Where Is The Nicest Beach In France?

Best Beaches in Northern France

Soaring chalk cliffs, thrilling waves for surfers and family-friendly havens characterise the best beaches in North France. Chill out at charming seaside resorts and discover history-laden coastal towns.

1.ÉTRETAT BEACH, NORMANDY
Beaches in Normandy, France dot a coastline that stretches for more than 600 kilometres. White chalk cliffs dominate the inspirational landscapes of Étretat, which are famously captured on canvas by Impressionist painters. Just a two-hour drive from Paris, this pretty seaside town is a favourite weekend escape from the city.

Inspire your inner artist and photograph scenic rock formations like the Porte d’Aval Arch. High above the cliffs, Jardins d’Etretat is a landscaping marvel where artworks combine with terraced gardens and sweeping ocean views. Wedged between the cliffs, Étretat Beach hosts a lovely promenade along the emerald water, creating an idyllic setting for post-swim feasts.


2.DEAUVILLE BEACH, NORMANDY
Colourful umbrellas decorate the soft, golden sand of Deauville, which is one of the best beaches in Normandy. Along the promenade, beach cabins named after actors and directors reflect the resort’s star-studded events, including the American Film Festival. To match the glamorous appeal, look forward to enjoying grand old-world hotels, galleries, chic boutiques and elegant golf courses nearby.

Polo is big news in Deauville and the first match was played here in 1880. Head to the Deauville International Polo Club for a season that includes some of the world’s top players. After a fun day at the beach and relaxing at the Deauville Yacht Club, glam up for a night at the majestic Casino Barrière de Deauville.


3.PLAGE DE BOUTROUILLES, BRITTANY
For stunning landscapes of wild dunes and rock formations, take your beach break near the shores of Plage de Boutrouilles. Fronting the coastal region of Kerlouan, bright white sand contrasts with the iridescent sea as you stroll among giant granite boulders that dot the scene.

After a walk on the beachy wild side, explore the rural delights of Kerlouan. The hamlet of Memeham features a 17th-century coastguard’s cottage and craft shops within sandy grasslands. Quaint fishermen’s’ houses rest between boulders that reach higher than the quaint, thatched roofs.


4.POINTE DE SAINT-HERNOT, BRITTANY
The Crozon Peninsula hosts hidden coves and rugged scenes that highlight some of the best beaches in Brittany. Settle in at the seaside town of Morgat to explore the craggy cliffs and pines trees surrounding the stunning stretch of sand at Pointe de Saint-Hernot. This is a hiker’s paradise, with a coastal path winding around the Cap de la Chèvre, the most southerly point of the peninsula.

Hop in a kayak to explore sea caves or take a boat tour for photogenic coastline views. Just a short drive away, you’ll find the town of Crozon and the picturesque port of Camaret. More adventure awaits off the sand, where mountain biking trails and rock-climbing opportunities abound.


5.PLAGE DE L’ÎLE SAINT-NICOLAS, BRITTANY
Take a ferry from towns on the coast of Finistere to the Glenan Islands and some of the most beautiful beaches in France. Saint Nicolas is the main island and a nature reserve that’s famous for the region’s gorgeous white flower, the Glenan Narcissus. There’s a beautiful absence of buildings here, with just a smattering of cafes and a renowned diving school.

Laze on the dazzling white sands of Plage de l’Île Saint-Nicolas and swim in turquoise seas that beach lovers compare to the Caribbean. Take a boat trip to discover nearby, uninhabited islands and walk out to Bananec across a strip of sand at low tide. The Glenan Islands are accessible during the spring and summer season, so check the dates before arranging your trip.


6.PLAGE DES GRANDS SABLES, BRITTANY
If you’re looking for romantic beach destinations in France, plan a trip to Brittany’s second-largest island. Groix is home to one of Europe’s only convex beaches, Plage des Grands Sables. A huge stretch of fine white sand juts out into the transparent sea and, despite being the island’s most famous beach, it retains a wild appeal.

Catch a ferry from Lorient to Port Tudy, the main town. Then, hire a bike to cycle across around 40 kilometres of paths to discover ancient sites, views from towering cliffs and hidden coves. To learn about history, wildlife and everyday life on the island, visit the Eco Museum.


7.PLAGE DU DONNANT, BRITTANY
Located on the idyllic island of Belle-Île-en-Mer, Plage du Donnant is among the renowned surf beaches in France and it’s backed by picturesque cliffs lining the sand. It’s a short drive from Sauzon, a port town filled with pastel-coloured fishermen’s houses and narrow lanes to meander through on lazy afternoons.

Here, a bustling marina joins artisan stores and restaurants to create a charming holiday setting, in this 19th-century sardine-fishing centre. Visit Poulains Lighthouse, which was built in 1867 and contains an art exhibition. Nearby, you’ll find the former holiday home and museum of eccentric actress, Sarah Bernhardt.


From:
https://www.lelongweekend.com/best-beaches-france/

#france #beach