The French Riviera Photo Spots

Located in the south of France, the French Riviera—or Côte d’Azur—is a coastal paradise cherished for its sun-soaked beaches and iconic cities, including Saint Tropez, Cannes, and Monaco. With Mediterranean and Provençal influences, the lifestyle is both laid-back and luxurious. Steeped in art, history, and culture, the French Riviera has a unique charm unmatched by any other destination. The region’s breathtaking views, delicious cuisine, and exciting experiences make the Riviera an alluring destination for travellers of all backgrounds. Surrounded by so much beauty, there are plenty of amazing places to take photos on the French Riviera! 🙌

Here at ​​Flytographer, we easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over three million memories worldwide. Today, we’ve asked our local photographers to show us around all the very best places to take photos on the French Riviera. ✨

TLDR

  1. Old Town Nice: Visit the charming historical centre of one of the French Riviera’s most visited cities, Nice!
  2. The gardens of Hostellerie Château: Immerse yourself in Provençal beauty at the site of this historic château surrounded by gorgeous gardens.
  3. Seaside view by the Musée d’Archéologie: Step back in time into one of the French Riviera’s most interesting museums, housed in a seventeenth-century fortress along the Mediterranean coastline.
  4. Cap d’Antibes: Enjoy one of the best views on the French Riviera, complete with lush forest, vast ocean, and the French Alps.
  5. Eze Exotic Garden and Village: Marvel at the natural beauty of the region in this hilltop medieval village with incredible views.

Photo: Gaetan on the French Riviera for Flytographer. Halyna and family capture memories on the French Riviera with a family photoshoot at Seaside and Old Town.

1. Old Town Nice

Nestled along the Mediterranean coast, Nice is a captivating city filled with both history and modern charm. Venture into the heart of Old Town—aka Vieux Nice—where charming markets, cozy cafes, and picture-perfect alleyways await you. Castle Hill offers panoramic vistas of the terracotta-roofed buildings below. The journey up is just as picturesque, as you pass quaint alleys and stone staircases. 😍

At the heart of the city lies Place Masséna, a bustling square decorated with sculptures and fountains. The contrast between neoclassical architecture and contemporary art installations creates a captivating backdrop for photos!

For a taste of local life, head to Quai Lunel, a charming waterfront area lined with fishing boats bobbing in the waves and an array of seafood restaurants lining the quay—be sure to try local delicacies like the saffron moules frites or socca!

No visit to Nice is complete without a visit to the iconic Promenade des Anglais, a path that hugs the shoreline, inviting you to slow down and enjoy the view of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea against the backdrop of the Old Town’s architecture. A spectacular sight!  🌊

📸 Photography tip: Along the promenade is a beautiful lookout with impressive views of Baie des Anges, an iconic “I love Nice” installation, and a large sundial. This striking spot is one of the most Instagrammable places in the city and a fabulous place for a photo shoot!

Photo: Gaetan on the French Riviera for Flytographer. Neha and partner capture memories on the French Riviera with a honeymoon photoshoot in Old Town.

2. The gardens of Hostellerie Château

Tucked away in the enchanting landscape of Provence, Hostellerie Château des Fines Roches is a stunning castle surrounded by beautiful gardens. With a rich history and charming ambiance, the château offers a glimpse into the past while providing a luxurious experience for guests. 

Originally constructed as a fortified castle, its strategic location provided the ideal vantage point for defence. 🏰 During the Renaissance, the château evolved into a residence. Over the years, it was upgraded with intricate details and ornate facades. Now, Hostellerie Château des Fines Roches has been restored to preserve its history while accommodating visitors to the region. 

Though the history of the château is undeniably fascinating, the real magic lies in Hostellerie Château’s meticulously manicured gardens. Sprawling green lawns, sculpted trees and bushes, and vibrant flowers come together in a symphony of natural beauty. With so much splendour, this is one of the best places to take photos on the French Riviera. 📸

Hostellerie Château, with its beautiful gardens and proximity to the treasures of Provence, is a must-visit destination on the French Riviera. From here, there are many options to further explore the region! From local markets full of Provençal flavours to medieval villages perched atop hills, there are endless things to do!

