The 20 most beautiful beaches in France!
Beaches in Brittany
1. Plage des Trois-Curés
Situated in Finistère, at the tip of Saint-Mathieu in the town of Plougonvelin, this is a corner of paradise with all the makings of a cove!
Plage des Trois-Curés is a small sandy area set between rocky walls accessible by a steep staircase, the perfect place to recharge your batteries in the fresh air.
How do you get there?
- On foot
- By car
2. Plage du Pissot
Plage du Pissot is an unsupervised sandy beach in the town of Pléneuf-Val-André.
This natural site is bordered by the GR34, which is sure to put a smile on the faces of hiking enthusiasts.
How do you get there?
- On foot
- By car
3. Morgat beach
One of the most beautiful beaches in Finistère, Morgat beach is located on the Crozon peninsula. It stretches for over a kilometre between the Pointe de Rulianec and the marina.
The eastern part is mainly made up of pebbles, especially at high tide!
The area between the marina and the centre of Morgat is mainly sand.
What’s more, there are plenty of activities on offer during the summer months, making it a family-friendly place, and a day-care centre is open to welcome children.
How do I get there?
- On foot
- By car
4. La Palue beach
Plage de la Palue is a sumptuous spot with powerful waves, located in Crozon in Finistère.
This beach of fine sand is surrounded by two cliffs, which makes it dangerous… it is forbidden to swim there due to the presence of baïnes (depressions that dig into the sand) which generate strong currents.
However, if you’re a keen surfer, Plage de la Palue will be your paradise!
For the rest of you, La Palue beach offers magnificent sunrise and sunset views.
How do you get there?
- On foot
- Shuttle bus
- By car (parking nearby)
5. Grands Sables beach
Just off Lorient is the largest and most beautiful beach on the island of Groix, Plage des Grands Sables.
This untamed beach of white sand and clear water is an unspoilt spot! The Grands Sables beach has everything you need to have a great time in or out of the water.
If you’re planning to follow the coastal path, you should know that it passes through the Grands Sables beach, and that a rest on the white sand is almost obligatory.
How do you get there?
- On foot
- By car
Mediterranean beaches
1. Beach of the En-Vau cove
Halfway between Marseille and Cassis, the beach of the Calanque d’En-Vau is a corner of paradise. Set in 700 metres of Urgonian limestone, it feels like being at the end of the world.
The calanque is a real playground for rock-climbing enthusiasts, who want a breathtaking view over the sea.
The Calanque d’En-Vau is very popular during the summer months, so we recommend that you visit early in the morning so that you can put your towel down on the beach and enjoy the view to the full.
How do I get there?
- On foot
2. Notre Dame beach
Voted Europe’s most beautiful beach in 2015, Notre Dame beach lies to the north of the island of Porquerolle in the Var.
Stretching for 800 metres, this white sandy beach is hidden behind a wood that protects it from the wind and overcrowding. Notre Dame beach is the perfect place to relax in the magnificent scenery offered by the turquoise-blue sea and the white sand of the beach.
How to get there
- On foot
- By bike
3. La Paloma Beach
A much-loved gem!
La Paloma beach is one of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat’s most emblematic beaches, with both public and private sections.
The private Paloma Beach is a piece of paradise that attracts celebrities such as Elton John, Tom Cruise and Churchill.
For those who love Mediterranean cuisine, a restaurant is open from Easter to the end of September for lunch and dinner. There is also a bar, sun loungers, parasols, changing rooms and showers.
The beach is also a departure and arrival point for the Pointe Saint-Hospice footpath.
How do you get there?
- On foot
4. Pampelonne beach
Classified as a “Remarkable Natural Area”, Pampelonne beach is the most famous beach on the Saint-Tropez peninsula.
Divided into five sectors, the long Pampelonne beach stretches over 5 kilometres:
- The Moulins area: on the border with Tahiti beach, the Moulins area is the most northerly part of Pampelonne beach.
- The Tamarsi area: located in the naturist zone, you’ll be safe in this area thanks to its first-aid post.
- The Patch area: easily accessible for people with reduced mobility, this area also has a first-aid post open in summer.
- The Barraques area: located to the south of the beach, this is the most family-friendly area of Pampelonne.
- Anse de Bonne Terrasse: this is the area furthest south of the Pampelonne beaches and is easily accessible via the Bonne Terrasse road.
