Best Beaches in France for Your Summer Getaways

When people say “France”, we always think of its iconic monuments and famous tourist attractions. But have you ever wondered about the other exciting things that France offers? Exploring the lavender fields in France, for instance, or skiing in France are some of the exciting things to do in this European country. There is so much more to do and discover in France besides visiting the Eiffel tower or touring Paris. In fact, exploring the best beaches in France is another way to discover this country.

Yes, that is right! France is not just rich in eye-catching landmarks but in majestic beaches as well. All you must do is spot them in your maps, too, and create a different itinerary. Try to replace city spots with beach getaways, and your trip will be more thrilling!

THE BEST BEACHES IN FRANCE

The monuments and tourist spots in France are jaw-dropping — and so do its beaches. The landmarks may be bursting with dreamy architecture, but the beaches in France pop with heavenly views. You might probably want to consider rewriting your travel itinerary for France and include some of its beaches. Furthermore, if you need help, here are some of the best beaches in France.

1. PLAGE MALA

Photo by Peter McAviney on Flickr

Location: Cap d’Ail

Best time to go: From mid-June to mid-September

Who likes hideaways? In France, Plage Mala is everyone’s favorite summer hideaway. This sandy beach in a protected cove offers fine white sand and pebbles where you can enjoy a Mediterranean panorama. The cliffs on the western side of this beach will take your breath away. Additionally, the bright green color of Cap Mala’s lush grass on the eastern end will be your source of relaxation. Moreover, since the ports are far from this beach, the sea waters are always clean and clear. No wonder why it is one of the best beaches in France.

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WHERE TO STAY: PIED DANS I’EAU. TRES CHARMANT

Location: 14 Avenue Raymond Gramaglia, 06320 Cap d’Ail, France

Pied Dans l’Eau. Tres Charmant features accommodation with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and garden access. The units come with a satellite TV, ironing facilities, a seating area, and a private bathroom with free-of-charge toiletries. In addition, its kitchenette is complete with a dishwasher and microwave.

Clearly, you will not get bored in this accommodation as you can also go on hiking or fishing in nearby areas. And, if you like to go somewhere other than the beach, Stade Louis II is 4.1 kilometers from here.

You can also visit Monaco’s Exotic Garden that is just 4.2 kilometers away from the property. Moreover, the rate of the Studio Apartment with Balcony and Sea View starts at 208.32 USD per night for two guests.

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2. PLAGE DE LA GAROUPE

Photo by Koma_fr on Flickr

Location: Antibes

Best time to go: From June to September or mid-October through April

Plage de la Garoupe was a deserted spot in Antibes back in the early ages. The good thing is that a famous American socialite couple, Gerald and Sara Murphy, changed everything. In 1920, they bought a villa here and spent numerous hours cleaning the entire area. And, guess what? Finally, after taking out tons of seaweeds and old fishing nets, the Murphys attracted their famous and wealthy friends to this beach. Hemingway, Fritzgerald — American novelists, and Picasso — Spanish painter, were a few of Murphy’s guests here in Plage de la Garoupe.

Since the Murphys brought an incredible transformation in Garoupe Beach, selfies were once banned here. Well, the beach only wanted their visitors to capture its beauty with their eyes and not with their cameras. It makes sense, right? However, that rule only lasted for a season. Absolutely, Plage de la Garoupe is one of the best beaches in France where you can do sunbathing for as long as you want. Furthermore, the sand is soft, though there are few rocks in the area, too. Of course, you can also take a plunge into its fresh seawaters.

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WHERE TO STAY: HOTEL MIRAMAR – CAP D’ANTIBES

Location: 67, Chemin de la Plage Armand Jammot “La Garoupe”, 06160 Antibes, France

Hotel Miramar – Cap d’Antibes offers air-conditioned rooms equipped with satellite flat-screen TV with English, French, German, Italian, and Russian channels. Here, you will also have private access to the Garoupe sandy beach, 30 meters away from the property. In addition, every morning, there is a continental buffet breakfast available. Not only that, but you can also enjoy drinks at the reception area or terraces. For extra relaxation, there is also a lounge with a free massage chair here. 

