After long days of navigating museum crowds, walking through medieval castles, and following your French itinerary, it’s definitely time for a break! If you are in France during the summer months, no better place to regroup than the beach. There are multiple coastal destinations in France, from glamorous resort areas to off-the-beaten path secluded beaches. Whichever you choose, a French seaside experience is the perfect remedy.
In the Southern Languedoc region, not far from Montpellier, many popular beaches are within 13km of the city and offer sunny escapades right on the Mediterranean. The Plage del L’Espiguette is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in all of France, with its vast stretch of sand, intermittent dunes and shallow waters. A very casual beach, here there are paddle boards and various water activities, as well as “natural beaches” a bit further down. A few beach bars nearby offer regional food and drink, and are great spots to “refuel”. L’After Espiguette is a highly-regarded local restaurant/bar, open all day, with a plethora of menu selections, outdoor seating and great beach-side ambience. Spend a day on the sand in Montpellier, and you will be full of energy and ready to tackle your next itinerary item.
At the extreme Northern end of France there are equally stunning beaches on the Atlantic Ocean, in and near the town of Deauville, known as the Côte Fleurie. A totally different vibe from the Mediterranean, Deauville has wide sandy beaches complete with multi-colored umbrellas, an extensive boardwalk, personal attendants, and chic boutiques and restaurants. The famous Casino Barrière Deauville and luxury hotels, such as Le Normandy, attract the rich and famous to this seaside town, which is only two hours from Paris. When you are not taking in the sun and fresh air from a lounge, under your private umbrella, there are horse races and polo matches to experience. Meandering across the Pont des Belges, you will arrive at an equally popular fishing village and beach, Trouville-sur-Mer, where there are many crèperies, bars and restaurants. Enjoy lunch at La Table du Marché, which serves a great menu from locally sourced ingredients.
Further south on the Atlantic Coast, the area of Bretagne boasts numerous beaches of all sizes and attributes. Otherwise known as a mecca for surfers, many of the beaches have sizeable waves attracting experienced swimmers and surfers. However, not all the beaches have strong waves, and the glorious, calm sandy beach in Dinard is a wonderful place for families with children. Here, it is safe for swimming, and the beach is wide enough for games, picnics and other activities. Behind the Dinard Beach there is a long Promenade where food and snacks are abundant. Le Café Rouge specializes in super fresh seafood and fine dining. Another nearby beach in Bretagne is the seaside resort of Saint-Malo, with its extensive golden sand stretching more than 3 km. Although it attracts crowds of people during the high season, it rarely seems crowded. There is a beach for all ages and skills on the coast of Bretagne.
One of the best destinations for beach lovers is Biarritz. Located on the Bay of Biscay, on the Atlantic, near the Spanish border, this region exudes quite a different culture and ambience. Biarritz has six amazing beaches which offer great retreats for relaxation, sun bathing and people watching. Some are great for swimming and others are better for children. Near the center of town is the Grande Plage, where the sand is abundant, and actually has a beach club for children, as well as lots of adjacent cafés and restaurants. The Café de la Grande Plage is open from breakfast to dinner, and offers an impressive, regularly-changing menu. A more secluded, small and intimate spot, the Vieux Port Beach, is sheltered from the strong winds and is much more child-friendly. However, even further south, for the surfing afficianado, the Plage Côte des Basques is considered to be a surfer’s paradise. The Basque personality is everywhere evident in Biarritz, where locals and shop owners are always friendly and helpful.
We would be remiss if we didn’t include the beaches on the Côte d’Azur, located in and around St. Tropez. If you are in the area, visiting one of the famous Pampelonne beach clubs should be a priority. Two of the most famous are the Tahiti Plage and the well-known Nikki Beach Club. The Pampelonne is the longest and most popular beach site in St. Tropez. Nikki Beach is considered to be the best beach for the world glitterati, as famous movie stars and other VIP’s gather around their yachts and cabanas to enjoy all that summer has to offer. The Tahiti Plage is open to everyone, and the beach bar and restaurant offer great eating options. Be reminded that both of these beaches have stretches of sand where clothing is “Optional”; so plan accordingly. The Rayol Canadel-sur-mer beach is lesser known, further from the action in St. Tropez. It is quieter and is enjoyed by both adults as well as children.
In all of these seaside locations, a broad range of accommodations is available, from 5-Star hotels to Youth Hostels, Camping Grounds and Airbnb’s. You will easily find a hotel that will fit any budget. The beaches of France, no matter what time of year, provide a great time for rest and relaxation, amazing views and an opportunity to experience a new culture.
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