12 Underrated French Beach Towns That Fly Under the Radar but Shouldn’t
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Think of a French beach destination, and you probably think of Nice, St. Tropez, Cannes, and the over-glamorized cities on the French Riviera. We are not denying it; these cities can make for a dreamy seaside vacation. However, everyone knows them, and everyone rushes there. Only savvy travelers skip these typically crowded destinations and head to underrated coast destinations. After all, these underrated French beach destinations offer tourists pristine sands, small crowds, and tranquility, all at considerably lower prices.
France has over 3,100 miles (5,000 kilometers) of coastline. Why get cramped in crowded destinations when you can have miles and miles of shoreline to yourself in these 12 underrated beach destinations in France?
Le Lavandou
Le Lavandou is located between Toulon and St. Tropez in the Var Department. This is a good seaside destination to consider if you want to experience the peak of Provencal charm without battling crowds. This town boasts 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) of sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, a charming fishing port, and stunning coastal scenery.
You will like that it offers a more relaxed and less commercialized atmosphere than the more famous destinations on the French Riviera.
Some of the best beaches to explore in Le Lavandou include Saint-Clair, Anglade, Jean Blanc, and Cavaliere. Whether you are looking to lounge on sandy shores, get active in the waters, or just take in the tranquility of the sea, you will find your perfect beach in Le Lavandou.
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Collioure
Collioure offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and numerous exploration opportunities. If you want to explore a less crowded but equally captivating part of the French Mediterranean coast, this is the city for you.
While the city is known for picture-perfect coasts, you will certainly love how the backdrop of the Pyrenees adds to its allure. You can choose from the Collioure beaches: Boramar, Saint-Vincent, Ouille, and Port d’Avall.
You can explore the historic Château Royal de Collioure, a castle that offers stunning panoramic views of the town and sea; the Notre-Dame-des-Anges, a beautiful church built on the foundations of a former lighthouse; and the Museum of Modern Art, which hosts works by artists inspired by Collioure.
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Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Located on the Bay of Biscay near the Spanish Border, Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a charming coastal town known for its sandy beaches, beautiful traditional Basque architecture, a vibrant fishing port, and delicious cuisine.
If you are looking for authentic relaxation by this town’s beaches, your best spot would be Grande Plage, the city’s main beach. It is located near the heart of the city and protected by a natural breakwater, making it perfect for families. Erromardie is ideal for surfing and enjoying sea views; Lafitenia is perfect for anyone looking for an active beachfront day, while Mayarco is perfect for a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere with fewer visitors.
You can explore the Old Town, filled with Basque houses, boutiques, and cafes. You can also spend some time at Port de Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a picturesque fishing port, where you can see traditional Basque fishing boats and enjoy fresh seafood.
In the evenings, you can stroll along the Promenade Jacques Thibaud, which offers beautiful views of the bay and the surrounding mountains.
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Le Touquet-Paris-Plage
Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, often simply referred to as Le Touquet, is located on the northern coast of France along the English Channel. It is known for its elegant architecture, vibrant cultural scene, lush pine forests, and wide sandy beaches.
Some of Le Touquet’s best beaches include Le Touquet, Sud, and Nord. You can also explore the Le Touquet Lighthouse (Phare du Touquet), spend a day at the Aqualand Waterpark, or play golf at Le Touquet Golf Club. Despite its popularity with locals and Parisians, Le Touquet-Paris-Plage is less known internationally than other French beach destinations.
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Île de Ré
Île de Ré is an island off the west coast of France, connected to the mainland city of La Rochelle by the Île de Ré Bridge. It is known for its picturesque villages, charming harbors, vineyards, and sandy beaches.
Everyone looking for an island destination in France will likely consider Porquerolles. While it is wildly beautiful, it can get crowded. If you have already visited Porquerolles or are looking for a destination with a low-key charm, Île de Ré would make a perfect place to enjoy French island life.
When visiting this island, some beaches you do not want to miss include Conche des Baleines, Gros Jonc, Couarde, Gollandières, and Prises.
You can also go cycling in the island’s extensive cycling trails, enjoy panoramic views of the sea and the island from Phare des Baleines lighthouse, or wander through the island’s largest village, Saint-Martin-de-Ré, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Roscoff
Roscoff is another destination on the English Channel’s coast and serves as a port town with ferry connections to the UK and Ireland. If you are looking for a destination less frequented by international tourists, this is another one you should add to your list. Its relatively remote location and authentic Breton character make it a perfect destination for anyone who appreciates a peaceful and culturally rich beach destination.
