15 Beautiful Coastal Towns and Beaches in France Not To Miss

France hides beautiful places by the sea, not always known by visitors such as beaches, creeks, villages and even islands. So without further ado, here is my selection of the most beautiful places in France by the sea.

 

La Grande Plage, Saint-Jean-de-Luz (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)

Located in the Pays Basque, the Saint-Jean-de-Luz town is well-known for its white and red half-timbered houses as well as for its red peppers which are traditional in the Pays Basque.

La Grande Plage is quite new, unlike the city port which is quite old. On the edge of the city, it gives a panoramic view of the city’s most beautiful buildings and hills. It is the most popular beach, ideal for swimming during summer, for families and those who wish to try water activities such as towed buoys or water skiing.

After lounging on the beach, it is possible to visit the city where there are many art galleries. The Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church (in French) is a magnificent building and it is historical because Louis XIV married the infanta of Spain there. His vacation home in Saint-Jean-de-Luz is also open to visitors (in French).

For the more motivated, many hikes start from the city. They continue for about twenty kilometers on the coastal path and can go as far as Hendaye: they give a panoramic view of the Basque Coast.

The seaside is accessible on foot from the city center, it is also well served by public transportation, which allows easy access to the nearest cities such as Bayonne or Biarritz.

Our recommended accommodations in the area:

•  The best hotel in the area (from €120)
• The best campsite in the area (from €245)
• The best unusual accommodation in the area (from €222)

 

Plage de la côte des Basques, Biarritz

Biarritz, located 30 minutes away from Saint-Jean-de-Luz, has been a very popular destination for centuries. The famous beach of Biarritz is La Grande Plage. It is the central beach of the city because all the shops, various cafes and palaces are nearby. With its striped tents, its view of the Atlantic Ocean and the Biarritz lighthouse, it offers a postcard view. Populated with surfers, and children’s clubs, any visitor will feel at ease.

Continuing along the Promenade of La Grande Plage, one can see the Rocher de la Vierge (in French). A statue of the Virgin Mary culminates on this rock which is emblematic of the city of Biarritz.

The most interesting visits to do in the Biarritz bay are the Asiatica Museum which exhibits collections of different regions of Asia, and, located in front of the Rocher de la Vierge, the Biarritz Aquarium (in French) is full of tourists but it is worth the visit.

To get around the city and outside of it there are many bus lines that facilitate the trip of visitors and residents of Biarritz. Walking is recommended on the bay, but it can be quite tiresome for some inside the city due to the steepness of its streets.

Our recommended accommodations in the area:

• The best hotel in the area (from €291)
• The best campsite in the area (from €349)
• The best unusual accommodation in the area (from €250)(Website in French)

 

Calanque d’En Vau, Marseille

The Calanques of Marseille are very popular and frequented but the most impressive is the Calanque d’En Vau (in French) located between Cassis and Marseille.

En Vau which means “in the valley” is a calanque dug by erosion, with its fine sand and turquoise water it is worthy of a postcard setting. This also leads to overcrowding during the summer.

Because of its position, access to the calanque is complicated. It is accessible by boat or canoe and the nearest port is 4 km away. To reach it on foot, it is a one-hour walk from the Belvedere.

It takes 3 hours to walk from the center of Cassis. The drive to the Belvedere takes 40 minutes, and there are two shuttles from Marseille to the Belvedere, so it takes an extra hour to walk to En Vau.

For the more passionate, there are 2 other calanques, just as remote, near En Vau: the Calanque de Port Miou (in French)and the Calanque de Port Pin (in French).

Our recommended accommodations in the area:

• The best hotel in the area (from €116)
• The best campsite in the area (from €289)
• The best unusual accommodation in the area (from €199)(Website in French)

 

Plage des Paulilles, Port-Vendres (Occitanie)

Port-Vendres is a typical Mediterranean town with a fishing port, a marina and seaside located between Collioure and Banyuls-sur-Mer.

The Paulilles beach is located in L’anse des Paulilles (in French), a classified site belonging to the Conservatoire du littoral and managed by the Conseil général des Pyrénées-Orientales. A former dynamite factory, this 17-hectare site has a lot of charm and guarantees a soothing stroll under the shade of the pines.

