The 12 places the travel guides we read name most, what they say about each, and fares from your city.
The places, most named first
From the 5 guides that rank for "best beach towns in france"
Named by 3 of 51. Cassis and the CalanquesProvence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, FranceCassis has a small beach in the old town; the Calanques are reached on foot, with limestone cliffs over the water.Calanque d'En-Vau is the standout but needs a hard hike, especially in summer heat.
Named by 2 of 52. BiarritzNouvelle-Aquitaine, Basque coast, FranceA surf town near the Spanish border with a strong Basque culture.A classic seaside resort since the 1800s, busy in summer but mostly with French visitors.
Named by 2 of 53. ColliourePyrénées-Orientales, FranceA Catalan town on the Vermilion Coast with several pebble beaches in town.The pebbles fill with towels by 11 am.
Named by 2 of 5
4. Brittany
France
Almost half of The Local's survey respondents picked Brittany as the best coastline.
Readers recommended Morbihan, Finistère and the Côte de Granit Rose.
Named by 2 of 55. NormandyFranceThe WWII landing beaches were highly recommended by readers.Windy seaside towns with seafood and fishing ports.Best time to visit Normandy
Named by 2 of 56. NiceFrench Riviera, FranceA pebble beach in the city, so a swim fits between sightseeing.The sea is calm and deepens gradually, easy for swimming.Best time to visit Nice
Named by 2 of 57. ÉtretatNormandy, FranceKnown for dramatic chalk cliffs.A reader pairs the cliffs with the stone beach and the old town.
8. BiscarrosseNouvelle-Aquitaine, Atlantic coast, FranceA wide walking beach with surf and dunes on the Atlantic coast.Near the Dune du Pilat, Europe's highest sand dune.
9. Lège-Cap-Ferret (Plage des Dunes)Nouvelle-Aquitaine, FranceA remote dune beach with no facilities or lifeguards.Strong waves and cold water make it better for walks and surfing than all-day swimming.
10. DeauvilleNormandy, FranceA glamorous town known for horse races and its casino, with a casual sister town, Trouville, across the canal.
11. Narbonne beachesOccitanie, FranceA gentle slope into the sea, good for children and not a party area.
12. La Grande MotteNear Montpellier, FranceNoted by one reader for its 1960s architecture.
Fares from your city
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When to go
Travel guides most often name May to June and September to October as the best time to visit France.
In The Local's reader survey, almost half voted Brittany the best coastline; Normandy drew fewer votes but is known for its landing beaches and Étretat cliffs.
What is the nicest beach in France?
One writer says it depends on the person, the day and the mood, and lists 16 very different beaches, from Biarritz to Cassis and Collioure.
Named by 3 of 51. Cassis and the CalanquesCassis has a small beach in the old town; the Calanques are reached on foot, with limestone cliffs over the water.Calanque d'En-Vau is the standout but needs a hard hike, especially in summer heat.Named by 2 of 52. BiarritzA surf town near the Spanish border with a strong Basque culture.A classic seaside resort since the 1800s, busy in summer but mostly with French visitors.
Named by 2 of 53. CollioureA Catalan town on the Vermilion Coast with several pebble beaches in town.The pebbles fill with towels by 11 am.
