Anita Tissier Photography | Nice & South of France Photographer

Romantic proposal at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in the south of France

Last Updated January 2026

Best Places to Propose in the French Riviera

This list is for those who are ready to pop the four-word question and propose in one of the most beautiful and romantic places in the world— the French Riviera. Congratulations on this exciting step you’re about to take!

There are so many incredible backdrops in the Côte d’Azur for a romantic proposal. We know it can be a little nerve-wracking to plan a romantic, heartfelt, and authentic proposal from thousands of kilometres away (and maybe even from a foreign country), so that’s why we’re here for you every step of the way.

View Proposal Locations

Sunset proposal on luxury yacht French Riviera, couple engagement photography Cannes

Private Boat Proposal in Cannes during Fireworks

This proposal took place on July 22 in Cannes, timed to coincide with the annual Festival d’Art Pyrotechnique fireworks celebrations. Around this time each year, fireworks are scheduled throughout the week in various coastal cities in France, making it a popular period for evening events on the water.

couple celebrating proposal at Colline du Château viewpoint overlooking Nice port French Riviera

Morning Proposal at Colline du Château in Nice

K wanted to plan a proposal in the morning and was specifically looking for a location that would feel private despite it being one of the busiest times of the year. After discussing options, we chose Colline du Château, also known as Castle Hill, focusing on the side of the park overlooking Port Lympia.

Man kneels to propose to woman in front of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Artistic Proposal at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

E contacted me to plan a unique and creative proposal for his partner, A, who is an artist. He wanted to incorporate a canvas and easel so she could paint as part of the experience. We purchased a few items online and set up a simple, elegant display, including a canvas with “Will you marry me?” written on it for her to use and paint over later.

pregnant woman in white dress on olive terrace with soft sunset light in Èze

Maternity Shoot in Èze Village and Èze-sur-Mer Beach

This maternity shoot was in late June with M and M and took place in both Èze and Èze-sur-Mer. M reached out because she was pregnant and wanted a session that combined two different locations in a single hour to give a variety of backgrounds.

bride in flowing white dress on sunny yellow street in Èze village France

Wedding Dress Photo Session around the Medieval Village of Èze

This photo session was captured on June 9th, in Èze. Although this is a busier time in Èze, the lighting during the late afternoon is actually one of our favourites. At this hour, the sun is high enough to illuminate all of the streets, creating a bright, vibrant backdrop for photography.

View Couple Session

Man proposing to a woman on a beach in Villefranche-sur-Mer in the morning, French Riviera, with a clear turquoise sea and hillside buildings.

Villefranche-sur-Mer

Sunrise Picnic Proposal in Villefranche-sur-Mer

O contacted me to organise a private sunrise picnic proposal for his partner, B. Given that June is the height of summer and the French Riviera is typically very busy, sunrise was the ideal choice for a quiet and intimate setting.

Man proposes to woman on Menton's rocky beach with the colorful French Riviera town in the background

Intimate Engagement by the Sea in Menton, South of France

A reached out while planning a short trip to the South of France from the UK with his partner, M. The schedule was tight, and M had no idea that a proposal was being planned. Every part of the trip was already accounted for, which meant we needed to find a location and timing that felt completely natural while still offering something special.

Romantic proposal at the Jardin Exotique in Eze overlooking the sea in the south of France

She Said Yes in Èze | A Sunset Proposal on the French Riviera

H contacted me several months in advance to plan the proposal and coordinate timing, location, and logistics. After reviewing several options, H chose Èze due to its walkable layout, elevated viewpoints, and variety of backdrops within a short distance.

romantic proposal on a balcony at chateau eza overlooking the french riviera

Surprise Proposal at Château Eza Overlooking the French Riviera

K first reached out with a clear idea in mind: he wanted to have his surprise proposal at Château Eza, tucked high above the coastline and where a private balcony was reserved for the evening.

bachelorette party group photo with bride in white and bridesmaids in black on Promenade des Anglais Nice

A Bachelorette (EVJF) Photo Session in Nice, France

One of the bride’s bridesmaids reached out while planning a bachelorette trip to the South of France. The bride was getting married a few months later, and she and nine of her friends were coming to Nice to celebrate. As part of the weekend, the bridesmaid organised a surprise photo session for the group.

Vintage car shoot in a Porsche post-wedding with the woman wearing a wedding dress and the veil flying in the wind

Villefranche-sur-Mer

Elopement Style Photoshoot with Vintage Porsche

In late May 2025, I photographed an elopement-style couple session for R and W along the French Riviera. R reached out after they had recently gotten married and wanted to plan a post-wedding shoot inspired by the look and feel of an elopement, with a strong focus on location and a vintage vehicle.

Vintage Car Shoot

Surprise marriage proposal at Château de Berne in Provence, captured by a professional luxury wedding photographer

Proposal Photography at Château de Berne Hotel, Provence

This proposal took place on May 19 at Château de Berne in Flayosc, Provence. Château de Berne is a hotel and winery set within a stunning estate in the heart of Provence. It combines luxurious accommodations with a working vineyard and peaceful surroundings, making it an ideal setting for both private moments and photographs

romantic morning proposal setup at Colline du Château viewpoint overlooking Nice French Riviera

Quiet Morning Proposal at Colline du Château in Nice, South of France

This proposal was at Colline du Château, also known as Castle Hill, in Nice. E reached out to plan a proposal for his partner, M, and was specifically looking for a quiet location with scenic views. We chose the side of the park overlooking Port Lympia, which offers open views of the sea and harbour rather than the Promenade des Anglais.

