20 best beaches in France | Our top picks

With three sweeping coastlines, France delivers when it comes to beaches. Think sleek Riviera resorts, quiet calanques – and shores steeped in history. Whether you're after soft sand or something more rugged – there's plenty to explore.

Here are 20 of the best beaches in France – each worth planning a trip around.

The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to France, your essential guide for France.

What are the best beaches to visit in France?

If you're planning a trip to France, the coast should be part of your journey – whether you're chasing surf in Biarritz, swimming off the Riviera, or hiking into a hidden calanque in Corsica. With three distinct coastlines – Atlantic, Channel and Mediterranean – there’s a huge variety of beach experiences to choose from.

This guide pulls together 20 of the best places to visit in France if you want sand, sea and scenery. It’s also a great resource when shaping your France itinerary – whether you're looking for family–friendly shores, off–grid escapes or surf spots with a buzz.

Need help beyond the beach? Check out our essential France travel tips for advice on getting around, avoiding crowds and finding local favorites.

1. Barneville, Barneville-Carteret, Normandy

Barneville-Carteret may sound like a double act – but each side of this Normandy duo brings something different. Carteret has the yacht-filled harbor, seafood restaurants and that crisp maritime charm. But Barneville is where you want to lay your towel. Just across the bay, it’s home to a broad, golden sweep of sand that feels like it was made for slow strolls and lazy swims. The beach stretches on and on – wide, clean and tide-smoothed, with firm sand that's ideal for walking barefoot or playing beach games.

Behind the dunes, you’ll spot old seaside villas with weather-worn shutters – some dating back to the early 20th century. They give the place a nostalgic, low-key feel – far removed from glitzier resorts. There’s not much in the way of flashy facilities, and that’s the point. Bring a picnic, maybe a book, and settle in for a slow afternoon.

How to get to Barneville

Barneville-Carteret is about a 1.5-hour drive from Caen – and just under 2 hours from Cherbourg. If you're coming by train, take the Paris–Cherbourg line and change at Valognes for a bus to Barneville–Carteret. A car makes things easier – especially if you're planning to beach-hop along the west coast of the Cotentin Peninsula.

2. Utah Beach, Normandy

Utah Beach isn’t just a stretch of sand – it’s one of the most powerful historic sites in France. On June 6, 1944, this was the westernmost point of the D-Day landings – where 23,000 Allied troops and 1,700 vehicles stormed ashore under heavy fire. Today, the beach remains remarkably open and quiet – a stark contrast to its violent past. It’s this haunting stillness, coupled with traces of wartime engineering, that makes it unforgettable.

At low tide, you can see the hulks of ships deliberately scuttled to form breakwaters – part of the vast artificial harbour system known as Mulberry. Markers along the sand commemorate fallen soldiers by name – a sobering reminder of the personal stories behind the statistics. A narrow coast road runs behind the dunes, tracing the movements of the invasion forces, and nearby you'll find the excellent Utah Beach D-Day Museum – small but sharply curated.

How to get to Utah Beach

Utah Beach is on the Cotentin Peninsula – about a 40-minute drive from Sainte-Mère-Église or just over an hour from Cherbourg. Public transport is limited, so driving is your best bet. Follow the D421 from Sainte-Marie-du-Mont – signage is clear and the route doubles as a visual prelude to the site’s history.

3. Wissant, Nord-Pas-de-Calais

Wissant is the kind of place that surprises you – not because it’s flashy, but because it’s effortlessly charming. Just 20km south of Calais, this small seaside town has a vast beach that seems to go on forever at low tide – perfect for long walks, beach games or simply watching the windsurfers carve across the waves. The wind here can be fierce – which is exactly why it’s a favorite for kitesurfers and sailboarders.

But Wissant also has layers of history beneath its salt air. Julius Caesar is said to have launched his invasion of Britain from this very shoreline in 55 BC – and while there’s little to see from that era today, it adds an unexpected gravitas to the place. The town itself is low-key, with a handful of cafés and boulangeries, and a few holiday homes tucked behind grassy dunes. You won’t find nightlife here – just clean sea air, plenty of space and a good excuse to unplug.

