The 20 most beautiful beaches in France
France, with its 10,000 kilometres of coastline, is bursting with exceptional maritime treasures. From wild Brittany to the calanques of the Mediterranean, the golden beaches of the Côte d’Azur and the expanses of Normandy, discover the 20 most beautiful beaches in France for which the country is famous. With its fine sand, crystal-clear waters and breathtaking scenery, each beach tells a unique story and offers an unforgettable experience for travellers in search of an escape.
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1. Palombaggia beach – Porto-Vecchio (South Corsica)
Considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in France, Palombaggia beach in Porto-Vecchio boasts a dream landscape worthy of the most beautiful postcards. This immaculately white stretch of fine sand stretches for over a kilometre, bordered by exceptionally clear turquoise waters. The majestic umbrella pines that dot the coastline provide welcome shade for visitors and create a striking contrast with the azure blue of the Mediterranean.
Situated some fifteen kilometres north of Porto-Vecchio, this legendary beach is a haven of unspoilt beauty. The pink granite rocks that dot the shore add a unique sculptural dimension to the landscape.
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2. Plage de Pampelonne – Saint-Tropez (Var)
Made famous by Brigitte Bardot in the 1960s, Pampelonne beach remains one of the most emblematic beaches on the Côte d’Azur. This majestic stretch of golden sand stretches for almost 5 kilometres between Saint-Tropez and Ramatuelle, offering an idyllic setting for lovers of idleness and Mediterranean glamour.
Divided into several sectors, Pampelonne offers both unspoilt natural areas and legendary beach resorts. The crystal-clear waters of the bay invite you to swim, while the dunes dotted with Mediterranean vegetation create an exceptional natural setting. A visit to Saint-Tropez will allow you to discover this legendary destination from every angle.
3. Étretat beach (Seine-Maritime)
The white cliffs of Étretat and their pebble beach make up one of the most spectacular landscapes in Normandy. This unique beach fascinates visitors with its extraordinary geological formations, including the famous natural arches of Porte d’Aval and Porte d’Amont, which stand majestically facing the Atlantic Ocean.
The charm of Étretat lies in the perfect harmony between the power of nature and the gentleness of the small seaside village. The pebbles polished by the tides create a soothing symphony with each surf, while the changing light from the English Channel sublimates the limestone cliffs. This inspiring beach has seduced many artists, from Monet to Maupassant.
4. Côte des Basques beach – Biarritz (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)
A veritable mecca for European surfers, the Côte des Basques beach in Biarritz embodies the Basque art of living in all its splendour. This stretch of fine sand framed by ochre cliffs offers an exceptional panorama of the Atlantic Ocean and the Spanish mountains.
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Explore Biarritz, the queen of beaches and the beach of kings, with our complete itinerary. From the Grande Plage to the Rocher de la Vierge, via the Belle Époque villas, let us guide you through this legendary seaside resort that combines Basque tradition and imperial elegance.
The powerful waves of the Côte des Basques have made it a world-renowned surf spot, attracting surf enthusiasts from all over the world. At low tide, the beach reveals its characteristic rocks, home to a rich and diverse marine fauna.
5. Saleccia beach – Agriates Desert (Haute-Corse)
Nicknamed the “Corsican Tahiti”, Saleccia beach in the Agriates desert is one of the wildest and most unspoilt on the island of Beauty. Accessible only on foot via the coastal path or by boat, this confidential beach rewards adventurers with an exceptional natural setting.
The immaculate white sand of Saleccia contrasts magnificently with the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, creating a natural lagoon of striking beauty. The Mediterranean vegetation, made up of juniper and mastic trees, perfumes the air with intoxicating scents. This wild beach is over a kilometre long and offers absolute tranquillity, far from the hustle and bustle of tourism.
6. Plage du Sillon – Saint-Malo (Ille-et-Vilaine)
The Grande Plage du Sillon in Saint-Malo boasts one of Brittany’s most emblematic panoramas. This magnificent 3-kilometre stretch of golden sand faces the ramparts of the corsair town, creating a unique setting where maritime history blends with natural beauty.
Protected by the famous breakwaters, the Sillon beach offers a safe setting for swimming and water sports. At low tide, the beach reveals its immensity and becomes the ideal playground for sand yachting and kite flying enthusiasts. The colourful beach huts add a picturesque touch to this already enchanting landscape.
7. Plage Notre-Dame – Île de Porquerolles (Var)
Voted the most beautiful beach in Europe, Notre-Dame beach on the island of Porquerolles richly deserves its international reputation. This 800-metre stretch of powdery white sand, bordered by a hundred-year-old pine forest, offers a heavenly setting in the heart of the Port-Cros National Park.
The crystal-clear, turquoise waters invite you to swim in a protected, unspoilt environment. Access on foot from the port of Porquerolles, through the fragrant paths of the Mediterranean scrubland, makes discovering this beach a real adventure. The umbrella pines provide welcome natural shade on hot summer days.
