9 Most Beautiful French Beach Towns Worth Visiting

If you are wondering where to go in France for a beach holiday, this post will give you all the information you need to find the perfect French beach town. Information includes where to eat, stay, and what attractions to see in each of the nine French coastal towns highlighted in this post.

France is a country renowned for its love, romance, and stunning beaches. From golden sands to rocky coves, there's no shortage of incredible French beaches to take a dip or relax and soak up some sun.

Whether you're searching for somewhere to have a romantic picnic or an adventure-filled getaway with plenty of water sports opportunities, these charming coastal towns in France will inspire your next holiday.

From glamorous beaches in France, such as Nice and Cannes, to historic ports like Trouville-sur-Mer, France offers countless opportunities to explore some of the best tourist spots in Europe on foot, by bike, by car, or by boat.

Read on for my guide to the most beautiful beaches in France.

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Map of Coastal Towns in France

Best Beach Towns in France for a Chic Seaside Getaway

Tantalising Le Touquet

How to Get to Le Touquet

Take a car ferry or the Eurotunnel from Dover to Calais and then drive for one hour to Le Touquet. 

Closest international airport - Paris

Along Northern France’s Opal coast, just south of Boulogne, is one of the best beaches in France.

For a good reason, the beautiful seaside resort of Le Touquet Paris Plage is called “Jardin de la Manche” (Garden of the English Channel).

The golden sandy beach is enormous and continues further than the eye can see, meaning you always have plenty of space to yourself.

Grassy dunes with walking routes line the beach, should you fancy stretching your legs to explore the shoreline, and ancient forests are great to explore on foot or by bike.

Rue Saint-Jean is the central hub for shopping, featuring fashion boutiques, trendy artisan stores, tempting bakeries, and mouth-watering chocolatiers.

While much of Le Touquet was rebuilt in the 1960s, several unique, preserved villas from the 1920s remain, when Le Touquet was the place to be seen by the Paris jet set.

Outdoor Activities in Le Touquet

Golfers will be impressed with Le Touquet golf courses, while wind-surfers and kite-surfers will enjoy taking to the waters.

Horse riders will find several riding schools in the area, and children and adults alike will love Le Petit Train, which will take you around town.

Le Touquet also boasts the Thalassa beachside seawater spa, attracting guests from all over the country, proving why it is one of the best coastal towns in northern France.

Where to Eat in Le Touquet

Le Touquet is so much more than just a beach destination. Its town has restaurants and bars galore, serving a wide range of regional and international dishes. 

Head to the brasserie-style restaurant Le Matisse for a taste of Northern France. Or push the boat out and dine at Perard, known as Macron’s go-to when in town.

And for something sweet, enjoy a crepe from Aux-Mignardises or Kokoa, Le Touquet’s best artisan ice cream store.

Le Touquet Accommodation

Luxury Accommodation in Le Touquet- Hotel Barriere Le Westminster

Comfort Accommodation in Le Touquet – Le Manoir Hotel

Budget Accommodation in Le Touquet – Hotel Gaspard

Breathtaking Étretat

How to Get to Étretat

Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais in 35 minutes, then go by train, bus or car to Etretat.

Etretat, located a two-hour drive from Paris, is a favourite weekend escape for Parisians.

A long-time favourite of artists, Etretat is a small fishing village on the north coast of Normandy. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Northern France.

Famous for its striking white limestone rock formations, the Porte d'Aval arch and L'Aiguille rise 70m above sea level.

This breathtaking natural beauty spot is part of the Alabaster coastline and appears in over fifty paintings by Claude Monet.

At low tide, exploring the caves below the Etretat cliffs is possible or walking along the three-mile shoreline.

The 7 km Chemin des Douaniers trail gives walkers stunning coastal views.

Étretat's must-visit attraction is the futuristic Jardins d'Étretat, where plants have been shaped into fantastic forms.

There are seven garden areas to explore, including the Jardin Zen maze, shaped to replicate the crashing waves below.

Outdoor Activities in Étretat

Adventure seekers may enjoy rail biking, which uses redundant train tracks to explore the natural landscape.

The 5km route from Les Loges to Étretat is popular with visitors.

Visitors who fancy a round of golf can do so at the Étretat Golf Club, located on the edge of the cliffs.

Where to Eat in Étretat

Étretat is a destination for food lovers. The old market is a hub of stalls, cafes and restaurants to try Normandy delicacies such as apple cider, moules-frites and goat's cheese.

La Marie Antoinette is the town's best seafood restaurant to grab a takeaway platter to enjoy on the beach.

L’Huitriere serves a modern French menu and is housed in a hexagonal building with marvellous sea views.

