The French coast: the top 10 destinations

Contents:

• 1. Nice on the Côte d’Azur: the jewel in the crown of the French Riviera

• 2. Cannes on the Côte d’Azur: Film Festival & Elegance on the French Riviera

• 3. Antibes on the Côte d’Azur: Historic old town by the azure-blue Mediterranean

• 4. Marseille, gateway to the Mediterranean: Cultural diversity in France’s oldest city

• 5. Montpellier in the south of France: A lively student city on the Mediterranean

• 6. Ajaccio in Corsica: Mediterranean island beauty steeped in history

• 7. La Rochelle on the Atlantic coast: Historic port city with islands

• 8. Biarritz on the Basque coast: A luxurious surfing paradise on the Atlantic

• 9. Deauville on the Normandy coast: elegance and culture on the English Channel

• 10. Saint-Malo on the Breton coast: A city of corsairs and tidal wonders

1. Nice on the Côte d’Azur: the jewel in the crown of the French Riviera

Nice on the Côte d’Azur is renowned for its glamorous beaches, the famous Promenade des Anglais and the clear, azure-blue sea. The city offers a wonderful blend of culture, history and modern life. Visit the Matisse Museum or stroll through the charming old town with its winding alleys and lively squares. Savour Mediterranean cuisine in one of the many restaurants and experience the vibrant nightlife. For your stay, we recommend the Maison Lamartine, with its stylish rooms and central location; the Aparthotel AMMI Vieux Nice, offering modern apartments in the historic old town; and the eco-friendly Slow Nice, situated near the Promenade. Discover more interesting sights in Nice in another blog post here.

2. Cannes on the Côte d’Azur: Film Festival & Elegance on the French Riviera

Cannes on the Côte d’Azur is world-famous for its annual film festival, which attracts celebrities from all over the world. This glamorous coastal town captivates visitors with its luxurious beaches along the Croisette, exclusive boutiques and a vibrant nightlife. Enjoy a stroll along the famous seafront promenade or visit the historic Le Suquet district with its picturesque alleyways and excellent restaurants. For your stay in Cannes, we recommend the Hotel de Provence with its cosy atmosphere and central location, the charming B&B Villa du Roc Fleuri near the town centre, and the Staybridge Suites, modern apartments with fully equipped kitchens.

3. Antibes on the Côte d’Azur: Historic old town by the azure-blue Mediterranean

Antibes on the Côte d’Azur impresses with its well-preserved historic old town, which stretches picturesquely along the azure-blue Mediterranean. The charming alleyways and squares of the old town are perfect for leisurely strolls, whilst the Port Vauban marina exudes an air of luxury. Culture lovers should visit the Picasso Museum, housed in a medieval castle. Antibes also boasts beautiful beaches such as the Plage de la Gravette, ideal for relaxing and swimming. For your stay, we recommend the charming La Place Boutique Hôtel in the old town, the elegant Hôtel La Villa Port d’Antibes & Spa with its luxurious amenities, and the Best Western Hôtel Journel, which offers modern comforts and a central location. Tip: In the countryside behind Antibes lie the beautiful lavender fields and vineyards of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.

4. Marseille, gateway to the Mediterranean: Cultural diversity in France’s oldest city

Marseille is renowned for its rich cultural diversity and history as France’s oldest city. The lively Old Port (Vieux-Port), the historic Le Panier district and the imposing Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica are just a few of the highlights that delight visitors. Marseille offers a blend of traditional and modern architecture, as well as a wealth of museums and art galleries. Savour Provençal cuisine in the numerous restaurants and experience the colourful hustle and bustle of the markets. Incidentally, a trip to the so-called Calanques – picturesque fjords near Marseille – is also well worth it. For your stay, we recommend the Mercure Marseille Canebière Vieux-Port with its central location, the stylish Les Appartements du Vieux Port and, as an insider’s tip, the cosy GinKgo, which stands out for its unique design and friendly atmosphere.

5. Montpellier in the south of France: a vibrant student city on the Mediterranean

Montpellier, a vibrant student city in the south of France, offers a fascinating blend of historic charm and modern life. The old town captivates visitors with its narrow streets, elegant squares and impressive architecture, whilst the lively cafés and boutiques invite you to linger. Attractions such as Saint-Pierre Cathedral and the Musée Fabre offer cultural highlights. Although the city lies 10 km inland from the Mediterranean coast, the sandy beaches are still within easy reach – ideal for a relaxing day by the sea. For your stay in Montpellier, we recommend the charming Hotel d’Aragon, with its central location in the old town, and the modern Hotel Royal, which impresses with first-class comfort and excellent facilities.

