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France captivates visitors not only with its charming towns, excellent cuisine and varied landscapes, but also with some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. From turquoise bays in Corsica to unspoilt coastlines in Brittany, and on to impressive Atlantic beaches and spectacular rocky scenery in Normandy, the country’s coastal regions are particularly diverse. In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to ten beaches that beautifully reflect the diversity of France’s coastline.
22.04.2026
Miryana
Contents:
Photo: A view of Palombaggia in Corsica: white sand and crystal-clear water.
Palombaggia is one of those beaches where, within just a few minutes, you realise why Corsica captivates so many people. The fine, light-coloured sand, the crystal-clear water and the striking pine trees create a backdrop that seems almost unreal in its beauty. On sunny days in particular, the colours here shine with exceptional intensity, lending the beach an almost Caribbean feel.
Our tip: When visiting Palombaggia, you should allow time to find a parking space: there are both free and paid parking spaces, but the closer ones fill up quickly, especially in high season. Arriving early is therefore doubly worthwhile – for a more relaxed start to the day and to enjoy the best atmosphere on the beach.
Santa Giulia is one of those beaches that instantly evokes that true holiday feeling. This sheltered bay in the south of Corsica delights visitors with its light-coloured sand, calm waters and a backdrop that is almost reminiscent of a lagoon. It is the shallow, clear sea in particular that makes this place so special and ensures that Santa Giulia feels at once relaxing, inviting and exceptionally scenic.
Our tip: If you fancy a drink after a swim or want to wind down at the end of the day, Køstën Plage, right next to Santa Giulia, is a lovely spot. The beachside venue is situated right by the water, making it perfect for a relaxed break with a sea view.
Photo: Porquerolles and Notre-Dame Beach: an idyllic island setting with turquoise-blue water.
Notre-Dame Beach on the island of Porquerolles is one of those places that instantly evokes that special holiday feeling. Light-coloured sand, crystal-clear water and the wonderfully natural surroundings make it one of the most beautiful beaches on France’s Mediterranean coast. Unlike many better-known seaside resorts, everything here feels a little quieter, more unspoilt and more relaxed. That’s exactly what makes this beach so appealing.
Our tip: The best way to explore Notre-Dame Beach is by bike, as Porquerolles is car-free and therefore pleasantly laid-back. If you hire a bike early at the harbour and take plenty of water with you, you can reach the beach in a particularly relaxed manner and enjoy the peaceful morning atmosphere before the crowds arrive.
Photo: Calanque d’En-Vau: a spectacular rocky cove with turquoise-blue water.
The Calanque d’En-Vau is one of France’s most impressive coastal spots. Nestled between steep, pale limestone cliffs and surrounded by an almost dramatic natural backdrop, this cove feels far wilder and more unspoilt than a traditional sandy beach. The intense turquoise-blue water and its sheltered location make it a place that immediately impresses with its scenery and feels quite different from many other bathing spots on the Mediterranean.
Our tip: The Calanque d’En-Vau is, above all, a destination for anyone who wants to combine nature and exercise with a swim in the sea. For many, the journey there is part of the experience, as the bay isn’t easily accessible by car. That’s precisely why it’s worth allowing plenty of time, wearing sturdy shoes and taking some water with you. If you set off early, you’ll usually experience the Calanque at a quieter and more atmospheric time of day.
Photo: The surfing atmosphere on the Côte des Basques in Biarritz.
The Côte des Basques in Biarritz is one of the best-known beaches on France’s Atlantic coast. Set against the backdrop of the Basque coast, it combines sweeping views, powerful waves and a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere. It is precisely this blend that makes the beach so special: it feels lively and laid-back without losing any of its elegant character.
Our tip: The Côte des Basques is best known for its surfing culture, but it’s also perfect for anyone who simply wants to enjoy the view and the special atmosphere. At low tide, the beach feels particularly expansive, and the view of the sea and the coast is especially impressive. Anyone visiting Biarritz will experience one of France’s most iconic beach settings here.
