15 Most Beautiful Beaches to Visit in France

Are you heading to France and looking for the best and most beautiful beaches? You have come to the right place! This article guides you through the top 15 beaches to add to your bucket list for an unforgettable summer vacation, whether you are staying for a day, a weekend getaway or a week-long vacation.

Being born in France, I spent most of my summer holidays on the coast in various locations, from Brittany to Vendée and Corsica. I always enjoyed visiting a different place each time, but I must admit, Corsica was one of my favourites for its incredible beaches and secluded coves!

France has plenty of choices for a fun beach experience, especially on the French Riviera, known as one of the best summer destinations in Europe. But wherever you decide to stay, I am sure you will have a fantastic time. An

Plus, each beach offers something different depending on your needs and whether you are travelling alone, with children, with friends or as a couple. Yes, there is something for everyone! 

So, are you ready to discover the top 15 French beaches you must visit this summer? Let’s get started! And, of course, let me know in the comments below if you have any other suggestions ☀️

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Overview: top 15 beaches in France

Planning a trip to the South of France? Check out this article:
20+ Best Places to Visit in The South of France

Best beaches in France – Map

Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations.

15 most beautiful beaches in France

Selecting the most beautiful beaches in France was not an easy task. There are many gorgeous spots all around the country, with plenty of hidden gems and secret locations!

However, I believe these 15 beaches will provide a unique experience and suit different needs, from couples wanting some peace to families with children looking for fun or surfers seeking thrills. Enjoy!

Fancy an epic French road trip, check out this article: South of France Road Trip: 1-Week Itinerary.

1- Plage de Palombaggia, Corsica

Plage de Palombaggia, located on the southeast coast of Corsica near Porto-Vecchio, is one of the most beautiful beaches in France, renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty.

This idyllic beach features fine white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters and a backdrop of lush pine trees and pink granite rocks. The shallow waters make it ideal for swimming and snorkelling, whilst the picturesque setting provides a perfect spot for sunbathing and relaxing.

With its stunning scenery and tranquil atmosphere, Plage de Palombaggia is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica and a must-visit destination for beach lovers.

🚗 Free parking: yes
🏊🏼‍♀️ Lifeguards: yes, in summer
⛱️ Sunbeds: yes
🚿 Showers: yes

2- Plage de Pampelonne, Saint-Tropez

Plage de Pampelonne, located near Saint-Tropez on the French Riviera, is one of the most famous and glamorous beaches in France. Stretching over 5 kilometres of fine golden sand, the beach is lined with upscale beach clubs, trendy restaurants and chic bars, making it a must-visit for celebrities and luxury travellers.

Its crystal-clear azure waters are perfect for swimming and water sports, whilst the sunbeds and cabanas provide a comfortable spot to relax.

Known for its vibrant and sophisticated atmosphere, Plage de Pampelonne combines natural beauty with high-end amenities, offering an unforgettable French beach experience.

🚗 Parking: yes
🏊🏼‍♀️ Lifeguards: yes, in summer
⛱️ Sunbeds: yes
🚿 Showers: yes

3- Dune du Pilat, Arcachon Bay

Dune du Pilat, located near Arcachon Bay in southwestern France, is the tallest sand dune in Europe, rising over 100 meters above sea level.

This natural wonder stretches approximately 2.7 kilometres in length and 500 meters in width, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the vast Landes forest and the picturesque Arcachon Bay.

You can climb to the top of the dune to marvel at these stunning views, enjoy fun activities like paragliding, or simply relax on the beach whilst admiring the unique and ever-changing landscape formed by the shifting sands.

🚗 Parking: yes
🏊🏼‍♀️ Lifeguards: yes, in summer
⛱️ Sunbeds: no
🚿 Showers: no

4- Plage d’Étretat, Normandy

Plage d’Étretat, located in the Normandy region in northern France, is renowned for its spectacular white chalk cliffs and natural rock formations, including the famous arches and the needle-like Aiguille d’Étretat.

This pebble beach offers stunning views of these unique geological features, making it a popular destination for photographers and nature lovers.