A few kilometers away in the village of Cosprons, the La Guinelle vinegar factory (in French) is nestled in the valleys. It allows curious visitors to visit and discover the manufacturing process of artisanal vinegar. Surrounded by fields of vines, there are many possible walks near the vinegar factory that offer a view of the sea and the bay of Banyuls.

The local cuisine consists mainly of seafood and tapas. The wines of Banyuls and the surrounding towns are also famous.

However, it is better to go by car to Cosprons, Banyuls, Collioure from the site of Paulilles because public transport is scarce.

Our recommended accommodations in the area:

• The best hotel in the area (from €102)
• The best campsite in the area (from €305)
• The best unusual accommodation in the area (from €130)

 

Plage de Deauville (Calvados)

as it is near Trouville, Cabourg and Etretat in Normandy, Deauville is a coastal town as well as a luxury vacation destination for over a century.

The town is famous for its half-timbered houses, its luxury stores, its horse races, its casinos and its golf courses. It also hosts the American Film Festival every year in September.

Deauville Beach is located at the entrance of the city center and extends for miles. Despite its cool waters, even in summer, it offers a large area of fine sand and a magnificent view of the sea. Its floats, wooden cabins and colorful umbrellas contribute to its charm and fame.

The town’s transportation is well developed, so transportation to nearby coastal towns is easy. For example, Trouville-sur-Mer is only 9 minutes away from Deauville.

Our recommended accommodations in the area:

•  The best hotel in the area (from €153)
•  The best campsite in the area (from €250)
•  The best unusual accommodation in the area (from €360)

 

Ile d’Yeu (Vendée)

 

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The d’île Yeu, while very touristic in summer, is however almost empty during winter. This island populated by fishermen is easy to reach from Nantes through a bus line or by car (one hour trip) and a ferry (in French) (30 minutes by boat).

Known for its many beaches and coves, such as the plage des Sabias surrounded by white and blue fishermen’s huts. It is located in front of the Old Castle and offers a breathtaking view of the sea, the cliffs and the massive monument of La Pointe du Châtelet: a cross in memory of sailors lost at sea.

Apart from swimming, there are many activities to do. For the more sport-oriented, it is possible to go around the island by bike thanks to the cycle tracks. Children will love the donkey ride at the Ferme d’Emilie (in French).

The places to visit in priority are the trembling stone on the wild coast. A massive stone at the edge of the cliffs, which can be moved by hand.

Go to the Port de la Meule to discover this stone landscape. You will see the chapelle de La Meule at the top of the cliff; it is entirely white and on its own in the middle of nature.

The island being only 8 kilometers long, concrete roads are rare. Even if it is possible to travel by car, it is better to travel by bike (bike rentals, electric bikes or tandem bikes are recommended), to enjoy the landscape.

There are four bus lines, but they are rarely used because the landscape is more enjoyable by bike.

Our recommended accommodations in the area:

• The best hotel in the area (from €80)
• The best campsite in the area (from €169)
• The best unusual accommodation in the area (from €189)(Website in French)

 

Plage de Pampelonne, Ramatuelle (Var)

The French Riviera, formerly a region of fishermen, has attracted the jet-set since the 1960s when Brigitte Bardot moved in.

The plage de Pampelonne covers 4.5 kilometers. With its fine sand, colorful umbrellas, luxury villas and private clubs, it is very popular in summer.

The plage de Pampelonne is commonly associated with the beaches of Saint-Tropez but is actually located in the town of Ramatuelle.

Bus lines connect the towns of Ramatuelle and Saint-Tropez, even though transportation is faster by car.

A walk can be had along the coastal path that leads to the beach of Escalet.

In Saint-Tropez, many visits are recommended such as the Gendarmerie and Cinema Museum, L’Annonciade Museum of Modern Art, the Butterfly Museum and the Citadel of Saint-Tropez: a maritime museum in a former fortress (all in French).

Our recommended accommodations in the area:

• The best hotel in the area (from €424)
• The best campsite in the area (from €319)
• The best unusual accommodation in the area (from €70)

 

Plage du Sillon, Saint-Malo (Ille-et-Vilaine)

The plage du Sillon in Saint-Malo, designated as the most beautiful beach in France in 2018, is 3 kilometers long. It is located on the edge of the city center, surrounded by numerous villas and mansions.

