12 Iconic French Locations That Will Make Your Instagram Shine

France, one of the most visited countries in the world, offers a diverse range of experiences. From its stunning beauty, it is not difficult to see why everyone wants to get a slice of it. And, just like any other traveler, you definitely want to go to the most picturesque spots in France. Whether you love soaking in stunning scenes or are looking to take shots to elevate your Instagram feed, there are a lot of spots in France for you to see and capture, each offering a unique experience.

From the architectural marvels of Paris to the beautiful nature of Provence, these 12 Instagrammable spots in France are ones you do not want to miss during your French escape.

Table of Contents

Eiffel Tower, Paris

Paris-things-to-do_Walking-Tours — © rh2010 / Adobe Stock

The list of the most Instagrammable places in France can never be complete without including the Eiffel Tower in Paris—one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. The iron structure, designed by Eiffel Gustave, is impressive up close and from a distance, as well as during the day and night.

For your Instagram photos, you can take pictures of the Eiffel Tower from Trocadero Garden, Rue de l’Université, Champ de Mars, or from Bir Hakeim and Alma’s bridges.

Trocadero is the classic, offering unobstructed views of the tower.

The tower is beautifully illuminated at night, with a sparkling light show every hour after dusk; do not miss out on this. There are many ways to capture your Parisian memories, but getting the best of the Eiffel Tower is undoubtedly unforgettable.

The Louvre Museum, Paris

The Louvre is one of the most visited museums in the world, and it’s for a great reason. It has so much to see and explore. While the Mona Lisa is the most hyped piece of art in the museum, you have got to accept that you will likely not get great photos of it. If you do – lucky you. But just know that the crowds may not make it easy.

If you don’t, all is not lost, as there are many other instagrammable spots in the Louvre. Start outside and pose in front of the glass pyramids—they are absolutely photogenic both during the day and night. For more dramatic shots, add elements of the museum’s Sully Wing, Denon Wing, and Richelieu Wing, the historic buildings that surround the Louvre Square.

For an artistic touch beyond the Mona Lisa, you can also capture or pose with other artworks in the museum, including The Coronation of Napoleon, The Wedding at Cana, Winged Victory of Samothrace, The Raft of The Medusa, and Venus de Milo.

Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris

Paris has beautiful green spaces, but Jardin du Luxembourg is unbelievably stunning. This garden offers lush landscapes, historic architecture, and serene spots perfect for relaxing, picnicking, and capturing picturesque moments. However you choose to spend time in Jardin du Luxembourg, the pictures you capture in them belong on your Instagram feed.

For memorable shots, capture the snaps focusing on the Luxembourg Palace, the central Medici Fountain, and the statues spread across the garden. You also do not want to overlook the meticulously maintained flower beds and tree-lined walkways – they are characters that would only elevate your experience and shots. For more beautiful shots, visit in the fall for fall foliage or spring for cherry blossoms.

Château de Chenonceau, Loire Valley

Loire Valley is known for its stunning castles, but Château de Chenonceau is one you and your camera lenses will like. Its unique architecture spanning the River Cher, beautiful gardens, and rich history are irresistibly charming.

The castle blends Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles, making it a perfect spot for architectural enthusiasts and history buffs. Its unique extension over the river, creating reflections along it, is a captivating sight that will add a magical touch to your photos.

The castle also has meticulously landscaped gardens that will add more life to your Instagram shots. Diane de Poitiers’ Garden and Catherine de’ Medici’s Garden are strikingly stunning features to incorporate in your photos.

Château de Villandry, Villandry

Instagrammable Spots in France Château de Villandry, Villandry — © GISTEL / Adobe Stock

Château de Villandry is known for having one of the most beautiful gardens in the country. The exquisite blend of the castle’s well-manicured garden and stunning architecture creates visually stunning scenery perfect for unwinding and photography.

Start by capturing the castle itself, focusing on its classic Renaissance features. Then, for more lively shots, you can add elements of the ornamental gardens, ponds, and fountains.

With so much to explore and capture in this castle, it is not difficult to see why it was given UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

La Petite France, Strasbourg

Top Rated Places To Retire — © MarinadeArt / Adobe Stock

La Petite is one of the most stunning neighborhoods in France. This fairytale neighborhood has so many Instagrammable subjects. The medieval half-timbered houses, scenic canals, quaint bridges, and entire La Petite France feel like a different era.

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Walk along the narrow streets with timber-framed houses and flower boxes, looking for the most photogenic spots. While at it, get views of the boats and swans in the canals. You can also hop onto the boat tours to get a different perspective of this storybook-perfect neighborhood. Other than photography, it is impossible to ignore the uniquely enchanting ambiance created by the combination of historic buildings, gentle waters, and serene atmosphere. To completely soak in La Petite France’s beauty, you can get a coffee from the charming coffee shops and enjoy it as you take in the views of the calm canals.