The charming seaside town of Étretat, with its historic architecture and lively atmosphere, also provides an ideal backdrop for those exploring the beach and its surrounding coastal paths.

🚗 Parking: yes
🏊🏼‍♀️ Lifeguards: yes, in summer
⛱️ Sunbeds: no
🚿 Showers: no

5- Plage de la Côte des Basques, Biarritz

Plage de la Côte des Basques, located in Biarritz in the Basque Country, is a renowned surfing beach celebrated for its stunning natural beauty and excellent waves.

This vast sandy beach is framed by steep cliffs and offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a popular spot for surfers of all levels, as well as beachgoers who enjoy sunbathing, swimming and strolling along the shoreline.

At low tide, the beach reveals a wide stretch of sand perfect for walking, whilst high tide brings spectacular waves crashing against the cliffs. The vibrant town of Biarritz is also worth the stop on your visit.

🚗 Parking: yes
🏊🏼‍♀️ Lifeguards: yes, in summer
⛱️ Sunbeds: no
🚿 Showers: yes

6- Calanque d’En-Vau, Marseille

Calanque d’En-Vau, located in the Calanques National Park near Marseille, is one of the most picturesque and beautiful coves on the Mediterranean coast of France.

This secluded beach is characterised by its crystal-clear turquoise waters, steep limestone cliffs and pebble shoreline.

Accessible only by a scenic hike or boat, Calanque d’En-Vau offers a peaceful and unspoiled environment perfect for swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing. The dramatic cliffs surrounding the cove are also popular with rock climbers and provide a breathtaking backdrop to this hidden gem.

🚗 Parking: no
🏊🏼‍♀️ Lifeguards: no
⛱️ Sunbeds: no
🚿 Showers: no

7- Plage de Deauville, Normandy

Plage de Deauville is a beautiful beach located in the charming town of Deauville in Normandy, northern France. Known for its elegant and upscale vibe, it features a vast expanse of golden sand, colourful parasols and iconic beach huts.

The beach is also backed by the picturesque Promenade des Planches, a wooden boardwalk lined with chic boutiques, cafés and grand Belle Époque villas.

You can enjoy a variety of activities, including sunbathing, swimming, horse riding and beach sports. Thanks to its sophisticated atmosphere and beautiful setting, this beach has long been a favourite destination for both locals and international travellers.

🚗 Parking: yes
🏊🏼‍♀️ Lifeguards: yes, in summer
⛱️ Sunbeds: yes
🚿 Showers: yes

8- Plage de l’Espiguette, Languedoc-Roussillon

Plage de l’Espiguette is a vast and wild beach located in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France. With its breathtaking scenery and peaceful atmosphere, it is a true gem on the Mediterranean coast, ideal for a quieter beach experience.

Stretching for several kilometres, this beach is known for its extensive sand dunes, fine golden sand and crystal-clear waters. Its unspoiled environment makes it a perfect destination for those seeking tranquillity and a connection with nature.

Plage de l’Espiguette also offers ample space for sunbathing, swimming and beach activities, as well as opportunities for hiking and exploring the surrounding protected dunes and salt marshes.

🚗 Parking: yes
🏊🏼‍♀️ Lifeguards: yes, in summer
⛱️ Sunbeds: no
🚿 Showers: yes

9- Plage de la Garoupe, Cap d’Antibes

Plage de la Garoupe is a picturesque beach located on the Cap d’Antibes peninsula on the French Riviera. Known for its clear turquoise waters and fine white sand, this charming beach offers a mix of private and public areas, providing options for both exclusive and more accessible beach experiences.

The beach is surrounded by lush vegetation and rocky outcrops, adding to its beauty. You will have the chance to enjoy plenty of activities, such as swimming, sunbathing and dining at one of the beachside restaurants or cafés.

Plage de la Garoupe, with its tranquil and elegant ambience, is a perfect spot for a relaxing day by the sea, especially for couples on a romantic getaway.

🚗 Parking: yes
🏊🏼‍♀️ Lifeguards: yes, in summer
⛱️ Sunbeds: yes
🚿 Showers: yes

10- Plage des Dames, Île de Noirmoutier

Plage des Dames, located on the Île de Noirmoutier off the west coast of France, is a charming and picturesque beach known for its fine white sand and clear, shallow waters.