8. Deauville beach (Calvados)
A symbol of Norman elegance, Deauville beach combines Belle Époque refinement with timeless seaside charm. Its famous boards, colourful parasols and iconic beach huts create a unique setting that has seduced the Parisian bourgeoisie since the 19th century.
This fine sandy beach stretches for more than 2 kilometres, offering plenty of space for relaxation and walks facing the English Channel. The remarkable architecture of the villas and palaces lining the beach bears witness to the historic prestige of this Normandy seaside resort. The American flags planted in the sand are a reminder of the American Film Festival for which Deauville is internationally renowned.
9. Santa Giulia beach – Porto-Vecchio (South Corsica)
A veritable tropical lagoon in the heart of the Mediterranean, Santa Giulia beach in Porto-Vecchio captivates with its clear blue shallow waters and immaculate white sand. This horseshoe-shaped bay offers an idyllic setting perfect for families with children.
The exceptionally clear water makes it easy to spot fish swimming close to the shore, turning every swim into an impromptu snorkelling session. The green hills that frame the bay create a protected natural setting, where the Mediterranean vegetation slopes down to the fine sand. This beach paradise regularly features in the rankings of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
10. Île Vierge beach – Crozon (Finistère)
The secret jewel of the Crozon peninsula, Ile Vierge beach reveals a wild landscape of striking beauty. Accessible only by a steep coastal path, this confidential cove rewards walkers with a grandiose setting where the emerald waters contrast with the pink sandstone cliffs.
This beach of pebbles and fine sand, nestling at the end of a protected cove, offers absolute tranquillity away from the summer crowds. The maritime pines clinging to the cliffs create a surprisingly Mediterranean setting right in the heart of Finistère. The richness of the marine fauna makes it an ideal spot for diving and nature watching.
11. Rondinara beach – Bonifacio (South Corsica)
The beach at Rondinara, nicknamed the “Coquille Saint-Jacques” because of its perfectly circular shape, is one of the natural wonders of southern Corsica. This exceptional bay, framed by two rocky peninsulas, offers natural protection that keeps its waters calm and crystal-clear.
The fine white sand of Rondinara, mixed with small shells, creates a unique texture underfoot. The remarkably intense turquoise colour of the water varies according to the light, offering a permanent natural spectacle. This legendary beach, often compared to the most beautiful tropical lagoons, benefits from an unspoilt setting in the heart of the Corsican maquis.
12. La Baule beach (Loire-Atlantique)
Nicknamed “the most beautiful beach in Europe” at the beginning of the 20th century, La Baule beach remains one of the most prestigious seaside resorts on the Atlantic coast. This immense stretch of fine golden sand stretches for 9 kilometres, offering an exceptional space for all seaside activities.
The Belle Époque architecture lining the beach is testimony to the historical refinement of this destination. Luxurious villas and prestigious hotels create an elegant backdrop facing the Atlantic Ocean. This quintessential family beach offers a wide range of activities, from sand yachting to beach tennis, in a safe, supervised environment.
13. Espiguette beach – Le Grau-du-Roi (Gard)
L’Espiguette, the emblematic wild beach of the Camargue, unveils a preserved natural landscape of striking raw beauty. This 18-kilometre stretch of fine sand, bordered by imposing dunes, offers a feeling of immensity and freedom that is unique on the French Mediterranean coast.
Listed as a protected natural site, the Espiguette beach is home to some exceptional flora and fauna. Pink flamingos, herons and many species of migratory birds are regular visitors to this wild area. The almost total absence of buildings on the coast preserves the authenticity of this remarkable site, a true haven of peace for nature lovers.
14. Grande Conche beach – Royan (Charente-Maritime)
The beating heart of the seaside resort of Royan, Grande Conche beach boasts remarkable modern architecture and a friendly family atmosphere. This beautiful crescent-shaped stretch of fine sand is ideal for swimming and seaside activities on the Charente coast.
Rebuilt after the Second World War, Royan boasts an architectural heritage dating from the 1950s that is unique in France. The Grande Conche, protected by two rocky points, boasts calm waters that are particularly popular with families. The lively seafront offers a wide range of activities and services, making this beach a complete and accessible destination.
15. Plage Mala – Cap-d’Ail (Alpes-Maritimes)
A confidential gem on the Côte d’Azur, Mala beach in Cap-d’Ail is a heavenly cove nestling at the foot of breathtaking cliffs. This pebble beach with its crystal-clear waters offers an intimate, unspoilt setting, far from the hustle and bustle of the major Côte d’Azur seaside resorts.
Access to Mala beach via a steep path cut into the rock turns every visit into a little adventure. Once there, visitors discover an exceptional site where the transparent water reveals a seabed rich in aquatic life. This confidential beach, frequented by a clientele of regulars, embodies the authentic spirit of the French Riviera.