For a sweet treat, enjoy a flambé crêpe from Restaurant Lann-Bihoué, accompanied by their homemade cider.

Étretat Accommodation

Luxury Accommodation in Étretat - Hotel Dormy House

Comfort Accommodation in Étretat - Hotel d'Angleterre Etretat 

Budget Accommodation in Étretat - Au Calme dans Étretat

Chic Deauville

Deauville, located on the Côte Fleurie in lower Normandy, has been one of the most popular beaches in France since the 1860s.

The seaside resort was the place to be seen for wealthy Parisians, and the international jet set thanks to the Paris-Deauville railway, the casino and horse racing.

Coco Chanel opened her first fashion store here in 1913, and the American Film Festival has been held in Deauville since 1975.

Nowadays, visitors flock here to laze on the wide sandy Deauville beach and walk its famous 1,800-meter-long boardwalk, Promenade des Planches.

Other things to do in Deauville include playing a round on a world-class golf course, wandering around the marina, and swimming in the Olympic-size seawater swimming pool.

And those who enjoy trying out their luck at the tables will enjoy an evening at Casino Barrière Deauville.

One of the must-see attractions in Deauville is Les Franciscaines, built as a convent in 1876 and five minutes from the beach.

It now houses a museum focusing on painting and photography.

But one of the most unique things to do in Deauville is to tour the town by vintage sidecar motorcycle with Retro Tour Normandy.

Outdoor Activities in Deauville

Horses play a significant role in Deauville's history, and numerous riding schools cater to both beginners and experienced riders. Polo matches are also regularly played in Deauville.

A unique thing to do in Deauville is to race along the beach in a two-wheeled horse-drawn cart - you may see one if you are lucky!

Where to Eat in Deauville

Le Côte Royal or La Belle Époque are two upmarket hotel restaurants in Deauville. For a lobster dinner, head to Augusto Chez Laurent.

For a market-style menu at Le Jardin or Le Drakkar, a traditional brasserie on Deauville’s main street is perfect for people-watching.

Deauville Accommodation

Luxury Accommodation in Deauville - Hôtel Barrière Le Normandy

Comfort Accommodation in Deauville - Les Manoirs des Portes de Deauville

Budget Accommodation in Deauville - Yacht Deauville (stay on the water!)

Traditional Trouville-Sur-Mer

How to get to Deauville and Trouville-sur-Mer

Fly into Paris and take a direct train to Deauville in four hours. Or take the car via the Eurotunnel to Calais; from there, it is a three-hour drive.

Deauville's neighbour, the once sleepy fishing village of Trouville-sur-Mer, is also known as the Queen of Beaches.

Take the Bac de Trouville-Deauville, a small boat doing the five-minute river crossing between the two towns since 1889. It sails between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. each day.

Wander through the cobbled maze of the old town, stroll along the boardwalk to see the 19th-century beach huts and then visit the port to see the daily catch.

History enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the history of sea bathing at the Museum of Villa Montebello.

Outdoor Activities in Trouville-Sur-Mer

Hop aboard the Trouville tourist train and embark on a 40-minute journey around town, where you'll listen to informative commentary about Trouville's history.

Take to the water on a boat trip along the Calvados coast, between Houlgate and Honfleur, or, for qualified divers, explore the deeper depths with Trouville Diving Club.

Or hire a bike from Les Trouvillaises and discover the area on two wheels; you'll soon realise why Trouville-sur-Mer is one of the prettiest beach towns in France.

Where to Eat in Trouville-Sur-Mer

For casual dining, Les Quatre Chats is a quirky bistro serving excellent brunch and burgers, while Les Étiquettes offers tapas.

And don't miss out on enjoying a Normandy crepe in France; there are numerous crêperies in town!

Trouville-Sur-Mer Accommodation

Luxury Accommodation in Trouville-Sur-Mer - Hotel Mercure Trouville Sur Mer

Comfort Accommodation in Trouville-Sur-Mer - Hotel Les 2 Villas

Budget Accommodation in Trouville-Sur-Mer - Hotel Le Trouville

Sensational Saint-Pabu

How to get to Saint Pabu

Fly from Heathrow or Stansted to Brest; from there, it's a 30-minute drive to Saint-Pabu.

If you plan to do a road trip through the beautiful towns and villages of Northern France, you can catch the Eurotunnel to Calais and drive along the coast to Saint-Pabu.

Saint-Pabu is a beautiful coastal town in Brittany, ideal for visitors seeking a peaceful retreat to connect with nature.

The town is small and a perfect French seaside location to escape the tourist crowd.

Life in Saint Pabu remains simple and very similar to what it was like fifty years ago.