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Eguisheim, Alsace

If you are into fairytale villages, the beauty of Eguisheim will blow your mind away. With its beauty and rich history, there is something for you to marvel at with every turn you take in Eguisheim. The picturesque streets, colorful half-timbered houses, and scenic vineyards – you can create postcards from your shots in Eguisheim.

When exploring, get shots of the colorful medieval houses with flower-filled window boxes and Place du Château, a charming open square with a fountain and a chapel. If you are looking for a street that will give you the best views, focus on Rue du Rempart during your visit. The views of the colorful houses on this street are unbelievably magnificent.

Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy

Mont Saint-Michel is one of France’s most iconic and visually striking landmarks. Its dramatic location on a rocky island, topped by a medieval abbey and surrounded by tidal waters, creates an almost surreal, fairy-tale-like setting. The thing with Mont Saint-Michel is, depending on when, where, and how you take the photos, you can come up with all sorts of picturesque snaps, not one that looks like the next.

The stunning Gothic abbey at the island’s peak, with its intricate architecture and impressive spire, is a feature you want to focus your shots on. To add more character to your photos, capture the Bay of Mont Michel during high tide when the islet appears to be floating on water. For more surreal images, you may want to capture the islet during sunset and sunrise, when its ancient buildings are bathed in the sun’s golden hues.

Château de Sully-sur-Loire, Loiret

Instagrammable Spots in France_Château de Sully-sur-Loire, Loiret — © Guitou60 / Adobe Stock

On the banks of the Loire River in Loire Valley stands the Château de Sully-sur-Loire, a magnificent Renaissance castle known for its rich history and impressive architecture. If you are into history or architecture, you will love exploring this destination.

The imposing castle, with its Renaissance features including towers, moats, and turrets, is a subject you do not want to miss in your photo sessions. Beyond the building, you can add more characters to your photos, like the neatly landscaped gardens, the beautiful Loire River, and the beautiful surrounding landscapes. On the inside of the castle, you do not want to miss the antique furnishings, tapestries, and artwork, which offer an excellent opportunity to look at what life was like centuries ago.

Lake Annecy, Haute-Savoie

Lake Annecy is a dreamy destination with many Instagrammable spots. With its stunning turquoise waters, the backdrop of the French Alps, charming lakeside villages, and sunset and sunrise views, it is a perfect destination for creating unforgettable travel memories.

If you are looking for stunning towns and villages to capture the beauty of this lake, Annecy Town, Talloires, and Veyrier-du-Lac are the perfect spots for you. These destinations offer magnificent architecture, colorful streets, and a charming ambiance, all backed by the breathtaking lake.

If you are looking for irresistible Instagram shots, capture the lake during sunrise and sunset for warm lighting and vibrant colors reflected on the water; get mirror-like reflections of the mountains and alpine forests in the serene lake, or go up the hills or Annecy Castle to capture panoramic views of the lake.

Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque, Vaucluse

Tourist Traps in Southern France_Lavender Fields Of Abbaye Notre-Dame — © Kim / Adobe Stock

If you are looking for picturesque destinations in Provence, Abbaye Notre-Dame de Senanque is a spot you should not miss. This beautifully preserved Cistercian abbey, located in the countryside of Vaucluse, is known for its tranquil lavender fields, ancient stone architecture, and serene ambiance.

Visiting during the blooming season is the best idea, as you will capture the sea of purple lavender flowers, which is an absolutely photogenic scenery.

When visiting this abbey from late July to August, many people focus on the lavender fields, which is valid. However, for candid Instagram shots, you do not want to overlook the Romanesque-style Abbey church or the cloister, which features graceful arches, and stone columns, creating breathtaking views.

Calanque d’En-Vau, Cassis

Calanque d’En-Vau is a stunning natural cove on the Mediterranean coast near Cassis. Its crystal-clear turquoise waters, towering limestone cliffs, and pristine sandy beach create a breathtaking backdrop that is highly Instagrammable.

You will like that the cove’s pristine waters shimmer in different shades of blue and green, inviting visitors to swim, snorkel, or simply admire the view. With the changing views, the snaps you capture of Calanque d’En-Vau will likely be different from photos you have already seen on the internet – something that makes the destination even more worthwhile.

During your photoshoots, capture how the limestone cliffs dramatically rise from the sea, how lush the surrounding landscape of Calanques National Park is, or how serene the sandy beach appears.