16. Plage des Grands Sables – Île de Groix (Morbihan)
The only convex sand beach in Europe, the Grands Sables beach on the island of Groix fascinates visitors with its exceptional geology and wild beauty. This rare natural formation, made up of white shell sand, moves naturally with the currents and tides, creating a landscape in perpetual evolution.
The island of Groix, accessible by ferry from Lorient, has preserved its authentic, unspoilt character. The south-facing Grands Sables beach enjoys a particularly mild micro-climate. This remarkable natural site, listed and protected, is home to exceptional flora and fauna, much to the delight of naturalists and lovers of marine biodiversity.
17. Trouville beach (Calvados)
The historic cradle of seaside tourism in Normandy, Trouville beach boasts authentic charm and a friendly atmosphere. This stretch of fine sand, which is more intimate than its neighbour in Deauville, appeals for its authenticity and preserved maritime traditions.
The picturesque fishing port, the colourful villas on the seafront and the popular atmosphere of the markets create a lively, friendly setting. The beach at Trouville, with its lifeguard surveillance and facilities, welcomes families in a safe setting where local tradition and seaside pleasures blend harmoniously. The famous “Planches” offer a pleasant promenade facing the English Channel.
18. Plage de l’Almanarre – Hyères (Var)
An internationally renowned windsurfing spot, the Almanarre beach in Hyères is the perfect combination of water sports and Mediterranean idleness. This long stretch of fine sand, swept by the mistral, offers exceptional conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
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The proximity of the Giens peninsula and the Golden Isles creates an exceptional natural setting. The Pesquiers salt marshes, a remarkable bird sanctuary, add an ecological dimension to this multi-faceted beach. L’Almanarre appeals to sports enthusiasts and contemplative types alike, thanks to the diversity of its landscapes.
19. Pen Hat beach – Camaret-sur-Mer (Finistère)
An iconic wild beach at the tip of Brittany, Pen Hat in Camaret-sur-Mer reveals a magnificent landscape facing the Atlantic Ocean. This stretch of golden sand, framed by impressive cliffs, offers a striking natural spectacle combining maritime power and Breton beauty.
Regularly ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in France, Pen Hat has an authentic, unspoilt character. The spectacular sunsets, powerful waves and endless horizon create a magical atmosphere that is particularly popular with photographers and nature lovers. This windswept beach perfectly embodies the wild spirit of Brittany.
20. Corniche beach – Pyla-sur-Mer (Gironde)
Dominated by the highest dune in Europe, the Corniche beach at Pyla-sur-Mer offers a unique setting where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Arcachon Basin. This stretch of fine golden sand, protected by the majestic Dune du Pilat, creates an extraordinary landscape between land and sea.
Climbing the 110-metre-high dune rewards visitors with an exceptional panoramic view of the ocean, the Landes forest and the Arcachon Basin. This family-friendly beach offers all the necessary amenities while preserving a remarkable natural environment. The striking contrast between the white sand of the dune and the blue of the ocean creates an unforgettable natural spectacle.
In conclusion, these 20 most beautiful beaches in France bear witness to the exceptional richness of the French coastline. From the English Channel to the Mediterranean, each coastal region reveals its own treasures, from fine sandy beaches to pebbled coves, turquoise waters and wild oceans. Whether you’re looking for the hustle and bustle of the big seaside resorts or the tranquillity of secret beaches, France offers an incomparable diversity of seascapes. Let yourself be tempted by these exceptional destinations and discover the Navaway tours to enhance your exploration of France’s most beautiful coastal sites. Each beach tells a unique story and invites you to create your own unforgettable memories by the water.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about France’s most beautiful beaches
Which is the most beautiful beach in France?
Palombaggia beach in Southern Corsica is often considered to be the most beautiful beach in France. With its immaculate white sand, turquoise waters and umbrella pines, it offers a heavenly setting worthy of the most beautiful tropical destinations.
Where can you find the most beautiful sandy beaches in France?
The most beautiful fine-sand beaches are to be found mainly in Corsica (Palombaggia, Santa Giulia), on the Côte d’Azur (Pampelonne, Notre-Dame à Porquerolles) and on the Atlantic coast (La Baule, Royan). These destinations offer stretches of golden or white sand of exceptional quality.
What are the best beaches for families with children?
Ideal family beaches include Santa Giulia in Corsica (shallow waters), La Baule in Loire-Atlantique (supervised and equipped beach), La Grande Conche in Royan (calm waters) and Deauville (services and entertainment). These beaches combine safety, services and a child-friendly environment.
When is the best time to visit French beaches?
The best time to visit is from May to September, with a peak in July and August. To avoid the crowds and still make the most of the good weather, opt for June and September. Mediterranean beaches remain pleasant until October, while Atlantic and Breton beaches are more pleasant from June to August.
Can you swim on French beaches all year round?
Swimming is possible all year round on the Côte d’Azur thanks to its Mediterranean climate, although the water is cooler in winter. In Brittany and Normandy, the bathing season mainly runs from June to September. Corsica offers favourable conditions from May to October, with particularly pleasant waters.
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