Palais Royal Photoshoot, Colonnes de Buren & Secret Garden
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Palais Royal is one of Paris's best-kept photography secrets. Hidden behind a modest entrance just steps from the Louvre, this 17th-century palace complex opens onto a serene garden surrounded by uniform arcaded galleries. The famous Colonnes de Buren (striped columns) in the courtyard have become one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in the city, but the real magic of Palais Royal lies in its quieter corners: the lime tree alleys, the antique shop arcades, and the fountain courtyard that feels like stepping into a private Parisian estate. I love this location for its elegance and intimacy, and for the way the light plays through the garden arcades throughout the day.
Best Photo Spots at Palais Royal & Colonnes de Buren
Colonnes de Buren
The iconic black and white striped columns by artist Daniel Buren fill the Cour d'Honneur. Playful, graphic, and endlessly photogenic. Sitting on, standing between, or walking through the columns creates dynamic and modern compositions.
✦Early morning before 9 AM gives you the columns without other visitors posing for selfies.
View on Google MapsPalais Royal Garden
A peaceful rectangular garden enclosed by elegant 18th-century buildings. Double rows of lime trees, a central fountain, and perfectly trimmed hedges. The symmetry and tranquility make it one of the most refined photoshoot locations in central Paris.
✦The garden benches under the lime trees are perfect for natural, seated couple portraits.
View on Google MapsCovered Arcades
The galleries running around the garden house antique dealers, rare bookshops, and specialty boutiques. The arched stone walkways with their warm lighting and distinctly Parisian atmosphere draw you naturally through the space.
✦Rain-proof and beautifully lit, these arcades work perfectly in any weather.
View on Google MapsCour d'Honneur
The main courtyard beyond the Buren columns. Elegant stone facades, tall windows, and a sense of classical grandeur. Less crowded than the columns area and wonderful for full-length portraits with architectural framing.
✦The afternoon sun lights up the western facade beautifully.
View on Google MapsNearby: Galerie Vivienne
Just a 3-minute walk from Palais Royal, this 19th-century covered passage features mosaic floors, painted ceilings, and glass skylights. A beautiful bonus location that adds variety and a touch of old-world Parisian glamour to your session.
✦Combine with Palais Royal for a complete 1-hour session mixing outdoor and indoor backdrops.
View on Google MapsYour Palais Royal Photoshoot Questions
Paris's Best Kept Secret, All Yours
The striped Buren columns, the hidden garden, the elegant arcades. I bring my couples to Palais Royal because it's one of the rare places in Paris where you can feel truly alone. That intimacy creates a deep connection between you, and it shows in every authentic moment I capture.
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