Palais Royal Photos in Paris

Palais Royal sits a two-minute walk from the Louvre but feels a world apart: a graceful arcade of columns, a formal garden, and the famous Les Deux Plateaux — Daniel Buren’s black-and-white striped pillars in the courtyard. A Palais Royal photoshoot in Paris is a stylist’s dream: graphic, symmetrical, and endlessly photogenic without ever feeling busy.

Why shoot here

• The striped columns give a bold, minimalist backdrop unlike anywhere else in Paris.
• The arcaded walkways frame subjects with repeating lines — great for fashion-led portraits.
• The garden’s hedges and fountain make a softer, greener second look.

The mix of hard graphic lines and soft greenery means we get two very different galleries in one short walk.

Best time to shoot

The courtyard is open and the light is even in the morning, which suits the stripes best. Midday sun on the columns is high-contrast, good if you want drama. Evenings are quiet and golden near the garden, with warm light on the stone arcades. I generally favour morning for clean, balanced frames.

Permits & access

The courtyard and gardens are public space, and personal photography is welcome as you visit. The main thing to plan around is other visitors, since the columns are a popular spot. There are no tickets needed for the open courtyard or the garden. We keep to the pedestrian areas and choose angles that avoid the foot traffic.

What to expect on the day

Sessions run 30 to 50 minutes. We’ll use the striped columns for bold graphics, the arcade for repeating lines, and the garden for a calm finish. I’ll suggest easy positions, then step back so you can relax into them. The aim is a refined, true-to-colour set that shows the architecture and you.

A few practical tips

• Use the stripes as a pattern. Simple outfits let the columns stand out.
• Arrive early. The courtyard is calmest before the midday rush.
• Add a second look. The garden gives an easy green contrast to the black and white.

How the session feels

My Palais Royal sessions are refined but relaxed. I’ll place you among the columns or under the arcade, then step back so you can be yourselves. The aim is a true-to-colour set that shows the graphic backdrop and the people in it. For more on the style, my portfolio has recent examples, and the services page outlines how a session runs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Palais Royal good for couple sessions?

Yes. The symmetry is flattering, and many couple photoshoots in Paris pair it with the nearby Louvre in one walk.

What should we wear?

Solid colours work best against the striped columns. Keep patterns minimal so the backdrop stays the graphic star.

Book your Palais Royal session

For a chic, architectural couple photoshoot in Paris, Palais Royal is a standout. Get in touch to plan the timing.