15 Must-Visit Beaches in France: Escape to Paradise

White sand, turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs—the beaches of France are the stuff of postcards. The country’s 3,427 km coastline is dotted with hundreds of beaches, each with its unique charm. Whether you’re seeking a secluded cove, a family-friendly stretch of sand, or a glamorous Riviera hotspot, France has a beach for every taste.

From the glitzy beaches in France along the Côte d’Azur to the rugged shores of Brittany and Normandy, these are the best beaches to visit in France. Pack your sunscreen and let’s dive in!

1. Notre Dame Beach (Plage Notre Dame), Porquerolles

This idyllic beach on Île de Porquerolles is often hailed as one of the most beautiful in Europe. It boasts turquoise waters, fine sand, and shaded areas under pine trees, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling French Riviera.

• Address: Île de Porquerolles, 83400 Hyères, France

• Timings: Accessible year-round during daylight hours

• How to reach: Ferry from Hyères (30-minute ride)

• Things to do: Swimming, paddleboarding, biking trails

• Best time to visit: June to September

• Accommodation: Villa Sainte Anne, Le Clos Des Galejades, Hôtel L’Arche de Porquerolles, Hôtel-Restaurant L’Oustaou de Porquerolles

• Top restaurants: L’Escale Porquerolles, Il Pescatore, Hôtel Restaurant Au Porquerollais, Restaurant Pizzeria O’Tobago

2. Plage de Santa Giulia, Porto-Vecchio (Corsica)

Nestled at the base of a mountain, Santa Giulia Beach is a slice of paradise on the island of Corsica. The shallow, translucent water is ideal for young children to splash around in, while the rocky coves at either end of the beach are perfect for snorkeling.

• Address: 20137 Porto-Vecchio, Corsica, France

• Timings: Open year-round

• How to reach: Fly to Figari Airport; 30-minute drive to Porto-Vecchio

• Things to do: Snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing

• Best time to visit: June to September

• Accommodation: Hôtel Castell’Verde, Domaine Santa Giulia Palace, Mini Villa Porto Vecchio, A Casa di Santa Giulia

• Top restaurants: Le Fort, A Festa, Linda Beach, Restaurant La Table du Moby Dick

3. Palombaggia Beach, Corsica

Regularly ranked among the best beaches to visit in France, Palombaggia is a postcard-perfect stretch of golden sand flanked by distinctive umbrella pines. The beach offers stunning views and water sports like windsurfing and kayaking.

• Address: Near Porto-Vecchio, Corsica

• Timings: Accessible year-round

• How to reach: Fly to Figari Airport; drive 20 minutes south

• Things to do: Windsurfing, kayaking, boat trips

• Best time to visit: June to September

• Accommodation: Littariccia, Ranch Campo Palombaggia, Domaine de Sonia, Bianca Casa

• Top restaurants: Restaurant Le Palm Beach Palombaggia, Sea lounge, Costa Marina

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4. Calanque d’En-Vau, Cassis

Calanque d’En-Vau is the reward at the end of a scenic hike through the Calanques National Park. This secluded beach surrounded by towering limestone cliffs is accessible only via a hike or boat ride. Its turquoise waters offer an unforgettable experience.

• Address: Calanques National Park near Cassis

• Timings: Open year-round during daylight hours

• How to reach: Hike (1 hour) or boat from Cassis or Marseille

• Things to do: Hiking, rock climbing, swimming

• Best time to visit: May to September

• Accommodation: Auberge de la Fontasse, Hôtel Les Volets Rouges – Cassis, Cassis Bellevue

• Top restaurants: La Défonce, Les Belles Canailles, Le Bistrot de Nino, Chez Gilbert

5. Plage de la Côte des Basques, Biarritz

Plage de la Côte des Basques is one of the most famous beaches in France for surfing. It’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned surfers. The beach is also a lovely spot for a walk, with a scenic trail along the cliffs.

• Address: Biarritz, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France

• Timings: Open year-round; tides affect access times

• How to reach: Fly to Biarritz Airport; short drive or walk from town center

• Things to do: Surfing lessons, sunbathing, walking trails

• Best time to visit: May to October (surfing season)

• Accommodation: Carlina Lodge, Hôtel Saint-Julien, Hôtel Barnea, Cit’Hôtel Marbella Biarritz

• Top restaurants: Taj Mahal, POZA, Café des Artistes Biarritz, Nicolo’ – La cucina é quella di Mamma

6. Plage d’Hendaye in Hendaye

Plage d’Hendaye is the largest beach in the Basque Country, stretching for 3 km along the Atlantic coast. The wide, sandy beach is perfect for families, with plenty of space for picnics and games. The beach is also equipped with facilities for persons with reduced mobility, including adapted showers and toilets.

