Who said that France is only well-known for its wine and cheese? In this blog, we will explore the best beaches in France and why they are a great holiday destination. From stunning coastal views to gourmet restaurants and vibrant nightlife, it’s easy to see why the French Riviera is a perfect place for your next beach holiday! Pack your bags and join us for an unforgettable experience in finding the best beach holidays in France!
Introduction to Beach Holidays in France
France is often synonymous with art and culture, but it’s also an ideal destination for beach holidays. From the chic beaches of St Tropez to the photogenic, pastel-coloured towns of Normandy and Brittany, France boasts some of Europe’s most fascinating coastline. Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend in the sun or a full two-week holiday to explore French beaches and traditional restaurants, there are plenty of options when it comes to experiencing beach life in France.
In this guide, we outline some of the best beach holidays in France for all budgets. We cover everything from popular cities such as Nice on the Côte d’Azur, to stylish camping trips on Corsica – a tiny island off Marseille that packs plenty of punch when it comes to beaches. We also discuss how you can combine beach holidays with culture in places such as La Rochelle or Biarritz – culturally rich spots that are still home to great stretches of sand if you know where to look!
Popular Beach Destinations in France
France is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, and its diverse coastlines, ranging from long sandy beaches to secluded rocky coves, provide stunning backdrops for a perfect beach holiday. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway with laid-back vibes or an action-packed adventure to explore caves and marine life, the French coastline has plenty of options that offer something for everyone.
The south coast of France is especially popular with tourists seeking sunshine, while the north is a great place to relax or have an exciting watersports experience. Popular beach destinations in France include:
-Normandy: Normandy offers plenty of family-friendly activities as well as stunning coastal views. Popular destinations on this stretch include Dieppe, Honfleur and Etretat.
-Biarritz: This coastal city has something for everyone—surfers can catch some waves at Les Cavaliers Beach or explore Parc Bienvenüe’s famous gardens whilst sunbathing on the white sands of Plage de la Cote des Basques.
-Corsica: Boasting postcard-perfect coves, Corsica’s Mediterranean coastline offers some of the most spectacular scenery in all of Europe. Its clean white sand and crystal clear waters make it an ideal spot to cool off during the hot summer months.
-Provence: For those looking for a quieter beach destination, Provence’s Bay of Marseille provides sheltered bays with crystal clear waters perfect for swimming or deep sea fishing trips.
Types of Beach Accommodations in France
Whether you want to stay in a self-catering apartment, a luxury resort or even a beachside campsite, France has it all! The coastline of France offers something for every taste and budget. Here are the main types of beach accommodations in France:
Self-Catering: Self-catering apartments and holiday homes offer an ideal base for your break. Houses and flats come with fully equipped kitchens so you can prepare meals at your own pace. This option is great if you have kids or are traveling on a budget, as it keeps costs down.
Camping/Glamping: Many people prefer to relax in the great outdoors when visiting beaches in France. Depending on where you choose to go, there are tent camping sites, luxury glamping sites and even spots for campervans and caravans.
Hotels & Resorts: Hotels in French seaside resorts range from cozy family hotels to glamorous five-star establishments offering à la carte dining options and exclusive facilities such as spas and private beaches. Many resorts also offer all-inclusive packages to ensure that everything is taken care of during your stay.
Bed & Breakfasts: Bed & Breakfasts in France provide cozy holiday accommodation with charm. Each one differs according to its individual style – some offer spa services while others boast excellent restaurants on site – but they all provide warm hospitality that makes guests feel right at home.
Activities to Enjoy on a Beach Holiday in France
Visitors to France have the opportunity to enjoy many activities on a beach holiday, from sand and water sports to cultural experiences. You can take advantage of all that the French coastline has to offer and experience the best holiday ever.
Spend your time swimming at some of the most beautiful beaches in France, and explore different locations around the coast. The cliffs along with sandy beaches are breathtaking views that should not be missed during your beach holiday. From snorkeling and scuba diving to surfing, you can find activities tailored to individual skills and levels in France’s crystal clear waters.
Animal lovers may want to go whale watching or take part in dolphin-watching trips while they stay near the shoreline. There is also a wide range of wildlife photography opportunities, as well as kayaking trips where you can spot all sorts of sea creatures.
Try something new such as kite surfing, windsurfing or stand-up paddle boarding, or sink your feet into a pleasant hike on a beach walk accompanied by an experienced guide who can tell you about this coastal area’s natural beauty. Many beaches provide bike rental services if you would rather explore by pedaling around them instead of walking or running, giving you an alternative way to view all that these stunning shores have to offer. Hop aboard a boat for unique aquatic adventures exploring nearby hidden gems such as coves, lagoons and small islands only reachable by sea access routes — views which can’t be experienced anywhere else!
Experience traditional culture when visiting France’s beaches: watch local artisans craft custom made souvenirs from driftwood or shell pieces available by local vendors; sample fresh seafood dishes; learn more about classic music traditions; attend outdoor shows like movie screenings under star lit skies; take up tango lessons along with seaside vistas… there are endless activities perfect for any kind of traveler!
