17 Best Beaches in France
France’s top activities include traveling to medieval cities and alpine regions.
However, this West European nation also has appealing coastlines along the dazzling Mediterranean.
Yes, the beaches in this area rank among the best in the world.
So while you’re there, take in the area’s beautiful shorelines.
Are you prepared to start making plans?
The best French beaches are listed below for your viewing pleasure.
- Palombaggia Beach — Corsica
On Corsica’s southern coast, in Porto-Vecchio, is Palombaggia Beach.
You’re guaranteed to like its 1.5 kilometers of pure white sand.
Why We Recommend This Beach
There are several stunning beaches in Corsica.
The combination of Palombaggia Beach’s beautiful sand and blue waters makes it one of the best.
It’s also the list’s kid-friendly beach with the best safety record.
Young youngsters will appreciate diving into the shallow, clear waters to cool off.
The lovely pink granite rocks serve more than simply aesthetic purposes.
Making sure the waves remain as moderate as possible can help safeguard your children.
Expert Tip
Lifeguards are another benefit for safety at Palombaggia Beach.
And if you happen to be here during the busiest time of year?
Straightaway, head to the quieter, less-crowded southernmost portion of the beach.
- Etretat — Normandy
The English Channel seaside town of Etretat is situated in Normandy in northwest France.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The most notable features of Etretat are its breathtaking white cliffs and fascinating rock formations.
It also helps that the location looks amazing due to the stretch of fine sand and the azure waves.
A trip to this waterfront will be a treat for aspiring artists who want to capture its beauty on canvas or paper.
Indeed, a lot of well-known artists have already done this.
Expert Tip
Golf fans will adore the 18-hole course atop one of Etretat’s cliffs if they have some free time.
You may enjoy a fun round of golf while taking in stunning views of the town and cliffs.
- Antibes — French Riviera
Antibes’s beach city is situated in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in southwest France.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The rich and famous have long been known to visit the resort city of Antibes.
Plage des Ondes Beach and Plage de la Salis Beach are only two of the stunning beaches there.
Many of them present various points of view.
Expert Tip
If you want to unwind on a tiny beach, go to Ondes Beach on the west coast.
Long lengths of sand at Batterie Beach and Ponteil Beach are perfect for lounging.
Gravette Beach is a horseshoe-shaped beach that is typically kid-friendly.
- Les Calanques de Cassis — Provence
Between Marseille and Cassis, there is an inlet called Les Calanques de Cassis.
The Parc National des Calanques Marseille is the way to get there.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Visitors who enjoy the outdoors will adore visiting Les Calanques de Cassis.
There are 15 Calanques in the park that you can explore. You can embark on breathtaking hikes, thrilling scuba dives, or even rock climbing, depending on where you wish to go.
Expert Tip
Taking a boat cruise is another option for seeing the Calanques.
Either spend the entire day sailing or sailing a catamaran to explore the area.
There will be stops, so you can enjoy swimming and snorkeling, so don’t worry.
- Donnant Beach — Belle-Ile-en-Mer
In Belle-Ile-en-Mer, South Brittany, you may find Donnant Beach.
It is situated along the Gulf of Morbihan shore.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Beachgoers can enjoy swimming in the waters at Donnant Beach in addition to the unusual coffee-colored sand.
Make sure to only swim in places that are designated.
From July through August, the area is staffed with lifeguards. Just make sure to abide by all of their guidelines to stay safe.
Expert Tip
Donnant Beach does not let you play games that could annoy other tourists, despite your desire.
So refrain from bringing items like kites, boomerangs, and frisbees.
- Paloma Beach — Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
One of the most fantastic beaches in France is Paloma Beach, located in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
Many celebrities still consider it a favored vacation spot today because it was iconic in the 1920s.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Paloma is France’s best swimming beach, offering breathtaking panoramic ocean views and the possibility to interact with A-list celebrities.
The surf is calm because a limestone cove protects it.
Expert Tip
The crystal-clear waters off Paloma Beach are sure to please snorkelers.
In the rocky areas, you can find underwater seagrass meadows, starfish, and sea bream.
- La Côte des Basques — Biarritz
The largest beach in Biarritz is La Côte des Basques, one of the best beaches in France, with stunning views of the coast of Spain.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Are you an avid surfer? An iconic surfing beach in France is Cotes de Basques.
In actuality, this is where French surfing began in the 1950s.
Getting waves here is sure to be a wonderful experience.
Expert Tip
If you’re starting, don’t stress.
Beginners will love the waves at low tide.
Avoid trying it when the tide is high.
Expert surfers would love to take a more technical approach to these waves.
- Porquerolles Island — Hyeres
The Mediterranean island of Porquerolles is situated close to the French shore.
It’s close to Hyères.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The several bays on the secluded island of Porquerolles offer breathtaking views of the glistening blue ocean.
Whether you stay on the sandy sands or sail across its seas in a boat, it’s a great place to take in the Mediterranean Sea.
Expert Tip
Visit places like the Cap d’Arme lighthouse and the Fort Sainte Agathe, built in the 14th century, and the beaches.
- Bay of Mont Saint-Michel — Normandy
Between Cotentin and Brittany is where you will find Mont-Saint-Michel Bay.
