France’s Most Photogenic Landmarks Ranked
The Eiffel Tower remains France’s most Instagrammed and visited landmark, according to recent data. However, several other historical and cultural sites across the country also attract significant attention from tourists and photographers alike.
The Eiffel Tower, Unbeatable
Unsurprisingly, the Eiffel Tower tops the list with a score of 83.93 out of 100. The landmark boasts 7.8 million Instagram posts under the hashtag #EiffelTower, with over 70% of reviews on TripAdvisor being five-star. It also generates a monthly search volume of 27.6 million, the highest of any French monument.1 The Place du Trocadéro, offering reflections of the tower in the Seine, is a particularly popular photo spot.1
Mont-Saint-Michel, the Norman Wonder
The Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel secured second place with a score of 39.58. It receives 73% five-star reviews and has nearly 793,000 hashtags on Instagram. The site’s changing silhouettes with the tides and the unique Norman light attract both tourists and photographers.
The Louvre, Between Pyramid and Cour Napoléon
The Louvre Museum is the second Parisian monument in the ranking, achieving a score of 38.29. Its glass pyramid, designed by architect Ieoh Ming Pei, continues to fascinate, generating 4 million Instagram hashtags, 12.8 million monthly searches, and 70,300 searches on TikTok. The Louvre blends history and modernity.
Carcassonne, the Medieval Fortress
The City of Carcassonne ranks fourth with a score of 37.73. Its imposing ramparts, fortified towers, and cobbled streets offer 58 photo spots listed on TripAdvisor. With 69% five-star reviews, this medieval gem demonstrates that photogenic locations aren’t exclusive to Paris.
Notre-Dame de Paris, the Return
Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral completes the top 5 with a score of 34.44. Following years of restoration after the 2019 fire, the cathedral has regained its splendor, already generating 3.2 million Instagram hashtags and over 3 million monthly searches.2
Two Sites on the Côte d’Azur
The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is ranked 13th. The Belle Époque pink Villa, surrounded by nine thematic gardens, a mirror swimming pool, fountains, and sea views, provides a glamorous and colorful backdrop for photos.
In 14th place is the Colline du Château in Nice, offering a 360° view of the Baie des Anges, the Promenade des Anglais, Aged Nice, and the sea. Artificial waterfalls, ruins, and palm trees make it a popular spot for panoramas and selfies.
Worth a look