Happy LGBTQ couple posing for a photo after their engagement on the beach in Nice, France

Romantic Sunrise Beach Proposal in Nice, France

J reached out to me months before this shoot with the sweetest plan. She was ready to propose to her girlfriend, G, and wanted it to be quiet, personal, and full of love. She chose sunrise for the moment, hoping for privacy and beautiful light.

couple in vintage attire with classic Porsche 911 overlooking Villefranche-sur-Mer bay

Villefranche-sur-Mer

December 20, 2024

Sunset Vintage Car Photoshoot Villefranche-sur-Mer, Côte d'Azur

This photoshoot was for a couple who wanted a fun, vintage-inspired session while travelling along the French Riviera. They decided to rent a classic car, 1973 Porsche 356 Speedster, for a playful and stylish experience.

View Vintage Car

Marriage proposal at sunset in Colline du Chateau in Nice, French Riviera and South of France

Sunrise Proposal at the Beach in Nice

Nice, with its blend of French elegance and Mediterranean charm, is a dream location for any couple. But early in the morning, before the city wakes, there’s something particularly serene about it.

Family with their young child posing for a photo in the streets of Villefranche-sur-Mer in the early morning, France

Villefranche-sur-Mer

Sunrise Family Photo Session in Villefranche-sur-Mer

In September, we had a morning shoot scheduled from 7:45 to 8:45, right at the start of the morning light. The timing gave us soft, golden light to work with, which added a natural warmth to every shot.

romantic proposal at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild gardens overlooking Mediterranean Sea in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Proposal at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

This proposal session took place at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat in the South of France on July 6th. A reached out in advance with the plan to propose to his partner, M, and after discussing location options, we chose Villa Ephrussi.

Sunset proposal setup at Colline du Château Nice with red rose petals and marry me letters sea view golden hour

Sunset Proposal at Colline du Château with Decorations

J knew from the start that he wanted to propose to A at sunset, and he wanted it to be in Nice. One of the very best places for sunset in the city is the viewpoint at Colline du Château that faces the Promenade des Anglais.

man proposing to girlfriend on one knee at sunrise with Menton and mountains behind them

Surprise Sunrise Proposal with Menton as your View

This sunrise proposal session took place in Menton at sunrise and because of the early start, we were able to catch the sunrise just as it came over the mountains. D arrived right on time, and everything lined up perfectly— we had beautiful soft light at the exact moment he proposed.

Daytime proposal moment at Colline du Château Nice with panoramic Mediterranean sea view and white flower petal pathway

Daytime Proposal with a Panoramic view of Nice, France

Earlier afternoon proposals offer a very different atmosphere compared to sunset. At this time of day, the light is brighter and more overhead, with clear blue skies and a deep blue sea visible across the coastline.

Couple laughing during photoshoot with a beautiful view in Villefranche-sur-Mer, France

Villefranche-sur-Mer

Sunset Proposal Above Villefranche-sur-Mer

M reached out well in advance to plan a proposal that felt thoughtful and intentional. After talking through different options, we decided on a sunset proposal in Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Private and flower filled dinner table overlooking the sea at Four Seasons in the South of France

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

A Romantic Evening at the Four Seasons in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

While visiting the French Riviera, this couple planned a private sunset dinner at one of the most iconic hotels in the area: the Four Seasons Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat. As part of their trip, they booked the Club Dauphin pool area for the evening.

Marriage proposal at sunset in Colline du Chateau in Nice, French Riviera and South of France

Sunset Proposal at Colline du Château, Nice

Photographing proposals like this is more than just capturing a moment—it’s preserving the emotions, the energy, the breathtaking setting that makes it unforgettable.

Dreamy marriage proposal in the lavender fields of Valensole, in Provence, South of France

Dreamy Proposal in the Lavender Fields

There are few places as breathtaking as Valensole in mid-July, when endless rows of lavender stretch across the horizon, their fragrance hanging thick in the warm summer air.

Anita Tissier Photography - Couple photoshoot during sunset in Nice, France

Vintage-Inspired Couple's Photo Session in Nice at Sunset

We recently photographed G & A's post-wedding session in Nice at sunset, focusing on a vintage and timeless aesthetic and edits.

Couple photo session and posing happy in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, French Riviera, South of France

Last Updated Dec 2025

Guide to the French Riviera

One of the hardest parts about planning a trip to the French Riviera is trying to decide which of the towns or villages to choose from during your visit. Even after living in the area for years, we’re still constantly finding new places to add to our never-ending list of places to visit.

Viewpoint of the town of Gordes in Provence, France

Last Updated Dec 2025

Top Places to Visit in the Luberon Valley

Provence is home to the beautiful region of Luberon, where there are countless charming towns and villages to visit. If you're trying to decide which places to visit, here are some suggestions:

Dreamy photo of a flower lavender field at sunset in Provence, France

Last Updated Dec 2025

Guide to the Lavender Fields

Visiting the lavender fields in the rolling foothills of Provence is a truly magical experience. Every year, between mid-June and early August, the green fields come alive into full bloom and transform into a sea of vivid purples across the plateaux, as far as the eye can see.

Couple looking at each other lovingly in the middle of a lavender field at sunset in Provence, South of France

Last Updated Dec 2025

Photography Guide to the Lavender Fields of Provence

A photography-focused guide to the most beautiful lavender, sunflower, and sage fields around Valensole in Provence, based on our real shooting experience. We break down the best spots for sunrise, sunset and how to plan a visit there.