10 Seaside Towns to Visit in France

From the glittering shores of the French Riviera to the wild, windswept beaches of Brittany, France has something to offer every type of beachgoer. Whether you’re looking for a chic, upmarket beach town or a laid-back, rustic fishing village, France has plenty of options to choose from.

Saint-Malo in France Photo: Trey Ratcliff

Saint-Malo

This charming port town on the northwest coast of France is the perfect destination for a beach vacation. The old town of Saint-Malo is a delight to explore, with its cobblestone streets, timbered houses, and picturesque harbor. The beach here is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and admiring the stunning views of the bay.

Biarritz in France Photo: W. Bulach

Biarritz

Biarritz is a stylish beach town located in the south of France. It is known for its chic boutiques, elegant hotels, and beautiful beaches. The main beach here is Côte des Basques, which is popular with surfers. There are also plenty of other beaches to explore, including beaches with black sand, golden sand, and even a nudist beach.

Saint-Tropez in FrancePhoto: Starus

Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez is one of the most famous beach towns in France, and a popular destination for the rich and famous. The beaches here are gorgeous, and the town itself is full of chic restaurants, luxury hotels, and lively nightlife.

Hossegor

Hossegor

Hossegor is a charming resort town located on the southwest coast of France. It has a unique atmosphere, with its whitewashed buildings, sandy beaches, and laid-back surf culture. There are plenty of great restaurants and shops, as well as a lively nightlife scene.

La Ciotat in FrancePhoto: Raffaele Pagani

La Ciotat

La Ciotat is a vibrant beach town located in the south of France. It is known for its beautiful beaches, quaint fishing harbor, and lively nightlife. La Ciotat also has a great selection of restaurants and shops, making it a great place to explore.

Sète in FrancePhoto: Jorge Franganillo

Sète

This small town is located in the Languedoc-Roussillon region and is known for its picturesque canals and stunning views of the ocean. You can spend your days relaxing on the beach or exploring the lively markets and eateries. The beaches in Sète are well-maintained, so you can spend hours soaking up the sun.

La Rochelle in FrancePhoto: Petit Bleu Photos

La Rochelle

This town on the Atlantic coast is known for its cobblestone streets and stunning architecture, and is a great place to relax and explore. The beaches here are well-maintained and offer stunning views of the ocean. You can also explore the many restaurants and cafes that line the streets and sample some of the local cuisine.

Arcachon in France Photo: Marc Ryckaert

Arcachon

Located in the Aquitaine region, this beautiful town is known for its stunning beaches and coastal views. You can spend your days relaxing on the beach or exploring the many shops and restaurants in the area. Arcachon is also home to the Dune du Pilat, which is the tallest sand dune in Europe.

La Baule in France Photo: Willhockey93

La Baule

La Baule, located in the Loire-Atlantique region, is known for its golden sand and stunning sea views, and is a popular destination for beachgoers. You can relax on the beach and enjoy the clear blue waters. La Baule also has an abundance of restaurants and shops, so you can find something to suit your taste and budget.

St. Gilles Croix in France Photo: Dflandre

St. Gilles Croix

Located in the west of France, St. Gilles Croix de Vie is a charming fishing port town situated on the banks of the River Vie. The town has a long and illustrious history, with a Roman religious shrine and a medieval castle to explore. Visitors can also enjoy the stunning scenery of the nearby cliff-tops, which offer breathtaking views of the sea. The town also has a superb selection of beaches, all of which are lined with beautiful white sand and dotted with beach bars.

These are just a few of the many beach towns in France that are worth visiting. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious beach retreat or a relaxed, rustic village, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful country.


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