How to get to Wissant

Wissant is around a 25-minute drive from Calais via the D940 coastal road – which offers sweeping views along the way. If you’re coming from the UK, take the ferry or Eurotunnel to Calais – then drive. There’s no direct train service to Wissant, so having a car is the best way to make the most of this corner of the Côte d’Opale.

4. Les Sables-D’Olonne, Pays de la Loire

Les Sables-d’Olonne is a curious mix – part glitzy seaside town, part old-school Atlantic resort. Yes, the town’s edges have seen a bit too much concrete over the years – but the heart of the place still has flair. You’ll find Belle Époque façades, a lively promenade and an unmissable beachfront scene. The main draw here is the vast, south-facing curve of sand – sheltered, clean and buzzing with activity in summer.

This beach isn’t just for sunbathers – it’s made for doing things. Sailing schools, surf lessons, paddleboarding, beach volleyball – you name it. The waves tend to be gentle, making it a great spot for beginner surfers. And when you're done in the water, there’s plenty going on ashore. Stroll the harbor, duck into seafood spots, or check out the quirky Musée de l’Abbaye Sainte-Croix. It’s a solid pick for families, solo travelers and anyone after a beach with energy and charm.

How to get to Les Sables-d’Olonne

Les Sables-d’Olonne is well connected – around 1.5 hours by train from Nantes, or just under 2 hours from La Rochelle. Trains run direct from both cities. If you're driving, the A87 motorway takes you most of the way. Once in town, the beach is a short walk from the station – easy, even with a board under your arm.

5. Plage de Saleccia, Corsica

Plage de Saleccia feels like a secret – even though it’s one of Corsica’s most spectacular beaches. Picture a long curve of white sand, backed by fragrant maquis scrub and facing a sea so clear it barely looks real. This stretch of coast played its part in cinema history too – standing in for Normandy in The Longest Day, thanks to its unspoiled, wide-open setting.

Getting here isn’t simple – but that’s half the appeal. You can hike in via a rugged 12km trail from the Désert des Agriates – a scorched, scrubby landscape protected for its wild beauty. It takes around five and a half hours on foot, and you’ll want water, sun protection and decent shoes. The remoteness keeps crowds away, and once you're there, it's all about the stillness – no cafés, no shops, just sand, sea and silence.

For something less intense, 4WD shuttles run from nearby Casta, and in summer you can take a boat from Saint–Florent. Whichever way you choose – it’s worth it.

How to get to Plage de Saleccia

The easiest option is a boat from Saint–Florent – about 30 minutes each way, with departures from the marina. If you're up for the challenge, hike in from the Désert des Agriates (starting at the Lotu Beach trailhead), or take a 4WD shuttle from Casta along a rough dirt track. This is wild terrain – plan ahead and don’t expect mobile signal.

6. Calvi, Corsica

Calvi’s beach isn’t exactly under the radar – but it’s still a solid pick, especially if you want a balance of comfort and freedom. The beach arcs around the bay from the edge of Quai Landry, with the citadel looming behind and pine trees fringing the sand. It’s an undeniably scenic spot, making it a popular stop on many France beaches itineraries. The first stretch is lined with beach bars renting out loungers at steep prices. If that’s not your thing, don’t worry – walk a little.

A sandy trail runs just behind the beach. Follow it for a few minutes and you’ll find a quieter section, free from the crowds and the sound of cocktail shakers. The sand stays soft underfoot, and while the sea isn’t as dazzlingly clear as elsewhere on the island, it’s shallow, warm and ideal for swimming. Great for France with kids holidays too – no rocks, no strong currents, just space to splash around. This isn’t Corsica’s wildest beach, but if you want an easygoing spot with a bit of buzz nearby, Calvi works.

How to get to Calvi

Calvi has its own airport – about 15 minutes by taxi from the town center – with seasonal flights from France and elsewhere in Europe. There’s also a train line connecting Calvi to L’Île–Rousse and Bastia. If you're coming by car, take the coastal D81B. Once in town, the beach is walking distance from the harbor and the citadel – no extra transport needed.

