Forget Paris and Visit These 11 Picturesque French Towns and Cities

While Paris often takes the spotlight, France is filled with other photogenic towns and cities that offer unique charm and breathtaking scenery. From medieval villages to vibrant coastal cities, these destinations provide travel photographers endless opportunities to capture the essence of French culture and beauty.

Here are 11 must-visit places in France for your next photography adventure.

1. Annecy

Nestled in the French Alps, Annecy is often referred to as the “Venice of the Alps” due to its network of canals winding through the old town. Its lake, Lac d’Annecy, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain backdrop.

Wandering through the cobblestone streets of Annecy’s Vieille Ville (Old Town), visitors are treated to vibrant pastel-colored buildings, charming cafés, and artisanal shops. Annecy offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and rich history.

🌟 Photo Highlights

• Lac d’Annecy: Capture the serene waters and mountainous horizon.
• Vieille Ville: Photograph colorful medieval buildings along the canals.
• Palais de l’Isle: A historic castle situated in the middle of a canal.

2. Bordeaux

Bordeaux is known for its wine but also boasts impressive architecture and a dynamic urban landscape. The neoclassical buildings and modern art installations make it a diverse location for photography.

Strolling along the Garonne River, visitors can admire the magnificent Place de la Bourse. It’s perfect for night photos when the city’s lights reflect off the Miroir d’eau, the world’s largest reflecting pool.

Bordeaux’s historic district, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers virtually endless photographic opportunities with its grand facades, narrow cobblestone streets, and bustling markets.

🌟 Photo Highlights

• Place de la Bourse: Known for the Miroir d’eau, the world’s largest reflecting pool.
• Pont de Pierre: A beautiful stone bridge offering panoramic views of the city.
• Cité du Vin: A stunning modern building dedicated to wine culture.

3. Colmar

Colmar looks like it stepped out of a fairytale, with its half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets. This Alsatian town is a dream come true for photographers who love capturing quaint, storybook settings.

Walking through Colmar feels like traveling back in time, with its blend of French and German architectural styles reflecting its unique history. The town’s picturesque La Petite Venise district, characterized by its colorful houses lining the Lauch River, offers endless photo opportunities.

Colmar is also famous for its Christmas markets, where the festive decorations and twinkling lights transform the town into a winter wonderland.

🌟 Photo Highlights

• La Petite Venise: Picturesque canals lined with colorful houses.
• Rue des Marchands: A street filled with historic buildings and charming shops.
• Unterlinden Museum: Housed in a former Dominican convent, perfect for those who love architectural photography.

4. Nîmes

Nîmes seamlessly blends ancient Roman history with modern life. Its well-preserved Roman monuments make it a unique spot for travel photography.

The Arènes de Nîmes, a stunning Roman amphitheater, stands as one of the best-preserved Roman arenas in the world. Elsewhere in the city, the Maison Carrée, an exquisite Roman temple, provides another glimpse into Nîmes’ ancient past.

🌟 Photo Highlights

• Arena of Nîmes: An ancient Roman amphitheater still in use today.
• Maison Carrée: One of the best-preserved Roman temples in the world.
• Jardins de la Fontaine: Beautiful gardens built around ancient Roman ruins.

5. Rocamadour

Perched on a cliffside, Rocamadour is a pilgrimage site that offers dramatic vistas and historic architecture. The layered buildings cascading down the cliff provide a unique perspective for photographers.

As you explore, you’ll encounter charming medieval houses, quaint shops, and breathtaking views of the Alzou Valley below, making Rocamadour an unforgettable destination.

🌟 Photo Highlights

• Sanctuary of Rocamadour: Capture the cliffside churches and chapels.
• Château de Rocamadour: Offers panoramic views of the village and surrounding valley.
• Grotte des Merveilles: Fascinating cave formations perfect for nature photography.