The beach is framed by a backdrop of lush pine trees and features iconic wooden bathing cabins that add to its nostalgic and quaint ambience.

Ideal for families, the gentle slope of the shoreline makes it perfect for swimming and paddling. You can also enjoy peaceful strolls along the shoreline, picnics on the sand and the tranquil beauty of this quiet seaside spot.

🚗 Parking: yes
🏊🏼‍♀️ Lifeguards: yes, in summer
⛱️ Sunbeds: no
🚿 Showers & toilets: yes

11- Plage de Saint-Clair, Le Lavandou

Plage de Saint-Clair, located near the town of Le Lavandou on the French Riviera, is a captivating beach known for its fine golden sand and clear turquoise waters.

This beautiful beach is surrounded by lush greenery and pine trees, creating a peaceful and picturesque setting. It is an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing and snorkelling, thanks to its calm waters.

The beach also offers a relaxed atmosphere, with a few restaurants and cafés nearby where you can enjoy local cuisine and refreshments. It is perfect for those seeking a quieter and more laid-back beach experience on the Côte d’Azur.

🚗 Parking: yes
🏊🏼‍♀️ Lifeguards: yes, in summer
⛱️ Sunbeds: yes
🚿 Showers: yes

12- Plage de Notre-Dame, Porquerolles Island

Plage de Notre-Dame, located on Porquerolles Island off the southern coast of France, is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.

This idyllic beach features fine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, surrounded by pine forests and natural vegetation. Its remote and unspoiled setting provides a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and swimming.

Accessible by boat or a scenic hike through the nature trails of the island, Plage de Notre-Dame offers an untouched beach experience, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful escape.

🚗 Parking: no
🏊🏼‍♀️ Lifeguards: no
⛱️ Sunbeds: no
🚿 Showers: no

13- Plage du Sillon, Saint-Malo

Plage du Sillon, located in the historic town of Saint-Malo in Brittany, is one of the most beautiful and largest beaches in the region. It is known for its fine golden sand, wide open spaces and stunning views of the English Channel. It is ideal for long walks, beachcombing and enjoying the fresh sea breeze.

At low tide, Plage du Sillon reveals vast tidal pools and expands significantly, providing plenty of space for different beach activities, particularly great for families with children.

The beach is also backed by a charming promenade lined with historic villas and offers easy access to the fortified old town of Saint-Malo, where you can explore the cobbled streets, quaint shops and seafood restaurants.

🚗 Parking: yes
🏊🏼‍♀️ Lifeguards: yes, in summer
⛱️ Sunbeds: no
🚿 Showers: yes

14- Plage de l’Almanarre, Hyères

Plage de l’Almanarre, located near the town of Hyères in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of southern France, is a renowned beach known for its long stretch of fine sand and crystal-clear waters.

This 4-kilometre-long beach is particularly popular with windsurfers and kitesurfers due to its consistent wind conditions, especially the Mistral winds. The beach is also divided into zones for different activities, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

The shallow waters near the shore make it ideal for families with kids, whilst nature enthusiasts will love admiring the picturesque backdrop of the Giens Peninsula and exploring the nearby salt flats to spot a variety of bird species, including flamingos.

🚗 Parking: yes
🏊🏼‍♀️ Lifeguards: yes, in summer
⛱️ Sunbeds: no
🚿 Showers: yes

15- Plage de Trestraou, Perros-Guirec

Plage de Trestraou, located in the charming seaside town of Perros-Guirec in Brittany, is a popular beach known for its fine golden sand and lively atmosphere.

This 1.5-kilometre-long beach is framed by picturesque cliffs and offers stunning views of the English Channel. It is an ideal spot for a variety of activities, including swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball and water sports such as surfing and sailing.

The beach is also well-equipped with amenities, including restaurants, cafés and shops along the bustling promenade, ensuring a comfortable visit for families and tourists.