7. Palombaggia Beach, Porto-Vecchio, Corsica

Palombaggia is what many people picture when they dream of France beaches – and for good reason. This golden arc of sand, backed by umbrella pines and flanked by red granite rocks, is Corsica at its most photogenic. The beach curves gently around a turquoise bay, with water so clear you can see fish darting past your ankles. It’s easy to see why it’s often listed among Europe’s best.

That said, it does get busy – especially during July and August. If you can, come just before or after peak season. Outside school holidays, the pace is slower and the beach’s natural beauty really shines. The sea here is calm and shallow – perfect for swimming or paddling.

Just south of Palombaggia, you’ll find two lesser–known gems – Cala di la Folaca and Plage d’Acciaju. They’re quieter, but just as lovely, with the same white sand and clear water. Bring a picnic, and you could easily spend the whole day exploring this stretch of coast.

How to get to Palombaggia

Palombaggia is about a 20–minute drive from Porto–Vecchio – follow signs along winding coastal roads. There’s limited public transport, so having a car is best. Parking can fill up by late morning in summer, so arrive early. Some spots are paid, and the walk from the lot to the beach can be sandy and uneven – wear decent footwear.

8. Porto, Corsica – one of the best beaches in France for wild nature

Porto’s beach isn’t the kind you come to for soft sand and sunloungers – and that’s exactly why it stands out. Tucked just beyond the shoulder of a vast granite outcrop crowned with a Genoese tower, this pebbly cove feels untamed. The sea here drops off quickly, with a deep blue that hints at how fast it gets serious. Don’t expect to wade in slowly – it’s a place for confident swimmers.

To get there, follow the path from the marina around the rock, cross the wooden footbridge over the River Porto, then head through the shaded car park. It’s a short walk – but it feels like an arrival. The setting is spectacular: high crags looming behind you, the maquis-covered hills stretching inland, and the Golfe de Porto unfolding in front.

The beach is rocky and a little raw, but that’s part of its appeal. Come late in the day and you’ll often have it nearly to yourself – just the wind in the pines and the crash of waves on stone. No frills, no crowds – just nature doing its thing.

How to get to Porto

Porto is best reached by car – it’s a two–hour drive from both Calvi and Ajaccio, depending on which winding mountain route you take. Public transport is limited and seasonal, so don’t rely on it. There’s parking in town, and from the marina, it’s a short walk to the beach via clearly marked paths.

9. St-Jean-de-Luz, Aquitaine

St-Jean-de-Luz might get busy in summer – but it’s earned its popularity. Tucked between the Pyrenees and the Atlantic, this town has a rare combination: a well–sheltered sandy beach, a walkable old quarter, and plenty of character. The bay here is the most protected of the Basque coast – ringed by breakwaters that keep the surf tame and the swimming safe, even for kids.

The beach is central, clean and gently sloping – ideal for a day in and out of the sea. Behind it, the town’s half–timbered houses and 17th–century facades give it a polished yet lived–in feel. You’ll find boulangeries, boutiques and seafood spots just a block from the sand. St-Jean-de-Luz is busy, yes – especially in August – but it handles crowds well, and the beach never feels hemmed in by high-rises or noise.

It's also a good choice for those mixing beach time with culture – the town has deep Basque roots, and the food reflects it. Come in the shoulder season for space to stretch out and enjoy the rhythm of this classic seaside resort.

How to get to St-Jean-de-Luz

St-Jean-de-Luz is easy to reach by train – it’s on the main Bordeaux-Hendaye line, just 20 minutes south of Biarritz. Trains run regularly and drop you near the town center. If you're driving, the A63 motorway runs nearby, with ample parking on the edge of town. The beach is less than a 10-minute walk from the station.

10. Bandol, Provence-Alps-Côte-d’Azur

Bandol offers a more down-to-earth take on the Côte d’Azur – think pine-shaded coves, cliffside trails and a laid–back seafront. From the Port de la Madrague, at the eastern end of Les Lecques Bay, you can pick up a well–marked 10km coastal path. It leads through a series of wild, rocky beaches and quiet calanques – the steep-walled coves typical of this part of southern France.

