A vacation I’ll always remember: Seignosse & the Basque Coast. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and southwest France

A vacation I’ll always remember: Seignosse & the Basque Coast

with Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in southwest France

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When you think of vacation, what comes to mind? Rest. Connection. Discovery. A change of rhythm. Maybe even a moment to finally breathe a little deeper.

But what if that feeling could become something tangible — something you could hold in your hands or look back on years later? That’s the magic of vacation lifestyle photography.

Recently, I spent a peaceful and inspiring 3-day getaway on the Atlantic coast, in Seignosse, staying at one of the most serene and elegant places I’ve ever visited — 70 Hectares… et l’Océan. It wasn’t just an escape. It was a reminder of everything I love about photography, travel, and the quiet beauty of real moments.

Let me take you with me into this little escape — and maybe inspire you to create your own.

A Calm Nest Between Pines and the Ocean: 70 Hectares… et l’Océan
Tucked inside a pine forest in Seignosse, 70 Hectares… et l’Océan is not just a hotel — it’s a peaceful haven. Elegant yet raw, luxurious yet completely immersed in nature. The scent of the trees welcomes you the moment you arrive, and everything seems to say, “Slow down.”The architecture is minimal and open. Wide glass windows bring in golden light. Here, nature isn’t the background — it’s the heart of the experience.We were searching for calm, natural surroundings, proximity to water, and space to breathe. We found all of it. Waking up among the trees and falling asleep to the ocean breeze — it puts everything back in place.

A vacation I’ll always remember: Seignosse & the Basque Coast. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and southwest France

Day 1: Arrive and Unwind

There’s an art to doing nothing — and this place was perfect for it. No agenda, no rush. Just the joy of letting the day unfold slowly.We wandered along trails under the pines, sipped slow coffee, and enjoyed quiet moments. I took a few portraits just for the pleasure of capturing that calm — a gentle smile, bare feet on warm wood, soft light filtering through linen curtains.These early vacation hours don’t ask for performance — they invite presence. And that’s where the most beautiful images live.

A vacation I’ll always remember: Seignosse & the Basque Coast. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and southwest France

Day 2: The Ocean’s Call and the Charm of Biarritz

The next morning, we headed to the Atlantic. Seignosse’s beaches are wide, wild, and elemental — rolling dunes, salty breeze, crashing waves. Walking barefoot in the sand with the wind in your hair feels like coming back to yourself.That’s why I love photographing by the sea — no posing, no pressure. Just emotion, movement, and natural light.Later, we drove to Biarritz, a town that feels both elegant and alive. With its pastel shutters, stone lanes, and blooming balconies, it’s like walking through a movie set. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, family, or solo — it’s a dream for storytelling.

A vacation I’ll always remember: Seignosse & the Basque Coast. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and southwest France

Day 3: A Surprising Adventure Along the Basque Coast

We hadn’t planned anything for the final day — and that’s when the magic happened. We followed our instincts and ended up on a spontaneous road trip along the Basque Corniche.First stop: the beautiful Guéthary, a fishing village nestled between land and sea. Then on to Ciboure, a quiet port with colorful boats and gentle charm.The highlight was the drive itself — the Basque Corniche is breathtaking, with cliffs dropping into the ocean and winding roads that open up to sweeping views.We ended at the Château d’Abbadie in Hendaye, a neo-Gothic castle perched dramatically on a cliff. I thought nothing in this region could surprise me anymore. But I was wrong. That day reminded me — there’s always more to discover.

A vacation I’ll always remember: Seignosse & the Basque Coast. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and southwest France

Why I recommend to invite a photographer on your trip?

You pack your clothes, your sunscreen, your phone… but what about someone to quietly capture the real beauty of it all? Like your child running toward the waves. Or the glance you exchange with your partner. Or the light on your face in the early morning.This is what lifestyle vacation photography is all about. No rigid poses. No fake smiles. Just real, effortless moments — carefully observed and beautifully documented.

Who Is It For?

  • Families who want to remember the laughter, the cuddles, the sand between tiny toes.
  • Couples on a romantic getaway who want to hold on to the magic of the moment.
  • Solo travelers celebrating life milestones and wanting honest, soulful portraits.
  • Creative entrepreneurs looking for fresh and genuine brand imagery.


A vacation I’ll always remember: Seignosse & the Basque Coast. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and southwest France

Ready to Create Your Story?

If you’re traveling to Seignosse, Biarritz, Hossegor, or anywhere along the Basque Coast, I’d love to join you for a relaxed, natural photo session. We’ll walk, explore, chat… and I’ll capture the little moments that tell your story.I offer half-day, full-day, or multi-day sessions, tailored to your pace, your energy, and the landscapes around us. Every shoot is custom-designed and inspired by your rhythm.

Let’s Talk

You don’t need a big occasion to deserve beautiful photos. Often, it’s the simplest moments that become the most meaningful — a walk in the woods, coffee on a terrace, a laugh by the sea.If you’re planning a trip to this region, feel free to get in touch. I’ll bring my camera and a thoughtful eye — to document your time with sensitivity, style, and warmth.

📍 Based in Toulouse — Available for travel across the Atlantic coast.

📩 Contact me to check availability or co-create your personal photo experience.

Contact photographer
A vacation I’ll always remember: Seignosse & the Basque Coast. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and southwest France
A vacation I’ll always remember: Seignosse & the Basque Coast. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and southwest France

Eugénie Smirnova — your vacation photographer in southwest France and Atlantic coast

BLOG & PORTFOLIO

A vacation I’ll always remember: Seignosse & the Basque Coast. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and southwest France

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A vacation I’ll always remember: Seignosse & the Basque Coast. Eugénie Smirnova — your photographer in Toulouse and southwest France

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