From vast shores covered in fine sand to enchanting little coves filled with white pebbles, here are ten beaches in France you will most likely want to plan your trip around. Oh là là!
Whether you’re into sunbathing, water sports or sand yachting, or if you prefer the vast beaches like those of Normandy to the Calanques of Marseille, France undoubtedly has a beach for you. Here are ten of the most gorgeous.
1. Notre-Dame Beach, Porquerolles Island
Protected from the wind by a pine forest, this white sand beach with turquoise water is a nature lover’s dream and less frequented than Porquerolles’ other beaches. Access the beach on foot or by bike from the village.
2. Les Dames Beach, Noirmoutier
The typical nineteenth-century seaside architecture, pontoon and cabins all add to the beach’s irresistible upscale retro charm. Moreover, Les Dames beach is vast and easy to access and is perfect for family holidays.
3. Palombaggia Beach, Porto-Vecchio
Head to Palombaggia beach in South Corsica, an immaculate white sand beach surrounded by rocks, pine trees and dunes. The incredibly clear water only adds to the charm.
4. Le Touquet Beach, Le Touquet-Paris-Plage
Le Touquet is particularly appreciated for its cleanliness and activities, in particular, the sand yacht as well as all kinds of water sports. Hiking enthusiasts can trek to Canche Bay where, with a little luck, they might be able to observe some migratory birds or seals.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgB8411l8eF/
5. Beach of Étretat, Normandy
Here, fine sand gives way to a pebbly beach at the foot of the majestic chalk cliffs of Étretat. If you decide to go there, be ready, the beauty of this bright Norman beach will surely overwhelm you. Head to the cliffs for a superb panorama of the turquoise sea.
6. Saleccia Beach, Corsica
Corsica’s desert of Agriates–which is only a desert in name–boasts one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. Saleccia beach is only accessible after a hike along the Customs path, by 4×4, on horseback or by boat. The incredible crystal-clear water is remarkably pure and the pines that line this strip of fine sand beach add a particular serene ambiance.
7. Calanque d’En Vau, Marseille
The Calanques de Marseille are world famous, and one of the most spectacular is the Calanque d’En Vau. Here, the water is a magical palette of dancing shades of blue, each more ravishing than the other. The creek is embedded between high cliffs, making the beach particularly grandiose.
8. Deauville Beach, Normandy
The casino, luxurious hotels, bourgeois villas, the Les Planches wooden promenade that runs along the beach) and the seafront with its colourful parasols and its well-aligned deckchairs have made the Deauville seaside resort somewhat worldly. During low tide, you can even ride a horse on the beach.
9. Deux Jumeaux, Hendaye
Named for the two nearly identical rocks emerge from the water, Deux Jumeaux beach has been awarded a Handiplage label, which means its easily accessible for people with reduced mobility. Part of the beach is reserved for naturists, and since it’s close to Spain, it’s popular among the Spanish.
10. Corniche Beach, Pyla Sur Mer
It may not be one of the most beautiful beaches in France but it is definitely the most original on this list. Corniche, on the Bassin d’Arcachon, in the incredible Bordeaux region has the highest sand dune in Europe, the Dune du Pilat. We suggest reaching the beach by climbing up and down the dune. Don’t forget to stop for a moment to observe the ocean view and the Bench of Arguin nature reserve…particularly at sunset.