France – a country that not only plays a crucial role in the European Union but also stands as the epicenter of European beach life. Nestled within its borders is the French Riviera, one of the most renowned and luxurious tourist destinations on the planet. It was on the French coast that European surfing first emerged in the mid-fifties. A holiday in France promises an unforgettable experience not only for history enthusiasts but also for those yearning to unwind by the sea. Consulting a ranking of the best beaches in France will assist in determining the perfect spot for your idyllic retreat.
Pampelonne is considered the best beach on the Cote d'Azur. It's about 5 km away from Saint-Tropez. The beach is located on a long spit of fine white sand, dramatically contrasting with the color of the blue sea. It became popular in the nineteenth century, and between the 40s and 50s experienced a second wave of popularity thanks to Juliette Greco, Sartre, Picasso, the symbol of French cinema – Brigitte Bardot and other famous persons.
On the rocky western coast of France there is a place, that became the homeland of European surfing - Cote de Basque beach. Located a few kilometers from the Spanish border, the beach owes its name to the locals-basques, for whom this beach became one of the favorite.
Palombaggia is considered the most beautiful place not only in Corsica. The beach stretched on the shore of the Tyrrhenian Sea, between Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio, for about 2km; it's not very wide. The coast is a shallow lagoon, which will be especially appreciated by holidaymakers with children.
Paloma is located at Cape of Sent-Jean-Cap-Ferrat in the Alpes-Maritimes. Cap-Ferrat stands out from the busy roads and has a more aristocratic, noble look than other resorts. The Paloma Beach setting is slightly resembling a leisurely life in the '60s: narrow streets with not very modern houses, wooden platforms, boats, helpful waiters. Comfortable, expensive, but without modern glamour and pathos.
Ande (Plage d’Hendaye) territorially is the most south-west of France, the Basque Country. Nearby there is the Bay of Biscay, and the Spanish Iruna is a stoned throw away. Ande is separated from Spain by the Bidasoa River, as well as an island right in the middle of the river with the interesting name Pheasants. A popular place not only for the inhabitants of the province of Labour. This part of the Atlantic coastline was appreciated by many tourists from other countries.
Plage de Saleccia is a bright white sand and a blinding turquoise sea. A remote beach in Corsica, about a kilometre long, not quite accessible, surrounded by Corsican pine trees and shrubs, which grows only here. Those who like privacy and distance from the world will like it.
Le Touquet is a popular destination with local and visiting bourgeois. The city is located between Arras and Lille, just 7 km from the highway, on the English Channel coast. This is the center of the Opal Coast, where it is easily get to. This is probably why the resort is very popular with wealthy Parisians and not only those, who mass buy real estate here and come on weekends or on vacation to spend time very status, but without much fanfare.
Wissant Beach is a series of magnificent beaches with white sand near a small same-name town on the coastline of Opal, in the department of Pas de Calais. The natural beauty of these places rightfully won the title of the pearl of Northern Europe. From the Duver Calais canal tunnel, it is literally 5 minutes drive from here, relatively close to Boulogne.
La Garoupe is the most famous beach east of Cap d'Antibes Cape. It is the only beach covered with beach and whee the territory is occupied with private areas. In some places, the sand is mixed with pebbles. La Garoupe is situated in the northeast of the coast of the French Riviera, the sun is more soft and comfortable here. This is one of the most pristine beaches which was completely deserted not long ago. Nowadays, this place is perfect for having peaceful glamorous vacation.
It's located in the northern part of Brittany in immediate proximity to the city of Saint-Malo, a major tourist center in France. This popular resort attracts many tourists not only with its endless sandy beaches and famous thalassotherapy center, but also with the unique centuries-old history of these places. The city is surrounded by an ancient fortress that served as a safe haven for pirates who controlled the English Channel in the Middle Ages. And thanks to a large seaport, the west coast of France is connected with England, Ireland and Spain by ferry. Saint-Malo is visited by more than two million people annually.
La Plage Du Veillon can be found on a map in Pays-de-la-Loire (not to be confused with the Loire Valley). The point where the river joins the Alantic Ocean. Bay of Biscay, which is covered by the free wind. Contrast of sharp rocks with soft silk sand.
Aregno Plage is located near the village of the same name on the coast of Balagna, in Upper Corsica. It can be reached by heading north of Calvie. The surrounding settlements are mostly built on picturesque rocky slopes going into the sea. Here you can admire many religious buildings with rich history.
The marvelous corner on the Alabaster coastline of the English Channel, where precipitous cliffs formed a natural archs, for many centuries inspire artists to create masterpieces. Among them - even Eugene Boden and Claude Monet. If you want to touch the beautiful, feel refreshment of mind and body, where France ends, go to Etretat!
Deauville is a resort in Lower Normandy in northwestern France. A small, but very respectable city, with a population of about 4 thousand. The beach received the “royal” title, since from the very beginning (1862) it has been a resting place for the powers that be. Now most of the local villas and mansions are the property of the rich, who come here mainly in the summer.
Aiguille (Aiguille Beach) is located in town of Theoule-sur-Mer, very picturesque place in the South of France, 10 km from Cannes. City is located among mountain spiral roads, neat villas and gardens. Beach attracts attention even from road. Beach is located in the shade of the surrounding reddish cliffs and dense vegetation. Bay of Cannes and Lérins Islands are clearly visible from above.