The Well-Developed Museums Of Photography Of Paris

In Paris you have the opportunity see the work of some of the best photographers who've ever lived. In fact, one of our favorite things to do in the City of Light is visiting museums that focus on photography. Since the very early days, photographers have been in love with The City of Light — many have made the capital their home and one of their favorite subjects.

Paris As a Photo Mecca

Robert Doisneau, The Kiss

Legendary names of photography like Robert Doisneau, Henri Cartier-Bresson and Man Ray all had Paris in common. You can follow the greats of the past and the up-and-coming photographers of today at these small Paris museums. Some of the largest collections of photography are found at the European House of Photography (the MEP, as it's known) and at Musée Carnavalet. When you want to catch up with the moderns head to the Jeu de Paume.

Jeu de Paume

This modern photography museum has had a long and varied past. Originally built by Napoleon III in 1861 as tennis courts (the game was called jeu de paume), it was used by the Nazis in the 1940s to store their stolen Jewish loot. Before 1986 it held many of the Impressionist paintings that now live at the Musée d'Orsay. Today it's used for temporary photography exhibitions, so there's always something fresh and interesting on display.

• 1 Place de la Concorde
• 8th Arrondissement
• Metro: – Concorde
• Closed Monday and public holidays
• Website…

MEP – Maison Européenne de la Photographie

One of the largest collections of photographs in Europe is found in this pleasant building next to the St Paul Metro station, not far from the Seine. The changing exhibits at MEP usually include three types of visual arts — photographic prints, the printed page, and video.

• 5 Rue de Fourcy
• 4th Arrondissement
• Metro: – Saint Paul
• Website…

Walking Photography Class in Paris

What city is more photogenic than Paris? And what better place to learn to improve your own photography? Follow an expert local photographer on these 3-hour tour that show you the best ways to capture the sight of the city. All the while, you'll be sharpening your technique.

Foundation Henri Cartier-Bresson

The foundation was created to promote and preserve the work of world-famous French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson (1908-2004) and his wife Martine Franck. In addition to its preservation work and educational programs the foundation stages three or four exhibitions a year, with works by Cartier-Bresson, Franck or by other featured photographers.

A few years ago the museum moved to a new location more in the center of things. You can now find it in the Marais, close to other museums like Musée Carnavalet and Musée Picasso.

• 79 rue des Archives, Marais
• 3rd Arrondissement
• Website…

Maison de la Photographie Robert Doisneau

In the town where one of the most famous of French photographers, Robert Doisneau, was born you'll find a museum dedicated to the type of humanist photography exemplified by Doisneau. It doesn't hold work by Doisneau himself, but pays tribute to him with four-times-a-year special exhibits. It's located in the outskirts of Paris, just beyond the périphérique (the ring-road that surrounds the city) but you can reach it using RER Line B.

• 1 Rue de la Division du General Leclerc
• 94250 Gentilly
• RER B, Station Gentilly
• Website…

Musée Carnavalet

Carnavalet is one of the great Paris museums. In addition to the superb collection dedicated to the history of the City of Paris, Carnavalet also is home to 150,000 historical photos, one of the greatest photography collections in France. It's a City of Paris museum, so entrance is free. Add that to the stunning new renovation and it's definitely worth spending time here.