Meanwhile, Antibes and Juan-les-Pins are four kilometers away from here. Also, you can go to Sophia Antipolis and Cannes, just 14 kilometers away from this hotel. Moreover, the room rates here start at 178.06 USD per night for two guests.

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3. PAMPELONNE PLAGE

Photo by Liliane Paingaud on Flickr

Location: Saint-Tropez

Best time to go: From mid-June to mid-September or April

In a sublime, sheltered bay in Saint-Tropez, you will find Pampelonne Beach. Uniquely, its delicate, white sand separates the Mediterranean Sea from the shrub-covered dunes of the area. The natural beauty of this beach in France does not only attract locals and tourists but celebrities and well-known politicians as well. Moreover, it has a length of five kilometers, offering a vast space where you can spread your towel out. Indeed, the perfect thing to do here is to lay down and relax to the view of turquoise waters.

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WHERE TO STAY: LE PAVILLON DE PAMPELONNE

Location: Route des Plages, 83350 Saint-Tropez, France

Le Pavillon de Pampelonne is a highly-rated guest house in St-Tropez. This guest house’s rooms have air conditioning, satellite TV, free WiFi access, a king-sized bed, and a private bathroom. Moreover, since it has a south-facing terrace with a heated outdoor swimming pool, you can also have sea views here.

In addition, after a continental breakfast, you may head to doing some local activities, too, organized by the staff. A few of these activities are bicycle and horse riding, as well as diving. Meanwhile, if you book your stay here, the price starts at 211.08 USD for a Standard Double Room per night for two guests.

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4. PALOMA PLAGE

Photo by Skweeky on Flickr

Location: Saint-Jean Cap-Ferrat

Best time to go: From June to September

If you love morning sun and afternoon shade, Paloma Plage is the place to be. Undoubtedly, this classy, protected cove on Saint-Jean Cap-Ferrat offers calmness for your complete soul-refreshment. The beach is 150-meter long, with sand, gravel, and small pebbles. Nonetheless, the area is still unchallenging to walk on. Additionally, the pine-covered hills protect the coast from wind, and the sea waters’ waves are small, keeping its peace in place. On the other hand, splendid views from Cap d’Ail surround you, as well as the cliffs from Beaulieu-sur-Mer bay.

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WHERE TO STAY: HÔTEL DE CHARME BRISE MARINE

Location: 58 Avenue Jean Mermoz, 06230 Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France

Hôtel de Charme Brise Marine offers accommodation with a garden, private parking, a terrace, and a bar. The rooms are air-conditioned, have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, a fridge, and a private bathroom. In connection with this, a room price starts at 242.15 USD per night for two guests. Meanwhile, Cap Ferrat Lighthouse, Port Beach, and Passable Beach are famous spots near this hotel.

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5. PLAGE DE L’AIGUILLE

Photo by Jonathan Lambert on Flickr

Location: Theoule-sur-Mer 

Best time to go: From June to September

Theoule-sur-Mer has the most beautiful beaches in French Riviera, and Plage de l’Aiguille is its crown jewel. Plage de l’Aiguille is also a regional nature park that extends through the shrub-covered red cliffs of Théoule-sur-Mer. Furthermore, it has a spacious sandy beach with a fascinating rock formation and a wooded hill, bringing shade and pleasant views.

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WHERE TO STAY: HOTEL PORT LA GALÉRE

Location: 27 Avenue de la Reale, 06590 Théoule-sur-Mer, France

Hotel Port La Galère features accommodation with a spa, sauna, hammam (Turkish bath), and fitness center. In addition, all the rooms here are complete with air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, private bathroom, and a wardrobe. You may also take a plunge in their outdoor pool or play either tennis or table tennis. On the other hand, for meals, this hotel has two restaurants where you can eat. Furthermore, the room price in this hotel starts at 175.64 USD per night for two guests.

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6. PLAGE DU BUSE

Photo by Thierry Llansades on Flickr

Location: Roquebrune-Cap Martin

Best time to go: From May to October

Plage du Buse is another quiet and peaceful beach located in Roquebrune-Cap Martin. Though the beach is not as loud as the other best beaches in France, Plage du Buse still boasts stunning views. In connection with this, the littoral that stretches to the west side is just as calming as it is. While on the east side, you will have spectacular views from Cap Martin. Furthermore, the beach is pebbled, but you can still find a spot that is sandy alone and where gravel also stretches.