The beach is known for its dikes and its impressive breakwaters. It is suitable for swimming, sand yachting, walking, sports and children’s activities. It offers a view of the defensive forts of the bay of Saint-Malo (in French) and the landscape of the beach changes according to the tides.

Visit the sculpted rocks of Rothéneuf, on the border between Saint-Malo and Cancale, or the ramparts of Saint-Malo: a granite wall that surrounds the city. Explore the Saint-Vincent Cathedral, the National Fort or the Great Aquarium of Saint-Malo (all in French).

Various bus lines connect the many beaches of Saint-Malo to the interior of the city, as well as to neighboring towns.

Our recommended accommodations in the area:

• The best hotel in the area (from €198)
• The best campsite in the area (from €429)
• The best unusual accommodation in the area (from €70)

 

Plage Notre-Dame, Ile de Porquerolles (Var)

With its small surface area of 12 km², the island of Porquerolles has the status of national park. Its two opposite coasts are different: in the south, the landscape is made of red cliffs and some calanques, in the north the landscape is similar to the Caribbean with fine sand beaches and turquoise waters.

To reach the island, you have to take a sea shuttle, the journey takes 15 minutes from the tip of the peninsula of Giens (in Hyères). Today, tourist entries are limited to preserve the heritage. The island can be visited on foot or by bicycle, and rentals are recommended. It is also possible to rent a boat (in French) to go around the island.

The plage de Notre-Dame has been elected the most beautiful beach in Europe with its turquoise waters and its wooded bay of pine and oak forests. It is one of the largest beaches on the island, and even though it is quite far from the village, it is very popular.

The visits to prioritize are the Carmignac Foundation, the Fort Sainte-Agathe, the Cap d’Arme lighthouse, the Moulin du Bonheur and the Sainte-Anne de Porquerolles church (all in French).

Our recommended accommodations in the area:

• The best hotel in the area (from €233)
• The best campsite in the area (from €370)
• The best unusual accommodation in the area (from €212)

 

Presqu’île de Crozon, plage de l’Ile vierge (Finistère)

In Brittany, in front of Brest, the Ile Vierge beach on the Crozon peninsula has been ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Europe in 2014.

Prior to 2014 the cove was wild and uncrowded, with its maritime pines and clear water. Despite its cool water and difficult access, this pebble beach has become a hit through social media, which has led to its overpopulation.

For safety reasons, access to the beach was prohibited starting from 2020 because of the risk of rock slides, and the descent to access the beach is very steep and therefore dangerous.

Even at a 1h30 walk from the port of Morgat, or at an hour’s journey by canoe, tourists and bathers still flock there.

Apart from swimming, hiking from the port of Morgat is still possible and the view of the beach from the hiking trail is breathtaking.

Other activities exist in Crozon, such as the visit of the Petit Minou lighthouse, the visit of the coastal fort of the Tour Vauban, or the hike of the Cap de la Chèvre (all in french).

Our recommended accommodations in the area:

• The best hotel in the area (from €100)
• The best campsite in the area (from €72)
• The best unusual accommodation in the area (from €50)

 

Plage du Touquet (Pas-de-Calais)

 

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Le Touquet-Paris-Plage is a town in the Pas-de-Calais, formerly called Paris-Plage. It is particularly popular with Parisians.

The plage du Touquet is 12km long. It is visited for its dunes, its vast forest, its sunsets and its colorful villas.

Lined with colorful cabins, this beach has a family atmosphere, visitors can practice sand yachting, kite surfing, windsurfing and kite flying at the edge of the English Channel. Children can enjoy an inflatable park, and the more athletic can take the hiking trail from the beach to the observatory which will give them an impressive view of the Bay of Canche.

This sandy beach hosts many sporting and cultural events, kike a motocross race, the Enduropale, or the Touquet Music Beach Festival (in French).

The access to the beach has been facilitated for pedestrians and cyclists in the heart of the natural park of the beach. Shuttles have also been made available to facilitate access from the city to the sea.

Several visits and activities are possible in the city such as the Aqualud water park, the Le Touquet-Paris-Plage Museum(in French), the Canche Lighthouse and the Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc Church.

