Where classic meets modern
The glass-and-metal pyramid you see today in the Cour Napoléon was designed by architect I. M. Pei and opened in 1989, as the centerpiece of the "Grand Louvre" renovation. It's made up of 673 glass panes reflecting the classical palace around it, a contrast between old and new that's a photo in itself. A short walk away, the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel (1806-1808), built to celebrate Napoleon's military victories, lines up with the Arc de Triomphe on the Champs-Élysées and the Grande Arche de La Défense along Paris's historic axis.
Where to stand for the best shot
The classic view is straight-on from the Cour Napoléon, facing the pyramid, but the Passage Richelieu offers a lesser-known angle: its columns frame the pyramid at the far end. For something calmer, the Cour Carrée, the oldest, Renaissance-style part of the palace, rarely gets the crowds of the main courtyard.
On the other side, the Tuileries Garden offers a different kind of shot: its round and octagonal ponds, laid out by André Le Nôtre in 1664, turn into still mirrors on calm days, and its tree-lined paths give you a green backdrop against the palace stone.
The best time to beat the crowds
The Louvre is one of the most visited sites in Paris, so early morning, right after opening, tends to be the calmest time, and it's also when photographers love the golden light on the pyramid's glass. By mid-afternoon the area fills up fast; if you can, plan your session on a weekday. Exact opening hours shift by season, so it's worth checking them before you plan your visit.
How a HolaFlash session works at the Louvre
With HolaFlash, you open the app, see which photographers are available near the Louvre, check their profile, and request one instantly, no agency involved. Sessions in this area happen outdoors, around the Louvre and the Tuileries Garden: professional or commercial photography inside the museum requires its own permits from the Louvre.
The Express Session costs €19 for 10 minutes, perfect for a quick, polished photo in front of the pyramid. The Standard and Pro plans are coming soon.
Quick tips
- Shoot early morning or at golden hour for warm light on the pyramid's glass.
- Stick to solid, simple colors: they stand out better against stone and glass.
- Wear comfortable shoes: the courtyards and garden paths are gravel and cobblestone.
- Arrive right at opening time on a weekday to dodge the biggest crowds.
- Use the Tuileries ponds for mirror-like reflections on calm, windless days.
- Keep accessories simple so the architecture stays the main focus.
Frequently asked questions
With HolaFlash, the Express Session costs €19 for 10 minutes. The Standard and Pro plans are coming soon.
The first hour after opening tends to be quieter than the afternoon, though this can vary by day and season.
HolaFlash sessions in this area take place outdoors, around the Louvre and the Tuileries Garden. Professional or commercial photography inside the museum requires its own permits from the Louvre.
Open the app, see which photographers are available near the Louvre, check their profile and rating, and request a session instantly; you get your photos as soon as it ends.
