the gorgeous riviera
I am often asked which part of France is my favourite and I find this a very difficult question to answer! I love so many cities in France for different reasons. I am a Destination Wedding Photographer in France. (I do travel across Europe when asked!) So you can imagine I have seen a lot of the country.
One of my favourite regions is the French Riviera also know as the Cote d’Azur. I have to say I am someone who loves the sea and the sunshine I feel right at home here.
just after sunset warmth
Cannes is the city I am focusing on for today’s post and have photos to share! I hope they inspire you to visit yourself one day. Maybe I will be lucky enough to be your Wedding Photographer French Riviera or Engagement Photographer. I seriously think this area of France is not visited enough by couples who are looking to come to France for romance and Pre-Wedding photography! I have a lot of requests for Paris, some for Provence Engagement Photography but not many for the French Riviera and it makes me sad! There are so many gorgeous romantic hotels and the sea at sunset is just magical! Also a far less chance of being rained on! As I type, this coming week’s weather forecast for Paris has 1 day of sun and it will be 65-80 in Cannes and daily sun. (It’s April!)
early afternoon sun
Are you a boat lover? If yes then you will love it on the French Riviera because they are plentiful in every size. There are some amazing massive yachts in the harbour. It is funny when you see a huge yacht next to a small fishing boat! I am always delighted to capture images of boats in the sea (as you can tell!)
yachts at sunset
the old fort next to the church
Notre Dame de l’Esperance is a gothic church in the old town area of Cannes at the top of the Suquet hill. Well worth the hike up but I admit I did drive.
notre dame de l’esperance
Like many of the old churches of Europe it’s full of details and carvings in every corner. There is a little museum next to the church but it was closed the day we visited.
part of the museum
vive la france
a statue in the church
The kids noticed inside all of these model boats. We were told that being close to the sea of course this was a church for fisherman and the models where to thank the angels for bringing them back from their long voyage alive. Quite a nice story!
one of the boats
another boat
At the time we visited they had the most amazing musical moving nativity you have ever seen. The kids kept putting more coins in to watch it. It is a must see if you visit the church. (I am told it may be year round, we visited around Christmas time so I am not 100% sure if it is year round)
the nativity
Of course any time of year the view is just gorgeous as you are quite high above the town.
the harbor
You will notice I am a huge fan of flowers. Now flowers in December are even more magical to me! I captured roses in bloom in Versailles in this post and you will see I also capture blooms in Cannes in December. The mild winter does make it a little easier and of course the amazing sunshine!
winter flowers
i love palm trees
what a roof garden
I was lucky that every sunset was different during this stay! I love sunset, it’s such a magical time of day and amazing for a dramatic yet romantic flair for wedding photography or any portrait photography really. The warm sun just brings it’s warmth into images and sometimes just after sunset here in the South of France and on the French Riviera you get this lovely pink glow to the sky. It usually lasts only a few minutes but it is totally worth the waiting to capture it!
cool sun reflection
sunset at the sea
the coast at sunset
the carlton hotel
I do always advise brides to try to time their couples portraits after the wedding ceremony at “golden hour” which is just before, during and just after sunset as you do get some of the best light of the day and it’s far kinder to than the midday harsh sun all parts of the world suffers from but more so in the South of France.
sunset glow just after the sun set
sunset
Did I mention they even have sandy beaches? This isn’t the most common thing for French or British Beaches!
pink glow from the sun
the sand at sunset
twilight
If you are looking for a seaside romantic location for your destination wedding, your engagement photography session or just a romantic weekend away then please consider the French Riviera ( Cote d’Azur) and know you are making a fab choice. Coming soon to the blog is an intimate wedding in this area of France that I am sure will be breathtaking!
Having only been to France once in my life, I was in Paris. We didn’t have much time to explore the rest of the country and see things outside the city. Seeing your pictures and the beauty this region has, makes me want to save for another trip and see this area. You’re lucky to live in a country so filled with beauty.
I hope you come back Joe! There is so much to see and there are some great deals to make it more affordable!
Gorgeous pictures of the Riviera! You should write for travel blogs, this post definitely makes me want to visit! 🙂
what a great thing to say! Thanks Courtney!
These images are beautiful! I have yet to travel to the French Riviera but it’s on my (long) list of places to go!
merci Jessica! You need to come! it’s gorgeous in the south of france!
These are fabulous! I’ve never been before and you make me feel like I was there!
thanks so much Stephanie! I hope you get to visit soon!
You have inspired me greatly with your beautiful blog and images. I’ll be adding Cannes to my “Must See Locations” list!!! Thank you so much for sharing.
Heather that means a lot, the whole French Riviera is a must see on the travel list!
These are breathtaking! France is definitely on my bucket list!
Thanks Paula! You really do need to come visit!
These are beautiful photos! Absolutely stunning! Great work!
Thank you so much Carole!
Absolutely beautiful images. I’ve never been to France and am envious!!
you so need to visit Theresa!
a destination wedding sounds like a fun amazing job. Can I be you when I grow up?
you are too sweet Selena! I am always looking for help for weddings 😉
so lucky to have been there so skilled to capture all this love. Well done.
ohhh thanks Joe! I love being a destination wedding photographer, I meet the best people!
Wowww. I am so envious. I especially loved your photos of the ocean-picturesque!
I always do that too! it’s a sea not an ocean officially Cody. It really is gorgeous either way
what beautiful photographs, such stunning locations! My favorite part of France when I visited was Nice! The coast is so beautiful in the spring 🙂
Hi Laura, it’s gorgeous isn’t it! You should come visit again and have you been to Switzerland? My other love in my life
This definitely makes me want to visit the French Riviera! Looks absolutely amazing!
Arica you totally should!
Beautiful images and such a stunning backdrop wow!
thanks Vaughn