The Best Beaches In France, According to a Local

The French Riviera’s beaches along the Mediterranean Sea are postcard-perfect and world-renowned. But don’t make the mistake of thinking they’re the best beaches in the country! You’ll also find beautiful beaches and coastal landscapes on the north and west coasts of France – not to mention, Corsica. 

I’ve lived in France for 10 years, and I’ve explored many beaches throughout the country. Here are my top picks for beach stops across different destinations in France.

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France’s 19 Best Beaches

Trestraou Beach

Perros Guirec

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Free public lot 200m away | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Logis Hôtel Ker Mor

Trestraou Beach charms visitors with its rosy rocks. This beach is located in the seaside town of Perros Guirec in the Brittany region. 

Trestraou Beach is part of the “Rose Granite Coast” and offers sandy spaces for sunbathing. The water can get cold during the winter months, though. So plan your trip in summer, which is the best time to visit. 

The beach offers amenities that will appeal to families with kids, including a large trampoline and diving board. You can also book boat trips, including sailboat rentals. Dogs can come to Trestraou Beach on leashes between November 15 and March 15. 

Deauville Beach

Deauville

📍 Google Maps | Deauville Beach Website | 🅿️ Parking: Lais de la Mer parking lot, 6 euros for 2 hours (may vary by season) | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Hôtel Barrière Le Royal Deauville

Deauville Beach attracts crowds, particularly on warmer days. Visitors come for the views of the water as well as the colorful umbrellas spread out across the white sand, which are perfect for sunbathing. 

There are many excellent amenities along the Deauville Beach boardwalk, including many cafes. The presence of crowds, a casino, and bars make this beach more appealing to adults than children. Go in summer for the best weather. However, beach walks are pleasant in colder weather, too. 

Dogs can come to Deauville Beach on leashes between October 1 and April 30. Between those times, dogs are only allowed between 7 pm and 10 am.

Étretat Beach

Normandy

📍 Google Maps | Étrretat Beach Website | 🅿️ Parking: Free public lot; paying lot at 14 Rue Mathurin Lenormand, 3.20 euros per hour | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Castel de la Terrasse

Come to Étretat for the view rather than to swim. The famous chalk cliffs, painted by Impressionists like Claude Monet, draw visitors throughout the year. The walk to and from the pebble beach is especially appealing if you’re a hiker. This walk will grant you different views of the towering cliffs and hidden coves from the coastal path.

The crowds at Étretat can make parking difficult, particularly in the summer. Don’t count on getting a spot in the free lot closest to the beach if you visit during this time. Even paid lots nearby will get crowded. Plan on booking parking in advance when possible. If not, give yourself plenty of time for a spot to open up in the high season.

After visiting the cliffs, check out the cafés and restaurants in the village. Étretat is one of the best towns in France!

Grenettes Beach

Île de Ré

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Parking des Grenettes lot, free, 300m away | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Hôtel & SPA Le Richelieu

Grenettes Beach on the Île de Ré in the Atlantic will appeal to lovers of water sports. You can surf here on the strong waves in the evening. Fishing and flying kites are popular pastimes, too. The beach is better for taking relaxing walks and water sports than sunbathing, as it is partially rocky at low tide. Spending time here is one of my favorite things to do in France.

Grenettes Beach is generally not crowded. Dogs may come in the low season, although it can be cold then. The easiest way to get to the Île de Ré is from La Rochelle. You can take either a bus or a ferry from the mainland city.

Plage Île Madame

Charente Estuary

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Park in the free public lot to the west of the causeway before the island | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Hôtel & Spa Le Grand Large

Île Madame is an unpopulated tidal island off the western coast of France. It’s accessible via a causeway, which appears only at low tide. The beaches here are pebbly and ideal for walking. The island provides a relaxing retreat for those looking to get away. It’s also home to an oyster farm. 

You can camp or rent cottages here. However, expect a longer commute if you want to stay at a hotel. There are great hotels on the mainland, but none on the island.

Pets can come to Île Madame. Check the tide schedules to ensure you leave the island at your intended time. It can get cold and windy, however, because Île Madame is in the Atlantic. Visit during the summer months for the best weather. 

Plage Notre Dame

Porquerolles Island

📍 Google Maps | Porquerolles Beaches Website | 🅿️ Parking: Park at the Tour Fondue port before taking the ferry | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Hotel Residence Les Medes

Plage Notre Dame is located on Porquerolles Island, off the coast of the French Riviera. The beach offers crystal clear water and stunning scenery. Its location makes it a warm beach most of the year. Peak swimming months are from late spring to early fall. 

