The beaches in France beckon travelers with diverse coastal landscapes and varying activities. The country's 3,427 kilometers of coastline hosts plenty of captivating golden sands and crystal clear waters, making it a tough task to select the best beaches in France. While the renowned Côte d’Azur is celebrated for its coastal charm, Biarritz in the Basque Country is acclaimed for its gentle waves, Brittany's Emerald Coast offers secluded beaches and thrilling water sports, and Corsica, Porquerolles, and the Bassin d’Arcachon are equally revered for their scenic beachfront.
Check out this list featuring the best beach tours in France to make your best pick.
This trip is much more than a review of the high lights of France. You go to many places that you did not know about, and are very historical. It’s more thorough than expected.
4 - Very Good
Jim Keal
“This was a very nice tour. Excellent guide, excellent driver, excellent clean coach. Hotels were good. The food was excellent. This trip is a very good trip you won’t regret and will remember for a very long time. It’s worth the investment, and you will be tired at the end.”
Beaches in France
3 Most Popular Beaches In France
Palombaggia Beach: Palombaggia is widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica, known for its fine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. It is situated near the town of Porto-Vecchio, which is in the southern part of Corsica. The calm and transparent waters of Palombaggia Beach make it an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities. The sunsets over the Mediterranean Sea are also stunning.
Plage du Sillon: Plage du Sillon is one of the largest sandy beaches in Saint-Malo and is divided into three different parts: Grande plage, plage de la Hoguette, and the plage de Rochebonne. A promenade and esplanade run along the beach, offering sea and city views. A unique feature of Plage du Sillon is the significant tidal variation in the region, where the sea retreats during low tide, revealing vast expanses of sandy shores. The beach is suitable for swimming, windsurfing, and beachcombing.
Côte de Granit Rose: The Côte de Granit Rose is in the Côtes-d'Armor area of Brittany, near the towns of Perros-Guirec, Trégastel, and Pleumeur-Bodou. The coastline is characterized by exceptional pink granite rocks that have been shaped by erosion into fascinating and unusual formations. The pink hue of the rocks is due to the presence of minerals, particularly feldspar, in the granite. The Sentier des Douaniers is a coastal footpath that runs along the Côte de Granit Rose, providing visitors with breathtaking views of the coastline and unique rocks. In addition to hiking and beach activities, the Côte de Granit Rose offers opportunities for water sports such as kayaking and sailing.
Highlights of France Beach Tours
Swimming at Bouillabaisse Beach in Saint-Tropez is a standout experience, boasting clear waters, gentle waves, and a relaxed atmosphere. Its gradual seabed slope accommodates all swimmers, making it an ideal spot for both leisurely swims and sunbathing.
Visit Dieppe Beach while on your Paris tour, which is located just 170 kilometers from the city. Dieppe offers a proper getaway with a main beach stretching over 1.5 kilometers between the Alabaster Coast and the harbor dike.
Engage in various water sports, including surfing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, and snorkeling on popular beaches such as La Côte des Basques in Biarritz, Plage de Saleccia in Corsica, and Côte Sauvage in Brittany.
Explore Normandy's historic D-Day landing beaches. Notable leisure spots include the historically notable Omaha Beach, Deauville Beach, known for its elegance, and Plage de Trouville, which offers a charming family-friendly environment.
Explore the lush green stretches away from the shores at Côte des Basques, Biarritz. This beach offers opportunities for coastal walks and hiking, providing a remarkable experience for nature enthusiasts.
Indulge in adrenaline-pumping aquatic activities in the northern Mediterranean waters near Mandelieu-la-Napoule, Cannes, and Theoule-sur-Mer. Jet skiing, paragliding, and other aqua sports await in the French Rivera as a part of your France adventure tour itinerary.
Escape to the secluded and charming coastal settings of Beaulieu-sur-mer, Villefranche, and Eze on your France honeymoon tour. These destinations offer an ideal romantic getaway for honeymooners, providing an enchanting backdrop for love and relaxation.
Travel Tips For Beach Tours in France
To enjoy extended summer weather and warm swimming and water sports conditions, the best time to visit France to soak in its beaches would be from late June to mid-September.
Research local events or festivals happening near the beach during your visit. It could add a fun cultural experience to your beach outing. Some festivals that take place on the beaches in France are Calvi on the Rocks, Electrobeach, and La Route du Rock.
Pay attention to the safety flags displayed on the beaches in France. Located near the lifeguard posts, the three masts provide crucial information: the west indicates ground wind, the central flags warn about sea conditions (green for safe bathing, orange for risk, red for danger), and the east assesses water quality (blue for good, yellow for poor).
The rise in jellyfish populations has been noted as a concern, with reports of jellyfish sightings and stings on the rise in the French Riviera. Beachgoers are advised to be cautious and informed about jellyfish presence and take necessary precautions to avoid potential stings.
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