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Get to know the most famous beach towns and coastal cities in France, from the Atlantic ocean to the Mediterranean sea along the French Riviera.
- Tantalising Le Touquet. How to Get to Le Touquet. Take a car ferry or the Eurotunnel from Dover to Calais and then drive for one hour to Le Touquet. Closest international airport – Paris.
- Breathtaking Étretat. How to Get to Étretat. Eurotunnel from Folkstone to Calais in 35 minutes, then go by train, bus or car to Etretat. Etretat from Paris is a two-hour drive, and this pretty seaside town is a favourite weekend escape for Parisians.
- Chic Deauville. Deauville on Côte Fleurie in lower Normandy has been one of the most popular beaches in France since the 1860s. The seaside resort was the place to be seen for wealthy Parisians, and the international jet set thanks to the Paris-Deauville railway, the casino and horse racing.
- Traditional Trouville-Sur-Mer. How to get to Deauville and Trouville-Sur-Mer. Fly into Paris and take a direct train to Deauville in four hours. Or take the car via the Eurotunnel to Calais; from there, it is a three-hour drive.
Jul 9, 2022 · Overall, the South of France has it all: a rich heritage and steeped history, Provençal countryside villages and markets, and sparkly white beaches with azure coves. The big blue beckons on any trip here, with some of the most idyllic, exclusive and elusive spots aligned together.
- Trouville-sur-Mer. If you fancy walking an endless stretch of wild coastline, backed by wildlife-filled dunes, then Trouville-sur-Mer is the spot for you!
- Honfleur. This vibrant town on the Normandy coast just oozes authentic French charm. The stone-clad harbour is a wonderful place to stroll and you can watch the activity on the water over the rim of your coffee cup or a wine glass at a local cafe.
- Menton. Right on the border with Italy, Menton feels world’s away from Nice and Cannes along the French Riviera. It has its own micro-climate, is famous for its lemons… plus there’s a benefit to being so close to Italy – you can hop across the border for some fresh Italian produce!
- Saint-Malo. If you’ve ever imagined visiting a perfect French seaside town, Saint-Malo might just be that place. Surrounded on three sides by the ocean, this ancient Breton town (the Romans founded it in 100 BC) has spires, narrow cobbled streets and coastal charm.
- Trouville-sur-Mer. Best for: An utterly charming seaside resort. Nearest airport: Deauville St. Gatien. Where to stay: Le Flaubert. Cures Marines Hotel & Spa Trouville.
- Honfleur. Best for: A traditional French beach town. Nearest airport: Deauville St. Gatien. Where to stay: Hôtel Saint-Delis – La Maison du Peintre. La Ferme Saint Simeon Spa.
- Etretat. Best for: Breathtaking chalk cliffs. Nearest airport: Deauville St. Gatien. Where to stay: Domaine Saint Clair – Le Donjon. Dormy House. Les Pins de César.
- Saint-Malo. Best for: History & culture. Nearest airport: Dinard Pleurtuit. Where to stay: Château Hôtel Du Colombier. Hôtel La Villefromoy. Hôtel Le Nouveau Monde.
Feb 22, 2024 · Delve into the depths of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Biarritz, La Rochelle, Île de Ré, Royan, and Cap Ferret – five coastal gems that have been unjustly overlooked. With their picturesque beaches, charming architecture, and vibrant atmosphere, these towns offer a truly enchanting escape from the ordinary.
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Thanks to its three long stretches of coastline, France has plenty of great beaches. From upmarket resorts to the secluded calanques (coves) and beaches steeped with historical significance, there are a variety of opportunities for fans of the sand. Here is our selection of the 20 best beaches in France.