• Address: Hendaye-Plage, Nouvelle-Aquitaine region

• Timings: Open year-round during daylight hours

• How to reach: Train or drive from nearby cities like Bayonne or Biarritz

• Things to do: Surfing lessons, family picnics

• Best time to visit: Summer months (June–August)

• Accommodation: RELAIS THALASSO Hendaye I Hôtel Serge Blanco, Hotel Ibaia, Hotel Lafon

• Top restaurants: Bi Ur Arte, La Santa Maria, Le restaurant italien La Trattoria della Nonna

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7. Plage d’Étretat (Normandy)

Plage d’Étretat is famous for its dramatic white chalk cliffs and natural arches overlooking the sea, This beach offers breathtaking views and serene surroundings. Hike along the cliffs for breathtaking views of the Alabaster Coast or simply admire the scenery from the beach.

• Address: 1 Pl. Victor Hugo, 76790 Étretat, France

• Timings: Accessible year-round

• How to reach: Train or drive from Le Havre or Rouen

• Things to do: Hiking along cliffs, photography

• Best time to visit: April–October

• Accommodation: Hôtel Le Rayon Vert, Hotel Des Falaises, Hotel La Residence, Hôtel Restaurant La Taverne des Deux Augustins

• Top restaurants: Bar Brasserie Les Roches Blanches, Bel Ami, Auberge express, Le Bistretatais

8. Plage de l’Espiguette

Plage de l’Espiguette is a wild, unspoiled beach that stretches for 18 km along the Mediterranean coast. The beach is backed by massive sand dunes that rise up to 20 meters high. It’s a great spot for nature lovers, with a variety of bird species and rare plants to discover.

• Address: 30240 Le Grau-du-Roi, France

• Timings: Open year-round during daylight hours

• How to reach: Drive from Montpellier (40 minutes)

• Things to do: Nature walks through dunes, swimming

• Best time to visit: May–September

• Accommodation: Oustau Camarguen – Hôtel de charme, Oh! Campings, Le Spinaker, Résidence Cap Camargue *** – Vacancéole

• Top restaurants: L’Octopus Bar & Restaurant, Le Cabanon, Thalazur Le Panoramique, L’ Amarette

9. Plage Paloma, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

This picturesque beach offers a tranquil setting with clear waters and a scenic backdrop of villas and gardens. It’s a favorite among those seeking a more secluded beach experience on the French Riviera.

• Address: Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, French Riviera, France

• Timings: Accessible year-round

• How to reach: Fly to Nice Airport; drive to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

• Things to do: Swimming, relaxation, luxury dining

• Best time to visit: Summer months

• Accommodation: Hôtel Brise Marine, La Voile d’Or, Hôtel l’Oursin, Boutique Hôtel & Spa La Villa Cap Ferrat

• Top restaurants: La Musa, Espuma, Mademoiselle St Jean Cap Ferrat, Léo Léa – Assiette au Boeuf

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10. Plage de l’Espiguette, Montpellier

Located near Montpellier, this vast beach is known for its natural beauty and tranquility, offering a peaceful escape from urban life. It’s ideal for nature walks and sunbathing.

• Address: Near Grau-du-Roi village in Occitanie region

• Timings: Open year-round during daylight hours

• How to reach: Drive from Montpellier (40 minutes)

• Things to do: Nature walks through dunes, swimming

• Best time to visit: May–September

• Accommodation: La Frégate, Camping Yelloh! Village Les Petits Camarguais, Camping Marvilla Parks – La Marine

• Top restaurants: Oustau Camarguen, Thalazur Le Panoramique, Le M’plage, Bamboo Beach

11. Plage de Carras, Nice

Situated along the famous Promenade des Anglais, Plage de Carras offers a vibrant beach experience with amenities like sun loungers and beach clubs. It’s perfect for those who enjoy urban beach settings.

• Address: Promenade des Anglais, Nice, France

• Timings: Open year-round

• How to reach: Fly to Nice Airport; short drive or walk from city center

• Things to do: Sunbathing, beach club activities

• Best time to visit: Summer months

• Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel, ibis budget Nice Californie Lenval, Yelo Promenade powered by Sonder, Hotel Flots d’Azur

• Top restaurants: Blue Beach, Demi lune, La Villa Massenet, La Voglia

12. Le Touquet

Known as the “Paris-Plage” of the north, Le Touquet offers a lively beach experience with golf courses, horse racing, and a vibrant town atmosphere. It’s a popular destination for families and sports enthusiasts.