The walk itself is a highlight. You’ll pass scrubland heavy with rosemary and juniper, limestone outcrops, and secluded inlets that feel far removed from the bustle of the Riviera. It’s easy to find a cove to yourself, especially outside weekends in high season. Finish up in Bandol, a relaxed town with a working harbor, no–fuss restaurants and a growing reputation for its rosé wines. It’s a good antidote to the glossier resorts to the east – and the sea here is just as clear.

How to get to Bandol

Bandol is around a 45-minute drive from Marseille or 1.5 hours from Nice. Trains from Marseille run regularly and take under an hour – the station is walking distance from the town center. If you’re starting the coastal walk from Port de la Madrague, you’ll need to take a local bus or taxi from Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer. Bring decent shoes – the trail is rocky in parts.

11. The Bay of Lannion, Brittany

Lannion itself sits well inland – tucked up the River Léguer estuary – but its name is forever tied to one of Brittany’s most impressive coastal stretches. The Bay of Lannion unfurls in a broad, sweeping arc, with one continuous beach running from the sleepy hamlet of St–Michel-en-Grève to the port town of Locquirec. It’s a beach for walkers and wind-chasers, not deckchair lounging.

At low tide, the sea retreats dramatically – revealing hundreds of metres of firm, silvery sand. You can walk out for what feels like forever, with gulls circling overhead and the coastal air tasting faintly of salt and seaweed. The backdrop is low cliffs and scattered cottages – no high-rise hotels, no loud bars, just quiet and space. It’s not the best spot for swimming – the tide’s too fickle – but it’s ideal for long walks, wild beachcombing, or watching the changing weather roll in from the Atlantic.

This stretch of Brittany is often skipped in favor of better–known destinations, but for peaceful coastal scenery, it’s hard to beat.

How to get to the Bay of Lannion

The town of Lannion is served by regional trains from Rennes and St-Brieuc – and it's about a 20-minute drive from the coast. To access the beach, head for St-Michel-en-Grève or Locquirec by car. Public transport is sparse along this part of the coast, so it’s worth renting a car if you plan to explore more than one point along the bay.

12. St-Malo, Brittany

St-Malo’s walled citadel is a striking sight – but what lies beyond it might surprise you. Stretching out from the old stone ramparts is a vast, pale-sand beach that runs east all the way past the suburb of Paramé. It’s a beach with breathing space – wide, flat and always shifting with the dramatic tides of northern Brittany.

One of the most unique things to do here is walk to Grand-Bé, a tidal island just off the city walls. At low tide, a stone path emerges from the sea – linking the beach to the island. The walk is short and popular – so much so that on busy days, you might even have to queue. Once on the island, you’ll get sweeping views back toward the fortified city, and you can visit the grave of French writer Chateaubriand.

But timing is everything. Signs warn – and they mean it – that if you misjudge the tide, you’ll be stuck until the sea recedes again. It’s not dramatic unless you ignore the clock – but this is Brittany, and the tide waits for no one.

How to get to St-Malo

St-Malo is easy to reach by train – direct TGVs run from Paris in under 2.5 hours. If you're driving, it’s about an hour from Rennes via the N137. The beach is directly accessible from the old town walls, and the walk to Grand-Bé starts just below the Bastion de la Hollande. Tide tables are posted locally – check them before you set off.

13. Cap Blanc-Nez – Cap Gris-Nez, Pas de Calais

This stretch of the northern French coast offers one of the most evocative coastal drives in the country. Between the two headlands of Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez, the D940 threads high above the English Channel, hugging cliffs and rolling pastures. The name Côte d’Opale makes perfect sense up here – on overcast days, sea and sky blend into a soft grey shimmer, almost impossible to tell where one ends and the other begins.

The beaches below are vast, windswept and largely undeveloped. South of the headlands, the coastline flattens out, and the sand stretches unbroken for around 40km. You’ll find wide beaches backed by shifting dunes anchored with pine trees and scrub, and dotted with WWII German pillboxes – half–buried in sand or slumped at strange angles.

This isn’t a coast of beach bars and sunloungers – it’s one for long, bracing walks, stormy skies, and a real sense of space. On clear days, you can see the white cliffs of Dover across the Channel. Bring a windbreaker and don’t expect to swim – but for raw beauty and atmosphere, this place delivers.

