From Hidden Coves to Glamorous Seaside Resorts, These French Beach Destinations Are Worth the Trip

If we told you to think about France, your mind would likely conjure images of historic Parisian streets and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower. However, while Paris is France’s most popular tourist destination, the country has so much more to offer. For example, did you know France is home to some of the best beaches in Europe?

The French coastline is jam-packed with quaint coastal cities, towns, and villages offering long sandy beaches, warm crystal-clear waters, and beautiful waterfront restaurants. To learn more, here are 12 beautiful beach destinations in France that offer pristine beaches, sunshine, and relaxation.

Swipe and Vote: See What Travelers Recommend

Which French beach calls your name?

This is a swiper quiz, swipe right for yes, swipe left for no.

Menton 1/5

Saint Tropez 2/5

Corsica 3/5

12 Beautiful Places in Southern France Overwhelmed by Overtourism_Antibes

Antibes 4/5

Nice 5/5

Results

Menton

2 2

Saint Tropez

2 2

Corsica

1 3

Antibes

2 2

Nice

2 2

Menton

We’ll kick things off with Menton, one of our favorite French destinations. This charming French Riviera town sits on the French-Italian border. It’s home to breathtaking pastel-colored architecture, mesmerizing beaches, and a historic port filled with character and French culture. You can take things slower in Menton, so relax, unwind, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.

You’ll likely spend your days wandering through the town, exploring the Old Port, and sunbathing on Les Sablettes Beach. Les Sablettes Beach sits in front of the town, offering panoramic views, turquoise waters, and plenty of amenities. This includes upscale restaurants, sun loungers, and umbrellas.

Stay for Sunset at Vue Panoramique: Enjoy one of the best views in Menton at the Vue Panoramique de Menton, a lookout point offering stunning vistas of the Old Town and the sea. Access is free, making it an excellent spot to take in the colors of the sunset.
Relax on Les Sablettes Beach: Les Sablettes Beach is a beautiful, family-friendly beach featuring clear turquoise waters and soft sand. Access is free, but sun loungers can be rented for about 15 EUR (around 17 USD) per day during peak season. Restaurants and cafés line the promenade, perfect for refreshments or dining with a view.

Nice

If you’re looking for a combination of a big-city lifestyle and Southern France’s coastal charm, you must visit Nice. Nice is a famous seaside city in a large bay along the Mediterranean Sea. Its location ensures visitors can experience Mediterranean weather, pristine beaches, and warm turquoise waters.

Once a summer vacation destination for the European elite, Nice is home to 20 public and 15 private beaches, the most popular being Plage Publique de l’Opéra. When you’re not strolling along this beach or swimming in the sea, head into Nice to explore. You’ll find everything from museums and famous landmarks to authentic restaurants and designer shops in the city.

Stroll Promenade des Anglais: Enjoy a walk along the iconic Promenade des Anglais, a 7-kilometer stretch of coastline perfect for views of the Mediterranean. Entry is free.
Dine with a View at Le Plongeoir: For a romantic meal perched above the sea, visit Le Plongeoir, a unique restaurant offering Mediterranean cuisine. Try the red tuna tataki, which costs 32 EUR (around 35 USD). The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner, and reservations are essential.

Corsica

Few people realize enjoying a Mediterranean island getaway in France is possible. Corsica is a mountainous island with beautiful coastal towns, dense forests, rocky peaks, and exotic beaches. Better still, its location between France and Italy has seen the island influenced by both cultures, so you can enjoy the best of France and Italy in one destination.

Arguably, the best beach area in Corsica is Plage de Palombaggia. This scenic beach is prized for its wide strip of soft white sand, clear aquamarine waters, evergreen trees, and laid-back vibes. With little else to do, you have the ultimate excuse to relax, refresh, and enjoy delicious French and Italian cuisine.

Dine at Costa Marina: Visit Costa Marina near Palombaggia Beach for traditional Corsican dishes. The grilled fish and wood-fired pizzas here are local favorites, with main courses starting at 25 EUR (around 27 USD). The restaurant is open daily, from 12:00 to 14:30 for lunch and 19:00 to 22:30 for dinner. Reservations are recommended.
Explore the Old Town of Bonifacio: Perched atop limestone cliffs, Bonifacio’s Old Town offers stunning views, cobblestone streets, and historical sites like the Bastion de l’Étendard. The fortress itself requires an entry fee of 3 EUR (about 4 USD), and guided tours are available daily from 09:00 to 18:00.

Saint Tropez

Saint Tropez is one of the most popular and famous cities in Southern France. Originally a fishing village, it’s most loved for offering some of the best beaches in France, high-end resorts, and a beautiful harbor that features traditional pastel-colored architecture. Saint Tropez is perfect if you want to step back in time, explore French history, and enjoy a Mediterranean Sea getaway.

You’ll want to spend your days in Saint Tropez strolling through the narrow cobblestone streets, exploring the harbor, and relaxing at Plages de Saint-Tropez. This quiet beach has a narrow stretch of golden sand and turquoise waters. You’ll also find several other beaches along the coast from the town.

