Discover France's Top Beach Destinations
Imagine lounging on sun-drenched shores, swimming in pristine waters, and enjoying chic dining by the sea. This is the essence of a French beach holiday, and with a variety of beach destinations, France caters to every taste, from glamorous resorts to tranquil islands and hidden coves.
On the Côte d'Azur, or French Riviera, visitors bask in the beauty of the Mediterranean, with famous spots like Saint-Tropez and quieter towns such as Menton. For a touch of historical elegance, resorts like Biarritz, Deauville, and Dinard showcase Belle Epoque grandeur. For a more secluded experience, the islands of Corsica and Porquerolles offer white sands and clear waters.
Discover the best French beaches for your next summer getaway.
1. Biarritz and the Basque Coast
Biarritz, a sophisticated beach resort, boasts a variety of sandy beaches, with the Grande Plage being a highlight near the luxurious Hôtel du Palais. The town is also a European surfing capital, with spots like Côte des Basques. Family-friendly beaches and a focus on water safety make Biarritz a great base for exploring the South of France.
2. Saint-Tropez: Plage de Pampelonne
Saint-Tropez, synonymous with seaside luxury, offers both public beaches and private clubs like Nikki Beach. Nearby Cavalaire-sur-Mer provides a more relaxed atmosphere with family-friendly watersports.
3. Cap d'Antibes
Cap d'Antibes is known for sandy beaches like Plage de la Garoupe. The area also features luxury accommodations and public beaches in Juan-les-Pins, bustling with activities.
4. Menton
Menton, near Italy, enjoys a warm climate and a mix of sandy and pebbly beaches. The historic old town adds to the charm of this beach destination.
5. Corsica's Plage de Palombaggia
Plage de Palombaggia in Corsica is a slice of paradise with white sands and turquoise waters. The nearby town of Porto Vecchio offers additional attractions.
6. Île de Porquerolles
A ferry ride from Hyères takes you to Île de Porquerolles, an island with secluded beaches and a Mediterranean vibe.
7. Deauville and Trouville
Deauville exudes elegance with its Belle Epoque ambiance, while Trouville offers a more laid-back, family-friendly beach experience.
8. Plage de l'Espiguette
Plage de l'Espiguette in Languedoc-Roussillon is a wild and unspoiled beach with rolling dunes and Blue Flag waters.
9. Dinard on the Brittany Coast
Dinard, a family-friendly beach destination in Brittany, features sandy beaches and Belle Epoque charm.
10. Île de Ré
The island of Île de Ré, connected to La Rochelle, offers quaint villages and white-sand beaches like Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré.
11. Plage de la Paloma at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Plage de la Paloma is a luxurious beach on the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, offering fine dining and water sports.
12. Family-Friendly Beaches of Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a Basque fishing village, has a central sandy beach, Grande Plage, perfect for families.
13. Étretat in Normandy
Étretat's pebble beach is framed by dramatic cliffs, inspiring Impressionist artists like Monet.
14. Dune du Pilat and Pristine Beaches of Pyla-sur-Mer
The Dune du Pilat, Europe's highest sand dune, offers hiking and paragliding, while Pyla-sur-Mer boasts untouched beaches.
15. Royan's Sunny Beaches and Spa Treatments
Royan on the "Côte de Beauté" features golden-sand beaches, cycling, and spa treatments.
16. Île de Port-Cros
The Île de Port-Cros, part of a national park, offers sheltered beaches and hiking trails.
17. Sainte-Maxime
Sainte-Maxime, near Saint-Tropez, is a relaxed resort with sandy beaches and Provençal charm.
Beach Destinations in Europe: For more beach adventures, consider Italy's top beaches or the best beaches in Portugal.
