The following list highlights some of the best beaches in France. So if you are in France, I recommend visiting the following:
The Best Beaches in Brittany
Cap Coz Beach, Fouesnant
Address – Cap Coz Beach, Avenue De La Pointe Du Cap Coz, Fouesnant, France
Google Maps Link – 47°53’22.6″N 3°58’36.8″W
Cap Coz Beach is located in Fouesnant, in the western Brittany region of France. With white sand backdropped by pine trees and picturesque hotels and restaurants, besides its calm, blue waters, this beach offers amazing views wherever you look. Because of its shallow water, sheltered from the wind, this beach is a favorite among families with small kids. However, you can still practice windsurfing, or take a relaxing, long walk along the sand. It can be noisy due to the small crowd and the boats passing by, but nothing unbearable. Enjoy a delicious meal at the restaurants nearby or the brewery in the center area of the beach.
Plage Saint-Guirec Beach, Perros-Guirec
Address – Plage Saint-guirec, Perros-guirec, France
Google Maps Link – 48°49’59.5″N 3°29’12.1″W
Plage Saint-Guirec is located in Perros-guirec, in the northern coast of the Brittany region of France. This small sandy beach, with shallow water and pink granite formations, offers otherworldly views and the perfect mix of fun and relaxation. There are some restaurants and hotels around the beach with great service and delicious food, and refreshing drinks and ice cream. Besides, kids can have fun on the playground and elastic beds. Taking a walk along this dog-friendly beach until you arrive at the oratoire on the left side is a must. Arrive early in the morning to enjoy the quiet, empty beach all to yourself.
Donnant Beach, Belle-île-en-mer
Address – Plage De Port-donnant, Belle-île-en-mer, Brittany, France
Google Maps Link – 47°19’35.0″N 3°14’11.4″W
Donnant Beach is located in Belle Isle, off the southern coast of the Brittany region of France. A golden sand beach, surrounded by cliffs and littered with rocks, with shallow, bright blue water and great waves. This beach is a favorite for surfers from all over the world, and since the beach has small puddles in the shore, families with small kids tend to visit. Arrive in the morning to enjoy the quiet beach. There are lifeguards on duty, but avoid swimming in the areas marked with warning signs or going too far into the water; the currents can be strong and dangerous.
The Best Beaches in Corsica
Palombaggia Beach, Porto-vecchio
Address – Palombaggia Beach, Porto-Vecchio, France
Google Maps Link – 41°33’30.4″N 9°19’34.8″E
Palombaggia Beach is located in Porto-Vecchio, in southern Corsica island. A thin stretch of white sand, with clear waters of a bright blue color, backdropped with verdant hills. The beach has shallow water and calm waves, making it safe for kids and perfect for snorkeling. Being so long, it doesn’t get too crowded, even during summer months and on busy weekends. You can relax under the warm sun, admire the scenery, and walk your dog along the beach. There are a few restaurants in the middle area of the beach, as well as small cafes.
The Best Beaches in Normandy
Etretat Cliffs And Beach, Etretat
Address – Etretat Cliffs And Beach, Etretat, France
Google Maps Link – 49°42’33.5″N 0°12’10.6″E
Etretat Cliffs and Beach is located in Étretat, in the Normandy region of France. A small, white sand beach, sheltered from the wind by the cliffs on both sides. You can hike up the cliffs on both sides to get an unforgettable view of the English Channel. With many restaurants and cafes nearby, you have a wide range of options to eat; there is a bazaar nearby, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting something at home. During the winter, most stores are closed, but that gives you the chance to visit an empty beach, and relax with the sound of waves crashing against cliffs.
The Best Beaches in Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Plage De La Côte Des Basques, Biarritz
Address – Plage De La Côte Des Basques, Biarritz, France
Google Maps Link – 43°28’29.4″N 1°34’06.2″W
Plage de la Côte des Basques is located in Biarritz, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. This long golden beach is a great place for relaxing, stretching for long enough to give space to everyone, and backdropped with lush trees and picturesque buildings. The waves here are perfect for surfing, making this beach a favorite among surfers all over the world; for beginners, there is a surfing school with very good instructors. You can also rent a bike and cycle along the long beach, enjoying the stunning views. There are restaurants and beach bars nearby, and an ice cream parlor at the beach.
Plage de la Torchère, Lège-Cap-Ferret
Address – Plage de la Torchère, 33970 Lège-Cap-Ferret, France
Google Maps Link – 44°40’36.2″N 1°15’24.3″W
Plage de la Torchère is located in Archanon, on the western coast of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. This long stretch of white sand is backdropped by dunes and verdant trees, offering stunning coastal views and a peaceful atmosphere. After climbing over a big sand dune, you find this serene spot, with strong waves for surfing, and an extensive area for walking. There is a small cafe in the area, and you can bring your own food to have a picnic on the sand. The beach never gets crowded or busy, but most visitors arrive during the evening to admire the sunset.
