France’s 15 most beautiful beaches

Looking to relax in the sun and swim in crystal-clear waters? Follow the guide and discover the 15 most beautiful beaches in France where you can lay down your towel in an idyllic setting!

With over 10,000 kilometers of coastline, France abounds in maritime treasures. Its coasts, sometimes sandy, sometimes rocky, are home to a multitude of beaches that delight sea and ocean lovers. Even if they aren’t as heavenly or as famous as those in the Caribbean, Oceania or Asia, France’s most beautiful beaches still offer varied and magnificent landscapes that are well worth a visit.

Stretches of white sand or pebbles, crowded with holidaymakers or hidden away in a cove, golden dunes or golden cliffs, wild landscapes or elegant coastal houses, ideal for bathing or water sports: you’re bound to find something to suit you, as France’s beaches are both unique and different from one another. If you’re not sure which one to choose for your next vacation, follow our recommendations and discover the 15 most beautiful beaches in France.

1. Petit Sperone beach, Bonifacio( SouthCorsica )

A haven of peace much appreciated by Bonifaciens, the Petit Sperone beach offers a unique panorama of the Lavezzi Islands. Accessible after a short walk through small dunes and bushes, it is one of the most beautiful beaches in southern Corsica, with its turquoise sea, fine sand and crystal-clear coves.

Early mornings or late afternoons are best for a good location, as the beach is not very large and can fill up quickly.

2. Plage de Pampelonne, Saint-Tropez (Var)

Made famous by Brigitte Bardot in the film Et Dieu créa la femme, Pampelonne beach is a must-see if you’re visiting Saint-Tropez. This 4-kilometer stretch of white sand is one of the most beautiful beaches in France, inviting you to swim and relax.

Divided between a naturist zone, a private area with deckchairs and a public beach, it lies in a splendid bay where the azure blue of the water and the green of the forest blend in perfect harmony.

3. Côte des Basques beach, Biarritz (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)

Among Biarritz’s many charms and attractions, its city beach is right at the top of the list. A surfer’s paradise, the Côte des Basques is one of the most beautiful beaches in France. Surrounded by cliffs, it offers magnificent views of the mountains of the Spanish coast and the Virgin Rock. This immense stretch of fine sand has the particularity of disappearing completely at high tide.

4. Ile Vierge beach, Crozon (Finistère)

Crozon’s Île Vierge is home to a wild beach that’s rarely visited by tourists. Indeed, access to Ile Vierge beach is rather difficult, making it a place that has to be earned. But once you’ve arrived at this sumptuous cove, you won’t regret it.

Its translucent waters and surrounding maritime pines give it a Mediterranean air, and its pebbled beach makes it all the more authentic. If you’re not afraid of the cold, why not take a dip in this unique setting, preserved by the inhabitants of the peninsula.

5. Paloma Beach, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (Alpes-Maritimes)

Paloma beach is well known to all locals and visitors to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and is one of the most beautiful beaches in France.

Composed of several small coves, it is framed by pine trees and wild nature. The view over the turquoise waters of Anse de la Scaletta, with the villages of Èze and Beaulieu in the background, is a picture-postcard setting, typical of the south of France.

6. Le Touquet beach (Pas-de-Calais)

Nicknamed the Arcachon of the north, Le Touquet is a popular seaside resort for Parisians. If sunsets over the sea and sand yachting are your passions, then Le Touquet beach is the place for you.

The 12-kilometer-long beach is surrounded by dunes and pinewoods, and you can easily walk, cycle or horseback ride along its cornice while enjoying a splendid view of the Bay of Canche. To the north of the beach, the Parc de l’Estuaire allows you to discover the local wildlife.

7. Saleccia beach, Agriates desert (Haute-Corse)

Considered one of the most beautiful in Corsica, Saleccia beach welcomes you to a preserved, bucolic setting. Bordered by pine and juniper trees, this small stretch of white sand offers a unique panorama of the Cap Corse mountains.

Its turquoise waters, untamed environment and intoxicating floral fragrances would almost make you think you were on an island in the heart of the Indian Ocean or in the Caribbean. A corner of paradise that richly deserves its place on our list of France’s most beautiful beaches.

8. Notre Dame beach, Porquerolles island (Var)

Umbrella pines, crystal-clear water, fine sand and gentle breezes: everything about Plage Notre-Dame invites you to relax and get away from it all. Located in the north of the island, it’s less crowded than the other beaches closer to the port. Tranquil and exotic, it can be reached via a number of paths surrounded by shrubs and heather bushes, and then by steps. A revegetation program is currently underway to preserve the beach environment and raise visitor awareness.

9. Deauville beach (Calvados)

How can we talk about France’s most beautiful beaches without mentioning the famous and romantic Deauville? On this vast expanse of white sand, you can stroll along its famous boards, relax in the shade of one of its many colorful parasols, rent a little wooden cabin or enjoy a drink while watching brave bathers venture into the cool waters of the English Channel.

You can also go sand yachting when the tide is out, or try to catch a glimpse of celebrities at the American Film Festival (every September).

10. Plage du lac de Navarrosse, Biscarrosse (Landes)

Located on the shores of the lake, the Navarrosse beach is particularly popular with families. Surrounded by pine trees, it is easily accessible and the water temperature varies between 24 and 28 degrees. The shallow depth of the water, the surrounding lush, golden vegetation and the friendly atmosphere make this a little corner of paradise for bathing and lounging enthusiasts.

11. Plage du Sillon, Saint-Malo (Ille-et-Vilaine)

Plage du Sillon, also known as Grande Plage, lies between Saint-Malo National Fort and Pointe de Rochebonne. Discovered at low tide, it’s a popular spot for windsurfers, kite flyers, runners and sand yachts.

From this 3-kilometer stretch of white sand, one of France’s most beautiful beaches, you can admire the Paramé breakwater and its magnificent Malouin villas. Its famous breakwaters protect bathers and walkers from rough seas.

12. Palombaggia beach, Porto-Vecchio (South Corsica)

Everyone on the Isle of Beauty – from north to south, east to west – knows Palombaggia beach, located in Porto-Vecchio. Divided into several zones by rocks, this stretch of extra-fine sand with turquoise waters is a delight for locals and tourists alike.

To the north, you’ll find straw huts, private areas and water sports spots. In the center, the public beach is lined with small dunes and tall maritime pines.

13.Etretat beach (Seine-Maritime)

A must-see seaside resort in Normandy, Etretat boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in France. This stretch of pebbles surrounded by limestone cliffs is famous for its natural arches.

The soft luminosity of the surroundings and the wildness of the beach make it a popular spot for painters. Sailing, diving, surfing and fishing are all easily accessible. The seafront promenade also offers beautiful sea views.

14.Hendaye beach (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)

When you’re in Hendaye, don’t miss its superb beach, with its splendid view of the Pyrenees. The largest sandy beach on the Basque coast (3 kilometers), Hendaye is a popular spot for surfers and families alike. Surrounded by small hills and typical houses, it’s one of the quietest and most pleasant beaches in the region.

Please note: the northernmost section is reserved for naturists.

15. Plage de Saint-Clair, Le Lavandou (Var)

Nicknamed La Perle (The Pearl) by the people of Le Lavandou, Saint-Clair beach is a little jewel of fine sand and turquoise waters. Located to the east of the town center, it’s a popular spot for scuba divers and snorkelers, particularly around the rocky point known as « La Baleine ». Follow the coastal path to reach this haven of peace surrounded by tall palm trees and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Hyères islands from one of France’s most beautiful beaches.