Use of tripod in Paris

"Obviously there are no restrictions in public areas outside."

Kent, I'm not so sure that this is the case as I seem to recall hearing that there are rules to follow here. I think a tripod could be seen as a tripping hazard in a public space/walkway etc. This is a common problem on bridges in Paris, and I think you could get called on it.

Dave,
What you say makes sense. I use a very small tripod (Gorilla pod), no one will trip on that, but a full size tripod could be a problem. Even if you don't get called on it, someone passing by could trip on it and that might be the end of your camera if it gets slammed to the pavement.

sharon, while a full fledged tripod would be "best", you may find that a compact monopod would give you a lot of what a tripod would, with less bulk and weight, and you would not have to be as concerned about crowds and folks tripping over it. As Kent points out regarding the restrictions in museums, you may have the same situation there with a monopod.

Good luck!

I think that the first response meant to say that the Musee d'Orsay does allow photography now.

JHK,
You are correct!
As of last year the Orsay didn't allow photography. However, I just checked their website and it looks like they have changed back to their old rule, allowing photography without flash or tripod.
Hooray!

Thanks everyone. You made some good points.

yes, the Orsay now allows photography as of just the last couple of months or so.

"yes, the Orsay now allows photography as of just the last couple of months or so."

I must have been breaking the rules then, as I've taken pictures in the Orsay on several trips over the years. Nobody seemed to care?

We took photos in the Orsay for years and then they banned it partly because they couldn't seem to keep ignorant gits from using flash in the delicate impressionist painting wing. I suspect they will re-institute the ban once they determine that the average photographer doesn't understand how to work his camera and will be flashing away again.

It is my understanding that use of a tripod at tourist sites signals 'professional, need permit' -- so it is possible you would be stopped from use as professional photography requires permits in public places (or so I was told) I suspect if you don't make a nuisance of yourself i.e. don't set up on walkways with lots of tourists passing by, you will not have too much trouble. I just use a fast shutter speed myself.

Yes, Janet:
I know what you mean, people don't seem to understand or care how to turn off their flash.
They ought to start escorting people out who don't know how to turn their flash off.

I was disappointed when the Orsay banned photos of all types, because I was planning a trip and wanted to get a few pics of my favorite paintings (although with 5 people in front of them, I don't know why I bother).
Anyway, I was disappointed when they banned them and got excited yesterday when I checked the Orsay site and realized they changed back to the old rule.