How to get to Cap Blanc-Nez – Cap Gris-Nez

The D940 coast road connects the two capes – it’s best explored by car, ideally in good weather. Both headlands are around a 30-minute drive from Calais. You can park near each cape and walk the clifftop trails between them. Public transport is limited, so if you want to make the most of the area, driving is your best option.

14. Côte Sauvage, Poitou-Charentes

The name says it all – the Côte Sauvage is France’s wild coast, where nature calls the shots. This Atlantic-facing stretch, north of Royan, is long, windswept and brutally beautiful. You won’t find safe swimming here – the waves are too rough and the currents too strong – but the scenery is unforgettable. The surf crashes in from the Bay of Biscay, creating endless whitecaps that look more like a snowy mountain range than a beach break.

This is a place for walking, photography and clearing your head. Long dune-backed paths lead to wide, empty sandscapes where you might not see another person all day. Inland, pine forests provide shade, and the scent of resin hangs in the air. On the eastern, more sheltered side – near La Palmyre and Saint-Palais-sur-Mer – you’ll find gentler beaches, calmer waters and well-equipped campsites. Families tend to stay here, leaving the Côte Sauvage itself to the hardy and the curious.

How to get to Côte Sauvage

The Côte Sauvage lies on the Arvert Peninsula – about an hour’s drive south of La Rochelle. The nearest main town is Royan. You’ll need a car to explore the area properly, especially to access the more remote beaches and dunes. Some cycle paths follow the coast, but distances are long – bring supplies and a decent map.

15. Golfe de Morbihan

The Golfe du Morbihan – “little sea” in Breton – is a world apart from Brittany’s dramatic cliffs and wind-lashed points. Here, the coast softens. The gulf is studded with over 40 islands and islets, creating sheltered coves, calm bays and some of the most peaceful beaches in northern France. It's a landscape that seems designed for slow travel – by bike, boat or foot.

Vannes is the region’s cultural anchor – a medieval town with half–timbered houses and a vibrant weekly market. But the real draw is the gulf itself. Winding roads and coastal paths reveal tiny beaches tucked into folds of land, often with barely anyone else around. Sunsets over the water are a highlight, and birdlife is abundant, especially in the nature reserves at the eastern edge of the gulf.

It’s said the gulf once had an island for every day of the year – though erosion and rising seas have pared that number down. Still, it’s a place of endless discovery.

How to get to Golfe du Morbihan

Vannes is the main gateway – reachable by train from Rennes or Nantes in under 2 hours. From there, it’s best to rent a car or bike to explore the gulf’s peninsulas and islands. Boat trips leave from several ports, including Vannes and Port-Navalo, with some stopping at Île-aux-Moines and Île-d’Arz.

16. Plage des Dames, Île de Noirmoutier

Île de Noirmoutier is the kind of place that feels like a gentle throwback – all sea air, salt flats and slow coastal roads. One of its standout spots is Plage des Dames, tucked into the northeast corner of the island near the town of L’Herbaudière. Framed by pine forest and lined with neat rows of white wooden beach huts, the beach has a soft, timeless charm.

The sand here is golden and fine, and the bay stays calm thanks to natural protection from the island’s curve. It’s a popular beach in summer – especially with families – but early mornings and off-season visits reveal a peaceful side. The old-fashioned bathing huts add to the character, and there are walking trails nearby that loop through the woods and dunes.

How to get to Île de Noirmoutier

You can reach the island by road via the Passage du Gois – a tidal causeway that’s only open at low tide – or by bridge from Beauvoir-sur-Mer. It’s about an hour and 15 minutes from Nantes by car. Once on the island, local buses and cycle routes make it easy to get around. Plage des Dames is walkable from the island’s main town, Noirmoutier-en-l’Île.

17. Grande Plage, Biarritz

Grande Plage is Biarritz’s main event – a bold, wide beach that sits right at the heart of the town’s scene. Backed by the grand Art Deco casino and elegant seafront hotels, this is where sunbathers and surfers share the spotlight – and where people–watching is practically a sport. With its golden sand and sweeping views of the Atlantic, it’s easy to see why it’s often listed among the best beaches in France.

