recommended beaches in France

1. Plage de Pampelonne

Located near Saint-Tropez, this is one of the most famous beaches in France.

  • Why visit: Long stretch of fine sand and crystal-clear water
  • Vibe: Luxury and lively (beach clubs, celebrities)
  • Best for: Social atmosphere, sunbathing, and beach clubs

2. Palombaggia Beach

A stunning beach on the island of Corsica.

  • Why visit: Turquoise water, white sand, and red granite rocks
  • Vibe: Tropical paradise feel
  • Best for: Relaxation and photography

3. Plage de la Côte des Basques

A favorite on the Atlantic coast near Biarritz.

  • Why visit: Famous surf spot with dramatic cliffs
  • Vibe: Youthful and sporty
  • Best for: Surfing and sunset views

4. Calanque d’En-Vau

Hidden between cliffs near Marseille.

  • Why visit: Breathtaking turquoise water surrounded by limestone cliffs
  • Vibe: Wild and natural
  • Best for: Hiking + swimming adventure

5. Plage de Deauville

A classic beach in Normandy.

  • Why visit: Elegant boardwalk and colorful umbrellas
  • Vibe: Chic and traditional
  • Best for: Relaxing strolls and cultural atmosphere

6. Plage d’Étretat

Famous for its dramatic white cliffs.

  • Why visit: Unique rock formations and natural arches
  • Vibe: Scenic and artistic
  • Best for: Sightseeing and photography

7. Grande Plage

Another iconic beach in Biarritz.

  • Why visit: Central location with beautiful views
  • Vibe: Lively and accessible
  • Best for: Swimming and city beach experience

8. Plage de l’Espiguette

A more untouched beach in southern France.

  • Why visit: Huge sand dunes and wide open space
  • Vibe: Natural and peaceful
  • Best for: Quiet escapes and nature lovers

9. Plage de Santa Giulia

Another gem in Corsica.

  • Why visit: Shallow, calm, crystal-clear water
  • Vibe: Calm and family-friendly
  • Best for: Swimming and families

10. Dune du Pilat Beach

Near the famous Dune du Pilat.

  • Why visit: Europe’s tallest sand dune with ocean views
  • Vibe: Unique and adventurous
  • Best for: Climbing dunes and panoramic scenery

11. Plage de l’Almanarre

Located near Hyères.

  • Why visit: Long sandy beach with strong winds
  • Vibe: Sporty and energetic
  • Best for: Windsurfing and kitesurfing

12. Plage de Saleccia

A remote beach in the north of Corsica.

  • Why visit: White sand and clear blue water, almost untouched
  • Vibe: Wild and secluded
  • Best for: Nature lovers and peaceful escape

13. Plage de Collioure

A charming beach in a colorful coastal town.

  • Why visit: Beautiful mix of sea and historic village
  • Vibe: Romantic and artistic
  • Best for: Couples and sightseeing

14. Plage du Sillon

One of the longest beaches in Brittany.

  • Why visit: Wide sandy beach with strong tides
  • Vibe: Fresh and dramatic
  • Best for: Walking and enjoying ocean views

15. Plage de la Garoupe

Close to Antibes.

  • Why visit: Clear water and a mix of public & private areas
  • Vibe: Elegant yet relaxed
  • Best for: Swimming and Riviera experience

16. Plage de Rondinara

A perfectly shaped bay in southern Corsica.

  • Why visit: Calm, shallow water and soft sand
  • Vibe: Peaceful and scenic
  • Best for: Families and relaxing swims

17. Plage du Touquet

A popular beach near Lille.

  • Why visit: Wide beach with lots of activities
  • Vibe: Family-friendly and lively
  • Best for: Horse riding, sand sports, and weekend trips

18. Plage de Porquerolles

On a beautiful island off the coast of southern France.

  • Why visit: Clear water and preserved natural environment
  • Vibe: Quiet and eco-friendly
  • Best for: Cycling + beach day

19. Plage de Nice

Right in the heart of Nice.

  • Why visit: Easy access with stunning Mediterranean views
  • Vibe: Urban and vibrant
  • Best for: Quick beach visits in the city

20. Plage de Trouville

Close to Deauville Beach.

  • Why visit: Authentic seaside charm with fewer crowds
  • Vibe: Relaxed and local
  • Best for: Quiet seaside experience

21. Plage de Tahiti

Near Saint-Tropez, but slightly quieter than Pampelonne.

  • Why visit: Soft sand and clear water with fewer crowds
  • Vibe: Relaxed luxury
  • Best for: Calm beach days without too much noise

22. Plage de la Mala

Hidden between cliffs near Monaco.

  • Why visit: Secluded cove with crystal-clear water
  • Vibe: Exclusive and peaceful
  • Best for: Romantic trips and quiet swimming

23. Plage d’Hendaye

Located near the Spanish border.

  • Why visit: One of the safest beaches in France with gentle waves
  • Vibe: Family-friendly and spacious
  • Best for: Beginners learning to surf

24. Plage de Bonifacio

Near dramatic cliffs in southern Corsica.

  • Why visit: Stunning white cliffs and turquoise sea
  • Vibe: Wild and scenic
  • Best for: Exploring and photography

25. Plage de l’Île Vierge

A hidden gem in Brittany.

  • Why visit: Often considered one of Europe’s most beautiful secret beaches
  • Vibe: Remote and untouched
  • Best for: Adventure (requires hiking access)

26. Plage du Lavandou

A calm and scenic Riviera beach.

  • Why visit: Clean water and relaxed coastal town
  • Vibe: Peaceful and local
  • Best for: Family vacations

27. Plage de Saint-Aygulf

Near Fréjus.

  • Why visit: Mix of beaches and lagoons
  • Vibe: Natural and quiet
  • Best for: Birdwatching and nature walks

28. Plage de Carry-le-Rouet

Close to Marseille.

  • Why visit: Rocky coves and clear waters
  • Vibe: Simple and authentic
  • Best for: Snorkeling

29. Plage de Wissant

Between Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez.

  • Why visit: Strong winds and wide beach views
  • Vibe: Fresh and open
  • Best for: Kitesurfing and nature lovers

30. Plage de la Corniche

In the coastal town of Sète.

  • Why visit: Golden sand and easy access
  • Vibe: Casual and friendly
  • Best for: Swimming and local atmosphere