The Most Beautiful France Beaches

Dreaming of the perfect "joie de vivre" by the sea? France beaches offer an incredible 2,000 miles of diverse coastline, ranging from the high-glamour, turquoise waters of the French Riviera to the dramatic, wind-swept cliffs of Normandy. Whether you want to lounge at a world-class beach club in Saint-Tropez, surf the rolling Atlantic waves in Biarritz, or discover the hidden, tropical-like coves of Corsica, the French coast has a landscape for every traveler. Join us as we explore the must-visit shorelines and secret spots that make France a premier destination for sun-seekers and ocean lovers alike. Suggested Categories for Your "France" Post To help organize this broad topic, consider these regional sections: The French Riviera (Côte d'Azur): Focus on the luxury and pebble beaches of Nice, Cannes, and Antibes. The Atlantic Coast: Highlight the surfing culture of Biarritz and the massive dunes of Arcachon. Normandy & Brittany: Feature the dramatic chalk arches of Étretat and the rugged, historic shores of the north. The Islands: Include the pristine white sands of Porquerolles and the red granite coves of Corsica. Would you like to move on to the best beaches in Italy or perhaps a Spanish coast guide next?

The French mainland has water on more or less three sides – the Atlantic, the English Channel – or La Manche as the French prefer to call it – and the Mediterranean so France has beaches to suit just about everyone everyone, from families to super stars, world class surfers to naturists.

The Côte d’Azur stretches the whole length the Mediterranean coast from Marseilles in the west to Menton in the east, while the French Riviera is the eastern section from Cannes to Menton.  Head for France‘s Riviera to get a tan in a busy social hot-spot with warm waters, to Brittany for family oriented holidays with lots of kid’s attractions, to the south Atlantic coast for space or surfing in cool waters and to Corsica island for some excellent beaches along with wild hiking.

 

Pampelonne Beach

Pampelonne Beach is a long stretch of white sand and clear aquamarine water where celebrities and influencers love to party. The famous beach is located near the village of Ramatuelle, while Saint Tropez is just a few miles to the north. The endless stretch of dazzling sand is unforgettable.  Often referred to as the crown jewel of Saint Tropez beaches, Pampelonne Beach is a combination of natural beauty and an alluring party atmosphere.

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Leucate Beach

Leucate Beach is above all a beach bordered by the Leucate cliffs! The only beach sheltered from the prevailing wind: the Tramontane, it offers a sand recognized worldwide as it is the standard sand. At the foot of the cliff, the Briganti beach and its cove for a swim in a unique setting: crystal clear waters and nature as far as the eye can see.

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Notre Dame Beach

Notre Dame Beach has fine sand and translucent water that makes it an emblematic site on the island. Sheltered from the Mistral wind on the west side and from the easterly wind on the east side, it is bordered by pine and oak forests; a wooded bay in a blue jewel case.

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Cote des Basques Beach

The magnificent beach of Côte des Basques and has long been a playground for the wealthy and surfers surrounded by cliffs and a magnificent view of the Spanish coast and mountains. Sun bathing is suspended during the high tide (there is no  more sand).  Parking is at the top of the cliff and beach access is by steps, paths or a free shuttle.  There is a first aid station at the beach.  There is also surfing lessons available and equipment rental.  Enjoy a day relaxing and watching the surfers.  No need to bring food are there are cafes and restaurants in the area.

Ondarraitz Beach

Lying between Monte Igeldo and the Palacio Miramar gardens, Ondarreta proposes over half a kilometer in length and 100m in width for taking in the sun. Volleyball, beach-tennis and football are real classics on this beach. On stormy days, the waters of Ondarreta attract vast numbers of surfers and bodyboarders.

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Deauville Beach

The colorful umbrellas on Deauville’s fine sand beach have become a landmark of the town, as has its boardwalk made of exotic wood. There are various clubs to keep children entertained throughout the day. The Center Nautique  offers windsurfing, speed sailing, catamarans, sea kayaking, bodysurfing, kite flying and surfing. Watersports including jet-ski and sailing are also available on the Bassin de Plaisance Morny.

North Beach

North Beach in Le Touquet is part of the central squares. It revolves around Centenaire Square and ends at the dunes. It is very well equipped and has many activities including a kids club, recreation center, bars and restaurants on the beachfront, and mattress rentals.  This beach is monitored in summer and has lifeguards on duty.  The beach is huge and the water is very far away at low tide making swimming a little difficult.  The beach is handicap accessible, has showers and restrooms.

Central Beach

Central Beach in Le Touquet is much more than a beach! Most come for the swimming like on most beaches, but there are also many equipment and recreational activities. There are two patios below the car parks with beach volleyball courts on the promenade. There are three beach clubs, several beach attendants (with bars) and more beach volleyball courts on the beach.  It is impossible to get bored at this beach, even at low tide when the water is so far away!  

Tamaricciu Beach

Tamaricciu beach in Porto-Vecchio is located south and is an extension of Palombaggia. Less known than its neighbor, the pictures of this beach are renowned the world over thanks to its pine tree sitting in a narrow encroachment of the sea. The setting is idyllic. The shallow waters and fine sand attract thousands of tourists every day. Several restaurants and private beaches are available. You can reach the nearby beaches through trails along the coast.  There are paddle boats and mattresses for rent, and nautical sports are popular here. 

Juan les Pins Main Beach

Located along the Boulevard Charles Guillaumont, the main beach of Juan les Pins is a long stretch of fine sand lined with restaurants and bars, some of which serve excellent French cuisine. Gor a day of relaxation on this wide and luxurious beach, you can rent a beach chair and umbrella, which allows you to soak up the sun with thousands of other sun-worshippers. There are plenty of shops along the waterfront and boardwalk which offers a nice view of the ocean.

Garden Beach

This may be a private beach attached to the Le Meridien hotel, but it’s the place to be if you’re interested in water sports. The Meridien has provided many services designed to help you to enjoy the water to the fullest, from water-skiing, wakeboarding, parasailing, boat rental, and other fun activities. It is located on a section of beach at Boulevard Baudoin; head to the pontoon dock in front of the hotel to get started on your water activities. 

Tres Goarem Beach

The Blue Flag Beach of Trez Goarem is perfect for sunbathing and relaxing, as well as a great beach for surfing and swimming. This long beach of fine sand has lifeguards in the summer. And behind the beach is a protected natural area. It is important to stay on the coastal paths for accessing the beach, to protect the environment.

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