If you’d like to bring your dog, please note that dogs are allowed, but only on a lead.
How do I get there?
- On foot
- By car
5. Palombaggia beach
The extra-fine white sand has made the reputation of this magnificent beach in Porto Vecchio, voted France’s most beautiful beach in 2019.
This marvel of Mother Nature is one of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica. Its crystal-clear turquoise waters are a haven of peace.
The beach at Palombaggia is also ideal for activities such as windsurfing, pedalos, kayaking and scuba diving.
How do you get there?
- On foot
- By car
- By bus (€10 return fare)
6. Calanque de Sormiou beach
The Calanque de Sormiou beach has 60 metres of pebbles and sand, a large beach that is rare in Marseille’s calanques.
The small marina adds an extra touch of charm to the Calanques de Sormiou.
As a family or with friends, you can take advantage of the activities on offer at the UCPA centre, including kayaking, hiking and climbing.
How do you get there?
- By foot
- By car
7. Plage d’Argent – Cala Barbaria
After the effort, the comfort!
The beach is just a 25-minute walk away… Here you’ll find an exceptional environment where you can relax and recharge your batteries.
Plage d’Argent offers a number of small coves separated by large rounded rocks, giving you several (almost) private corners of paradise.
How do you get there?
- On foot
8. Espiguette beach
Just 10 minutes from Le Grau-du-Roi town centre, the Espiguette beach is a very important natural habitat for a large number of animal and plant species. To get there, you’ll have to cross a stretch of undeveloped sand, protected by the Conservatoire du Littoral.
As well as swimming, you can enjoy a 2-hour horse ride along the Espiguette beach.
A unique beach in Europe!
How do you get there?
- On foot
- By car
9. Sperone beaches
Located in Bonifacio in southern Corsica, the two beaches of Petit and Grand Sperone are world-famous for their ultra-fine white sand.
In 2017, the beaches of Sperone were ranked fourth in the TOP 10 beaches in France.
A victim of its own success, we advise you to visit before or after the summer season to make the most of it.
How do I get there?
- On foot
10. Saint Clair beach
Plage de Saint Clair is a superb family beach with views of the Golden Isles, Le Levant and Port-Cros.
Nicknamed the “Pearl”, we guarantee you a “wow” effect when you witness one of the magnificent sunrises this place has in store for you all year round.
You’ll be telling us all about it!
How do I get there?
- By foot
- By car
The most beautiful beaches in the South West
1. Lafitena Beach
Not far from Saint-Jean-de-Luz, this large cove-shaped beach is a favourite spot with the world’s top surfers.
Rest assured, if you want to swim here in summer, the beach is supervised in July and August to ensure safety on the beach and in the water.
We advise you to bring water shoes as there are a good number of pebbles and rocks on the beach.
How do I get there?
- On foot
2. Deux jumeaux beach
Its name comes from the two rocks jutting out of the sea on the horizon. Located in Hendaye, Plage des Deux Jumeaux stretches for over 3 kilometres, giving you plenty of space.
This sandy beach is very popular with families, thanks in particular to the facilities on site, including a reception area, showers, changing rooms and a sun shelter.
What’s more, the Deux Jumeaux beach is supervised during the summer months, so it’s perfect for having a good time in safety.
How do you get there?
- By car
- By bus
- By bike
3. Hossegor central beach
Hossegor is a must-see destination for surfers the world over!
From Hossegor’s central beach, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the Pyrenees mountain range.
It’s a picture-postcard location, with Basque-Landes-style houses lining the beach.
How do you get there?
- By car
- By bus
- By bike
4. Erretegia beach
Still untouched by human construction, Erretegia beach is a little corner of nature surrounded by cliffs and meadows in Bidart, between Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
A “renaturalisation” plan has been put in place to ensure that this site, classified as a “Sensitive Natural Area”, continues to be a wild place.
If you’re a keen walker, Erretegia beach is the starting point for a 25-kilometre hike along the coastal path to Hendaye!
How do you get there?
- On foot
- By bus
- By bike
5. Huchet current beach in Moliets
Situated in the Landes region, this wild beach is located at the mouth of the river Huchet. We advise against swimming here, especially near the mouth of the river.
Don’t worry, though, as the exceptional natural setting means you’ll have a wonderful time with your family or friends!
How do you get there?
- On foot
200 audioguided tours for cities all around the world
Download
