Do you want 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 your towel in an idyllic setting!
With over 10,000 kilometers of coastline, France is full of maritime treasures. On its sometimes sandy, sometimes rocky coasts, there are a multitude of beaches that delight lovers of the sea and the ocean. Even if they are not as paradisiacal or as famous as those in the Caribbean, Oceania, or Asia, the most beautiful beaches in France still offer varied and magnificent landscapes that are worth a visit.
Stretches of white sand or small pebbles, populated by vacationers or hidden in a cove, golden dunes or golden cliffs, wild landscapes or elegant coastal houses, suitable for swimming or water sports: you will surely find what you are looking for as French beaches are both unique and different from each other. If you don’t know 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 (Southern Corsica)
A true haven of peace highly appreciated by the locals of Bonifacio, the beach of Petit Sperone 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: turquoise sea, fine sand, clear water cove, etc. It is best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon, preferably off-season, to get a good spot as the beach is not very large and can quickly fill up.
2. Pampelonne Beach, Saint-Tropez (Var)
Made famous by Brigitte Bardot in the movie “And God Created Woman”, Pampelonne beach is a must-visit if you are in Saint-Tropez. This long stretch of 4 kilometers of white sand is one of the most beautiful beaches in France and invites you to swim and relax. Divided between a naturist area, a private area with sun loungers, and a public beach, it is located 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 the many charms and attractions of Biarritz, its city beach is at the top of the list. A paradise for surfers, the Côte des Basques is one of the most beautiful beaches in France. Surrounded by cliffs, it offers a magnificent view of the mountains on the Spanish coast and the Virgin’s rock. This vast expanse of fine sand has the particularity of completely disappearing at high tide.
4. Virgin Island Beach, Crozon (Finistère)
The Île Vierge in Crozon houses a wild beach that is not frequented by tourists. Indeed, access to the Île Vierge beach is quite challenging, making it a place that is well worth the effort. Once you arrive at this sumptuous cove, you won’t regret it. Its translucent waters and the maritime pines that surround it give it a Mediterranean feel, and its pebble beach makes it all the more authentic. If you’re not too cold-sensitive, enjoy a swim in this unique and highly preserved setting.
5. Paloma Beach , Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (Alpes-Maritimes)
Paloma Beach is known to all locals and visitors of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and is among the most beautiful beaches in France. Comprising several small coves, it is framed by many pines and wild nature. The view of the turquoise waters of the Anse de la Scaletta with the villages of Èze and Beaulieu in the background is a real postcard setting, typical of the south of France.
6. Le Touquet-Paris-Plage (Pas-de-Calais)
Nicknamed the “Arcachon of the North”, Le Touquet is a seaside resort very popular with Parisians. If sunsets over the sea and sand yachting are your passions, then the Touquet beach is for you. 12 kilometers long, it is surrounded by dunes and pine forests, and you can easily walk along its promenade on foot, by bike, or on horseback while enjoying a splendid view of the Canche bay. To the north of the beach, the Estuary Park allows you to discover the local fauna.
7. Saleccia Beach , Agriates Desert (Haute-Corse)
Considered one of the most beautiful in Corsica, Saleccia beach welcomes you in a preserved and bucolic setting. Bordered by pines and junipers, this small stretch of white sand offers a unique panorama of the mountains of Cap Corse. Its turquoise waters, its wild environment, and its intoxicating floral scents would almost make you believe that you are on an island in the middle of the Indian Ocean or in the Caribbean. A paradisiacal corner that fully deserves its place in our list of the most beautiful beaches in France.
8. Notre Dame, Porquerolles Island Beach (Var)
Umbrella pines, crystal clear water, fine sand, light breeze: everything at Notre-Dame beach invites relaxation and escape. Located to the north of the island, it is less frequented than the other beaches closer to the port. Quiet and exotic, you can access it via several paths surrounded by shrubs and heather bushes, then stairs. A re-vegetation program is currently underway to preserve the environment of the beach and raise awareness among visitors.
9. Deauville Beach (Calvados)
How can we talk about the most beautiful beaches in France without mentioning the famous and romantic beach of Deauville? On this vast expanse of white sand, you can walk on its famous boards, relax in the shade of one of its many colorful umbrellas, rent a small wooden cabin, or have a drink while watching the brave swimmers venture into the cool waters of the Channel. You can also practice sand yachting when the tide is low or try to spot celebrities during the American film festival (every year in September).
10. Navarrosse Lake Beach, Biscarrosse (Landes)
Located on the shores of the lake, Navarrosse beach is particularly popular with families. Surrounded by pines, it is easily accessible, and the water temperature varies between 24 and 28 degrees. The shallow depth of the water, the surrounding golden and green vegetation, and the friendly atmosphere make it a little paradise for swimming and relaxation enthusiasts.
11. Sillon Beach, Saint-Malo (Ille-et-Vilaine)
The Sillon beach, also called Grande Plage, is located between the national fort of Saint-Malo and the Rochebonne point. It is revealed at low tide, and you will come across many windsurfing, kite flying, running, and sand yachting enthusiasts. From this 3-kilometer stretch of white sand, which is among the most beautiful beaches in France, you can admire the Paramé seawall and its magnificent Malouin villas. Its famous breakwaters protect swimmers and walkers when the sea is a bit too rough.
12. Palombaggia Beach, Porto-Vecchio (Southern Corsica)
On the Island of Beauty, everyone—from north to south, from east to west—knows Palombaggia beach, located in Porto-Vecchio. Divided into several areas by rocks, this stretch of ultra-fine sand with turquoise waters delights both locals and tourists. To the north, you will find huts, private areas, and water sports spots. In the center, the beach is public and bordered by small dunes and tall maritime pines.
13. Etretat Beach (Seine-Maritime)
A must-visit seaside resort in Normandy, Etretat has one of the most beautiful beaches in France. This pebble beach surrounded by limestone cliffs is famous for its natural arches. The soft light of the surroundings and the wild side of the beach make it a place highly appreciated by painters. You can easily practice sailing, diving, surfing, or fishing there. The seafront promenade also offers beautiful maritime panoramas.
14. Hendaye Beach (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)
When visiting Hendaye, don’t miss its superb beach offering a splendid view of the Pyrenees. The largest fine sand beach on the Basque coast (3 kilometers), Hendaye beach is very popular with surfers and families. Surrounded by small hills and typical houses, it is one of the calmest and most pleasant beaches in the region. Note: The part at the far north is reserved for naturists.
15. Saint-Clair Beach, Le Lavandou (Var)
Nicknamed “La Perle” by the inhabitants of Le Lavandou, Saint-Clair beach is a small gem of fine sand with turquoise waters. Located east of the city center, it is very popular with scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. Especially around the rocky point “la Baleine”. Follow the coastal path to access this haven of peace surrounded by tall palm trees and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Hyères islands from one of the most beautiful beaches in France.