Plage Sud d’Euronat, Grayan-et-l’Hôpital
Address – Plage Sud d’Euronat, D102E1, 33590 Grayan-et-l’Hôpital, France
Google Maps Link – 45°25’07.7″N 1°09’33.8″W
Plage Sud d’Euronat is located in Soulac, a city in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. This family-friendly beach offers an extensive stretch of golden sand to play beach games, walk and jog with stunning sunset views and a calm atmosphere. The water is calm and safe for swimming, with lifeguards on duty making it a favorite spot for families with kids. There is a small restaurant on the beach’s entrance, with tasty meals and views over the coast. It is mostly frequented by locals, and it never gets overly busy or crowded.
Plage de Montamer, Sainte-Marie-de-Ré
Address – Plage de Montamer, Plage de Montamer, 17740, 17740 Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, France
Google Maps Link – 46°08’40.0″N 1°18’56.1″W
Plage de Montamer is located on the southern coast of Île de Ré, an island off the coast of La Rochelle, France. Both sandy and pebbly, this extensive beach offers a calm atmosphere and stunning sunset views, with a long coast for walking or jogging. The water is calm and shallow, with small waves and a gentle slope making it a safe spot for swimming; besides, there are lifeguards on duty. There are no places to eat in the area, but you can find picnic tables along the beach, so make sure you bring your own food. This is a favorite spot among local families, and it never gets too busy.
Plage Centrale, Lacanau
Address – Plage Centrale, 31 Avenue de la Libération, 33680 Lacanau, France
Google Maps Link – 45°00’01.3″N 1°12’09.2″W
Central Beach is located in Lacanau, on the western coast of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. Extensive and picturesque, this long stretch of soft sand is a lovely spot for walking, sunbathing and surfing. Plage Centrale is known for its sunny weather and strong waves, attracting many surfers from all over the world for a challenge. There are many restaurants, bars, cafes and accommodation around the area, as well as shops where you can get surf boards and lessons. Keep in mind that this is a popular beach among locals and tourists alike; it tends to be busy during the afternoons, especially on weekends.
The Best Beaches in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Plage De La Salis Beach, Antibes
Address – Plage De La Salis Beach, Antibes, France
Google Maps Link – 43°34’12.9″N 7°07’44.4″E
Plage de la Salis is located in Antibes, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur of France. A small sandy beach backdropped with buildings and houses, with calm and shallow water. There is a small area where the beach is fully pebbled, and you can snorkel around the rocks in the clear water. Around the beach, there are restaurants in the area offering various kinds of food, from fast food to Mediterranean typical dishes, and even an Italian restaurant. You can walk your dog along the beach or cycle on the boulevard. During weekends, the beach is crowded and more active, especially in the evening.
Paloma Beach, Saint-jean-cap-ferrat
Address – Paloma Beach, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France
Google Maps Link – 43°41’09.6″N 7°20’33.0″E
Paloma Beach is located in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur of France. This small, enclosed pebbled beach, scattered with seashells, offers stunning views and the perfect atmosphere to relax and disconnect. The restaurant at the private area of the beach has great food and drinks, with amazing views. Since there are not many facilities, the beach doesn’t get too crowded. You can relax and swim or snorkel on the clear water.
Notre Dame Beach, Porquerolles Island
Address – Plage Notre Dame, Porquerolles Island, Hyeres, France
Google Maps Link – 43°00’40.6″N 6°13’59.0″E
Notre Dame Beach is located in the northeastern coast of Porquerolles Island, off the coast of Hyeres, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. This beautiful beach, both sandy and pebbled, with verdant trees of all sizes and blue, crystal clear waters, offers a relaxing atmosphere and stunning views. It gets crowded around 2 PM or weekends, but on weekdays the beach is empty and quiet. There are no shops or restaurants in the area; make sure you bring everything you might need. You can swim, sunbathe and relax, cycle around the beach and walk to the castle nearby. Avoid going into the water without swim shoes; there are big rocks underwater.
Les Calanques De Cassis, Cassis
Address – Plage des pierres blanches, 13260 Cassis, France
Google Maps Link – 43°12’12.0″N 5°30’56.0″E
Les Calanques De Cassis is located in Cassis, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, southeastern France. White pebbles and rocks surrounded by high cliffs, this beach is a favorite for thrill-seekers, with its deep water and stunning views. You can climb up the cliffs and jump down to the sea; the jumps can be as high as 30 meters. There is also a tennis court in the area. It can get crowded during summer, but other than that, the beach is almost isolated. You can either dine at the beach’s restaurant, or bring your food and have a picnic.
Plage Du Prado Beach, Marseille
Address – Avenue Plage Du Prado, Marseille, France
Google Maps Link – 43°15’47.3″N 5°22’15.9″E
Plages du Prado are a series of beaches located in Marseille, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, southeastern France. These are small, but wide man-made pebbled beaches, with blue waters and great views over the sea and far-off hills. The waves are calm enough for swimming and windsurfing, the clear water making all the small fish visible. During the off-season, the beaches are empty and quiet. There are restaurants and shops nearby, ice cream parlors and a churros place.