But don’t expect peace and quiet. This is a place to show up, stretch out and take part in the energy of Biarritz. It can feel crowded in summer, and during peak times, both surfers and swimmers face timed restrictions to manage numbers safely. Lifeguards are always present, and flag systems keep things in order.

When the sun starts to drop, the promenade behind the beach comes alive – with terrace cafés, surf shops and a stream of people taking in the sunset. If you’re looking for calm, you’ll find quieter beaches nearby – but for buzz and atmosphere, Grande Plage is the real deal.

How to get to Grande Plage, Biarritz

Biarritz is easy to reach by train – it’s on the main Paris-Hendaye line, with frequent connections. The beach is a 10-minute taxi or local bus ride from the station. If you're driving, there’s limited parking near the seafront, so aim to arrive early. Once in the old town, Grande Plage is impossible to miss – just follow the crowd heading toward the sea.

18. Plage Marbella and Plage de la Côte des Basques, Biarritz

South of the rocky bluff that separates them from Grande Plage, Plage Marbella and Plage de la Côte des Basques offer a wilder, more untamed take on Biarritz’s surf scene. Stretching for nearly two kilometres, this is prime territory for serious surfers – with rolling Atlantic swells, fewer crowds and no shortage of board–hire vans and surf schools near the northern end, closest to the old town.

Plage Marbella is the quieter of the two – more locals, fewer loungers, and a more rugged vibe. Côte des Basques, on the other hand, is iconic – the birthplace of surfing in France and still one of the most atmospheric spots to catch a wave. The cliffs above offer killer views and a promenade for watching the action below. But here’s the catch: at high tide, the sand disappears. Like, gone. If you’re not paying attention, you could find yourself stranded on a rock with the sea rushing in. Plan your visit around the tide times and leave before the water cuts you off.

How to get to Marbella and Côte des Basques

Both beaches are walkable from central Biarritz – about 15 minutes on foot from the old town. Follow the signs south along the cliffs, or take local bus line 8 to the Côte des Basques viewpoint. Parking is tight and limited in summer, especially near the top of the cliffs. Tide times are posted locally – check before you descend.

19. Le Stes-Maries-de-la-Mer, Provence

Set deep in the Camargue, where the Rhône meets the Mediterranean, Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is all white-washed buildings, terracotta rooftops and searing sunlight. From the town’s compact center, a ribbon of beaches curves westward – a series of small crescents carved out by stone breakwaters. In summer, they’re packed with swimmers, families and windsurfers making the most of the warm, shallow waters and consistent breezes.

The sand here is coarse and pale, the vibe relaxed, and the town still retains hints of its fishing–village roots. It’s also a major pilgrimage site for the Roma community, adding a layer of cultural significance to what at first glance looks like a typical seaside town. To the east, the pleasure port offers boat trips into the surrounding lagoons – great for spotting flamingos and wild horses – or fishing outings for those wanting to get out on the water.

How to get to Le Stes-Maries-de-la-Mer

The town is about 45 minutes by car from Arles – the nearest major transport hub. There’s limited public transport, so driving is by far the easiest option. Once there, everything is within walking distance, including the beaches, harbor and church at the town’s heart.

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

Paloma Beach is where Riviera daydreams get real – a small, polished cove on the north side of Pointe de Saint-Hospice, tucked away on Cap Ferrat’s exclusive coastline. With its pale pebbles, crystal-clear waters and forested backdrop, it’s easy to see why this beach has long been a favorite of the well–heeled. From the water, modern yachts drift silently just offshore, while from land, you reach the beach via shady footpaths that crisscross the peninsula.

Cap Ferrat itself is quiet – there’s no through traffic, and the one town, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, feels like a postcard version of Riviera luxury. The coastal trail around the cape is open to all and offers stunning views across Villefranche-sur-Mer and beyond. Paloma Beach has a private section with loungers and a restaurant, but there's also public access if you don’t mind skipping the table service.

How to get to Paloma Beach

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is around 30 minutes by bus or car from Nice. You can also reach it by train to Beaulieu-sur-Mer, then walk or take a taxi the rest of the way. From the town center, the beach is a 10–minute walk along marked coastal paths. Parking is limited – come early or avoid bringing a car altogether.