13 Unbelievable Places in France to Experience and Photograph

France is one of the most-visited countries in the world thanks to its incredible culture and beautiful locations, with attractions far beyond the iconic Eiffel Tower.

If you’re looking for destinations promising breathtaking shots and unique perspectives, this list is for you. Here you’ll find 13 incredible places in France perfect for travel photographers, including the best times to visit each location.

👉 Related reading: 11 Charming Medieval Towns in France That Will Leave You Spellbound

1. Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy

Mont Saint-Michel is a medieval island commune in Normandy that rises dramatically from a bay, creating a picture-perfect scene. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers endless opportunities for stunning shots, from its looming abbey to the intricate winding streets filled with history.

Capture the island at high tide when it appears as though it’s floating on water or get a completely different view at low tide when the surrounding sand flats create mesmerizing patterns.

📆 Best Time to Visit

Visit in the late afternoon to capture the golden hour against the backdrop of the abbey. Early spring and late autumn offer fewer tourists.

2. Lavender Fields, Provence

The lavender fields of Provence are a dream come true for any travel or landscape photographer. The rolling purple fields stretch as far as the eye can see, framed by quaint stone cottages and rustic wooden fences.

The vibrant color and intoxicating fragrance make these fields a favorite spot for many visitors.

📆 Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is from late June to early August when the lavender is in full bloom. Aim for the early morning or late evening to avoid the harsh midday sun and capture the fields in the soft light of the golden hour.

3. Verdon Gorge, Provence

Often referred to as Europe’s Grand Canyon, Verdon Gorge offers awe-inspiring landscapes. The river’s turquoise waters cutting through the limestone cliffs provide a striking contrast that’s perfect for dramatic shots.

Whether capturing the canyon from above or venturing into the gorge, there are endless possibilities for incredible photos.

📆 Best Time to Visit

Visit in late spring or early autumn to avoid the summer crowds and experience comfortable temperatures.

4. Étretat Cliffs, Normandy

The white chalk cliffs of Étretat have inspired artists for centuries and continue to attract photographers today. The dramatic arches and needle-like formations rising out of the sea create striking compositions.

Be sure to capture the view from the top of the cliffs as well as from the pebble beach below for different perspectives.

📆 Best Time to Visit

The cliffs are best photographed at dawn or dusk when the light casts a warm glow on the white chalk. Summer and early autumn are ideal times to visit.

5. The Camargue, Provence

Known for its wild beauty, the Camargue region is a marshy delta where the Rhône meets the sea. The area is famous for its flamingos, wild horses, and bulls, making it a paradise for wildlife photographers.

Capture the raw beauty of the landscape with its salt flats, wetlands, and wide-open spaces.

📆 Best Time to Visit

Visit in late spring or early autumn when the weather is mild, and the wildlife is most active. Early mornings offer the best opportunities for viewing and photographing wildlife.

6. Calanques National Park, Provence

Calanques National Park is home to steep-walled inlets along the Mediterranean coast, with crystal-clear waters and rugged limestone cliffs. The dramatic landscape is perfect for nature photography and adventurous activities like rock climbing and sailing.

📆 Best Time to Visit

Spring and autumn are ideal for avoiding the summer heat and large crowds.

7. The Auvergne Volcanoes

The Auvergne region is home to a chain of extinct volcanoes that offer a unique landscape. Capture panoramic views from the summit of Puy de Dôme or explore the lush valleys throughout the area.

📆 Best Time to Visit

Early summer and early autumn offer the best conditions for hiking and photography, typically with clear skies and mild temperatures. Sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic lighting for capturing the volcanic landscape.

8. Pink Granite Coast, Brittany

The Pink Granite Coast in Brittany is famous for its unusual pink-hued rocks that create a striking contrast with the blue sea. The unique geological formations make for captivating images, especially when the tide is high and the waves crash against the rocks.

📆 Best Time to Visit

Late spring and early autumn are ideal, offering fewer tourists and pleasant weather.

9. Pont du Gard, Occitanie

Pont du Gard is an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge in remarkably good condition. The three-tiered structure spans the Gardon River, offering fantastic opportunities for architectural and landscape photography.

Capture the bridge from various angles to showcase its grandeur and the surrounding natural beauty.

📆 Best Time to Visit

Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday crowds and harsh sunlight. Summer evenings often feature light shows that are perfect for photos.

10. Colmar, Alsace

Colmar is a charming town in the Alsace region known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and colorful half-timbered houses. The cobblestone streets, flower-adorned windows, and canals make it a picturesque destination that looks straight out of a fairy tale.

📆 Best Time to Visit

Spring and summer are perfect for capturing the town in full bloom, while winter offers the magic of Christmas markets.

11. Rocamadour, Occitanie

Perched on a cliffside, the village of Rocamadour is a spectacular sight. The medieval buildings seem to cling to the rock face, creating a dramatic backdrop for photos.

Capture the sweeping views of the Alzou River valley below and the intricate details of the historical architecture.

📆 Best Time to Visit

Late spring and early autumn offer mild weather and fewer tourists. Shooting at sunrise or sunset will give you the best light.

12. Beynac-et-Cazenac, Dordogne

Beynac-et-Cazenac is a quintessentially French village with cobblestone streets, medieval houses, and a stunning hilltop castle. The Dordogne River adds an extra layer of beauty, especially when captured from a high vantage point.

📆 Best Time to Visit

Spring and autumn offer the best conditions, with fewer tourists.

13. Annecy, Haute-Savoie

Annecy, often called the “Venice of the Alps,” is a picturesque town surrounded by mountains and built around a crystal-clear lake. The canals, colorful houses, and stunning alpine backdrop make it a dream destination for travel photographers.

📆 Best Time to Visit

Summer is ideal for capturing the vibrant colors and clear skies, while autumn offers a palette of rich, warm hues. Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best lighting conditions.

Ready to Explore?

These 13 stunning locations across France offer travel photographers a wealth of opportunities to capture extraordinary images. Each destination brings its own unique beauty and character so you can discover the hidden gems of France beyond Paris.