TRAVEL FRANCE IN PHOTOS
France is a country of diverse beauty, culture and natural wonders. Sure it’s home to all the goodies like croissants, macaroons and the Eiffel Tower but as someone who prefers the outdoors, it’s incredible to see just how many variations of ‘joli’ France can deliver.
Since moving here in 2014, I’ve been continuously wowed by the surprises that exist within the landscapes of not only Provence where I live, but all over France.
While most people visiting will get to see the hot spots of Paris, perhaps Nice and the Cote d’Azur, there really is so much more of France to explore.
Hidden in the mountains are gorges with sparkling teal water fresh from the Alps and caves with stalactites and stalagmites.
On the coast there’s the rocky cliffs of Calanques rising from the Mediterranean, colourful facades of fishing ports and cobbled streets of medieval villages.
To celebrate Bastille Day this year I’ve put together a collection of my favourite 30 photographs taken throughout France. I’ve listed location details in the captions below each image so if you happen to find yourself in the area, you can go in search of these places for yourself.
For more guides on travelling and photographing in France, take a peek at the links below –
The Most Photogenic Villages of Provence
Your Guide to the Best Photography Locations in Paris
The Magic of Mont Saint-Michel
Hiking to the Calanque d’En Vau from Cassis
Photographing the French Alps of Briancon in Summer
And now for the photos, I’d love to hear which is your favourite in the comments below, or if you have somewhere special you like to visit in France please share it with either a link to your site in the comments or image on Instagram with the hashtag #thewanderinglens
Serre Chevalier, just near Briancon accessed by ski lift in summer.
Mont Saint-Michel in the Normandy region of France.
Port of Cassis located about 20minute drive from Marseille on the shore so of the Mediterranean.
The lush city of Vichy in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
Beside the village of Roussillon you’ll find the Sentier des Ocres, a trail that winds through colourful landscapes of an old quarry with striking coloured ochre.
Sunflower fields are found all over the Provence region during the summer months of July and August.
Gorge du Verdon where you can kayak o hire a paddle boat to explore the gorge.
Lac de Serre-Ponçon at the foot of the mighty French Alps is one of the most photogenic places in France. with a small chapel that sits on an island in the centre of the lake, it changes appearance from winter to summer.
Sisteron sits on the banks of the Durance River and has these huge cliffs you can wander into.
Fontaine de Vaucluse is the largest spring in France and is a popular spot for kayakers to hit the rapids that gush out at the foot of the Vaucluse Mountains.
The Plateau de Valensole is blooming in purple rows of lavender from mid June to July.
The colourful village of Greoux-les-Bains is one of many to explore within the Luberon region of Provence.
Sillans de Cascade, a waterfall located in the mountains behind Toulon and Saint-Tropez.
Well I don’t think this beauty needs an introduction! Hello Eiffel Tower!
On the road between Valensole and Riez you’ll find this perfect field of lavender.
Le Marais is an area in Paris that’s really photogenic with historic streets, a relaxed vibe and lots of bicycles!
The glowing teal seas of Calanque d’En Vau near Cassis.
One of my favourite villages in France, Cotignac.
Anse du Sec on the coast by La Ciotat.
The white horses call the Camargue region of France home.
The coastline between Antibes and Marseille is a water lovers dream scene. So many boats, rocky coves and calm water landscapes to photograph.
The Isle de Frioul is located off the coast of Marseille and is a rocky wonder of clear water coves perfect for swimming in summer!
Annecy, a fairytale town at the foot of the French Alps.
Gorge du Verdon, with staggering cliffs and a road that weaves along the top so you can capture the landscapes from up high and at water level.
The castle ruins of Les Baux-de-Provence.
Lake Annecy, a must visit location for mountain scenery and colourful street scenes.
Sandwiched between Italy and Monaco but officially part of France, Menton is a bright spark by the Mediterranean Sea.
The Citadel of Sisteron offers views over the village below and surrounding scenery. A great place to stop on your way to Provence from the north!
If you love it, share it on Pinterest with the image below!
Have you been to France? Share your favourite place or experience in the comments below!
Hello! I’m the founder and photographer behind The Wandering Lens.
With 19+yrs experience as a professional travel and landscape photographer, all advice found on this site is from my personal experience, or that of contributors, on the road. I hope it’s useful for your own travels and would love to hear in the comments about your trips and experiences around the world.
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