Unsplash Around the World: France 🇫🇷

With its diverse landscapes, fashion, design, and culinary delights, France is an endless source of inspiration for photographers like Simon Joseph, Maëva Vigier, Valentin Lacoste, Pierre Lemos and Mathias Reding.

Ahead of the summer Olympics happening in Paris this year, we wanted to learn more about the country through the perspectives of those who know it best. Each photographer shares how living in France influences their work, highlighting the country’s unique charm and beauty.

Who are you and where are you located? 

Simon Joseph: My name is Simon Joseph, and I’m based in Paris, France. I’m a software developer with a passion for photography, the outdoors, and mountains. During the weekends or holidays, I love to explore my country in depth.

Maëva Vigier: My name is Maëva, and I was born in Pau in the South-West of France and moved around a lot during my childhood because my dad was in the army. I spent most of my childhood in Ariège, not far from the Pyrenees, and then moved back to Pau in my teens.

Valentin Lacoste: I’m Valentin Lacoste, a 26 yo motion designer, who’s passionate about photography, art, skate, and climbing. Currently living in Paris! 

Pierre Lemos: My name is Pierre I’m half French half Portuguese. I was born and grew up in a small town surrounded by nature in the center of France. Now based in the city Toulouse in the South of France. I’m a Wildlife and Nature photographer.

Mathias Reding: I’m Mathias Reding, 22 years old, I live near Paris and I’ve been into photography for 6 years now.

What do you love most about French culture?

Maëva: Cuisine without hesitation! I love to eat and I find that France is very rich culinarily speaking, it’s not for nothing that we speak of French gastronomy around the world. I also love the old medieval villages that can only be found in France, deep in the countryside. When I visit little villages like that, I feel like I’m taking a trip back in time - it’s incredible! 

Pierre: As a proper French Man I must say that I love the fact that we fight for our rights. I feel like we French people are honest and direct. It’s something that I think is the true nature of France.

Mathias: It’s gastronomy, particularly the way food is celebrated and savored. From the artistry of croissants and baguettes to the richness of cheeses, it’s barely impossible not to find a dish that will suit you! French cuisine is a delightful exploration of taste and tradition, where every region has its own specialties. 

How does living in France inspire your photography?

Simon: France has a great diversity of landscapes. From the high mountains of the Alps to the long beaches of the Atlantic, there is plenty to do. In the north, you can explore the rugged coastline of Normandy and the rolling hills of Brittany. The central regions offer picturesque villages, vast vineyards, and historic castles, while the south boasts the beautiful Mediterranean coast, lavender fields of Provence, and the Pyrenees mountains. Whether you enjoy skiing, hiking, cycling, or simply relaxing by the sea, France offers a wide range of activities and breathtaking scenery to discover.

Pierre: France is so diverse and eclectic. So many different landscapes and possibilities - in France we are lucky to have a vast and prolific nature with beautiful gardens and forests filled with life, it’s such a joy to go out.

Which regions in France do you find particularly captivating for photography?

Valentin: All of them! Our regions are very different from one another. We have such beautiful countrysides, landscapes, and cities.

Pierre: I found the South of France to be the most photogenic part of France, especially for Wildlife. Camargue for example is a paradise on Earth, with majestic birds like Flamingos roaming freely. 

Mathias: I would definitely say Auvergne, but that’s not very objective of me. It’s where I was born. I’m amazed every time I go there and it’s a place that inspires me in many ways to take photos.

What advice would you give to someone visiting France for the first time?

Valentin: For Paris, when it’s sunny outside you should enjoy the Parisian vibe. For example, walk along la Seine from the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame. Get lost in the little streets in Le Marais, Le Louvre & Opéra, those are my favorite spots. For France, in general, don’t you ever try to get some food on big avenues, always check their rating, because they often can be disappointing.

