Photography enthusiasts will find plenty of things to do in Paris, from visiting top-notch exhibitions and going backstage at legendary photo studios to attending photography-focused special events and setting off on a photo walk armed with professional camera equipment.
Between 1826 and 1827, French inventor Nicéphore Niépce achieved the feat of capturing the very first image of nature on a metal plate: ‘View from Le Gras’. Two centuries later, photography has become a universal language and a pillar of our visual culture.
To celebrate this major invention born in France, the years 2026 and 2027 will be marked by a grand national celebration. During these two years, Paris will assert itself more than ever as the world capital of the image. With major historical retrospectives, contemporary art exhibitions and popular events, this bicentenary is the perfect opportunity to (re)discover the photographic treasures of the City of Light, the birthplace of this now indispensable art form.
This is the case at the Westfield Forum des Halles, which, to mark the occasion, will unveil a monumental 250 m² photographic installation beneath its Canopée from 8 April 2026. This installation, created in collaboration with the PICTO laboratory, showcases a historic photograph by Jack Nisberg (1959) capturing the buzz of the Les Halles district during the era of the “belly of Paris”. A symbolic event that also marks the 10th anniversary of the Canopée.
Photography fans are spoilt for choice in Paris, which has any number of galleries to visit – starting with the Maison Européenne de la Photographie. This venue hosts many exhibitions all year round: solo shows devoted to big-name photographers as well as retrospectives covering key movements in international photography. The Jeu de Paume in the heart of the Jardin des Tuileries, which displays works by famous 20th- and 21st-century photographers from around the world, is another must-see for any photography enthusiast.
The Henri Cartier-Bresson Foundation, located in the Marais district, houses the collections of Henri Cartier-Bresson, a major 20th century photographer, and his wife Martine Franck. Cartier-Bresson's prolific work is visible in temporary exhibitions, on site or outside the walls. Other important figures of French and international photography are scheduled.
Le BAL, a former dance hall transformed into a venue devoted to contemporary photography, displays images by a cross-section of photographers. Talks and debates on photography-related themes are also organized in this exhibition space. At the Maison de la Photographie Robert Doisneau, visitors can admire temporary exhibitions of work by both professional and amateur photographers, with a focus on humanist photography. Located in Bièvres in Essonne, the French Museum of Photography has an impressive collection of photographic objects and prints and presents them through major annual exhibitions.
Several places also host open-air exhibitions, such as the Hôtel de Ville and the Jardin du Luxembourg. There are free photo exhibitions on the iron railings, and the display is changed twice a year. The initiative was launched in 2000 with ‘La Terre vue du ciel’, a series of superb aerial photographs by Yann Arthus-Bertrand, and the temporary exhibitions have since become a regular feature, turning the gardens into a veritable open-air museum.
The legendary photo studio Studio Harcourt also welcomes visitors. Internationally renowned for its black and white portraits of stars such as Marilyn Monroe, Salvador Dali and Jean-Paul Gaultier, the studio is popular with photography fans, who are free to wander the corridors of this famous venue and browse the archives to admire the originals of the best-known portraits.
Without forgetting that the capital also has a large number of art galleries, some of which are very famous for their photographic exhibitions :
Since 1934, Studio Harcourt has embodied the art of black and white portraiture: refined chiaroscuro, sculpting light and timeless aura. French legends such as Brigitte Bardot, Alain Delon and Marion Cotillard, as well as international icons such as Marlene Dietrich, Cate Blanchett and Jack Nicholson, have been immortalised there. Treating yourself to a session is a rare experience: beauty styling, expert photographer, art print signed by Harcourt Paris. In an instant, you join the ranks of faces that have become legendary.
November is photography month in Paris, with a wide range of special events held in various parts of the city. The Salon de la Photo takes place at the Grande Halle de la Villette in the early part of the month. This must-see photography show brings together the medium’s key players: galleries, artists, masterclass organizers and photographic equipment manufacturers. During the Paris Photo event, the Grand Palais turns into a vast photography gallery. The programme includes conversation cycles, giving keen photographers an opportunity to present their visions and practices.
The Photo Saint-Germain festival with a trail of events in various cultural venues on the Left Bank.
However, there is a year-round focus on photography in Paris, not just in November. The Circulation(s) festival, held in the spring, highlights the work of 50 young European artists, while Paris art galleries host a number of photography exhibitions throughout the year.
The Photo Days event celebrates photography in all its forms throughout the Paris metropolitan area. With exhibitions in galleries, unusual installations, portfolio reviews, meetings and visual strolls, the festival takes over a variety of venues in the heart of the capital and throughout Greater Paris. The festival offers portfolio reviews and guided tours, upon registration (limited groups). The 7th edition will take place in November 2026.
Among the iconic venues to discover are:
All events can be found on the festival map. The event can also be followed on Instagram @photodays.paris and on Facebook.
Luxembourg Gardens, Jardin des Plantes, outside City Hall ... exhibitions can be visited outdoors too