6. Ajaccio in Corsica: Mediterranean island beauty steeped in history

Ajaccio, the capital of Corsica, combines Mediterranean beauty with a rich historical significance, as the city is the birthplace of the former French Emperor Napoleon. The city attracts visitors with its picturesque beaches, the clear waters of the Mediterranean and significant sights such as the Maison Bonaparte, Napoleon’s birthplace. The charming old town offers numerous cafés and restaurants where guests can enjoy local specialities. A stroll along the harbour or a visit to the market is a must to experience the city’s authentic atmosphere. For your stay in Ajaccio, we recommend the Hotel San Carlu Citadelle, with its location near the citadel; the Villa Alba Rosula, with its charming rooms and enchanting garden; and the Palm Beach, which is situated right on the beach and offers a magnificent view of the sea.

7. La Rochelle on the Atlantic coast: a historic port city with islands

La Rochelle captivates visitors with its historic harbour, well-preserved towers and a vibrant maritime history. The picturesque old town is perfect for a leisurely stroll, whilst the Vieux-Port, with its numerous cafés and restaurants, is a popular meeting place. A highlight is the La Rochelle Aquarium, one of the largest in Europe. Its proximity to the islands of Île de Ré and Île d’Oléron offers idyllic beaches and a mild climate, ideal for exploring and relaxing by the sea. For your stay in La Rochelle, we recommend the cosy Hotel Saint Nicolas, with its central location, and the stylish Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites, which offers modern comforts and first-class service.

8. Biarritz on the Basque coast: a luxurious surfing paradise on the Atlantic

Biarritz on the Basque coast offers both elegant villas and first-class surf spots. The town attracts visitors from all over the world who wish to experience the region’s rich culture and spectacular surf. Biarritz is renowned for its glamorous beaches, such as the Grande Plage, as well as its exclusive boutiques and lively markets. The seafront promenade and the Rocher de la Vierge offer breathtaking views of the sea. For your stay, we recommend the modern Hotel Villa Koegui Biarritz, the stylish Hotel de Silhouette near the beach, and the charming Hotel Saint Julien, which captivates with its cosy atmosphere and beautiful garden.

9. Deauville on the Normandy coast: elegance and culture on the English Channel

Deauville on the Normandy coast is renowned for its elegant architecture, glamorous beaches and rich cultural scene. The town is a popular destination for lovers of luxury and style who appreciate its magnificent villas, casinos and exclusive shops. The famous Promenade des Planches along the beach is a must for strolls and for spotting celebrities during the Deauville Film Festival. Visitors can also explore the horse racing tracks and the Museum of American Art. For your stay, we recommend the Hotel Les Manoirs des Portes de Deauville, with its elegant country house style and peaceful natural surroundings, and the Hotel YOU Are Deauville for modern comfort and a central location.

10. Saint-Malo on the Breton coast: a city of privateers and a wonder of the tides

Saint-Malo is a picturesque harbour town in Brittany. It is situated on the Breton coast in north-western France. Known for its impressive ramparts, the town offers breathtaking views of the sea. The tides in Saint-Malo are particularly fascinating; they are among the strongest in Europe, dramatically transforming the coastal landscape throughout the day. At low tide, you can explore vast sandy expanses and hidden paths leading to nearby islands, whilst the rising tide quickly submerges the beaches once more. Take a stroll along the city walls and enjoy the panoramic views over the sea, or explore the narrow streets of the old town, lined with historic buildings and charming shops. Saint-Malo was once a pirates’ den and has retained its maritime atmosphere. For your stay in Saint-Malo, we recommend L’Hôtel Particulier Ascott with its historic charm, the Hôtel Oré Saint-Malo for modern comfort, and Les Charmettes for a cosy atmosphere close to the beach.

Conclusion: The French coast offers an incredible variety of destinations, each with its own unique charm and distinctive features. Whether you’re looking for glamorous beaches, historic sites or rugged coastlines – France has something to offer everyone.