The 15 most beautiful beaches in France

Want to delight in the sun and swim in crystal clear waters? Follow the guide and discover the 15 most beautiful beaches in France where to place your towel in an idyllic setting!

With more than 10,000 kilometers of coastline, France is full of maritime treasures. On its sometimes sandy coasts, sometimes rocky, are a multitude of beaches that make the joy of lovers of the sea and the ocean. Even if they are not as heavenly or as famous as those of the Caribbean, Oceania or Asia, the most beautiful beaches in France still offer varied and magnificent landscapes that are worth the visit.

Extents of white sand or small pebbles, populated with holidaymakers or hidden away from a creek, golden dunes or codored cliffs, wild landscapes or elegant coastal houses, suitable for swimming or water sports: you will find your happiness both the French beaches are both unique and different from each other. If you do not yet know which to choose for your next holiday, follow our recommendations and discover the 15 most beautiful beaches in France.

1. Beach of the small Sperone, Bonifacio (Corse South)

A true haven of peace very appreciated by Bonifaciens , beach of the small Sperone offers a unique panorama on the Lavezzi Islands . Accessible after a short walk through small dunes and bushes, it is one of the most beautiful beaches in the south of Corsica: turquoise sea, fine sand, cove with clear waters, etc.

Prive the early morning or the very late afternoon, rather off-season, to have a good location because the beach is not very large and can be quickly filled.

2. Pampelonne beach, Saint-Tropez (Var)

Made famous by Brigitte Bardot in the film And God created the woman , the beach of Pampelonne is a must-see if you are visiting Saint-Tropez. This long expanse of 4 kilometres white sand is one of the most beautiful beaches in France and invites to swim and relaxation.

Divided between naturist zone , one private space with decks and one public beach , it is located in a splendid bay where the blue azure of the water and the green of the forest mix in perfect harmony.

3. Beach of the Basque Coast, Biarritz (Pyrenees-Atlantiques)

Among the many charms and attractions of Biarritz, its city beach is largely at the top of the list. Paradise of surfers, the Côte des Basques is one of the most beautiful beaches in France. Surrounded by cliffs, it offers a magnificent view of the mountains of the Spanish coast and the rock of the Virgin. This huge stretch of fine sand has the peculiarity of completely disappearing to high tide.

4. Beach of the Virgin Island, Crozon (Finistère)

The Virgin Island of Crozon houses a wild and uncommon beach of tourists. Indeed, access to beach of the Virgin Island is rather difficult and in fact a place that deserves itself. But once you get to that sumptuous creek, you won't regret it.

Its translucent waters and sea pines that surround it give it a small Mediterranean air and its pebble beach makes it all the more authentic. If you are not frile, enjoy a small swimming in this unique and very preserved setting by the inhabitants of the peninsula.

5. Beach Paloma, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (Alpes-Maritimes)

The beach Paloma is known from all the premises and visitors to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and is one of the most beautiful beaches in France.

Composed of several small coves, it is framed by many pines and a wild nature. The view of the turquoise waters of the Anse de la Scaletta with the villages of Eze and Beaulieu in the background is a real postcard decor, typical of the south of France.

6. Touquet beach (Pas-de-Calais)

Nicknamed the Northern Arcachon, The Touquet is a popular seaside resort in Paris. If the sunsets on the sea and the sail tank are your passions, then the beach of the Touquet is made for you.

Longue 12 kilometres , it is surrounded by dunes and pinewood and you can easily walk on its cornice on foot, by bike or by horse while enjoying a splendid view on the bay of Canche. In the north of the beach, the Estuary Park allows you to discover the local fauna.

7. Saleccia Beach, Agritas desert (Haute-Corse)

Considered one of the most beautiful in Corsica, the beach of Saleccia welcomes you in a preserved and bucolic setting. Edged with pine and juniper, this small stretch of white sand offers a unique view of the mountains of Cap Corse.

Its turquoise waters, its wild environment and its intoxicating floral fragrances would almost make you believe that you are on an island in the heart of the Indian Ocean or the Caribbean. A paradise area that deserves its beach in our list of the most beautiful beaches in France.

8. Beach Notre Dame, island Porquerolles (Var)

Parasol Pins, crystalline water, fine sand, light breeze : all at the beach Notre-Dame invites to relaxation and escape. Located north of the island, it is less frequented than the other beaches that are closer to the port. Tranquil and disappointing, you can access it by several trails surrounded by shrubs and heather bushes and stairs. A re-vegetalization program is currently underway to preserve the beach environment and raise awareness among visitors.

9. Beach of Deauville (Calvados)

How to speak of the most beautiful beaches of France without mentioning that — famous and romantic — of Deauville ? On this large expanse of white sand, you can walk on its famous boards, relax in the shade of one of its many colorful parasols, rent a small wooden cabin or drink a drink while observing the courageous swimmers venture into the fresh waters of the Channel.

You can also practice the sailing tank when the tide is low or try to see celebrities at the American cinema festival (every year in September).

10. Lake of Navarrosse beach, Biscarrosse (Landes)

Located on the shores of the lake, the beach Navarro is particularly appreciated by families. Surrounded by pines, it is easily accessible and water temperature varies between 24 and 28 degrees. The low depth of the water, the surrounding golden and green vegetation and the friendly atmosphere that reigns there make it a small corner of paradise for lovers of swimming and farniente.

11. Sillon Beach, Saint-Malo (Ille-et-Vilaine)

Sillon beach , also called Grande Plage, lies between the national fort of Saint-Malo and the tip of Rochebonne. She discovers herself at low tide and there are many fans of windsurfing, kite, running and sail tank.

From this stretch of white sand 3 kilometres which is one of the most beautiful beaches in France, you can admire the dike of Paramé and its magnificent malignant villas. Its famous breeze-lams protect swimmers and walkers when the sea is a little too agitated.

12. Beach of Palombaggia, Porto-Vecchio (South Corsica)

On the island of Beauty, everyone — from north to south, from east to west — knows the beach Palombaggia located in Porto-Vecchio. Separated in several areas by rocks, this expansive stretch of sand with turquoise waters makes the happiness of locals as tourists.

In the north you find paillotes, private spaces and water sports spots. In the center, the beach is public and lined with small dunes and large sea pines.

13. Beach ofEtretat (Seine-Maritime)

A must-see resort in Normandy, Etretat has one of the most beautiful beaches in France. This stretch of pebbles surrounded by limestone cliffs is famous for its natural arches.

The gentle luminosity of the surrounding area and the wild side of the beach make it a very popular place for painters. You can easily practice sailing, diving, surfing or fishing. The seafront promenade also offers very nice sea views.

14. Beach ofHendaye (Pyrenees-Atlantiques)

While passing to Hendaye, don't miss its beautiful beach offering a splendid view of the Pyrenees. Larger sandy beach of the Basque coast (3 kilometers), the Hendaye beach is very frequented by surfers and families. Surrounded by small hills and typical houses, it is one of the quietest and most pleasant beaches in the region.

Note : Know that the far north part is reserved for naturists.

15. Saint-Clair beach, Le Lavandou (Var)

nicknamed La Perle by the inhabitants of Lavandou, the Saint-Clair beach is a small jewel of fine sand with turquoise waters. Located in the east of the city centre, it is very popular with scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts, especially around the rocky tip “the Baleine”. Follow the coastal path to this peaceful haven surrounded by large palm trees and enjoy a breathtaking view of the islands of Hyères from one of the most beautiful beaches in France.