Discover France's Photogenic Landscapes
France offers a treasure trove of photographic gems, from iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower to the picturesque villages and stunning natural landscapes. Here's a condensed guide to some of the most beautiful spots to capture on camera, complete with English-speaking tour recommendations.
1. Eiffel Tower
Paris' Eiffel Tower is best photographed from a distance, such as from the Jardins du Trocadéro, especially at sunrise. Explore various angles and consider staying nearby for convenience.
Accommodation: Best Areas & Hotels in Paris
2. Mont Saint-Michel
This Gothic monastery island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering stunning views, especially when the tide is high. Capture its full glory from the Pointe du Grouin du Sud or by crossing the bay on foot with a guide.
3. Versailles Gardens
The formal gardens of the Château de Versailles are a masterpiece of design, with their symmetrical patterns and ornate fountains.
4. Château de Chenonceau
This Loire Valley castle is renowned for its graceful architecture and reflections in the River Cher.
5. Saint-Tropez
The old fishing village turned glamorous resort, Saint-Tropez, boasts historic charm and beautiful seaside views.
6. Amiens Cathedral
France's largest Gothic cathedral, located in Amiens, is adorned with intricate sculptures that make for stunning close-up photography.
7. Mont Blanc in the French Alps
The snow-capped peak of Mont Blanc offers breathtaking views and excellent hiking trails for capturing the alpine scenery.
8. Château de Chantilly
This castle is surrounded by exquisite gardens and water features, making it a romantic photography spot just an hour from Paris.
9. Riquewihr in the Alsace Region
Riquewihr is a storybook village with colorful half-timbered houses and charming squares, nestled among vine-covered hills.
10. Pont du Gard
This ancient Roman aqueduct in Provence is a testament to historical engineering and a UNESCO-listed site.
11. Honfleur
The old harbor of Honfleur has inspired many Impressionist artists with its picturesque waterfront houses.
12. Saint-Paul de Vence
This medieval hilltop village is encircled by ramparts and filled with cobblestone streets and stone houses.
13. Place Stanislas in Nancy
Nancy's Place Stanislas is a grand square framed by classical French palaces and ornate gates.
14. Parc National des Calanques
The white limestone cliffs and turquoise waters of Calanques National Park offer a stunning contrast along the Mediterranean coast.
15. Flavigny-sur-Ozerain
This medieval walled town in Burgundy is known for its cobblestone streets and anise-flavored candies.
16. Rocamadour
The cliffside sanctuaries of Rocamadour are a UNESCO-listed site and a historic pilgrimage destination in the Limousin region.
17. Côte d'Emeraude in Brittany
This stretch of Brittany coastline features the elegant resort of Dinard and the fishing village of Cancale.
18. Étretat on the Normandy Coast
The dramatic cliffs of Étretat on the Côte d'Albâtre have been immortalized by Impressionist painters.
19. Aix-en-Provence
The lively atmosphere of Aix-en-Provence is captured in its fountains, markets, and café scenes.
20. Île de Porquerolles
This island near Toulon is a paradise of sunshine, Mediterranean greenery, and stunning beaches.
21. Eze
Eze offers panoramic views of the French Riviera, especially from the Exotic Garden.
22. Vieux Port in Marseilles
The historic Vieux Port of Marseilles is a bustling hub with a traditional fish market and docked boats.
23. Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque
This Cistercian abbey in Provence is surrounded by lavender fields, offering a serene and colorful photo opportunity.
Official site: www.senanque.fr
24. Monet's Garden in Giverny
Claude Monet's garden in Giverny is a living canvas with a variety of landscapes and flowers, particularly stunning in spring.
25. Provins
The medieval village of Provins, encased in ancient ramparts, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with picturesque streets and buildings.