Saint-Pabu attracts holidaymakers due to its white sandy beach and shallow waters, which are reminiscent of those found in the Maldives.

It's hard to believe from photographs that this is one of the beaches in France, but it is! So, if you’re unsure if Northern France should be your next destination for a beach holiday, this seascape will surely convince you to go.

Outdoor Activities in Saint-Pabu

Saint Pabu’s incredible French coastline lends itself well to all outdoor pursuits.

Adventure seekers will love Saint-Pabu for kite surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding or exploring walking trails along the dunes.

Where to Eat in Saint-Pabu

The fishing village of Saint-Pabu offers some lovely rustic restaurants to sample the regional cuisine of Brittany.

Ruzven restaurant is a great choice for an authentic French dining experience. It boasts fantastic beach views and is an ideal place to immerse yourself in the local culture. 

Saint-Pabu Accommodation

Comfort Accommodation near to Saint-Pabu - Les Chambres d'hôtes de Kérasquer

Budget Accommodation in Saint-Pabu - La Clé des Champs

Elegant Biarritz

How to get to Biarritz

Fly directly to Biarritz from Gatwick and Bristol with Easyjet, Stansted, and Dublin with Ryanair. Or take the train from Paris.

Biarritz is one of the best South of France beach destinations and one of the most beautiful places in the South of France. 

With its elegant promenade and impressive architecture, it was a magnet for Hollywood stars, such as Brigit Bardot, in the 1960s, and the birthplace of European surfing.

Napoleon also frequently visited Biarritz as a coastal escape from Paris and built the Hotel du Palais as a summer palace for his Spanish Empress, Eugenie, in 1855.

In addition to being the best surf town in France, Biarritz offers a wealth of activities, making it one of the top French destinations for holidaymakers seeking outdoor adventures.

The Rock of the Blessed Virgin, the Grande Plage, and its lighthouse, which visitors can climb for stunning views of the Bay of Biscay, are just a few.

Outdoor Activities in Biarritz

There are 16 golf courses for golfers, including Golf de Biarritz, which ranks among the best in Europe.

Visitors can book Biarritz surfing lessons at Jo Moraiz Surf School, the first surf school to have opened in France.

Walkers can also take a tour of the charming port of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, 17km south of Biarritz. Saint John the Baptist Church was the site of Louis XIV’s wedding!

Where to Eat in Biarritz

Biarritz is one of the coastal destinations in France that will appeal to food lovers.

Head to the old fishermen’s port, where some of the 150-year-old crampottes – huts built into the rock - have been converted to restaurants.

You can sample Basque tapas, called pintxos, with charcuterie, cheeses and truffles at the city’s market, Les Halles de Biarritz.

Biarritz Accommodation

Luxury Accommodation in Biarritz - Hôtel du Palais Biarritz (Napoleon Bonaparte's summer palace)

Comfort Accommodation in Biarritz - Hôtel Le Windsor Biarritz

Budget Accommodation in Biarritz - Best Western Plus Hôtel Littéraire Jules Verne

Charming Sète

How to get to Sète

Fly to Beziers with Ryanair from Edinburgh, London and Manchester, or Montpellier with Easyjet from London.

With its spectacular coastline, a saltwater lagoon, and canals that run through the city, it's no wonder that Sète is known as the Venice of the Languedoc.

As a principal Mediterranean fishing port, you will see an authentic working port town heaped with rustic charm.

Wherever you go in Sète, you will be near water. It's eight miles of golden sandy beach and crystal-clear water that attract tourists looking to spend time in one of France's most beautiful coastal areas.

Must-see attractions in Sète include walking up the 225 steps to the top of the 183m high Mont St-Clair for 360-degree coastal views.

The Chapel Notre Dame de la Salette is at the summit, where local fishermen prayed for their safety at sea.

The Musée Paul Valéry features over 4,000 works and is a wonderful destination for art enthusiasts. The museum is housed in a contemporary building with beautiful gardens for visitors to stroll around.

Outdoor Activities in Sète

Lose yourself in the old town port area of La Pointe Courte, a small area of the city that backs onto the Étang de Thau Lagoon.

This is an authentic fishing village; you will feel like you've stepped back in time.

And make sure to hop aboard a boat to cruise along the canals in Sète, which gives it the nickname 'Little Venice'.

Maybe it's not as beautiful as cruising the canals in Venice, Italy, but it's still a lovely thing to do in Sète.

Walkers will enjoy trails leading through the 27-hectare pine forest, The Pierres Blanches and the two-mile Corniche Trail, which starts in town and hugs the coastline.

Where to Eat in Sète

Seafood is the main attraction in Sète's restaurants, and oysters appear on most menus.