🚗 Parking: yes
🏊🏼‍♀️ Lifeguards: yes, in summer
⛱️ Sunbeds: yes
🚿 Showers: yes

Shop the editable beach packing list

Everything you need to organise your perfect French beach holiday!

Tips for a sustainable beach trip

Sustainable travel means exploring the world whilst being aware of your surroundings and having a positive social, environmental and economic impact on the places you visit. And this applies to your beach holiday too!

Coasts and oceans are very fragile ecosystems that require our attention. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce our impact on a beach trip and create a positive experience for everyone. Adopting eco-responsible habits and bringing sustainable items are part of it.

To help you further, here are some easy and practical eco-friendly tips for an unforgettable vacation by the sea:

• Stay in green accommodation: it is not always easy to determine whether a guesthouse or hotel has eco-conscious practices, but try to look on their website for green credentials and ask questions. You can also use Bookdifferent or Ecobnb to help you decide. And if you like nature and the outdoors, why not go on a camping trip?

• Prioritise eco-friendly methods of transport: stay near the beach so you can easily access it on foot. Otherwise, rent a bike or use public transport such as buses.

• Respect wildlife and do not feed animals: do not come close to animals on land and in the sea. Do not touch them or feed them and respect their home. Also, always pay attention to where you drive, park your car and walk.

• Use reef-safe sunscreen: be careful of which sunscreen you use, as most commercial creams contain chemicals harmful to the environment and marine life. So choose a zero-waste and natural sunscreen that is good for your skin and the planet.

• Choose eco-friendly water activities: if you decide to do a water activity, go for carbon-neutral such as kayaking, paddle boarding or surfing. They will reduce your impact, generate no noise and protect marine life. 

• Do not collect shells and sand: shells, pebbles and sand all form the ecosystem of our coastlines. It may be tempting, but taking them and bringing them back home is harmful and weakens this ecosystem. This applies to the underwater world too.

• Stick to marked trails: always stay on marked paths when going to the beach or strolling along the coast. The dunes are home to a fragile ecosystem, and walking on them can have a catastrophic effect. 

• Leave no trace: always pick up your trash or any you come across, and avoid plastic at all costs. Leftover waste can be extremely harmful to the local ecosystem. And to take it a step further, you can join a beach clean-up event.

• Buy and eat local: ask the locals where they like to eat, buy your food at local markets, avoid big resorts and head to local vegetarian and vegan restaurants supporting farmers and sustainable produce. The same goes for the souvenirs you bring home.

More inspiration for your green vacation:

• Best Travel Apps for Exploring Sustainably
• 15 Travel Books to Inspire Your Next Eco-Adventure
• Best Ecotourism Activities Around the World

Eco-friendly gear you might love:

• 10 Best Sustainable Backpacks for Travel & Hiking
• 10 Best Reusable & Eco-Friendly Travel Mugs
• 8 Best Filtered Water Bottles for Travel & Hiking

Check out this page for more inspiration on eco-friendly products & gear.

France travel planning guide

🚑 Should I buy travel insurance to travel to France?
Yes, buying insurance is always valuable when travelling abroad. Enjoy your beach holiday in France stress-free with one of my favourite providers, Nomad Insurance.

💧 Can you drink the water in France?
Yes, tap water is safe to drink all over France. However, I also recommend travelling with the UltraPress Purifier Bottle, a lightweight filtered water bottle perfect for reducing plastic and staying hydrated, especially in summer.

🚗 Is it easy to rent a car in France?
Yes, renting a car in France is easy and a great way to explore the country freely and reach remote beaches. I recommend booking yours with Rentalcars.com – they offer a variety of operators for all budgets.

🏨 How to book accommodation in France?
The best way to book your accommodation in France is with Booking.com – my favourite platform to compare and reserve places to stay each night, from affordable hotels to luxury beach resorts.

✈️ What is the best site to buy a flight to France?
I recommend booking your plane with Skyscanner. It has been my favourite platform for years, as it allows me to book the cheapest flights whilst lowering my carbon emissions.

French beach holiday – FAQ

And you, what is your favourite beach in France?
Let me know in the comments below!

With love ♡
Lucie