Contrary to critics, beach holidays remain ever popular. French shores, Europe’s finest, continue to enchant. From Brittany’s rugged coasts to the expansive Atlantic beaches, diverse beauty thrives. Deep south Biarritz birthed European surfing. Mediterranean charm graces Côte Vermeille, while Riviera’s allure endures. Discover hidden spots below with lodging options.
Breeze it in Wissant
Unbeknownst to many, the grandeur of Côte-d’Opale, a stone’s throw from Calais, is awe-inspiring. Heath and farmland meet the towering Cap Blanc Nez and Cap Gris Nez headlands. A seven-mile stretch of white sand beckons, attracting sand-yachters, kite-surfers, and nature enthusiasts alike. Bathing is also a draw. Some speculate that Caesar launched his British conquest from here in 55BC, with sweeping views of the landscape. Traces of the German Atlantic wall remain, lending an eerie allure. We retreat to Wissant village, epitomizing the region’s unassuming charm
Bustle in Barneville-Carteret
On the Cotentin’s west coast, Barneville-Carteret exudes Edwardian charm. Think blue and white cabins on La Potinière beach and hillside villas, reminiscent of vintage postcards. The beach stretches south, with plage de la Vieille Eglise kicking off a seven-mile stretch of dunes-backed sandy shores. Seaside sports thrive, but eateries are back in town — no worry, family-friendly seafood restaurants abound.
Frolic in Fouesnant
From Fouesnant to Bénodet, this coastal stretch is South Brittany’s prime gem, earning the moniker “Breton Riviera”. Marcel Proust admired Fouesnant as an “enchanting spot”, though 21st-century family seekers may differ. Disregard that and focus on the fantastic beach getaway it offers. Nine miles of sands span Cap Coz plage’s grand sweep to Beg-Meil hamlet’s coves. Beyond Fouesnant village, the coast offers great walking, cycling, and riding, along with a myriad of beach and water sports. Evening life thrives at Beg-Meil, with Bistrot Chez Hubert leading the scene, run by the same family since 1903.
Relax in Noirmoutier
Leaving the mainland for an island is always thrilling. Noirmoutier takes it up a notch, especially if you risk the three-mile causeway without checking tides. Better to use the bridge and enjoy the loveliest of France’s western isles. White cottages, blue shutters, and hollyhocks mark the seaside setting. A 25-mile stretch of beaches is hard to miss. Plage des Dames offers vibrant beach life, backed by woods and near the village. But Noirmoutier is flat, so other larger, less crowded beaches are easy to reach by bike. Consider the four-mile stretch from Barbatre to La Guérinière. Return for an evening tide to Noirmoutier-en-Ile or dine at Michelin-starred La Marine in l’Herbaudière port if extending your adventure.
Cap Ferret
The French Atlantic’s hippest spot feels like a chic colony. Nestled between Arcachon Basin and the ocean, it was once wild terrain. Now secluded by vast forests, it offers 15 miles of lively Atlantic beaches for surfers and serene basin-side sands for families. Oyster villages dot the shore, epitomizing leisure. The tranquil town itself resembles Cotswolds-by-the-sea, with luxurious villas and sandy paths.
Below are images of the remaining stunning beaches in France:
