers of all things vintage: the Puces de Saint-Ouen. One of the largest flea markets, this labyrinth of alleyways and stalls is packed with treasures – from antique furniture, retro clothing, to vinyl records, vintage posters and unusual objects. It’s a playground for collectors, the curious, and photographers alike. For more hidden gems, the flea markets in Montreuil and Vanves are also well worth a visit. Photo by elixirix

110 Rue des Rosiers, 93400 Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, France

Far from the Haussmann clichés, Belleville is Paris from another angle, a vibrant district where artistic and popular energy can be felt around every corner. Known for its multiculturalism and bohemian atmosphere, it’s also one of the best places to admire the city from the air. Climb up to Parc de Belleville, perched on one of Paris’s hills, which offers a spectacular panoramic view of the capital’s rooftops, rivalling that of Montmartre but with far fewer tourists. Photo by chlolhot

47 Rue des Couronnes, 75020 Paris, France

The Marais blends history, culture and trends in a setting of cobbled streets and private mansions. With the Place des Vosges, the Musée Carnavalet, second-hand clothes shops and art galleries, the district has something to tempt you at every turn. With its LGBTQ+ bars and lively atmosphere, it’s a must-visit spot, as much for its heritage as for its energy. Photo by bv555

Pl. des Vosges, 75004 Paris, France

Butte-aux-Cailles is much more than just a picturesque neighborhood. A former working-class bastion, this corner of the 13ᵉ arrondissement has managed to retain its village soul with its little flower-filled houses, hidden passageways and friendly atmosphere. The streets are also full of street-art! And don’t miss the Butte-aux-Cailles swimming pool, a listed Art Deco building. Photo by grandphilipp

5 Pl. Paul Verlaine, 75013 Paris, France

Located at the entrance to the Tuileries Gardens, Jeu de Paume is dedicated to photography and the contemporary image. The museum hosts bold, cutting-edge exhibitions that combine photography, video, and digital art – often with a focus on the major issues facing society. It’s also a Lomography partner, so you can enjoy both inspiring art and our products in one fantastic location!

1 Pl. de la Concorde, 75008 Paris, France

On foot or by boat, discover Paris’s most bucolic canal – the Canal de l’Ourcq! Once industrial, it’s now a hub of creative energy. With its metal bridges, tree-lined quays, and striking XXL street art, it’s a vibrant backdrop for urban photography. Stroll or cycle along the banks to Pantin or Bobigny, passing landmarks like the Cité des Sciences and the Centre National de la Danse. No beret or baguette required — just follow the river and shoot. Photo by stev_en

Quai de la Marne, 75000 Paris, France

Have you ever wanted to explore a new city and find all the best hidden locations and hotspots to feed your analogue passion? Well, we’re here to help you! We’ve pulled together some of our community’s most loved museums, meeting places, photography spots and must-visit processing labs and shops in Paris to give you the perfect guide to this great city through the eyes of an analogue enthusiast. All these recommendations have been approved and verified by Lomographers.

Museums, Art, Photography and Culture in Paris

We’ve curated a list of our favorite museums, art galleries and cultural landmarks in Paris to give you an exhaustive guide to the best creative hot-spots to visit on your trip.

Musée des Arts Décoratifs – 1st arrondissement
Housed in a wing of the Louvre, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs celebrates elegance and craftsmanship through the centuries. From Art Nouveau to contemporary design, it exhibits furniture, fashion, jewelry and everyday objects, offering a fascinating journey through the history of style and innovation.

Maison Européenne de la Photographie – 4th arrondissement
Located in the heart of the Marais district, the maison Européenne de la Photographie offers a rich programme of contemporary exhibitions and retrospectives of great photographers. With collections spanning the 20th and 21st centuries, the MEP highlights emerging artists as well as iconic figures.

Musée d’Orsay – 7th arrondissement
The Musée d’Orsay, housed in a former railway station on the banks of the Seine, is home to the world’s finest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. It features masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Degas and Manet, offering a fascinating journey through the painting, sculpture and decorative arts of the 19th century. Its huge clock and majestic architecture make it a venue as spectacular as its collections.

Magnum Gallery – 11th arrondissement
The Magnum Gallery showcases the work of the legendary photographers of the Magnum Photos agency, founded by Robert Capa, Henri Cartier-Bresson and their contemporaries. Between temporary exhibitions and events dedicated to the image, the gallery offers a unique look at the world through the lens of the greatest masters of photojournalism.

Fondation Louis Vuitton – 16th arrondissement
The Fondation Louis Vuitton, designed by Frank Gehry, is a masterpiece of contemporary architecture nestling in the heart of the Bois de Boulogne. Its sails of glass and bold curves house internationally renowned exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. Just next door, the Jardin d’Acclimatation offers a playful, bucolic break. A perfect blend of culture and nature, just a few minutes from the centre of Paris.

Street Photography & Lomography Film Community Scene in Paris

The wealth of knowledge and experience that comes from the Lomography Community is simply unrivaled. In this section we share some of our community’s top-tips about the city of Paris. This includes their favorite locations for visiting and photographing and some invaluable tips on shooting in analogue. We will also showcase some of our most inspiring Paris-based LomoHomes and Partners.

Petite Ceinture de Paris
The Petite Ceinture is one of Paris’s hidden treasures, an old disused railway line transformed into a green pathway. Stretching for almost 32 km across the city, some sections are open to the public, offering an unusual walk through nature and industrial remains. With tunnels covered in street art, rusty footbridges and wild vegetation, it’s a haven of tranquillity for walkers and photographers looking for a Paris off the beaten track.

La Défense
Often associated with business, La Défense is also a surprising playground for street photographers. With its skyscrapers and geometric lines, this ultra-modern district offers a striking contrast with historic Paris.

Street art in the 13th arrondissement
The 13th arrondissement is a veritable open-air museum for street art enthusiasts. From avenue d’Italie to rue Jeanne d’Arc, every street corner reveals a new graphic surprise. Don’t miss Butte-aux-Cailles, an area with village charm, where the cobbled streets are transformed into a canvas for more poetic urban artists.

Photos by davidalexandre & moood_de_val and fufoo.

Anything missing?

Got a favorite photo gallery, hidden photo spot or local tip we haven’t covered in this city guide? Help us make this the best analogue travel companion! Send your suggestions to travel@lomography.com and we’ll take a look.

Explore Stunning Photos from This City Amongst 17+ Million of Photos Uploaded

Tips from Lomography Magazine

Paris' Petite Ceinture Abandoned Railway
written by elvismartinezsmith on 2010-11-18 #places

Petite Ceinture is an abandoned railway inside Paris that goes all around the city. It is closed to the public and sometimes hardly accessible so you normally cannot go there but there is such a crazy ambiance there that so very few people know about.
17 49
Around the World in Analogue: Paris in Black & White
2022-06-30 #gear #people #places #around-the-world

Community member @jess_spd_ shares some black & white photos and stories from a life-changing trip to Paris, France.
1 12
The Magic Of Shooting Nightlife on Film with @missxparamount
written by rocket_fries0036 on 2023-04-21 #culture #people

Today we look at the work of Charlotte Mouly (@missxparamount) and get introduced to the magical nightlife of Paris through her atmospheric film photos.
2 11
Lomographer David Alexandre on His Love of the LomoApparat, Paris and Film Photography
written by rocket_fries0036 on 2024-07-26 #gear #culture #people #places

With the release of The LomoApparat Paris Edition, we talk to Parisian Lomographer David Alexandre about his life in Paris, his dynamic street photography with his LomoApparat and the timeless nature of the city.
2 10
A Sunny Stroll Through the Heart of the 20th Arrondissement of Paris With Antoine Pihen
2025-05-30 #gear #people #places

Enjoy a sunny stroll through the charming streets of the 20th arrondissement of Paris with Antoine Pihen and the Lomomatic 110.
2 7
Printemps, Paris: the Best Department Store Ever
written by neja on 2012-07-02 #places

On a particular trip to Paris, I decided to "drink less and do more culture", as well as try and not to spend too much money as what usually happens.
1 6
A French Holiday with Lomography Film and the LomoApparat
written by rocket_fries0036 on 2023-07-16 #gear #culture #places

Lomographer writer rocket_fries0036 recounts his French holiday with the LomoApparat and a selection of Lomography film stocks.
6
Lomography Writer @macasaett Explores Paris with the LomoApparat
written by macasaett on 2024-08-10 #gear #places

See a full week in Paris through the wide-angled lens of the LomoApparat. Lomography writer @macasaett documents the city abuzz with high spirits and energy amid the preparations for the 2024 summer Olympic Games.
4
La Défense at night
written by wil6ka on 2008-11-25 #places

La Défense is one of the most known and prestigious sights in the french capital. But wait a minute, i heard that the massive and modern replication of the arc de triomphe in this business quartier does not belong to Paris!? Well that might be the Parisian interpretation.
2
Je t'aime, Paris: Relaxing at the Sacré-Coeur
written by wesco on 2013-07-30 #places

Last summer, we went to Paris and visited some places that I had fallen in love with as a young boy. Now, I fell in love again with analogue photography on the stairs of the Sacré-Coeur!
1 1

Tips from the Lomography School

Will X-ray machines at airports ruin my film?

Traditional x-ray machines are unlikely to affect film of ISO 800 and lower. However, the new and more powerful CT scanners can damage any and all film. We recommend always asking to have your film inspected manually.
What type of film camera is best for street photography?

Any film camera can be used for street photography and can give you excellent results. However the most popular are automatic point-and-shoots cameras.
Which Lomography cameras are recommended for Landscape Photography?

Glass-lens and wide-angle film cameras are great options for capturing landscape photographs.

