Your Essential Travel Guide to The Best Beaches in France

France has nothing to envy its European neighbours when it comes to beautiful beaches. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly resorts, secluded bays or picturesque promenades, this country won’t disappoint.

North France promises dramatic cliffs and rocky coastlines, with Brittany and Normandy the most popular destinations. The South, hugged by the Mediterranean, is a haven for surfers and home to long, pebbly and sandy beaches. Not to mention the beauty of West France, with Biarritz the all-time favourite hotspot.

Unsure where to holiday in France? Below are our top picks of the best beaches, with information on where to stay and eat.

North France's beaches are unlike anything else – think spectacular white cliffs and unforgettable sunsets. Here are our favourites for a memorable family beach holiday.

• Étretat, Normandy – Found along the Alabaster Coast, Étretat embodies Normandy’s charm at its finest, with dramatic chalk cliffs and arched rock formations. These landscapes have inspired artists (Claude Monet, for one) and are popular among sailors and surfers.
• Belle-Île-en-Mer, Brittany – Another of Monet’s favourites, Belle-Île-en-Mer is Brittany’s largest island. With over 60 beaches, it’s famous for its sharp cliffs and turquoise waters. Head to Plage d’Herlin between Bangor and Locmaria, a beautiful estuary with two golden-sand beaches.
• Côte de Granit Rose, Brittany – Nature does wonderful things, and the Côte de Granit Rose is the perfect example. Stretching for 18 miles, it’s famous for its eroded pink sand and rose-gold rocks, a picture-perfect sight.

Western France isn’t short of impressive scenery, making it a popular destination for family beach holidays. Here’s where to head to:

• Plage du Veillon, Vendée – Midway between La Rochelle and Nantes, Plage du Veillon is a firm favourite among water sports enthusiasts. The long, sandy beach is perfect for kayaking, surfing, canoeing, and paddling.
• Plage de la Conche des Baleines, Nouvelle-Aquitaine – Unspoilt and secluded, Plage de la Conche des Baleines is bordered by the Lizay Forest. The turquoise waters make it perfect for swimming, so remember your diving equipment!
• Plage de la Côte des Basques, Biarritz – Located on the Bay of Biscay, Biarritz is a popular destination among celebrities. Its sandy beaches and mellow waves make it ideal for surfers, while its first-class amenities are perfect for a relaxing family beach holiday.

Thanks to its expansive coastline, the French Riviera boasts some of the best French beaches. Find our top picks for your itinerary.

• Antibes, French Riviera – Near Nice and Cannes, Antibes is home to a peninsula lying along the coast. It’s studded with beautiful sandy and pebbly beaches, scenic waterfront promenades and fine-dining restaurants. It’s the perfect getaway for a relaxing family beach holiday!
• Paloma Beach, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat – Named after Picasso’s daughter, Paloma Beach is a celebrity hotspot. It’s surrounded by lush greenery and accessible only via a rocky staircase. You’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views.
• Plage de la Mala, Cap-d'Ail – With a timeless Riviera feel, Plage de la Mala is one of the best beaches in France. Flanked by granite cliffs, this pebbly cove has calm, turquoise waters, and excellent family-friendly facilities.