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Attention all travel enthusiasts and Instagram addicts! Are you tired of scrolling through the same old beach and mountain pictures on your feed? Well, it’s time to step up your Instagram game and explore the hidden gems of South West France. With its charming villages, picturesque landscapes, and mouth-watering cuisine, this region is a treasure trove of Instagrammable places waiting to be discovered. From medieval castles to blooming sunflower fields, the options are endless.
Angouleme
Angoulême, located in Charente, southwestern France, is a charming city known for its rich history and picturesque landscape. Perched on a plateau overlooking the Charente River, Angoulême boasts stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
It is renowned for its impressive collection of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, including the majestic Angoulême Cathedral. This well-preserved old town is also famous for its annual International Comics Festival, attracting comic book enthusiasts and artists worldwide.
Visitors can explore the narrow cobbled streets, visit art galleries, or relax in one of the many inviting cafés.
Carcassonne
The walled medieval city of Carcassonne, a UNESCO Heritage Site, has some great instagrammable spots worth visiting due to the fairytale-like castle that stands prominently in town.
Pont Vieux is a historical bridge that connects the newer part of town to the old town. Today it is a pedestrian bridge with views of the imposing Château Comtal beyond it that are perfect for capturing a memorable photo. Head there at sunrise or sunset to capture the castle and the old stone bridge in soft lighting.
Walking the bridge and within the walled city is free, but you’ll want to visit the castle to get the complete Carcassonne experience, which has an entrance fee.
Melissa – Mountains and Mahals
Aubeterre-Sur-Dronne
The beautiful village of Aubeterre is one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in Southwest France. Located in the Charente region, Aubeterre-sur-Dronne is mainly famous for the Monolithic Church of Saint Jean de Aubeterre.
But the most spectacular spot in the village is the Aubeterre Viewpoint. From there, you’ll have an amazing view of the picturesque village roofs and the hills of the Dordogne Valley in the background. It is only a couple of steps away from the town centre.
There is no entrance fee to the viewpoint. You’ll most likely not spend more than half an hour there. But it is still worth the visit. You can combine your trip with a visit to the Monolithic church or one of the amazing restaurants in the village.
My personal tip is to visit in summer. Some beautiful pink flower bushes are planted on the viewpoint, and they are in full bloom during the summer months. This will make your Instagram picture even more spectacular.
Sabrina – Shades of Summr
Saint Emilion
Saint-Émilion, nestled in the heart of the Bordeaux wine region in southwestern France, is a picturesque and historic village celebrated for its wine, charming architecture, and rich cultural heritage. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts a labyrinth of narrow, cobblestone streets with centuries-old buildings and quaint cafes.
Saint-Émilion is renowned for its exceptional vineyards, producing some of the world’s finest red wines, primarily Merlot and Cabernet Franc blends. Visitors can explore underground wine cellars and enjoy tastings at numerous wineries. Beyond wine, the village is adorned with a stunning monolithic church carved into the limestone cliffs, offering a glimpse into its medieval past.
With its timeless beauty and wine culture, Saint-Émilion is a captivating destination for wine enthusiasts and history lovers alike.
Victoria – Guide Your Travel
Espelette
Espelette, a beautiful small village in the French Basque Country, is a must-visit for Instagram enthusiasts and food lovers alike.
Famous for its unique and subtle red peppers, known as “piment d’Espelette”, the village’s iconic red & white facades are adorned with these delicacies, allowing them to dry during the harvest season that spans from September to November.
My personal favourite? Exploring the charming pedestrian streets at the end of summer, camera in hand, while savouring the local dishes enhanced with pepper. Think cheese or chocolate with a spicy kick! Unreal.
Despite its popularity amongst locals and French tourists, the village retains a serene charm, making it a perfect spot for a countryside escape or a day trip while you visit the South West of France.
Jen – Tales From The Lens
Ax-les-Thermes
The charming town of Ax-les-Thermes is located near the Spanish border in the southwest of France.
Renowned for its therapeutic thermal baths, the Ax-les-Thermes has captivated tourists since Roman times. You will find amazing views, quaint lanes and architecture to capture that Instagrammable shot.
Aside from the famous baths, Ax-les-Thermes is home to a magnificent Aix Cathedral, a testament to Gothic architecture, symbolising the town’s rich history. For art enthusiasts, the Musée des Beaux-Arts houses a remarkable collection of paintings and sculptures from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
Stephanie – BeyofTravel
Dune du Pilat
The Dune du Pilat, located in the Gironde region just 1 hour from Bordeaux, is the largest sand dune in Europe. Jetting out of Arcachon Bay, this 3-km dune is one of the most unique sites in southwest France.