Pierre: Like we say in France « il faut sortir des sentiers battus » / « you have to get off the beaten tracks » Don’t just go to Paris, if you want to live the true French experience go out and explore others regions! Especially the south! 

Mathias: Leaving the big cities, going to the countryside and discovering life in small villages is for me a good way of discovering France outside the big attractions, which of course are well worth seeing as well.

What is a must-eat when visiting France?

Simon: If you go to Lyon, you should try “la tarte aux pralines.” It’s a famous dessert in Lyon, and it’s so delicious!

Maëva: Cheeses, of course (with good bread and wine). In France, we’re lucky enough to have countless different cheeses, each as good as the next, and we also have some of the best bakeries in the world, not to mention wine! If you come to France, I advise you to try absolutely any cheese you like on a slice of farmhouse bread, accompanied by a glass of wine. It’s exquisite!

Pierre: Pastries! You absolutely need to eat the French Pastries we have so many different types. From the classic « éclair au chocolat » to the more obscure « Kouign Amann » from Brittany, I’m sure you’ll love them all. My personal favorite is « Tartelette au framboise » the French Raspberry Tart. 

What is something visitors should pack with them when traveling to France?

Simon: Bring your camera; France is full of beautiful places and hidden gems. You’re never sure what you’re going to come across around the street corner. From charming cafes and historic architecture to vibrant street art and picturesque parks, there’s always something interesting to capture.

Mathias: As a photographer, I’d suggest taking a disposable camera (reusable is even better). Analog allows you to take a different look at the way you do photography. It’s a work that takes more time and requires more attention to detail, as the number of photos is limited. For me, it’s a good way of discovering France, and allows you to rediscover it once you’re back home and have had your photos developed.

What is the one thing you would like people to know about your country?

Simon: France is not only Paris, croissants and wine haha. 

Maëva: In France, and especially in Strasbourg, I think there’s a strong Christmas spirit and people love this time of year. The Christmas market is incredible, and in fact the whole city is beautifully decorated. The alleys smell of mulled wine and pretzels, and people seem happy to be together. I love this city at this time of year!

What is your favorite photo you have taken on Unsplash that really captures France?

What is the best season to take photos in France?

Simon: I cannot make up my mind. All seasons are beautiful in France, but my favorite season is probably the end of spring because it is the start of the hiking and bivouac season. I’m always excited to go hiking again after winter.

Mathias: I’d say autumn, I’m in love with this season and the mood that it gives. It looks great in photos and I find that in France there’s a multitude of landscapes that lend themselves to being photographed in this context. It’s important to note that the seasons are quite well contrasted in France, which makes each season interesting to photograph. From rainy days to blossoming flowers, you can’t get bored in terms of inspiration in such a country.

Are there any elements of French lifestyle and culture that you love to incorporate in your images? 

Maëva: I don’t really have any particular elements that I put into my photos, I just take photos when I feel like it when a place really appeals to me, inspires me or when I find a situation touching or cute, for example. However, I do have one photo that I really like, which I think represents the French style quite well, or at least the southern French style. It’s a photo I took in Marseille while strolling along “Le vieux Port” (see below!).

Valentin: French architecture, as much as I can. I found that France has such beautiful and various types of architecture. I love that, wherever you are, there’s always something beautiful to capture!

If you had to choose one to photograph: French cities or French countryside?

Maëva: French countryside, without hesitation! You can see completely different landscapes, whether you’re in the north or south of France. You can find green plains, waterfalls, high mountains, the ocean. And all this within a few hours’ drive of each other - it’s fantastic.

Valentin: French cities, 100%!

Mathias: No doubt, I’d rather take photos in the French countryside. As a person coming from the affluence of the city, getting away from it and enjoying nature, the fresh air and the peace that comes with it is like a dream. 

Describe your country in one word.

Simon: Authentic
Maëva: Diversity
Valentin: Charming
Pierre: Diverse
Mathias: Diversity

See you next month at our next around-the-world location!