New data from memory curation app Popsa has identified Plage de la Croisette in Cannes as France's most photographed beach, based on analysis of millions of customer photos uploaded in 2025. The beach achieved a perfect Photo Index Score of 100, placing it ahead of other iconic coastal spots along the Riviera and Atlantic shores.
The ranking underscores the enduring appeal of Cannes as a visual anchor for travelers, particularly during the annual Cannes Film Festival each May, when the promenade and its golden sands become a global backdrop for celebrity and visitor photography alike. For travel professionals—from hoteliers along the Côte d'Azur to tour operators curating French itineraries—the data reinforces Cannes' status as a must-include destination for clients seeking photogenic experiences.
Top Five Most Photographed Beaches in France
- Plage de la Croisette, Cannes — Score: 100
- Plage de Pampelonne, Saint-Tropez — Score: 86
- Étretat, Normandy — Score: 80
- Plage du Touquet, Pas-De-Calais — Score: 67
- Plage De La Baule and Les Sables-d'Olonne — Score: 63 (tied)
Plage de Pampelonne near Saint-Tropez took second place with a score of 86. Known for its powder-soft sand and turquoise waters, the beach gained international fame from Brigitte Bardot's 1955 film And God Created Woman. In third place, Étretat in Normandy scored 80, its dramatic chalk cliffs and pebble shore having long captivated artists including Claude Monet.
The rankings also highlight a shift in traveler photography habits toward northern Channel beaches, which have historically been overshadowed by the Riviera and Atlantic coasts. Plage du Touquet in Pas-De-Calais, with its Art Deco architecture and expansive beach, ranked fourth with a score of 67. Joint fifth place went to Plage De La Baule and Les Sables-d'Olonne, both scoring 63.
Liam Houghton, CEO of Popsa, commented: "Cannes topping the list is no surprise—it's a beach synonymous with glamour. However, the strong showing of Étretat and Berck Plage indicates a shift towards less obvious destinations for memorable photography."
For travel industry stakeholders, this data offers actionable insights. Destination marketing organizations in Normandy and the Hauts-de-France region can leverage the growing visual appeal of their coastlines to attract visitors seeking unique photo opportunities. Hotel groups such as Accor, which operates properties near Étretat and Le Touquet, may consider promoting these beaches in their marketing collateral. Similarly, tour operators like Booknordics.com and others specializing in French itineraries could incorporate these emerging hotspots into curated packages.
The trend also mirrors broader shifts in European beach preferences, as noted in recent rankings where UK beaches dominated 2026 European rankings, challenging traditional Mediterranean hotspots. For airlines serving these regions—such as Air France, which recently extended its culinary partnership with Chef Julien Royer—the data could inform route planning and in-flight content highlighting photogenic destinations.
For the complete rankings and methodology, visit Popsa's website.
