France is known for some of the best tourist destinations in the world. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the famous architecture, fascinating history, delicious cuisine, outstanding fashions and more make it a popular destination. But for a summer visit free of so many crowds and entry queues, why not go to the beach? The country has some beautiful beaches well worth a visit, with many along the Mediterranean Sea but also plenty worth seeing along the English Channel and Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy the beach and try out some fun activities, from hiking or swimming to kayaking and surfing and plenty more. Here are 10 beautiful beaches along the French coast, s prepare your swimming suit, sunblock, and sunglasses and let’s go!
1. Étretat Beach, Normandy
Normandy is an amazing part of France to explore during your holidays. One of the famous places to visit is Étretat Beach, located along France’s Alabaster Coast and popular among sailors and surfers. What many people love about this beach is the view from the cliffs, simply stunning.
2. Plage de Boutrouilles, Brittany
If you’re after some beautiful landscape on your trip to the coast, the wild dunes and rock formations of Plage de Boutrouilles are a must see. Located in Kerlouan, Brittany, in northwestern France, this gorgeous beach is and not far from Brest. The white sands, turquoise water and granite rocks are just perfect to spend some of those summer holiday days. After exploring the beach you can also visit the town or the hamlet of Memeham, which features a 17th-century coastguard’s cottage and craft shops set in sandy grasslands, whilst the stone roof of the main building makes it somewhat unique!
3. La Conche des Baleines, Aquitaine
At La Conche des Baleines beach in Aquitaine you can enjoy the wide, white sandy beach with its lighthouse and sand dunes, a popular place for swimming and other water sports. Rent a bike and explore the village and its beautiful nature surroundings it with plenty of flower fields, nature reserves filled with birds, and much more. Don’t forget to try some of the local food when you get hungry after all your activities, the seafood is delicious combined with a local beer or French wine.
4. Plage de la Côte des Basques, Biarritz
Plage de la Côte des Basques is located in Biarritz, a city on the Bay of Biscay, on the Atlantic coast in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques. The beach is known for its surfers but you can enjoy the beach just as well without surfing, along with the panoramic view of lush mountains and the Spanish coast on the other side. This beach has wide, white sands and the city’s famous landmark the Rocher de la Vierge, also known as the Rock of the Virgin Mary, is also worth a visit.
5. Pampelonne Beach, Saint-Tropez
Pampelonne Beach in Saint-Tropez is a really well-known place for famous people. Catch a tan on the beach or head to the port to check out the many fancy yachts, and of course don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for any celebs out enjoying the place too!
6. Prado Beaches, Marseille
Prado Beaches are located in Marseille and were created in the 1970s to develop the untapped kilometres of coastline. Now it has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Marseille and even France, and the group of three beaches are easy to find and access from the city centre.
7. Plage Notre Dame, Porquerolles Island
Regarded as one of the best beaches on the French Riviera, Plage Notre Dame is located on Porquerolles island, a 30 minute walk from the village. The beach has shallow, crystal clear water with a sandy beach and is a dreamy, quiet place. Eucalyptus and pine forests add to the the beauty and uniqueness of this stunning beach.
8. Plage de Cavaliere, Le lavandou
For people who love a stroll along the beach, Cavaliere is the place to be. Walk the lovely sand alongside the clear, calm water, or alternatively try one of the many water sports available, including jet ski, banana, parasailing and more. There are also several nice bars and restaurants around too should you need a refreshing drink or tasty meal.
9. Paloma Beach
Paloma Beach sits on the French Riviera, sparkling on the Cap Ferrat peninsula of South East France. The perfect place to destress, spend some time relaxing on the sand or enjoy some snorkelling to admire the beautiful underwater sea life.
10. Donnant Beach, Belle-Île-en-Mer
Donnant Beach in Belle Ile en Mer is located on the so-called wild coast. Thanks to its great waves it is famous for surfing, but this also means it is one of the most monitored beaches because the currents at the origin of the waves can be dangerous. Some stunning scenery for sure though!