• Address: Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, Pas-de-Calais, France

• Timings: Open year-round

• How to reach: Train or drive from nearby cities like Calais or Boulogne

• Things to do: Golfing, horse racing, beach activities

• Best time to visit: Summer months

• Accommodation: Novotel Thalassa Le Touquet, Hôtel Equinoxe, Holiday Inn Resort Le Touquet by IHG, Be Cottage Hotel

• Top restaurants: Le Sand, La Plage Des Pirates, L’ Atelier Éphémère, Le Matisse

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13. Grande Anse d’Arlet Beach, Martinique

Located in the Caribbean, this beach offers a tropical paradise with crystal-clear waters and stunning sunsets. Grande Anse is one of the best public beaches in France for snorkeling. Its calm, shallow waters are home to colorful coral reefs and tropical fish.

• Address: Les Anses-d’Arlet, Martinique

• Timings: Accessible year-round

• How to reach: Fly to Martinique Airport; drive to Les Trois-Îlets

• Things to do: Snorkeling, swimming, sunset viewing

• Best time to visit: Year-round due to tropical climate

• Accommodation: Hôtel Panoramic, Hotel Bakoua, Hôtel Bambou & Spa Martinique, Carayou Hotel & Spa

• Top restaurants: Little Rock, Ti Sable, Burger Station, La Pagerie – Tropical Garden Hotel

14. Plage des Dunes, Brittany

Plage des Dunes is part of the Gâvres-Quiberon National Nature Reserve, a protected area known for its unique dune ecosystem and migratory birds. This beach is characterized by its vast sandy dunes and scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s ideal for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful coastal experience.

• Address: 27 Rue des Dunes, 22710 Penvénan, France

• Timings: Open year-round

• How to reach: Train or drive from nearby cities like Rennes or Nantes

• Things to do: Swimming, sunbathing, dune exploration

• Best time to visit: Summer months

• Accommodation: Les Hauts de Kerano, Hôtel Restaurant Le Goas Plat, Grand Hotel Du Port Blanc, Le Littoral

• Top restaurants: L’ Islandais – Restaurant, Le ty Gwen pizzeria restaurant, Cafe Ar Vag, Le Café Pesked

15. Grève Saint-Pierre, Brittany

Known for its pink granite coastline, this area offers breathtaking scenic views and hiking trails. It’s perfect for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

• Address: Brittany, France

• Timings: Accessible year-round

• How to reach: Train or drive from nearby cities like Rennes or Nantes

• Things to do: Hiking, scenic views, rock climbing

• Best time to visit: Summer months

• Accommodation: Castel Beau Site, L’Agapa Hôtel – Spa, Roz Marine Thalasso, Auberge Ti’gousket

• Top restaurants: Restaurant Le Macareux, McDonald’s, Le Brélévenez

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FAQs

Are there any entry fees for the beaches in France?

Most French beaches are free and open to the public. However, some private beaches — especially along the French Riviera (like in Nice, Cannes, or Saint-Tropez) — charge for access to sunbeds, umbrellas, or VIP areas. Public sections are always available nearby.

Are French beaches suitable for families with kids?

Yes, many beaches in France are great for families. Look for ones with calm, shallow water and lifeguards in summer, like Palombaggia Beach (Corsica), La Baule (Brittany), and Arcachon Bay (near Bordeaux). These spots often have playgrounds or family-friendly cafés too.

Is there any dress code for visiting beaches in France?

There’s no formal dress code. Swimsuits, trunks, and beachwear are standard. Topless sunbathing is common on many beaches, and there are some designated nude beaches too — especially on the Mediterranean coast. If you’re heading into town or shops afterward, throw on a cover-up or shirt.

What are some must-try local dishes near French beaches?

Coastal French cuisine is a highlight. Try bouillabaisse (fish stew) in Marseille, moules-frites (mussels and fries) in Normandy, fresh oysters in Arcachon, and socca (chickpea pancake) in Nice. Beachfront restaurants often serve fresh seafood, rosé wine, and regional specialties.

Is it safe to swim in the waters of French beaches?

Generally yes. Beaches are well-maintained, and many have lifeguards in peak season (look for “plage surveillée”). Follow local signs and flag warnings — especially in the Atlantic, where waves and currents can be stronger. Water quality is usually high, and many beaches post daily updates.

What facilities are available at the beaches?

Facilities vary depending on the location. Popular beaches often have restrooms, showers, sunbed rentals, beach clubs, and water sports. Smaller or wilder beaches may have few or no services, so plan accordingly. Public beaches in France in cities like Nice or Biarritz often have beach mats or platforms due to pebbles.

What should I pack for a day at the beach in France?

Bring the basics: sunscreen, swimwear, a hat, sunglasses, a towel or beach mat, water, and snacks. Water shoes can help on pebble beaches. If visiting a more upscale or private beach club, a lightweight cover-up or dress might be useful for beachside dining.