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WHERE TO STAY: CHAMBRE D’HÔTES DE CHARME LA BELLE VUE

Location: 45 av Gabriel Hanotaux, 06190 Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France

Chambres d’hôtes La Belle Vue offers accommodation with romantic rooms complete with air-conditioning and a private bathroom. The terrace has sea views as well as a garden where you can relax. In addition, the other facilities here include a shared lounge and luggage storage. On the other hand, Chambres d’hôtes La Belle Vue’s room rates start at 250.75 USD per night for two guests.

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7. PLAGE DE SURTAINVILLE

Photo by Stefan Klaas on Flickr

Location: Beaumont-Hague

Best time to go: From June to September

In the commune of Beaumont-Hague in northwestern France, there lies the beautiful beach of Plage de Surtainville. Even so, the plain views you will get from this extensive, sandy beach are already enough to tease your eyes. Despite its simple appearance, what keeps this beach proud is its surf spots. Yes, Plage de Sutainville’s simplicity is home to some of France’s best surfing spots. Not only that but, it also provides a variety of shore and water activities that you can enjoy.

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WHERE TO STAY: HÔTEL DE LA CROIX DE MALTE

Location: 5 Rue des Halles, 50100 Cherbourg en Cotentin, France

Hôtel de La Croix de Malte is a family-run hotel at the town centre of Cherbourg. The rooms have a traditional style, complete with a TV and a private bathroom with free-of-charge toiletries. A continental breakfast is available every morning, which you can also enjoy in the comfort of your rooms. Moreover, a free garage for motorcycles and bicycles is also open. The room rates here start at as low as 77.17 USD per night for two guests.

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8. SERIGNAN BEACH

Photo by Michel Séguret on Flickr

Location: Serignan

Best time to go: From June to September

In the commune of Serignan in southeast France, you will find Serignan Beach. This one of France’s best beaches features a lot of natural dunes, which can reach up to 27 feet. And, since this is a sandy beach, you will get to enjoy not just the seawaters, but fun activities, too. In addition to this, horseback riding, shore-cast fishing, and beach volleyball are a few.

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WHERE TO STAY: JM VACANCES SERIGNAN

Location: 10 Route de Sauvian, 34410 Sérignan, France

Jm Vacances Serignan is an apartment offering two bedrooms, a living room, and a flat-screen TV. It also has an equipped kitchen with a dining area and a bathroom complete with a shower and washing machine. In addition, there is also a terrace and barbecue area here, where you can also have some fun. The property is 25 kilometers away from Cap d’Agde, and 33 kilometers away from Narbonne. On the other hand, Jm Vacances Serignan’s rates start at 126.53 USD per night for two guests.

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TRAVEL TIPS WHEN EXPLORING THE BEST BEACHES IN FRANCE

1. Avoid traveling to and from Monaco between 7:30 AM and 9 AM and 5 PM and 6:30 PM, as these are the rush hours.

2. You may find some restaurants and food stalls on some beaches. However, you should also bring your snacks and drinks, as sometimes, there is no available food for you to grab.

3. Try the activities which some of the restaurants on the beach are offering. Cleary, this will also help you enjoy the coast of France.

4. Most of the deck chairs that you can find are for rent. If you are trying to be thrifty, bringing your umbrella and towels or sunbathing mat would help. Besides, there is nothing wrong with being thrifty.

5. Lastly, most of the hotels organize activities, too. Some of these activities may get you closer to the coast or the best beaches in France as well. 

DISCOVER THE BEST BEACHES IN FRANCE

Besides the alluring architecture of all the monuments in France, the country also has majestic beaches. In almost all parts of France, there are shimmering, turquoise sea waters that you can dive in. From sandy beaches to pebbled ones, you will also, for sure, have a lot of space to get your skin tanned. In addition, get yourself entertained not by old stories from centuries ago but by either land or water activities.

Indeed, the best beaches in France will give you a break from the usual tour there is in the country. Obviously, all you need is to ride or drive to the coast. Without a doubt, at the end of your trip, you will get to such a relaxing destination. Now, change your travel itinerary for France a bit, and start including the best beaches in France!