This beach is a top competitor for famous beaches in France. Even UNESCO has it on its list of global historic sites.
Why We Recommend This Beach
When you visit Mont-Saint-Michel Bay, which is astonishingly unearthly, you’ll think you’ve been teleported into a medieval fantasy realm.
The excellent swimming holes on this tidal island don’t draw many visitors.
But you’ll surely adore the numerous photo chances you’ll have here.
Expert Tip
Bring some period-appropriate attire so that you can change for magical, timeless photos.
Want to truly feel as though you are in a different time or place?
You can hire a maringote or a horse-drawn carriage from the parking lot.
Your vacation to the Mont-Saint-Michel will become more stunning and authentic.
- Cap Coz — Brittany
Cap Coz is situated in Fouesnant, in the center of the Brittany Riviera.
It would help if you undoubtedly visited it because it is one of the more excellent beaches in this nation.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Visit the beaches at Cap Coz if you enjoy engaging in water sports.
You may rent yachts and boats in this seaside resort town for a good time.
When you desire a change of scenery at night, you can also go to cafes and pubs.
Expert Tip
Because Cap Coz’s beach is patrolled, you can be sure that there will be lifeguards on duty.
When you go swimming, pick a position close to the guards.
- Port-Cros — Hyeres
An uninhabited island in the Mediterranean Sea is called Port-Cros.
It is a component of the Iles d’Hyeres and is reachable by ferry from Saint-Pierre Marina.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Nature lovers will appreciate trekking on Port-well-marked Cros’s routes.
You’ll undoubtedly feel like a castaway on a remote island.
Of the three Iles d’Or islands, this one is the wildest.
La Palud Beach also offers an underwater trip where you may see Mediterranean sea life.
Expert Tip
Don’t forget to stop by the Fort de l’Estissac to discover more about the past of Port Cros and the neighborhood.
- Deauville Beach — Normandy
Calvados, in Normandy, has a beautiful 1.5-kilometer shoreline known as Deauville Beach.
It also goes by the moniker “Queen of Norman beaches.”
Why We Recommend This Beach
Due to its fashionable atmosphere, both tourists and locals are well-liked by Deauville Beach.
This beach resort offers more than simply top-notch beachfront entertainment.
Additionally, it is bordered by top-notch golf courses, five-star hotels, and more.
You can even choose from some excellent food and shopping options there.
Expert Tip
Be sure to stroll down the renowned boardwalk in Deauville while at the beach.
Take a ton of pictures you can show everyone when you get home.
- Cote de Granit Rose — Brittany
Plestin-les-Greves to Louannec is part of the northern Brittany region’s Pink Granite Coast in the Cotes ‘Armor.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Visit Cote de Granit Rose for some of your trip’s most distinctive and memorable images.
Through its sandy beaches, which are adorned with lovely pine trees, it twists to connect islands and islets.
However, its rose-pink granite boulders, which shine when the sun touches them, steal the show.
Expert Tip
Imagine the shapes that the rocks take when you’re here for an enjoyable way to pass the time.
Some claim that when they stare at rocks, they can see a shark, a bunny, or even a witch.
- Prado Beaches — Marseille
The artificial beachfront, Plages du Prado, is the most extensive beach in Marseille.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Take the opportunity to unwind on one of the Prado beaches.
Anyone may have a great time here all day long, whether they are young or young at heart.
Swim all you want, create sand sculptures, or relax on your beach chair.
Expert Tip
The Prado beaches are significant because they are a collection of tiny beaches connected, yet they can grow busy in the summer.
If you want to pick a great location, head out early.
- Pampelonne Beach — St.-Tropez
The longest and busiest beach in Saint Tropez is Pampelonne Beach.
It measures more than 5 kilometers.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Another well-known French beach that A-listers frequently visit is Pampelonne Beach.
There’s a good possibility you’ll run across someone famous here if you want to.
However, this Saint Tropez beachfront is still a terrific option if you just want to unwind.
You can use the public sections or sign up for a beach club to use their plush lounge chairs and enjoy delicious meals all day.
Expert Tip
The end of September is the ideal time to travel if you want to enjoy Pampelonne Beach.
Off-season means it is not crowded. But while you’re here, the sun may still warm you.
- Kerlouan — Brittany
Finistere, specifically in Brittany in northwest France, is where Kerlouan is situated.
It’s also close to Brest.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Plage de Boutrouilles, a guarded beach, can be found in Kerlouan.
You can feel safe swimming because there is a rescue station.
Expert Tip
Make sure to bring your pet since Plage de Boutrouilles accepts pets.
But if you don’t care about the other beachgoers, it could be a good idea to keep your pet on a leash.
- Nice — French Riviera
On France’s southeast coast, Nice looks out over the Mediterranean Sea.
It is close to Monaco and the Italian border.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The Cote d’Azur in the city of Nice is home to one of France’s top beaches.
It should not be surprising that many tourists prefer to holiday on the French Riviera, which is regarded as the region’s capital.
Despite having a pebbly shoreline, Nice beaches’ crystal-clear blue seas more than make up for it (pun intended).
Expert Tip
On Promenade des Anglais, stroll.
You’ll have expansive, fascinating sea views from this 7-km promenade, which runs beside the beach.
On this promenade, you can go for morning runs or rollerblading excursions.
