Ah, summer… the perfect moment to lay down your towel, pull out the book that’s been waiting on your shelf for months, and dive into turquoise waters. Good news: you don’t need to travel the world to feast your eyes on stunning scenery. France is full of breathtaking beaches. Whether you’re all about lounging, a snorkeling enthusiast, or a sunset chaser… there’s something for everyone.
So to spare you hours of scrolling and Google Maps comparisons, here is a homegrown selection of the 10 most beautiful beaches in France. Spots that have been tested, loved, and sometimes still pristine. Each comes with its exact address to help you get there easily. Pack your sunscreen and your summer playlist—the urge to drop everything and head to the water might be strong!
Our beloved beaches on the Mediterranean
- Palombaggia Beach, Southern Corsica
White sand, turquoise water, pine trees and parasols… a true postcard setting.
Route de Palombaggia, 20137 Porto-Vecchio. - Notre-Dame Beach, Porquerolles (Var)
Ranked among Europe’s finest beaches, wild and preserved.
Île de Porquerolles, access by boat from Hyères. - Espiguette Beach, Le Grau-du-Roi (Gard)
Expansive dune-filled shore, a desert-like vibe and a sense of freedom.
Route de l’Espiguette, 30240 Le Grau-du-Roi. - En-Vau Cove, Cassis (Bouches-du-Rhône)
A magical cove surrounded by cliffs, reachable after a short hike.
Access via the Gardiole parking, 13260 Cassis. - Tamaricciu Beach, Southern Corsica
Less famous than its Palombaggia neighbor, but just as sumptuous.
Route de Palombaggia, 20137 Porto-Vecchio.
Our hidden gems along the Atlantic coast and the English Channel
- Côte des Basques Beach, Biarritz (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)
Iconic surf spot, with stunning mountain views.
Boulevard du Prince de Galles, 64200 Biarritz. - Donnant Beach, Belle-Île-en-Mer (Morbihan)
Powerful, wild, and perched among cliffs—a true breath of Breton air.
Route de Donnant, 56360 Sauzon. - Île Vierge Beach, Crozon (Finistère)
Accessible on foot or by kayak, a tiny natural jewel.
Route de la Pointe de Saint-Hernot, 29160 Crozon. - Touquet Beach, Le Touquet-Paris-Plage (Pas-de-Calais)
Large, family-friendly, and lively—ideal for flying a kite.
Seafront, 62520 Le Touquet-Paris-Plage. - Deauville Beach, Deauville (Calvados)
Famous for its colorful parasols and its iconic boardwalk.
Promenade des Planches, 14800 Deauville.
Hard to choose, isn’t it? Between secret inlets and bustling long beaches, France treats us to some stellar seaside spots. This selection is far from exhaustive, but it offers a lovely panorama of what our coast has to offer at its best. The true luxury might be this: the ability to change the vibe in just a few hours’ drive.
Whether you’re headed for a week or just a weekend, keep this list handy. And remember: respect the places, pick up your trash, and leave the beach as beautiful as when you arrived. Happy swimming, happy discoveries… and a fantastic summer with your feet in the water!