The isolated beach lacks shops or restaurants nearby, so pack well. But the upside? Plage Notre Dame generally has few visitors.

This beach is definitely for adventures. You’ll need to hop on a ferry from Tour Fondue, then cross the island. You can rent a bicycle at the harbor to come here, and then explore the rest of the island afterward. 

Plage de l’Aiguille

Théoule-Sur-Mer

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Free parking on the street | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Hôtel Club Port La Galère

The Plage de l’Aiguille on the French Riviera has a sandy beach, clear water, and fewer visitors than more popular beaches closer to Cannes. I recommend snorkeling to catch a glimpse of the stunning fish that live in these waters.

The Plage de l’Aiguille offers a shower and public restroom, making it a good choice for sporty families. The climb down to the beach is steep, though. It’s not ideal for very small children or people with disabilities. 

You can reach Plage de l’Aiguille by bus from Cannes or by car. Parking can be difficult nearby. 

Plage Paloma

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

📍 Google Maps | Paloma Beach Website | 🅿️ Parking: Free street parking, can get crowded | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Hotel Royal-Riviera

Plage Paloma is a pebble beach that offers spectacular views and a pleasant restaurant. Swimmers will especially love the clean water here. The pebbles make sunbathing uncomfortable, but the scenery makes this beach great for taking walks. 

Note that Plage Paloma is small. It can get crowded during peak hours in the summer, so come early. Street parking is very limited near Plage Paloma. Biking or walking is your best bet. The marina has ample parking fifteen minutes away. The beach has public bathrooms and a shower. 

Plage de l’Escalet

Ramatuelle

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Small parking lot, 4.50 euros for the day | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Hôtel Escalet – Storia Ramatuelle

The sandy Plage de l’Escalet beach near Saint Tropez has some of the best amenities of any beach in France. You’ll find public bathrooms, showers, and even lifeguards during the summer. Meanwhile, nearby snack bars will keep you fed. Plage de l’Escalet is an excellent choice for families. 

Snorkeling, hiking, and swimming are popular activities at Plage de l’Escalet. However, be aware that the beach can attract jellyfish. 

Plage de l’Escalet is a popular beach that can get crowded in the summer, particularly in the afternoons. Come on foot, by bicycle, or in a taxi to avoid parking issues. The lot is small and cheap, making spots competitive. 

Plage d’Hendaye

Hendaye

📍 Google Maps | Hendaye Beach Website | 🅿️ Parking: Paid spots near the beach, specific hours and fees apply | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Residence Ibaia

The Plage d’Hendaye is great when you want space or an introduction to water sports. The beach offers fine white sand for sunbathers and low waves for those new to the water. It’s located in the southwestern corner of France, along the border of Spain and its Basque Region. 

With 3 km of sand (around 1.8 miles), the calm waves here make the beach a favorite for beginner surfers. The extensive beach provides plenty of space for large groups, including those with children. 

Plage d’Hendaye has restrooms and cafés nearby. The beach is popular and draws crowds, but its size means that it rarely gets overly full. The safety and cleanliness of the beach also make Plage d’Hendaye a perennial favorite. 

Prado Beach

Marseille

📍 Google Maps | Prado Beaches Website | 🅿️ Parking: Parking EFFIA Marseille P2 David, 5.20 daily in summer | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Le Petit Nice – Passedat

Prado Beach in Marseille offers something for everyone. There’s a rocky stretch for walkers and a sandy stretch for sunbathers. The southern location on the Mediterranean Sea means that you can also swim here for large stretches of the year. Some visitors report warm water as late as November!

The small crowds, plentiful parking, and easy access to this large beach make it a great stop. It’s particularly refreshing after a tour of Marseille, especially in the summer. 

Calanque de Port Pin

Cassis

📍 Google Maps | Calanque de Port Pin Website | 🅿️ Parking: Parking Calanque Port-Miou Cassis, 10 euros daily; Parking Relais des Gorguettes (free 10-minute shuttle) | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Hôtel Les Roches Blanches Cassis

The Calanque de Port Pin is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and likely the most beautiful beach in France. The pine-tree-lined beaches have sand and stones for visitors looking to relax or hike. Meanwhile, the cove has hiking trails for those who want a longer experience. 

The main drawback of the Calanque de Port Pin is also its main advantage: it’s remote. Its location in the port town of Cassis means that it’s off the beaten French Riviera path, so it draws fewer visitors. However, the easiest access to the cove is via foot or shuttle from the Parking Relais des Gorguettes in Cassis. 

My recommendation? Bring what you need with you, as amenities are scarce here. 