Try Pastries at La Tarte Tropézienne: Stop by La Tarte Tropézienne, the iconic bakery famous for its namesake dessert, a creamy brioche tart. A single tart costs 6 EUR (about 7 USD). The bakery is open daily from 07:30 to 19:30, with multiple locations in the town.
Stroll Along Place des Lices Market: Every Tuesday and Saturday morning, the Place des Lices Market transforms into a vibrant hub filled with fresh produce, artisanal goods, and vintage finds. Entry is free, and it runs from 07:00 to 13:00.

Antibes

Antibes is a resort town between Cannes and Nice along the French Riviera. It’s home to a historic Old Town surrounded by a 16th-century wall and a port filled with luxury yachts. However, the town is arguably most renowned for its sandy beaches, which make it the perfect setting for a beach getaway.

Plage des Ondes and Salis Beach are two of the most popular beaches in the town. Both offer a stretch of fine white sand, calm, clear waters, and plenty of space to sunbathe. However, Plage de la Garoupe is our favorite. Tucked away in a small cove, this picturesque beach has a glorious stretch of soft white sand, lush surroundings, and a wide range of amenities, including resorts, restaurants, and bars.

Walk the Sentier du Littoral: The Sentier du Littoral is a 5-kilometer trail winding along Antibes’ rocky coastline, offering incredible views of the Mediterranean. The hike takes about 2 hours and is free to access, though sturdy walking shoes are essential due to uneven terrain.
Visit the Picasso Museum: The Picasso Museum is housed in Château Grimaldi, where Picasso himself once worked on several pieces. Entry costs 12 EUR (14 USD) for adults. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00, with hours extended to 20:00 during summer.

Èze

Beaches in France_Èze — © Lamax / Adobe Stock

Èze is a lesser-known French beach destination, but it has much to offer, especially if you’re looking for a romantic getaway with your partner. This delightful town is only a short drive from Nice, but it’s worlds apart in what it offers. While Nice offers a big-city atmosphere and busy beaches, Èze offers seclusion, peace, and quiet.

🏨 Explore all your hotel options here

This romantic hideaway sits atop a picturesque hilltop, offering panoramic coastal views and an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You’ll enjoy lazed strolls, French cuisine, and a scenic pebble-stone beach in the town. Here, you can relax under an umbrella, drink wine at a beachfront bar, and participate in water sports. What’s not to like?

Relax at Èze-sur-Mer Beach: Located at the base of the village, Èze-sur-Mer Beach provides a quiet retreat with its pebbly shore and crystal-clear waters. Access to the beach is free.
Shop Perfumes at Galimard Perfumerie: Visit Galimard in Èze to experience traditional French perfume-making and create a custom fragrance. Workshops start at 59 EUR (approximately 65 USD) per person. Open daily from 10:00 to 19:00, it’s a sensory treat for couples.

Save this

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later.

Île de Porquerolles

Beaches in France_Porquerolles — © Pascal Fraboul / Adobe Stock

Next, we have Île de Porquerolles, more simply known as Porquerolles. This island beach destination offers travelers an escape from the daily grind. This small piece of paradise is a short ferry ride from the peninsula of Hyères in Southern France. The island is famed for its exceptional beaches and crystal-clear waters, so expect great things.

Admittedly, some beaches on the island are difficult to reach, but they’re often worth the extra effort because they offer more seclusion. Either way, though, almost all the beaches on the island are quiet and very idyllic. Beaches on the island worth a mention include Plage Notre Dame, Plage de la Courtade, and Plage d’Argent.

Drink and Snack at Le Pelagos: Stop at Le Pelagos Restaurant, located near Plage d’Argent, for seafood platters and refreshing drinks. A glass of Provençal rosé costs 8 EUR (approximately 9 USD), and their classic moules-frites (mussels with fries) is around 18 EUR (about 20 USD). They are open daily from 11:30 to 22:00.
Visit the Fondation Carmignac Museum: The Fondation Carmignac features contemporary art exhibits and serene gardens. Entry costs 15 EUR (about 17 USD) for adults and is free for children under 12. It is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 18:00, and advance online booking is required to secure your visit.

Villefranche-sur-Mer

Villefranche-sur-Mer is a gorgeous seaside town offering traditional French architecture, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere despite being only 15 minutes from Nice. This classic Riviera resort town is a joy to behold. You’ll quickly fall in love with the lovely stretches of golden sand, emerald waters, and 15th-century housing that clings to the hillside.

This town is also just southwest of Monaco, and you can tell. Villefranche-sur-Mer has a very luxurious feel, minus the celebrities and superyachts. During your vacation, explore the town’s narrow streets, walk along the waterfront, sip cocktails in the harbor, and sunbathe on Plage des Mariniers Beach.

Explore Rue Obscure: Walk through Rue Obscure, a medieval, covered street that has remained unchanged since the 14th century. This hidden passage is free to explore and offers a unique glimpse into the town’s history.
Drink Cocktails at Les Garçons: Enjoy creative cocktails and French cuisine with Mediterranean flair at Les Garçons. Their craft cocktails start at 14 EUR (around 15 USD), and the restaurant is open daily from 19:00 to 23:00. It’s best to book a table in advance during weekends.

Trouville-sur-Mer

Northern France is also home to some exceptional beach destinations, and Trouville-sur-Mer is one of the best. Located in the Normandy region, this beautiful town has fewer than 4,500 residents, so you can expect a laid-back atmosphere, peace, and tranquility.

Trouville is best known for its 19th-century boardwalk and seaside shops. This boardwalk features fascinating multi-colored architecture with unique striped designs. In front of the boardwalk, you’ll find the enormous Grande Plage de Trouville. This large stretch of soft golden sand is perfect for walking, relaxing, and playing games with the family. Admittedly, Trouville doesn’t get as hot as Southern France, but it’s still warm.

Shop at Marché de Trouville: Visit the open-air market, Marché de Trouville, which operates every Wednesday and Sunday morning near the harbor. Fresh oysters, cheeses, and local produce are highlights, with prices for seafood starting at 5 EUR (about 6 USD) per portion. It’s an excellent spot to sample Norman specialties or take some home.
Indulge at Dupont avec un Thé: Treat yourself to fine pastries at Dupont avec un Thé, a patisserie famous for its tarte normande (apple tart). A single tart costs 5 EUR (about 6 USD). The café is open daily from 09:00 to 19:00. Enjoy your dessert with a scenic view from their terrace.

Honfleur

Another Northern French destination with breathtaking architecture and sandy beaches is Honfleur, a vibrant city on the Seine estuary, where the Seine River meets the English Channel. It’s most famous for its lively Old Town, picturesque harbor, and art history. Once a stomping ground for Monet and his peers, the 17th-century fishing harbor is where most of the action is found.

Here, you’ll be captivated by enchanting half-timbered houses painted in pastel colors, narrow cobblestoned streets, and Northern France wonders like the Église Sainte Catherine. Meanwhile, beachgoers will enjoy having easy access to one of the Seine estuary’s best beaches, Plage du Butin.

Indulge at Glacier Le Village: Treat yourself to artisanal ice cream at Glacier Le Village. Popular flavors include salted caramel and Norman apple sorbet, with a double scoop priced at 5 EUR (about 6 USD). Open daily from 11:00 to 21:00, it’s the perfect place for a sweet break.
Explore Le Vieux Bassin: Stroll along the Le Vieux Bassin, Honfleur’s iconic old harbor. The area is free to access and lined with art galleries, cafés, and shops. Don’t miss the chance to capture the reflection of the pastel-colored buildings in the water during sunset.

Marseille

Heading back to Southern France, Marseille is a great place to visit if you love the buzz of big-city life. This beautiful port city was founded by the Greeks in 600 B.C. and has long been a crossroads for trade and immigration. Therefore, it has a diverse mix of cultures, which can be seen throughout the city’s cuisine and architecture.

Aside from being home to landmark attractions such as Fort Saint-Jean and Saint-Laurent Church, Marseille also features various beautiful beaches. Some of the beaches in Marseille worth mentioning include Plage du Prophète, Prado Beach, and Plages du Prado. These beaches offer golden sand, emerald waters, and amenities such as public transport, restaurants, and sun loungers.

Relax at Plage du Prophète: One of Marseille’s favorite beaches, Plage du Prophète offers golden sand, calm waters, and amenities like volleyball courts and snack kiosks. Access is free.
Discover Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde: The iconic Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica offers breathtaking views of Marseille and the Mediterranean. Entry is free, and the site is open daily from 07:00 to 18:15 in winter and 07:00 to 19:15 in summer. It’s advisable to take a cab or bus due to the steep climb.

Saint-Jean-de-Luz

The final beach destination on our list is Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a quaint fishing town at the mouth of the Nivelle River in southwest France. It’s only 12 miles (20 kilometers) from the upscale and glamorous Biarritz, but it offers an entirely different ambiance and character. While Biarritz is a luxurious, shiny, and sparkly city, Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a more classic old Basque fishing village.

This lovely village features historic buildings, authentic restaurants, unique shops, and a long sandy beach. The Maison Louis XIV Museum, the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church, and the Jacques Thibaud promenade are popular attractions. However, you’ll probably be most drawn to Grande Plage, Saint-Jean-de-Luz’s beach. This beach is right in the town’s center and is popular with families because the waters are calm.

Explore Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church: The Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church is famous for hosting the wedding of King Louis XIV in 1660. Entry is free, and the church is open daily from 09:00 to 18:30. Visit to admire its unique wooden gallery interior and gilded altarpiece.
Stroll the Jacques Thibaud Promenade: The Jacques Thibaud Promenade offers a scenic walkway along the coastline with stunning views of the ocean. Lined with restaurants and benches, it’s ideal for a leisurely evening stroll. Access is free and available all day.