Top 10 of the most beautiful beaches in France

Some of you would love to bask in the sun on the shores of a turquoise beach, but unfortunately you can’t afford a plane ticket to the tropics. But you should know that sometimes happiness can be just around the corner. In other words, the beaches that populate your dreams at night are closer than you think. France is vast and dense, with an abundance of breathtaking beaches.

What are the most beautiful beaches in France?

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

This is the kind of beach you’d expect to see on a postcard! You’ll love strolling along the 12km of fine sand bordered by dunes as you gaze at the horizon. The multicoloured cabins lining the beach add an unusual touch to this fairytale setting. If you have children, this is the perfect time for them to try out the Mickey Club mini inflatable park. From the beach, follow the footpath to the observatory with its view over the Baie de Canche.

2. Étretat beach (Seine-Maritime)

This region of France is one of the best for spending time by the sea! Even if you’ve never been here, you’ve probably already seen this beach depicted in a painting by Monet or Godin. It inspired these artists. So don’t hesitate, grab a chair, your notebook and a sharpened pencil and come and reproduce this marvel! If you still have time, why not take a dip in the water, to boost your artistic skills and give you even more inspiration!

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

Let time stand still on the beach at Lac de Navarrosse. If you’re not a good swimmer, or if you’re just not necessarily comfortable in the water, this beach is perfectly suited to you. The water is less than 1 metre deep over a length of 100 metres, which is perfect for your little ones! As it’s not very deep, you’ll be able to wade in without fear, and remember that in summer, the temperature fluctuates between 24° and 28°. Isn’t that wonderful?

4. Palombaggia beach, Porto-Vecchio (Southern Corsica)

Let’s take a trip to the islands. On the Isle of Beauty, this landscape is breathtaking. In fact, its photographs have been seen around the world, and it is regularly cited as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! Fine sand and turquoise waters under a blazing sun – what more could you ask for?

5. Anse Noire beach (Martinique aux Anses d’Arlet)

On the Ile aux fleurs, discover one of the world’s only open-air aquariums! Anse Noire beach is renowned for the beauty of its seabed and wildlife. Nestling at the bottom of a small cove in the south of Martinique, it is one of the only beaches in the West Indies to be made up of black sand, which immediately gives it an air of mystery and charm. The icing on the cake is that when you stroll along the pontoon in the middle of the beach, watch out: this beach is nicknamed “la plage aux tortues” (the turtle beach), and we’ll let you guess why…

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

This is where you’ll take your best diving lessons! Bring your masks and snorkels, as this beach is renowned for its diverse seabed. What makes it special? Saint-Clair beach is distinguished by the small rocky point known as “La Baleine”, around which you can discover the underside of the ocean.

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

Around 3 km long, this is the largest beach in Saint-Malo. You’ll love the view, as it looks out over the sea and towards the Paramé breakwater and its beautiful Malouin villas. You’ll have the impression of being split between two worlds. At low tide, this beach is the perfect spot for surfers, kitesurfers, windsurfers and other water sports enthusiasts!

8. The beach at the Calanque d’En-Vau

Halfway between Marseille and Cassis is the pretty Calanque beach. Once you spot it, you’ll find it impossible not to dip your feet in, such is its beauty. It’s so pleasant on hot afternoons that you’re sure to feel the time fly by. A little anecdote that very few know, when you look over the Calanque d’En-Vau, you’ll see a rocky needle that the locals have nicknamed “God’s finger”.

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

An exceptional setting for an exceptional moment. Framed by cliffs, you’ll feel part of this ecosystem, with views of the mountains and the Spanish coast. If you decide to put your towel and beach bag down here, you should be aware that you’ll have to share it with the surfers, as this is their favourite haunt. Surfing competitions are regularly held here, and the waves are crazy!

10. Pampelonne beach, near Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez brings us to the end of this ranking. The beach at Pampelonne is 4 kilometres long and is both glamorous and spacious! Stretching between Cap du Pinet and the Pointe de la Bonne Terrasse, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable moment of relaxation and pleasure. Lulled by the breeze and the sound of the waves gently crashing on the shore, let yourself be guided by this harmony and serenity…

We haven’t lost you in this whirlwind of little paradises? You’ll find the perfect wave among these 10 wonders of France.