Plage de la Mitre

Toulon

📍 Google Maps | Plage de la Mitre Website | 🅿️ Parking: Free parking lot | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Hôtel Les Voiles

The Plage de la Mitre is the perfect hidden gem beach for those who want privacy. It’s located in the port city of Toulon in the South of France.

Rock formations frame this small beach, giving it an intimate feeling. Meanwhile, the clear water at The Plage de la Mitre makes it an unusual type of beach to find amid a city. The coves and vegetation along the coastal path make this a great destination for explorers. 

The Plage de la Mitre can get crowded in the high season, but its southern location means that this beach is accessible outside of the summer months. Come in September for a calmer experience. 

You’ll find an outdoor shower, but no public restrooms or amenities at this beach. However, the nearby city makes these things easy to access. 

Pampelonne Beach

Saint-Tropez

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Parking lot, 5-6 euros per hour in summer | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: La Ferme D’Augustin

Pampelonne Beach in Saint Tropez is the perfect beach in France for a fun and social atmosphere. Celebrities frequent this beach, as well as numerous influencers. The crowds can get intense, especially in summer. Visit on an off-season morning for a calmer experience. A summer afternoon is perfect if you want to people-watch and socialize, though!

Swimmers and beach lovers will find a lot to enjoy at Pampelonne Beach. There’s white sand and clear water. There are plenty of bars and restaurants nearby. You’ll also find public showers. Parking can fill up early, so come in the morning to get a spot. 

Plage de la Gravette

Antibes

📍 Google Maps | Plage de la Gravette Website | 🅿️ Parking: Parking Vauban, 16.90 euros for the day | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Hôtel La Villa Port d’Antibes & Spa

The Plage de la Gravette in Antibes offers views of the city, easy access, and atmosphere. Go to the areas near the rocks for slightly more privacy. The city beach can get crowded, particularly on hot summer days. 

The Plage de la Gravette is not a great beach for swimming or kids, as the water can get dirty. However, it has showers and bathrooms. 

The urban location of Plage de la Gravette makes it close to other amenities. This includes bars, cafés, and restaurants. 

Palombaggia Beach

Corsica

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Free parking lot at the northeast end | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Hôtel Palombaggia

Palombaggia Beach is one of the best beaches in Corsica. This tree-lined beach is clear and clean, with great amenities including cafés nearby. 

Come in the morning for easy parking in the shade of the pine trees. The shallower parts of the water are perfect for smaller children. The trees shed pine needles, so sandals or beach shoes are a good idea. Keep an eye out for jellyfish, too.

Piantarella Beach

Corsica

📍 Google Maps | Piantarella Beach Website | 🅿️ Parking: Small parking lot, street parking | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Résidence Casarina

Piantarella Beach is perfect for adventurous visitors. Here, you’ll find kayaks for rent. You can snorkel, windsail, or play volleyball. You can also walk across the sandbank to the Île Piana, five minutes away. The rocks you cross to access the beach make this an especially good choice for active adults. 

Bring any food and drinks you want with you to the beach, as there aren’t amenities apart from bathrooms and public parking. Dogs are allowed on leashes.

Rundinara (Rondinara) Beach

Corsica

📍 Google Maps | Rundinara Beach Website | 🅿️ Parking: Parking lot, six euros daily | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Hotel Carre Noir

Rondinara Beach in Corsica is a great place for relaxing with friends and family. The stunning scenery makes this the perfect beach for a picnic. The Corsica-located beach also offers an iridescent sea for swimmers. 

This popular beach can get very crowded, so come early. The restaurant near the water is a good choice for an afternoon meal. The warm, shallow water and friendly atmosphere make this a great beach for families.  

There are bathrooms available and lifeguards on-site during the high season. Dogs can come on leashes.

Rocher de la Vierge

Biarritz

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Indigo Park Sainte Eugénie, 2.80 euros for 2 hours | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Hôtel PALMITO

Rocher de la Vierge isn’t the most famous beach in Biarritz, as there are sandy beaches further south and north along the French coast. However, this is a unique beach to visit. 

Instead of hiking trails, follow the walkway to reach the statue of the Virgin Mary on the rock formation. You’ll get a stunning view of the coastline from the statue.

This Bay of Biscay attraction is a great site to visit any time of year. More visitors come in summer, but the off-season offers more privacy.

📚 Related Reading: Biarritz was one of Travel Lemming’s 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024.

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The beaches in France are truly some of the world’s most beautiful, from the cliffs at Étretat to the pine trees in Corsica. Next up, read our guide to the best beaches in Spain!