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Introduction:
As Local Guides, it’s often amazing which of all of our many photos we contribute to Google Maps has the most views. We’ve come to call this our star photo and this post is all about such stars. It includes a set of leaderboards that showcase the star photos of hundreds of Local Guides from all over the world and presents a very detailed analysis of their performance. We all have a star photo, so you can join in to showcase yours and it’s simple to do. Simply hit this link or just leave a comment in this post and someone will jump in to help you.
So what can you learn from the Star Photos Leaderboards?
Well from the very detailed analysis of the star photos of the hundreds of participating Local Guides from all over the world, you can learn a lot about what type of places and what type of photos seem to get the most views on Google Maps and remember, views are important as they provide a fairly good indication on how helpful your photos are to Maps users.
The Cover Image:
The cover image features an example star photo and this one was added to Maps by @claude_richard , a Level 9 Local Guide from Auxerre, in France, the location where the photo was taken.
In describing the photo, Claude says that “It highlights the elements that make Auxerre such a special city, located in the famous Burgundy region, world-renowned for its wines and gastronomy. The image highlights the old Saint-Germain Abbey and the footbridge over the Yonne, connecting the upper town to the lower town.” He goes on to mention that Auxerre is steeped in history so I decided to find out more and discovered that:
Auxerre’s roots can be traced back to the Roman era and became an important town due to its location on the Roman road between Lyon and Boulogne-sur-Mer. Archaeological remains from this period, including Roman roads and artifacts, can still be seen in and around the town.
During the early medieval period, Auxerre became a major religious center. Saint Germain of Auxerre, one of the town’s most famous figures, founded an abbey in the 5th century. The Abbey of Saint-Germain, which still stands today, contains remarkable crypts from the 9th century and is known for its early Christian frescoes. The cathedral of Saint-Étienne, with its Gothic architecture and stained glass, is another key religious landmark.
Throughout the Middle Ages, Auxerre grew as a center of commerce and religious influence. Its position along the Yonne River made it a vital stop for trade and pilgrimage. The town was fortified, and its medieval architecture still dominates the city center, with narrow cobbled streets, timber-framed houses, and historic buildings.
Auxerre is located in the Burgundy wine region, one of France’s most famous wine-producing areas. Vineyards have been cultivated in the surrounding countryside since at least the Roman times, contributing to the town’s economic prosperity. The nearby Chablis wine region is especially renowned.
Auxerre was also an intellectual hub during the Renaissance and the Enlightenment. Several important figures in French history and literature have connections to the town, and its historical buildings, museums, and monuments continue to reflect its cultural importance.
From this, if you’re interested in history and architecture, Auxerre’s blend of Roman, medieval, and religious history, along with its cultural and wine heritage, makes it a destination to visit.
Later in this post, I will pose a question about Claude’s star photo . Make sure you read it 
