These Beaches in France Will Make You Book a Flight
When you think of a beach vacation, you might envision Mexican coastlines or Caribbean getaways. France is known for its breathtaking cities and mouth-watering cuisine and you might be familiar with stunning photographs of the French Riviera, or the famed Hôtel du Cap Eden-Roc, but there are so many more sandy shores to visit that will have you whipping out your swimsuit, sunscreen, and booking your flight.
While July and August may offer the hottest days, consider booking your trip for less busy times of the year. May, June, September, and October might be the ideal months to visit, when the crowds are thinner but the water is still warm enough to take a dip. Keep in mind, too, that most of Europe doesn't have air conditioning, so a late spring trip might be more comfortable.
Here, check out the 17 most beautiful beaches in France where you can sunbathe, take in the sights, and relax while eating a pastry or two.
Mont-Saint-Michel Bay
If you recognize this castle from watching Disney movies, don't miss your chance to see it in real life. Beyond the stunning views, the surrounding bay is considered a UNESCO Heritage Site. This location is a common stop for religious pilgrimages (with pilgrims seeking the assurance of eternal life from the Archangel Michael), and is the second-most visited place in France, after Paris.
Juan les Pins Main Beach
The Juan les Pins beach near Antibes is known for its scattering of brightly-colored umbrellas. It's an ideal spot for scuba diving, guided tours, and relaxing on the sunny shores.
Plage de Palombaggia
Corsica is an island of the southern coast of France in the Mediterranean sea. It has many beaches worth visiting, not least of which is Plage de Palombaggia. The water is blue and warm, so you won't be able to resist taking a dip.
Plage Paloma
In Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, just outside of Nice, don't miss relaxing on the Plage Paloma sands. Beyond sunbathing and drinking an Aperol spritz (or two), taking in the sites by boat is one of the best ways to enjoy the French Riviera coast.
Plage de la Mala
Situated near luxurious Monaco, Plage de la Mala on Cap D'Ail is a quiet, isolated spot just beneath the seaside cliffs. For your convenience, you can rent rent beach equipment, eat at a local restaurant, or take a dip it the pristine waters.
Plage de Saleccia
Another beach on the island of Corsica, Plage de Saleccia is a more quiet, private experience. You have the option of taking a boat taxi to the sandy shores, and relax in the sun all day until you've soaked it all in.
Étretat, Normandy
In the Normany region in the North of France, the small seaside town of Étretat is a must-see. With huge cliffs that tower over the coast, including the famed Aiguille formation, the sights are breathtaking. Étretat also has a golf course worth visiting, if that's your game of choice.
Plage D'Herlin
Off the western coast of Brittany, France is the island of Belle-Île-en-Mer. Once there, the Plage D'Herlin features beautiful coves and beaches that are quiet and semi-isolated. The surrounding cliffs make great hiking trails, and offer amazing views of the coastline and unique rock formations.
Le Phare du Petit Minou
On the northwestern edge of France you'll find one of the country's most iconic lighthouses: Phare du Petit Minou. The surrounding beaches and seaside views are ideal for sightseeing and taking in the ocean air.
Plage Des Dames in Île de Noirmoutier
In Île de Noirmoutier, a peninsula that juts out of the western French coast, Plage Des Dames–translated to Ladies Beach–is an ideal spot for rest and relaxation. With its coves and soft beaches, you'll never want to leave. Just be sure to plan your trip in advance: Parking is notoriously difficult to find.
Le Touquet Plage
Le Touquet is an idyllic spot on the northern French coast. It's a very popular summer spot, where thousands of tourists flock to its sandy shores. It's a common locale for tennis, golf, and sunbathing, but it's also popular for horse racing and hosts the Enduropale motorcycle race every February.
Castel Plage
If you're visiting Nice, don't miss spending a lazy afternoon on the Castel Plage. It features a beach club, lounge chairs, and beautiful views, just steps away from the bustling city center. There is also a restaurant where you can enjoy beachside snacks throughout the day.
The Calanques of Marseille
Calanques is a wide breadth of shoreline between Marseille and Cassis. Below sharp cliffs lie sandy beaches with spectacular views of the coast. There's also a national park that protects the environment and is always worth a visit.
Plage de l'Espiguette
Near Montpellier, take a day trip to the Plage de l'Espiguette, one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in France. It's a natural, protected shore, meaning that very little of the natural landscape has been tweaked. This also means it has some of the cleanest water to dip into.
Côte des Basques
Right on the Spanish border you'll find Côte des Basques, which features a gorgeous beach that you can sunbathe on all day. For dinner and drinks, there are plenty of bars and hip dining spots that will fill you up after a day of sun.
Antibes
Antibes is a stunning resort town that lies between Cannes and Nice. There are nearly 50 nearby beaches, in addition to lighthouses, restaurants, and plenty of ways to relax while on your vacation. This is also the locale of the famed Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, if you can score a room.
Plage de Santa Giulia
On the island of Corsica, Plage de Santa Giulia is yet another must-see spot. Its rounded boulders make for great look-out spots, and the warm water and idyllic conditions are the ideal backdrop for any vacation.
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