Past Photography Events & Exhibitions in Paris

House of Bondage: Vintage Prints from the Ernest Cole Family Trust – Part II
2025-01-22 – 2025-03-29 · Paris, France

Magnum Gallery opened its doors in Paris last week for its latest exhibition, House of Bondage: Vintage Prints from the Ernest Cole Family Trust-Part II, featuring rare and vintage prints by the South African photographer Ernest Cole.
More Info
Conference: Magnum. A World of Photography
2024-11-09 · Paris, France

On November 9, 2024, FOTO ARSENAL WIEN is organising the conference “Magnum. A World of Photography” about the working processes of the renowned photo agency Magnum Photos. This will take place at the MEP (Maison Européenne de la Photographie, Paris) as part of the world’s largest photography fair Paris Photo. Renowned photographers and Magnum members Martin Parr (UK), Bieke Depoorter (BE), Rafał Milach (PL) and Susan Meiselas (USA), together with international academics, will discuss fundamental questions about artistic archives; their strategies and methods behind them.
More Info
“Zone Mixte“ – Le sport dans l’objectif de photographes femmes
2022-07-20 – 2022-08-06 · Paris, France

In preparation of the Paris Olympic Games 2024, Analog Sport, a non-profit for education and integration through film photography and sport, and Le Consulat Voltaire are collaborating for the collective exhibition “Zone Mixte“. From July 21st to August 6th 2022, the exhibition will feature the work of 11 female-identifying photographers aged 18-36. Opening party starting at 6PM on July 21st. We’re giving carte blanche to four of the photographers of the exhibition to produce a series with Lomography films.
More Info
Rose Néon Exhibition

A Lomography Hang Out
2022-06-23 – 2022-07-04 · Paris, France

Our friend Rose Néon invites you to her first solo show in Paris. The exhibition named “Peau pourrie“ features the latest instant photographs taken by the artist. You will be able to see the images she created with the Lomo’Instant Square and Lomo’Instant Wide. Opening party on June 23, exhibition until July 4 at le Pavé d’Orsay in Paris.
More Info
LomoWalk with the Lomography Color Negative

A Lomography Hang Out
2022-04-30 · Paris, France

Join us on April 30 2022 for a LomoWalk in Paris that will be the perfect ending to celebrate Film Photography Month. Photographer and Youtuber Menak will guide in the streets of Paris with the Lomography Color Negative film and you will be able to experiment and follow the 10 Golden Rules of Lomography. Then our partner Nation Photo will show you how they develop your films in their lab. The number of participants is limited, so reservation is required.
More Info
Expolaroid Exhibition at Galerie de la Clé
2022-04-07 – 2022-04-23 · Paris, France

Photographer Anaël Boulay will be exhibiting his photographs taken with LomoGraflok 4×5 Instant Back. The exhibition will take place at the Galerie de la Clé in Paris as part of the instant photography festival EXPOLAROID, which will also feature the works of Romain Battaglia and Mélina Zauber. Join us at the launch event happening on 7 April 2022.
More Info

Lomographers from Paris

therover
5,493 Photos · joined 2009-07-28
Some movies : https://vimeo.com/user22531177

Get in touch with me for: Film Swaps, Development & Printing Sessions, Road Trips & Casual Hangouts
elvismartinezsmith
4,925 Photos · joined 2009-12-29
Lomo f(or)ever!
dudizm
7,363 Photos · joined 2008-08-24
Analog worshipper, I'm on Lomography.com since 2005. Photographer , Dj and many other things If you stop by Paris please contact me for a Lomowalk across the city! My photo website https:// …

Get in touch with me for: Film Swaps, Road Trips & Casual Hangouts
pussylove
8,624 Photos · joined 2010-02-24
http://cargocollective.com/Catherine In Paris...
serra8
3,173 Photos · joined 2014-06-06
Turkish lomographer at the age of 22 from Istanbul currently living in Paris, loves to travel and to take photos with analogue cameras. Interested in all kinds of experimental photography and filmsw …
davidalexandre
1,177 Photos · joined 2020-09-14
“There are always two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer.” – Ansel Adams Follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/davidalexandre.photos Interview on Lomography.com: htt …

Get in touch with me for: Sharing My Hobbies, Road Trips & Casual Hangouts
iannsolo
2,561 Photos · joined 2013-05-18
-Mes premiers pas en photographie remonte au tout début du jetable, j’avais apprécié ce procédé simple d’utilisation, mais les limites fut vite atteinte…après plus rien pendant quelques années. Pui …

Get in touch with me for: Film Swaps, Sharing My Hobbies & Road Trips
sweetyyydreams
2,489 Photos · joined 2009-10-02
Welcome to my page, I'm Karine! Humanitarian aid worker / Lomography-addict since 2009 / LHOTD on 15/05/12 / French LHOTW August 2013: "She brings out soothing colors in Lomographs, those that you …
etienne_despois
1,937 Photos · joined 2016-06-03
Hey guys! Here are some more stuff about me An interview from Lomography: https://www.lomography.fr/magazine/334710-draft-by-cheeo-2017-11-28-09-07-23 A cool article made by Lomography: htt …

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A Photographer’s Lifestyle Guide to Paris, France

Museums, Art, Photography and Culture in Paris

Street Photography & Lomography Film Community Scene in Paris

Anything missing?

Tips from the Lomography School

Lomographers from Paris

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