Where to watch the most beautiful sunsets in France

Ok, this might be a bit “cliché”… but who can resist to charm and incredible feeling of peace that emanates from a sunset ? When you’re traveling, whether on a honeymoon, or simply because you want to end your frantic day with a more serene and tranquil moment, the experience of sunset watching is often a very special moment.  It invites you to introspection and makes you more aware of the beauties of our world. Am I a mystic?

I had the chance to watch sunsets in many iconic places in the world, like Mayan pyramids in Yucatan (Mexico), or Angkor temples in Cambodia, my favorite one being probably a more simple one on the Pacific Ocean on Vancouver Island, on a beach close to the village of Tofino. This was an incredible “fusional” moment between the elements: water, sky, sand and pine trees… and this scarlet red ball that was slowly waning over the horizon. Me and my wife and kids couldn’t say a word for long minutes.

We had a pretty similar experience a few years later in Corsica, watching the sun setting over the Mediterranean sea, from the gorgeous Calanques of Piana. This is amazing to see how the changing light is making the color of rocks change as well, like in a movie that could name “50 shades of orange and red”…

So for all the people and travelers who like this very particular moment of the day like me, I’m happy to share a selection of where to watch the most beautiful sunsets in France.

Don’t tell me that you’ve never heard of Etretat. Though it’s maybe not because of its sunset…but with the astounding success of Lupin on Netflix, there are probably more American people who know what the cliffs of Etretat look like, than French people do! How could you not love Étretat in north-western France? This tourist hotspot combines excellent sea views and unusual rock formations – all you need for a memorable sunset photo. Indeed, the area was a drawcard for impressionist painter Monet back in the day (you will certainly recognize his painting too). Other fun fact: famed French writer Guy de Maupassant grew up in Étretat. 

Located in a gorge above a tributary of the River Dordogne, this isn’t your typical sunset on the water. But who cares – it looks amazing in the late afternoon sun. Be sure to check out this area next time you’re in south-western France, and don’t forget to taste their one-of-a-kind goat’s cheese while you’re there.

In France, the blossoming season is between early June and mid-August. It depends also on the altitude and latitude, and of course you’ll have to find the perfect orientation to watch the colors of the sun melt into the purple of the lavender. But, wow, if you get it, you can apply for a Nature photography prize! Not to forget the powerful aromas of lavender that will add to the charm of the scene. We have guides who know these best spots in Provence and the Luberon.

Mont Saint-Michel, off the northern coast of France is spectacular at any time of day, but there’s something even more haunting about this island commune when you see the sun behind it. And for those who really want the top notch experience, fly closer to the setting on a board of a microlight aircraft. The view of the iconic monument from the sky is unforgettable!

Not staying in France long enough to see the bucolic countryside or the mighty Atlantic Ocean? Don’t worry, you can also have beautiful sunsets in Paris itself. Some would argue there is nothing more romantic than a stroll along the River Seine – but they’d be wrong. The truth is there’s nothing more romantic than a walk along the River Seine as the sun sets. Don’t believe us? Give it a try.

Though being in a part of France rarely visited by travelers (except aficionados of Roquefort cheese, as it’s produced in the department of Aveyron, of which Millau is the main city), this show of technical prowess is now definitely a distinct part of the landscape. Far from disfiguring it, it embellishes the sky in both an artistic and futurist way. Fun fact: at 343 metres, it is the tallest bridge in the entire world. And it’s used as a motorway, meaning if you time your travel right, you can enjoy the sunset from the comfort of your car as you’re zooming along the bridge itself.

On a clear day, the summit of Mont Blanc in the French Alps offers world class views… and taking in the sunset can be the perfect end to a chilly day. Photographers with less of a sense of adventure can still snap this mighty mountain with the evening sun shining onto it from Chamonix, the world mecca for climbers and mountain lovers.

The spectacular dune of Pyla that towers over Arcachon Bay on the coast of south-western France has attracted millions of tourists, many of whom get comfortable in the late afternoon and take in an unspoiled sunset or “coucher du soleil” as it’s called in French. It’s not for lazy travelers, as the hike to the top of the dune (the highest sand dune in Europe), is 106 meters high and you’ll have to climb 170 stairs.

Apparently the sun only sets right in the centre of the Arc de Triomphe twice a year and when it does, it’s spectacular. I’ve never seen it, but to be honest…I don’t go to Paris very often. So please, send to me your own picture if you can catch this one!