Pete Horton
If you're after a picture perfect panoramic view-point on the French Riviera to spring a surprise proposal then one place to consider is the viewpoint on Mont Boron.
It's a short Uber ride from Nice (or a fun trek on foot, if it's not too hot), and is easy to locate on Google maps. This viewing platform looks west over Nice - the green hill dominating the landscape to the right of the picture is the Colline du Chateau, and behind that in the distance curving around is the Promenade des Anglais. On clear days for six months of the winter you can see the snowy mountains of the alps and you can spot many of Nice's famous streets and landmarks as you gaze down over the city below. It's close enough to easy to get to (the viewing platform is immediately off a well-used road), and yet when you're there it feels like you're in the countryside. Behind where this photo was taken is woodland with wild flowers, forested areas, and many paths to explore.
Being so close to Nice the viewing platform is popular with walkers and occasionally tourist groups, so privacy is not guaranteed - however if you don't mind a few people milling around, then a proposal here could be ideal. People in the background can generally be Photoshopped out anyway and their presence can add a bit of magic to the moment anyway as they often burst out in applause and cheer the couple as soon as they realise what's happening.
If you're thinking of proposing on Mont Boron I'd recommend doing it in the early morning if you want to avoid casual by-passers (in the summer, 9am would be ideal), and no later than mid-afternoon. After mid-afternoon the sun creeps around the bay and into the shot, meaning the sea and sky will no longer appear blue as they do in the picture above. Later in the evening, the sunset takes place around the middle of the picture, which I imagine could look stunning, but I've yet to photograph a golden hour engagement here.
You can find more information about photographing your proposal on the Riviera here, but generally I'd say the harder the place is to get to, the more you'll be rewarded with privacy and an empty photographic frame.
I’m a British wedding and family photographer based on the French Riviera. I live in Nice with my family of four. and you can check out my latest work on my blog – and I’m always happy to advise travelers on the best photo locations for magical couple shoots and romantic photography collections. I speak English and French and am always pleased to help.