Our recommended accommodations in the area:

• The best hotel in the area (from €155)
• The best campsite in the area (from €240)
• The best unusual accommodation in the area (from €67)(Website in French)

 

Plage d’Etretat (Seine-Maritime)

Close to Le Havre, between the “Porte d’Aval” and the “Porte d’Amont”, the plage d’Etretat was formerly dedicated to fishing. Writers and painters of the city, such as Monet, have made the seaside known through various works that can be consulted at the Heritage Museum of Etretat.

Today, casinos, hotels, villas and colorful cabins make the charm of this beach and attract many visitors.

This beach is made of pebbles and not fine sand, they protect against swell and storms by slowing down the waves. The pebbles are formed quickly by the erosion of water against the rock.

On the falaise d’Amont, a mobile diving board has been rebuilt, and caves are accessible only at low tide.

Events animate the beach throughout the year such as the Hello Birds Festival and the Arts Day.

The beach is also great for swimming and water activities. A yacht club offers paddle and kayak rentals.

You can visit the Etretat Heritage Museum, the Garden of Etretat, the Maurice LeBlanc House or the Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde Chapel.

Our recommended accommodations in the area:

• The best hotel in the area (from €218)
• The best campsite in the area (from €298)
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Plage Paloma, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (Alpes-Maritimes)

 

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Near Nice, the town of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is home to the Paloma creek, named after the daughter of Pablo Picasso, who used to enjoy this beach.

This pebble beach on the edge of a cliff, with turquoise water, is surrounded by pine trees. The luxury villas offer views of the cliffs of Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Eze. This beach is also the starting/ending point of the path of the Pointe de Saint-Hospice.

A part of the beach is privately owned, it is the Paloma Beach. it is popular with the jet set, many American celebrities have frequented it since the 1950s. It offers deckchairs, showers and changing rooms that can be privatized.

There is a massive heritage on this peninsula of the French Riviera; several villas with a very atypical architecture are open to visit such as the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild or the Villa Santo Sospir (in French). Or museums like the Museum of Shellfish.

Places like the chapel of Saint-Hospice (in French) or the church of Saint Jean-Baptiste (in French)are also worth a visit.

Our recommended accommodations in the area:

• The best hotel in the area (from €208)
• The best campsite in the area (from €655)
• The best unusual accommodation in the area (from €80)

 

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Plage de Saint-Clair, Le Lavandou (Var)

The town of Lavandou, a former fishing port and new seaside town, has vast beaches of fine sand as well as creeks.

At 1.5 kilometers from the city center, the beach of Saint-Clair is the ideal site to spend a day as friends, family or couples.

The cove of Saint-Clair is suitable for a relaxing swim in its clear waters, watching the sunrise or sunset, doing water sports activities such as paddle, kayak, or snorkeling to observe the sea bed. It is also possible to rent boats for an offshore excursion.

Apart from the beach and swimming, visits to the Saint-Louis church and the Villa Theo, an art museum, are also worthwhile. There are numerous bike paths making for pleasant rides and seaside hiking trails on the coastal path.

To visit the golden islands of the French Riviera, there are many shuttles and ferries that go to the islands of Port Cros (in French) or Porquerolles (in French) which are islands with heavenly landscapes.

Around Lavandou, it is recommended to visit Bormes-les-Mimosas, a typical Provencal village, and the peninsula of Giens.

Our recommended accommodations in the area:

• The best hotel in the area (from €152)
• The best campsite in the area (from €426)
• The best unusual accommodation in the area (from €114)

 

Plage d’Hendaye (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)

Hendaye, in the Pays Basque, is the last coastal town before Spain.

Divided between a beach and a nudist beach, the beach of Hendaye offers a breathtaking view on the cliffs and rocks. Along the coastal path, the landscape changes according to the tides. It extends over 3 kilometers and is considered the largest beach in the Pays Basque.

The beach of Hendaye is mainly known for its many surfers. Thanks to its swell, it offers surfers many opportunities to train.

Aside from the beach, we recommend visiting: Abbadia the observatory castle, a historical monument presenting collections of scientific archives and furniture, the island of Pheasants (in French), a river island administratively shared between France and Spain.

Numerous hiking trails also leave from the beach, which runs along the coastal path to Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Ciboure.

Bus lines connect Hendaye beach to the city center, and to the neighboring towns like Ciboure, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Guéthary or Urrugne.

Our recommended accommodations in the area:

• The best hotel in the area (from €92)
• The best campsite in the area (from €239)
• The best unusual accommodation in the area (from €59)