Palais Royal Through My Lens
WRITTEN BY KAROL @THECREATIVE.SITE
Paris is full of timeless beauty, but some locations remain hidden gems even for seasoned travelers. Today, I’m taking you on a photo walk to one of my absolute favorite places in the city—Palais Royal. It’s elegant, cinematic, and full of unexpected surprises. Whether you’re a visitor, photographer, or someone who loves Paris, this walk will give you a new perspective on a place you might have walked past without even noticing.
Discovering the Beauty of Palais Royal
Located just across from the Louvre Museum, Palais Royal is a stunning architectural complex that’s often missed by tourists. Its serene charm and artistic corners make it a perfect escape from the buzzing crowds of Paris’ main attractions.
A Glimpse of Cinema History at Café Le Nemours
Right at the entrance of Palais Royal, you’ll find Café Le Nemours, a classy Parisian café that once starred in The Tourist with Angelina Jolie. With its iconic façade and charming terrace, it’s an ideal spot to grab a coffee or enjoy their famous chocolate mousse before exploring further.
Entering the Courtyard: Daniel Buren's Striking Art Installation
As you enter Palais Royal, you’re immediately greeted by bold black-and-white striped columns—Les Deux Plateaux—a modern art installation by Daniel Buren. It’s not only a fascinating contrast to the classic architecture around, but also a photographer’s playground.
These clean lines and geometric patterns make it one of my top spots to shoot in Paris. The dynamic visuals add energy and structure to portraits, fashion shoots, or even quick smartphone photos.
Whispers of Secret Tunnels and Movie Moments
Rumor has it that secret tunnels connect Palais Royal to the Louvre Museum. Whether true or not, the mystique adds an air of mystery to this place.
And speaking of cinematic moments—remember the Da Vinci Code? A small fountain inside the courtyard also appeared in the movie. It’s a small but cool detail for film buffs.
Tools of the Trade
During this walk, I captured photos using both the iPhone 15 Pro Max and my Sony a7IV with the Sigma Art 24-70mm f/2.8 lens. This combination offers both flexibility and exceptional quality—perfect for quick shots and professional sessions alike.
Walking Through the Gardens of Palais Royal
The real magic unfolds as you enter the gardens. In spring, the blooming pink cherry blossoms create a dreamlike atmosphere. While they weren’t blooming during my visit, I’ll definitely be back next year.
You’ll find two symmetrical pathways lined with trees, perfect for romantic sessions, portraiture, or just soaking in a peaceful moment in the city. You might even spot some local Parisian divas or curious little dogs adding charm to your stroll.
Iconic Benches, Quotes & Emily in Paris
The garden is dotted with benches engraved with quotes—some famous, some poetic. One bench in particular became well-known thanks to Emily in Paris. Fun fact: the quote shown in the show was actually on the opposite side of the real bench!
This spot was recommended to me by a client during a photo session—and now it’s a frequent stop for my shoots.
The Fountain & Green Chairs – A Parisian Ritual
At the center of the garden sits a beautiful fountain surrounded by iconic green metal chairs. On sunny days, Parisians move their chairs to follow the sun—creating a living tableau of relaxation and city life.
Both sides of the gardens are flanked by charming cafés, boutiques, art galleries, and vintage stores. If you’re into fashion, you’ll find high-end second-hand designer pieces in some of the tucked-away shops.
I once shot a wedding session in one of the elegant corridors here for a lovely couple from Poland—Ania and Mateusz. This location never stops offering magical backdrops.
One Last Coffee Stop: Café Kitsuné
Before leaving, don’t miss out on a cup of matcha or coffee from Café Kitsuné—a stylish French-Japanese concept spot just next to Palais Royal. Their minimal design, laid-back vibe, and great snacks make it a great way to end the visit.
Let’s Create Together
Whether you’re a traveler, a couple in love, or a brand looking for authentic visuals in the heart of Paris—Palais Royal is a dream location. If this article inspired you or sparked an idea for your own shoot, feel free to reach out. I offer personal sessions, lifestyle content, and commercial shoots all over Paris.
📩 Book your next Paris photo session with me: thecreative.site
Enjoyed the Walk?
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Because life is beautiful.
-Karol