Photo: A bird’s-eye view of La Baule: an elegant bay and a long sandy beach.
La Baule is one of France’s classic seaside resorts. The sweeping bay, with its long, fine sandy beach, immediately conveys a sense of spaciousness and relaxed elegance. Here, the beach promenade, well-maintained surroundings and classic holiday atmosphere come together – and that is precisely what makes La Baule such a popular coastal destination.
Our tip: La Baule is perfect for a long stroll along the beach right by the water’s edge. The wide, elegantly curving bay gives the town a particularly open and spacious feel. If you want to experience the classic charm of a French seaside resort and enjoy the beach not just for swimming but also for a leisurely stroll, this is the perfect place for you.
Video: Cap Coz in Brittany: a laid-back beach with natural coastal charm.
Cap Coz brings a quieter, more natural touch to this list and shows France at its most relaxed. The beach on the peninsula near Fouesnant delights visitors with its fine sand, sheltered location and surroundings that have a distinctly Breton feel. Rather than a grand spectacle, the focus here is on tranquillity, nature and a pleasantly laid-back atmosphere – which is exactly what makes Cap Coz so appealing.
Our tip: At the far end of the beach, there’s plenty of free parking under the trees. This is particularly handy as it gives you direct access to the sand whilst also providing welcome shade on warm days.
Photo: Plage de l’Espiguette: a pristine sandy beach on the Languedoc coast of France.
Plage de l’Espiguette reveals a completely different side to France’s Mediterranean coast. Instead of dense development and classic Riviera flair, you’ll find vast stretches of sand, dune landscapes and astonishingly unspoilt nature. It is precisely this openness and the sense of freedom that make the beach so special. If you love wide, unspoilt beaches, Plage de l’Espiguette offers one of France’s most impressive coastal landscapes.
Our tip: For a delightful break after a day at the beach, we recommend La Table de l’Oustau in Le Grau-du-Roi. The venue combines a restaurant and a hotel, making it ideal not only for a meal nearby but also for a relaxing stay around the Plage de l’Espiguette.
Video: Étretat: a stunning coastal landscape in Normandy.
Étretat is one of France’s most impressive coastal towns and brings yet another very different landscape to this selection. Instead of fine sand and a Mediterranean seaside atmosphere, the scene here is dominated by white chalk cliffs, steep crags and the famous rock needle. It is precisely this extraordinary backdrop that makes Étretat so special and ensures that, even without a traditional sandy beach, it ranks among France’s most beautiful coastal highlights.
Our tip: Étretat is particularly lovely if you combine a visit to the beach with a walk along the cliffs. From the top, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of the coast, the sea and the famous rock formations. This is where Étretat shows itself at its most spectacular and becomes a real highlight of any trip through Normandy.
Video: Dune du Pilat near Arcachon: spectacular dunes and beaches
The Dune du Pilat brings this list to a spectacular close. At the foot of Europe’s highest dune lies a vast sandy beach which, together with the Atlantic Ocean and the extraordinary dune landscape, creates a backdrop that is rarely seen. It is precisely this blend of nature, open space and the sea that makes the place so special.
Our tip: A walk on the Dune du Pilat is almost a must when visiting. The dune is around 2.7 kilometres long, and the ridge running along its summit is perfect for a walk, offering ever-changing views of the sea, the beach and the surrounding countryside. If you walk the entire length, you should allow about an hour and a half.
France’s most beautiful beaches demonstrate just how varied a seaside holiday can be. From turquoise coves in Corsica to vast Atlantic beaches and tranquil stretches of coastline in Brittany, right through to spectacular landscapes in Normandy, France offers the perfect beach to suit every taste.
It is precisely this diversity that makes the country such an attractive destination for beach holidays. Whether it’s a relaxing swim, walks by the sea or impressive natural backdrops – France’s coastlines never fail to delight in all sorts of different ways. To ensure your journey is just as relaxing as your time by the sea, suitable travel insurance such as Swiss Bankers TravelProtect can be a sensible addition.
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