6. Lyon

Lyon is a cultural hub with a rich history that dates back to Roman times. Its diverse neighborhoods, from the Renaissance-era Vieux Lyon to the modern Confluence district, offer varied photographic opportunities.

The city is also known for its vibrant culinary scene, often regarded as the gastronomic capital of France. Additionally, Lyon’s annual Festival of Lights, held every December, illuminates the city with stunning light displays.

🌟 Photo Highlights

• Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière: Overlooking the city, offering both exterior and panoramic shots.
• Parc de la Tête d’Or: A large urban park with a zoo, botanical garden, and lake.

7. Carcassonne

Carcassonne is famous for its medieval citadel, La Cité, which looks like something straight out of a medieval fantasy. The fortified walls and towers create a dramatic backdrop.

Walking through La Cité’s narrow, cobblestone streets, visitors are transported back in time to the Middle Ages. The castle, Château Comtal, is another point of interest for photographers.

🌟 Photo Highlights

• La Cité: The fortified medieval city with its iconic walls and towers.
• Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus: Gothic architecture and intricate stained glass.
• Pont Vieux: A historic bridge offering views of the citadel.

8. Nice

Located on the French Riviera, Nice combines the elegance of a coastal city with vibrant urban energy. Its waterfront, old town, and nearby hills provide plenty of options for photographs.

Strolling along the Promenade des Anglais, photographers can capture the breathtaking waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the bustling streets of Nice. The city’s old town, Vieux Nice, with its narrow alleys and vibrant markets, offers a colorful backdrop perfect for street photography.

For a panoramic view of the city and coastline, one can head to the Colline du Château, a hilltop park with stunning vistas.

🌟 Photo Highlights

• Promenade des Anglais: Stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
• Vieille Ville (Old Town): Colorful buildings and bustling markets.
• Castle Hill: Panoramic views of the city and coastline.

9. Gordes

Gordes is a picturesque hilltop village in Provence, known for its stone houses and stunning landscapes. The village offers a mix of natural beauty and historic architecture.

Walking through Gordes, one can admire the narrow, winding streets paved with cobblestones and flanked by centuries-old stone buildings. The village is particularly photogenic at sunset, when the golden light bathes the entire scene.

🌟 Photo Highlights

• Village Views: Capture the village’s stone buildings against lush landscapes.
• Abbaye de Sénanque: A Cistercian abbey surrounded by lavender fields.
• Bories Village: An ancient settlement with unique stone huts.

10. Dijon

Dijon, the capital of Burgundy, is about more than just mustard. Its historic center, filled with timber-framed houses and grand palaces, is perfect for photography.

Visitors can explore the rich architectural heritage of Dijon by walking along the Owl’s Trail, a self-guided tour marked by bronze owl plaques embedded in the pavement. This trail leads you through the heart of the historic city center, past notable landmarks such as the Church of Notre-Dame, the Palace of the Dukes, and the Tour Philippe le Bon.

🌟 Photo Highlights

• Palace of the Dukes and Estates of Burgundy: A stunning example of classical architecture.
• Église Notre-Dame: Gothic church with intricate details.
• Les Halles Market: A bustling market perfect for capturing local life.

11. Strasbourg

Strasbourg blends French and German influences, reflected in its stunning architecture and vibrant culture. The city is home to one of Europe’s most beautiful cathedrals and a charming old town.

The Grande Île (Grand Island), the historic center of Strasbourg, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful half-timbered houses and picturesque canals.

🌟 Photo Highlights

• Strasbourg Cathedral: A Gothic masterpiece with intricate carvings and stunning views from the tower.
• Petite France: A picturesque district with half-timbered houses and canals.
• European Parliament: Modern architecture and expansive grounds.

Final Thoughts

France’s charm extends far beyond Paris. Each of these towns and cities offers its own unique beauty and photographic opportunities, making them perfect destinations for travel photographers. Start planning your next trip to capture the picturesque landscapes and vibrant cultures of these lesser-known gems.