Photo: Florent on the French Riviera for Flytographer. Chikui and family capture memories on the French Riviera with a family photoshoot at The Gardens of the Château.

3. Seaside view by the Musée d’Archéologie d’Antibes

Located on the sun-kissed shores of Antibes, the Musée d’Archéologie d’Antibes is a unique destination well worth a visit. Located in the Saint-André bastion—a seventeenth-century fortress—the museum is full of artifacts that tell the story of Antibes’ maritime heritage. ⚓ Many of the pieces were recovered from underwater archaeological sites around the region!

What truly sets this museum apart is its incredible seaside location. Wander onto the museum’s terrace, where a panoramic view of the Mediterranean’s sparkling waters and the distant silhouette of Antibes’ charming Old Town await. 

After visiting the museum, take time to wander around the Saint-André bastion. The impressive stone fortress is bordered by palm trees, a stone wall, and the shimmering sea—a picture-perfect scene and one of the best places to take photos on the French Riviera! 🌴

Photo: Thiebauld on the French Riviera for Flytographer. Kevin and partner celebrate a proposal on the French Riviera with a proposal photoshoot at the Seaside view by the Musée d’Archéologie.

4. Cap d’Antibes 

Cap d’Antibes is a captivating destination that offers a blend of natural beauty, history, and adventure. For those seeking a little exercise, Cap d’Antibes has a 5km network of trails that wind through pine forests called Chemin des Contrebandiers. These hiking paths offer sweeping views of the glittering Mediterranean Sea, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of marine life! 🐬

An unmissable landmark is the iconic La Garoupe Lighthouse, standing tall over the forest. This is the only lighthouse in the region open to the public. And with its incredible views, it is definitely worth the 116 steps up! 😯

Climb to the top for 360-degree views of the area, including the sprawling pine forest, rolling ocean waves, and the French Alps in the distance. For an extra-magical experience, time your visit with the sunset to see the area bathed in a golden hour glow. 🌅

🗺️ Travel tip: Cap d-Antibes is just a 25-minute drive from Cannes, home of the world-renowned Cannes Film Festival. We recommend taking a road trip along the coast to the iconic Boulevard de la Croisette—one of France’s most visited destinations! For a longer day (or two) of exploring, visit nearby hidden gems Saint Paul de Vence, Cabris, Grasse, and Gourdon.

Photo: Thiebauld on the French Riviera for Flytographer. Tricia and partner celebrate a birthday on the French Riviera with a birthday photoshoot near Cap d’Antibes.

5. Eze Exotic Garden and Village

Consistently listed as one of the most beautiful places on the French Riviera, the medieval village of Eze certainly lives up to its reputation! Perched on a hillside high above the Mediterranean Sea, Eze has vistas that stretch from the turquoise waters below all the way to Monaco’s Monte Carlo. 💫

Eze’s cobblestone streets wind through medieval buildings, where art galleries, boutique shops, and quaint cafes reside. It’s a truly postcard-perfect destination and a French Riviera must-see.

Though the village itself is absolutely stunning, the heart of Eze lies in its exotic garden. Clinging to a rocky outcrop on the site of a former medieval fortress, the Exotic Garden of Eze showcases an array of succulents and exotic plants from around the world, all against the backdrop of breathtaking sea views. 🌵

Every corner of the botanical garden has beautiful views, but the vantage point at the top of the garden is jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Vibrant green cacti, terracotta roofs, and the striking turquoise coastline come together in an unforgettable scene. It is easily one of the best photo shoot spots in the south of France!

Photo: Flytographer on the French Riviera. Deepa and family capture memories on the French Riviera with a family photoshoot at Eze Exotic Garden and Village.

Capturing memories on the French Riviera

The French Riviera is a paradise that embodies elegance, charm, and natural beauty. From the glamorous streets of Cannes to the medieval alleys of Eze, each corner of this coastal gem tells a story. The allure of the French Riviera is undeniable—what better way to capture its magic than through the lens of a professional photographer? Book a photo shoot with a local photographer to commemorate your special trip to the French Riviera today. 🫶