Try Les Demoiselles Dupuy Oyster Farmhouse on the edge of the Etang de Thau Lagoon or Bar de la Marine, serving freshly caught seafood in a port-side setting.

For light bites, tapas and beer, try Café Le Social.

Sète Accommodation

Luxury Accommodation in Sète - Les Clés Secrètes

Comfort Accommodation in Sète - Cit'Hotel Imperial

Budget Accommodation in Sète - Le Pouffre

Picture-Perfect La Rochelle

How to get to La Rochelle

Ryanair flights to La Rochelle fly from Stansted and Easyjet from Gatwick and Bristol.

La Rochelle is nestled on the Bay of Biscay on France's southwest Atlantic coast.

Steeped in maritime and architectural history, La Rochelle is linked by a road bridge to the chic town of Ile de Ré, a popular haunt of fashionable Parisians.

The area is famous for its 100 kilometres of sandy beaches, dunes, pine forests, and marinas.

La Rochelle's old town and harbour are a labyrinth of centuries-old houses, narrow passages, and arches, making it a lovely place to stroll around. 

Must-see attractions in La Rochelle include a visit to the La Rochelle Aquarium, one of the largest in Europe, the Museum of Automatons, featuring over 300 moving characters, and the three historic towers of La Rochelle's port, which have served as defence towers, prisons, and even royal residences.

Outdoor Activities in La Rochelle

The peninsula of Ile de Ré is perfect for all types of watersports, while its coastal tracks make up some of the 230km of cycle paths that crisscross this southwestern area of France.

Cycling holidays are very popular in La Rochelle and the Île de Ré, attracting cyclists worldwide.

Take to the water on a boat trip and sail around Fort Boyard, the site of the hit 90s TV show!

Where to Eat in La Rochelle

Eating out in La Rochelle is an event with many superb restaurants, including Le Panier de Crabe, a seafood restaurant, and Le Comptoir Saoufé, an oyster restaurant.

And no visit to La Rochelle is complete without a stop at Café de la Paix, an 18th-century Art Deco café classified as a historical monument in France.

La Rochelle Accommodation

Luxury Accommodation in La Rochelle - Hôtel La Monnaie Art & Spa

Comfort Accommodation in La Rochelle - Novotel La Rochelle Centre

Budget Accommodation in La Rochelle - Cit'Hotel le Bord'O Vieux Port

Naughty But Nice

How to get to Nice

Fly into Nice from the UK with Easyjet and other budget carriers. Take the car over on the Eurotunnel and drive through France to reach the Riviera.

Nice has one of the most beautiful beaches in France and is a perfect example of what makes the South of France such a sought-after destination.

The town makes the perfect place for a break on the French Riviera and an excellent base for visiting other coastal towns in the region.

Nice is a South of France beach town with a mix of old-world glamour that meets modern-day expectations.

Its beautiful hotels, restaurants and historic old town are a throwback to an age when life in Nice revolved around royalty and the rich and famous.

Luckily, this charming seaside town is now accessible to all.

Must-see attractions in Nice include Castle Hill, with its impressive sea views, and the Port of Nice, featuring mega-yachts, a sandy beach, and good diving spots.

The Matisse Art Museum is packed with the artist's work and the Promenade de Anglais, the promenade for which Nice is famous.

Outdoor Activities in Nice

Beach life on the Côte d'Azur is a favourite pastime for locals and visitors.

Head to the famous Beau Rivage, a private beach with two very different personalities.

A zen outdoor restaurant opens onto beach beds lined up on the sand, and the lively lounge area has a DJ playing into the night.

During the day, explore the beautiful flower and produce markets in Cours Saleya and the main historic square in Nice, Place Masséna.

In the evening, wander around the Old Town and soak up the atmosphere as you stroll along narrow cobbled streets.

Where to eat in Nice

Nice is an expensive place to eat, so it's wise to research the restaurant prices beforehand to avoid any unexpected shocks.

Z Restaurant is one of the best tapas bars in Nice, while Restaurant JAN is perfect for fine dining.

For a sweet treat, head to Angea for one of their giant macaroons filled with ice cream.

Nice Accommodation

Luxury Accommodation in Nice - Hotel Negresco

Comfort Accommodation in Nice - Hotel Victor Hugo

Budget Accommodation in Nice - Villa Berlioz

Conclusion

France boasts some of the best beaches in Europe, particularly in its southern coastal towns.

With miles of sandy beaches and hot summers, you can be sure that a trip to one of the French beach towns in this post will be a fabulous experience.

My favourite beaches in France include Nice, Biarritz, and Le Touquet, which I have visited three times, and I look forward to returning!

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