Entry to the Dune du Pilat is free. However, if you are driving, you must pay for parking at the entrance.
A half-day trip to the Dune du Pilat is plenty of time to enjoy this natural wonder. You can walk along the top of the dune for incredible views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on one side and a dense forest on the other side.
Additionally, you can walk down to the base of the dune to enjoy a day at the beach.
Jenoa – The Travel Folk
Biarritz
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a viewpoint in Biarritz that’s not stunning. Here, the Rocher du Basta in the centre of Biarritz is a perfect spot to scan the city, and at sunset, the outcrop takes on a near-mystical hue. Each time I see it, it takes my breath away.
The entire town of Biarritz is a gem. Made popular by Empress Eugénie, Napoleon III’s wife, this glamorous town in France’s Basque country attracts everyone from barefoot surfers – Biarritz is Europe’s surf capital – to white-haired retirees, a diversity that adds to the charm of its graceful coastline and Belle Epoque vibe.
Leyla – Off Beat France
La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux
Inaugurated in 2016, La Cité du Vin is one of the newest attractions in Bordeaux. Considering that the Bordeaux Wine Region produces some of the world’s best wines, La Cité du Vin is a must-see in Bordeaux, especially for wine lovers.
La Cité du Vin is mainly dedicated to Bordeaux wines and covers other French and international wine regions.
Come to learn all about wines, from their production to their consumption. La Cité du Vin is a multisensory museum, meaning there are many interesting things to read, watch, smell, and taste!
I spent most of the day there, but you can visit the basics in 2-3 hours. The ticket includes a wine tasting in the bar upstairs. La Cité du Vin is far from the Old Town, but the B tram line stops there.
Elisa – France Bucket List
Place de la Bourse, Bordeaux
Place de la Bourse, with its breathtaking Miroir d’Eau, is a must-visit Instagrammable spot in South West France.
This iconic square in Bordeaux holds a spectacular reflecting pool, designed by landscape artist Michel Corajoud, that offers dreamlike reflections of the majestic buildings surrounding it. The best part? There’s no entrance fee! You can freely explore and snap away.
Spend at least an hour to fully enjoy this spectacle during a weekend in Bordeaux, especially during sunset when the lighting is perfect. Don’t miss the tram pulling up in front, which adds a dynamic touch to your photos, making it an even more unforgettable visual experience.
Goya – Goya Galeotta
La Daurade, Toulouse
Located in Toulouse city centre, La Daurade is the local name for the quays of the river Garonne.
You can easily get there on foot from the Capitole and metro station of Esquirol. It’s one of the best sunset spots in Toulouse and a hot spot for locals in summer.
There are many restaurants around, but ordering takeaway and having a picnic is the best way to enjoy La Daurade.
There are many photo opportunities, but for an amazing Insta shot, sit on the edge and ask someone to take a photo of you with the Ferris Wheel and the cupola of La Grave in the background.
Pauline – Beeloved City
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is one of the ‘plus beaux villages de France’ which means it is officially one of the most beautiful villages in France!
It’s a stunning cliff top village located in the Lot which is ideal for a day trip from Toulouse or the Dordogne.
The village itself is incredibly pretty with its narrow streets and boasts amazing views of the river Lot.
The houses all have a lot of flowers as well so they will make your photos particularly pretty.
But if you want to get some more unusual shots of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, consider hiring a kayak and paddle down the river. The views from below are gorgeous and very Instagrammable.
Pauline – France Pocket Guide
Le Vieux Port, La Rochelle
The most photogenic place in La Rochelle is found in its most bustling, enjoyable area.
Come day and night, Le Vieux Port (The Old Port) is the heart of the coastal city and quintessentially French in its aesthetic.
As pretty at sunrise as it is at sunset, enter through Tour de l’Horloge and saunter along to the most picturesque stretch at Quai Duperré. Its white shutters, balconies and facades offer a gorgeous backdrop, whilst the boats and birds only add to the Insta-friendly views.
Free to enter and often pedestrianised on weekends, enjoy lunch or drinks afterwards at the diverse array of waterfront bars and restaurants.
Andrew + Emily – Along Dusty Roads