Tips for a Stress-free Beach Vacation in France
A beach holiday in France can be an enjoyable experience for the whole family. Here are a few tips to make your French beach vacation stress-free and memorable.
Book Your Trip in Advance – Don’t wait until the last minute to book your trip, as you may miss out on special deals or discounts on hotels or airfare. Plan your trip at least a few months ahead of time to ensure the best rates and availability.
Choose Your Destination Wisely –Choose a destination that will suit your budget, interests and expectations, keeping in mind that beach vacations should generally offer plenty of sunshine, sand and surf. Popular destinations include Cannes, St Tropez and Nice on France’s Mediterranean Coast. On the Atlantic Coast, spots such as Biarritz, La Baule and La Rochelle are great choices for families who want to enjoy coastal scenery without venturing too far from Paris.
Pack Appropriately –Being prepared will make or break any pleasant French holiday! Pack lightweight clothing made from fabrics like linen that won’t crease easily (pack a swimsuit too if you plan on taking dips in the sea). And don’t forget to also pack items such as sunscreen lotions (SPF 50+ is best), sunglasses, hats and comfortable shoes for long walks along seaside promenades.
Stay Connected –Stay connected with friends and family by investing in travel-friendly mobile devices like android phones with data plans or portable Wi-Fi hotspots for Internet access anytime you need it! Keep an eye out for free Wi-Fi spots all around town if you don’t wish to incur roaming costs when abroad.
Don’t Forget Cash –Most shops tend to accept credit cards in France but it’s handy to have some euros on hand anyway just in case of emergency situations . As most machines limit withdrawals amounts per day make sure you always have enough cash when exploring unfamiliar cities( visit banks before leaving where possible).
Best Time to Visit the Beaches of France
Planning your beach holiday in France? To make the most of your trip there, it’s best to know when the different seasons and weather patterns impact the beaches in France.
Springtime:
The mild climate of spring makes this a great time to visit the beaches along France’s Mediterranean coast. Temperatures range from the low teens (Celsius) up to mid-twenties and you can expect plenty of sunshine. The long days are perfect for exploring nearby towns or just soaking up some rays on one of the beaches with white sand.
Summer:
France’s temperatures start to heat up during summer, with some parts reaching near 30°C or higher during July and August. But what many visitors don’t realize is that temperatures actually start dropping off around mid-September, so if you want warmer climes but don’t want peak season crowds, consider traveling in September instead. If you visit early enough in June, you may be lucky enough to witness a few bursts of wild flower season!
Autumn:
With fewer crowds, October can be a great time for visiting beach areas on the Atlantic coast as well as pockets of Brittany coastline where temperatures have remained comfortably warm throughout the year. Don’t forget that October can get slightly rainy across much of northern France so pack an umbrella if you plan on spending time by the beach or exploring nearby towns! Or else head south where greater sunshine is more likely .
Winter: You won’t find too many visitors hitting up French sands during wintertime due to bracing winds and icy temperatures – though some lucky tourists may find themselves warm enough for a seaside stroll here on La Cote d’Azur (the Mediterranean edge) or La Cote d’Opale (the Atlantic edge). From December to February across much of coastal France, rain nearly equals sunshine but if you don’t mind bundling up there are still striking sights worth seeing here!
Budget-friendly Beach Holiday Ideas in France
France is renowned for its varied landscapes, from mountains and rolling hills to bustling cities and pristine coasts. One of France’s most popular attractions is its stunning beaches, offering visitors a perfect destination for a budget-friendly beach holiday. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious getaway or just want to enjoy some sun and sand by the sea, there are plenty of destinations in France to suit a variety of budgets.
For those who prefer an independent holiday away from the bustle of tourist crowds, consider heading to Normandy or Brittany on France’s northwest coast. Here you can find expanses of untouched sandy beaches with miles and miles of coastline to explore – all while avoiding the throngs at more popular locations such as Biarritz or Saint-Malo. Additionally, each region offers plenty of activities including hiking trails, boat trips, cycle routes, and regional delicacies– giving visitors a countless ways to while away their days in blissful solitude.
Those looking for an affordable resort experience need look no further than Le Grau du Roi in Languedoc-Roussillon. Not only is this incredibly scenic beachside location one of the most economical resorts in France – but it also provides access to several nearby Mediterranean ports that offer discounts for tourists seeking boat tours around its many islands and archipelagos.
Additionally, travelers seeking the perfect combination of affordability and lively relaxation should visit Carnac on France’s south coast near the border with Spain – considered paradise by many onlookers since its white sand beaches stretch endlessly into a clear blue sea heated by warm currents from Africa’s Atlantic current – providing everyone from families on vacation to couples seeking seclusion with picturesque views all year round!
Conclusion
France has many beautiful beaches, as well as exciting and vibrant cities, gorgeous mountain regions, and relaxing rural areas and vineyards. Whether you’re looking for a classic beach holiday on the French Riviera or an exciting cultural experience in Paris, France offers something for everyone.
From luxury resorts to budget options, there is something on offer to suit all pockets. By taking time to research the possibilities and plan your trip carefully, you can find the best beach holiday in France that suits your requirements exactly.
Not interested in beach holidays? Have a look at our recommendations for last minute city breaks.
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