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When in Roscoff, explore its beautiful old harbor, charming granite houses, and stunning beaches. Some of its noteworthy beaches include Rockroum, Laber, and Perharidy.
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Saint-Cyprien
Saint-Cyprien is located on the Mediterranean coast, near the town of Perpignan and not far from the Spanish border. This town is known for its beautiful marina, pristine beaches, and beautiful scenery. Saint-Cyprien will be your perfect destination if you are looking for a family-friendly atmosphere that offers numerous leisure facilities, including golf courses, water parks, and sports complexes.
For a day by the beach, Saint-Cyprien, Art, Maillol, and Rodin would be your best bets. Or, stroll along the town’s bustling marina or explore its vibrant outdoor markets.
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Hendaye
Hendaye is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, rich Basque culture, and strategic location at the border of France and Spain. The town offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees mountains. Hendaye is less known than other coastal Basque cities like Biarritz. Visiting Hendaye, therefore, allows tourists to enjoy its pristine shores and charming town without the large crowds.
Plage d’Hendaye, Hendaye’s main beach, is a 1.89-mile (3-kilometer) stretch of fine sand known for its gentle slope and calm waters. These make it ideal for families. Due to its consistent waves, it is also popular for surfing. Other excellent beaches you cannot miss in Hendaye include Deux Jumeaux and Alcyons.
In case you ever need a break from Hendaye’s pristine shores, you can explore Hendaye Old Town, the historic Château d’Abbadia, or take road trips on Basque Corniche, a scenic coastal road that runs between Hendaye and Saint-Jean-de-Luz. This road offers stunning views of the cliffs, the ocean, and the Basque countryside. There are also several hiking trails along this route.
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Concarneau
Concarneau’s beautiful beaches, vibrant cultural scene, and rich history make it a unique destination. You will love that despite its rich history and natural beauty, Concarneau remains uncrowded compared to other Brittany coastal destinations.
Some of the city’s most loved spots include Sables Blancs, the most popular beach featuring fine white sands and clear waters; Cornouaille, which offers a tranquil and relaxed atmosphere despite being located near the town center; and Belle Etoile, perfect for soaking in scenic surroundings and beautiful views.
When in Concarneau, ensure you spare enough time for Ville Close, a historic walled town at the heart of Concarneau. You can wander through its narrow streets, visit the shops and cafes, and learn about the town’s history at the local museums.
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La Ciotat
La Ciotat is located between Marseille and Cassis, making it a great escape for anyone who would like to escape the buzz of these two popular coastal destinations.
If you choose La Ciotat as your next escape, you will explore its beautiful sandy beaches, rocky calanques (inlets), crystal-clear waters, and the town’s vibrant atmosphere.
For the ultimate Provençal charm, spend as much time on La Ciotat’s beaches. Some good options include Calanque du Mugel, Cyrnos, and Lumière. You can also explore the Old Port (Vieux Port) and admire the colorful fishing boats, sample waterfront restaurants, or just stroll, taking in the views of the sea. You may also want to spare some time for the Eden Theater, one of the world’s oldest cinemas, dating back to 1889. The theater is open for guided tours for anyone who wants to explore its role in cinema history.
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Saint-Raphaël
Saint-Raphaël is located between Cannes and Saint Tropez. Despite its beauty and rich provencal charm, many tourists overlook it in favor of St. Tropez and Cannes. If you want to escape the crowds and ridiculous prices of Cannes and St. Tropez, you may opt for Saint-Raphaël. This charming resort town has a beautiful Mediterranean coastline, stunning sandy beaches, and the backdrop of the Esterel Massif’s red volcanic rocks.
Some of its beaches, which you can explore, include Veillat, Baumette, and Tortue. You can include the Esterel Massif in your itinerary if you are interested in active exploration. This mountain features pine forests and numerous hiking trails offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Coastline.
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Gruissan
Not far from Narbonne lies Gruissan, a charming seaside village known for its ancient salt flats and beautiful sandy beaches. It is no wonder it is considered one of the most beautiful villages in France.
You will love exploring its traditional Mediterranean architecture and picturesque harbor while enjoying a quiet environment. Some of its noteworthy beaches include Chalets, Mateille, and Vieille Nouvelle. You also cannot afford to miss the 11th-century Barberousse Tower, which is the heart of Gruissan.
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