18 Best Beaches in France

France, a beautiful place in Europe, is not only famous for its rustic alleys, mediaeval buildings and alpine villages but also for its splendid beaches. Outlining the southwestern and northern parts are the three water bodies, Bay of Biscay, the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. 

For spending the most memorable holiday trip here, make sure you know the best beaches in France that you must explore. To know about these in detail, let's explore the following list.

From the dazzling idylls of the French Riviera to the wonders of Corsica, there is no shortage of serene beaches in France. Moreover, these are all blessed with colourful settings and dotted with picturesque landforms. Thus, allowing you to live the desired quality time you are yearning for. To make sure you do not miss out any place, here is a list for you to cover:

1. Plage de la Côte des Basques, Biarritz

Plage de la Cote des Basques is one of France's gems that tops the summer destination list of all royals and celebrities. However, what attracts the tourists to this place the most is its rising tide, unkempt surroundings, and boulders. In addition, here, you will also spot several surfers riding the playful waves, and if you are lucky, you may even meet a movie star. 

• Best Time to Visit: September to November
• Famous for: The top things this beach is famous for include:
  • Beach walking
  • Surfing
  • Cliff view
  • Sea bathing

2. Calanque d’en Vau, Cassis

Tucked between the striking cliffs, Calanque d'en Vau is a hidden treasure of France and one of the best places to explore. The exit pathway made of leads and woods offers a thrilling trail for adventure seekers making it a memorable trip. In addition, the outlining of silver sand and rocky walls gives it a delightful sight. There are other water activities to try as well. 

• Best Time to Visit: October to June
• Famous for: If travelling to this beach, know about the things it's famous for, like:
  • High cliff
  • Pebble beach
  • Boating
  • Swimming
  • Trailing 

3. Les Calanques de Cassis, Marseille

Located in the southern part, Les Calanques de Cassis is one of the famous beaches in France. Surrounded by a magnificent setting, turquoise water and vast outdoors, it attracts tourists from all parts of the world. Apart from that, thrillseekers can hike up to the Calanques National Park while nature enthusiasts can admire the bright teal water of the Mediterranean Sea. 

• Best Time to Visit: May to June
• Famous for: Besides beauty, this beach is known for:
  • Short boat tours
  • Hiking
  • Work of art 
  • Different rocks

4. Plage de la Gravette, Antibes

Lying amidst Cannes and Nice, Antibes is a dreamy coastal town of France attracting people from all parts of the world. Here you can find both sandy and pebbled beaches. However, the most popular one is Plage de la Gravette, which has a horseshoe-shaped stretch. Apart from this, the place is brimming with ancient architecture, private clubs and water activities. 

• Best Time to Visit: June to September
• Famous for: The following are some noteworthy things about this beach to consider:
  • White gravel
  • Luminescent water
  • Royal crowd

5. Paloma Beach, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Paloma Beach is another one of the top beaches of France and is named after Paloma Picasso, who spent his life with this family peacefully in a tucked away spot. People visit this beach to spend some time in tranquillity and luxury. A section of this beach is accessible by private guests only, offering exceptional views of the coastal region.

• Best Time to Visit: July to September
• Famous for: Here are a few things this beach is famous for:
  • Sailing
  • Paddle boating 
  • Water skiing
  • Gazing at the gleaming yachts

6. Plage de Tahiti, Frioul Islands

If you are yearning for a subdued vacation in France, Plage de Tahiti is the place you must visit. This beach is easily accessible from Marseille and offers an offbeat beach experience. Located in the Mediterranean, this place maintains a moderate climate throughout summer. Not to mention, there are enough beautiful fortresses and covers surrounding the place. 

• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Famous for: The following are some of the famous things about this beach:
  • Snorkelling
  • Day tour
  • Swimming 
  • Picnicking
  • Exploring forts

7. Prado Beach, Marseille

Located in the southern part of France, you would want to visit Prado Beach if you want to enjoy city life as well as beach life. It is a group of three beaches where families can enjoy quality time with their kids. Not to mention it offers various sports activities that are sure to bring the adrenaline rush. Also, from here you can access the city centre easily. 

• Best Time to Visit: July to September
• Famous for: The following are some of the things Prado beach is famous for:
  • Fun playground
  • Marine amusement
  • Panoramic view
  • Sailboarding
  • Snorkelling
  • Kayaking

8. Palombaggia, Corsica

A perfect amalgamation of golden sand, majestic cliffs, turquoise water and umbrella-shaped pines, Palombaggia is one of the best beaches to visit in France. Here you can find plenty of water activities. It is also a paradise for surfers as it allows them to ride the waves through the wind. Other highlights include beach bars and nature reserve islands. 

• Best Time to Visit: April to November
• Famous for: If visiting this beach, note the following famous things about this place:
  • Umbrella pines
  • Pedal boating
  • Jet skiing
  • Kayaking
  • Boat trips

9. Etretat, Normandy

Jagged with adorned cliffs, this pebble beach of Etretat is another famous beach to visit. Located along the coastline of Alabaster, it attracts sailors and surfers from various parts of the world. However, the top things people admire about this place are its arched rock formations and chalk cliffs. Also, do not forget to check out its natural sculptures. 

• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Famous for: Etretat is a well-known place for things like:
  • Etretat cliffs
  • Garden
  • Seaside promenade
  • View from Notre Dame de la Garde 
  • Exploring old town

10. Deauville Beach, Normandy

Deauville beach is another gem of the Normandy region that flaunts its broad walk lined with ice cream vendors and adorable boutique stores. Not only this, but this place is also a go-to destination for all couples, thanks to the setting sun and golden sands. Another thing that makes the beach beautiful is the shore dotted with huts and beach umbrellas. 

• Best Time to Visit: June to August
• Famous for: Besides being a sight to sore eyes, Deauville is famous for many other things like:
  • Colourful parasols
  • Beach front shops and bars
  • Deauville American Film Festival
  • Belle Epoque casino, Casino Barriere

11. En Vau, Massif des Calanques

To seek a romantic getaway, you must visit En Vau, famous for its wilderness. Here you will find a series of narrow coves made of limestone lying amidst towering cliffs and sprawling over a distance of 20 km between the rugged coastline of Marseille and Cassis. However, it's blessed with a view of emerald water and craggy cliffs but  hiking here can be a bit challenging.

• Best Time to Visit: June to August
• Famous for: There are a few things to note about this beach, it includes:
  • Swimming
  • Snorkelling
  • Kayaking
  • View from limestone cliffs
  • Walking down the trail

12. Calvi Beach, Corsica

Calvi beach is the most visited French island. It has around 200 beaches containing lesser-known adult havens, quiet treasures, and a selection of boisterous family sands. However, Calvi beach tops all, thanks to its beautiful setting. This beach is blessed with wide stretches of pure white shining sand and the sultry simmering waves make it even special.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Famous for: To enjoy the best moments, keep a check of the famous things about Calvi beach:
  • Picnic with family
  • Restaurants and cafes
  • Scuba diving
  • Trying water sport
  • Visiting citadel

13. Plage de Portissol, Sanary-sur-Mer

If you want to experience what simple coastal living in South France looks like, you must visit Plage de Portissol. This is a beautiful beach dotted with smaller boats and fish restaurants. However, the major highlight that attracts tourists is the sight of the sparkling clean sea, natural environment and natural seagrass (Posidonia) encroaching the sand. 

• Best Time to Visit: April to September
• Famous for: Few things that make this beach an attractive place for tourists are:
  • Walking in the pebbly shallow waters
  • Snorkelling
  • Strolling around the pretty harbour
  • Cliff view

14. Porquerolles Island, Var

Located five miles away from the southern French coast, Ile de Porquerolles is an island you would want to visit to enjoy a relaxed, casual day at the beach. A unique thing about this beach is it's car-free, so you can schedule a perfect picnic here or get a chance to ride a bike. Moreover, a mix of sandy sweeps, big blue and dramatic trails make it more special. 

• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Famous for: Make sure you do not miss out on the special things about this beach, like:
  • Techni-colour fish
  • Beach bike riding
  • Toting a picnic
  • Snorkelling

15. Plage de Pampelonne, St-Tropez

With sublime restaurants, superyachts and swagger, St Tropez always strikes the mind when yearning for a memorable holiday, and Plage de Pampelonne tops the destination list. It is a celeb hot spot lined with private clubs and restaurants. However, the biggest highlight of this place is it has talcum powder, soft sand, crystal clear water and a nudist beach section. 

• Best Time to Visit: June to September
• Famous for: If visiting Plage de Pampelonne for the first time, note the famous things about this place like:
  • Marine air sport
  • European diving school
  • Laser forest
  • Scuba diving
  • Caseneuve Maxi Catamaran 

16. Grande Plage, Biarritz

Grande Plage, also known as the 'Crazy beach', is a central hot spot of Biarritz, with luxurious restaurants, cafes and shopping hubs. It is a paradise for surfers and sailors, all thanks to the mid-low tide that makes it a safe place. However, the unique thing to notice about this place is that its architecture is influenced by Napoleon II and Eugenie days. 

• Best Time to Visit: June to September
• Famous for: Few noteworthy things to explore about this place includes:
  • 1920-styled beach tents and chairs
  • Surfing schools
  • Rent a tent
  • Casino
  • Atlantic Ocean view

17. Plage de Sylvabelle, La Croix Valmer

This place is perfect for those who enjoy their own company in peace. In other words, this place is known for its absence of commerce. There is no music, no car noise, or beach bars. So, tourists should bring their food and source of entertainment like a book. Moreover, to access the white sands of Sylvabelle, you may have to take the steep rocky steps.

• Best Time to Visit: June to September
• Famous for: If visiting Plage de Sylvabelle, make sure you know about the things it's famous for, like:
  • Walking along the clean sand
  • Snorkelling
  • Hiking through the steep steps
  • Swimming

18. Baie de Paulilles, Port-Vendres

A frequent filming spot, Baie de Paulilles is a secluded beach in Southern France. It records the most stunning view of the Alberes and boasts its marine biodiversity. This beach,  coupled with shallow clear water, makes it a perfect spot for underwater exploration. However, if you drive to this place, you must park your car at Bernardi Beach and walk to this destination. 

• Best Time to Visit: June to September
• Famous for: The following are the few things this beach is famous for:
  • Sea cruise 
  • Snorkelling
  • Walking along the beach's shore
  • Photography of the stunning Alberes view

These are a few of the best beaches in France you must visit at least once in your lifetime. They are seamless, vast and blessed with beautiful gorges. Not to mention, they include enough water activities to make your trip memorable. However, go through the information available under each suggestion to pick the right spot according to your holiday expectation.