⛱️ Where to go to the sea in France: beaches of the Cote d'Azur, the Atlantic and Corsica

Seaside resorts in France are scattered from the French Riviera to Corsica. Choosing one is not easy, because the climate, beaches and prices vary widely. According to Atout France, in 2025 France welcomed 102 million foreign tourists and remained the world's most visited country (As of: 09/2026, Atout France).

The Mediterranean, the Atlantic and the English Channel offer three different kinds of vacation. In the south you get warm water and a long season, in the west powerful waves and surfing, in the north cool summers and half-timbered towns. Below are 20 seaside resorts in France: where there is sand, where there are pebbles, what to see and where to stay.

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How to choose a seaside resort in France

Seaside resorts in France are divided among three coasts. The Mediterranean gives you warm water and a long season. The Atlantic is colder, but offers surfing and wide beaches. On the English Channel you will find tides, cool summers and Norman architecture. The coast determines the water, the wind and the price of accommodation in high season.

💡 In short:

Decide on the coast: for warm water choose the south, for waves and surfing the west, for a relaxed vacation the north.
Plan your trip for late May or September: in July and August the resorts are overcrowded and prices are higher.

Resort	Coast	Beach	Highlight
Nice	Mediterranean	pebbles	Promenade des Anglais
Cannes	Mediterranean	sand	film festival, La Croisette
Saint-Tropez	Mediterranean	sand	yachts, Pampelonne beach
Deauville	English Channel	sand	half-timbered houses, casino, racecourse
Collioure	Mediterranean	sand and pebbles	Notre-Dame-des-Anges church
Biarritz	Atlantic	sand	surfing, royal villas
Villefranche-sur-Mer	Mediterranean	sand	bay, 16th-century fort
Cabourg	English Channel	sand	half-timbered houses, golf, tides
La Baule	Atlantic	sand	9 km beach, thalassotherapy
Dinard	English Channel	sand	Victorian villas, Écluse beach
Mandelieu-la-Napoule	Mediterranean	sand	golf, La Napoule castle
Juan-les-Pins	Mediterranean	sand	water park, oceanarium
Arcachon	Atlantic	sand	oysters, Parc Mauresque
Biscarrosse	Atlantic	sand	surfing, Montbron castle
Mimizan	Atlantic	sand	perfume, pine gardens
Lacanau	Atlantic	sand	surfing, dunes
Soulac-sur-Mer	Atlantic	sand	UNESCO basilica
Saint-Malo	English Channel	sand	fortress and old citadel
Ajaccio	Mediterranean	sand	Napoleon's birthplace
Porticcio	Mediterranean	sand	Blue Flag, diving

1. Nice

Panorama of the port of Nice and the French Riviera

Nice is considered the main seaside resort of the French Riviera. The Promenade des Anglais runs along the Baie des Anges for almost 7 km (As of: 09/2026, Nice tourist office). The beaches here are pebbly, so you will need water shoes to enter the sea. Free public stretches alternate with paid ones that have loungers, umbrellas and showers.

In the Old Town you will find the Cours Saleya market, narrow streets and Place Masséna with its fountain. From here it is easy to take a day trip to Monaco or to nearby Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Where to stay: Hotels in Nice on Trip.com
Who it's for: for the city, museums and a vacation without a car.
The catch: the beaches are pebbly, you need water shoes.

2. Cannes

Yachts in Cannes harbor with the old town in the background

Cannes is known as the capital of cinema: every May it hosts the international film festival. The city sits on the shore of the Bay of Cannes, and the palm-lined La Croisette runs along the sea. Half of Cannes' beaches are paid, but the free sections are just as good, except for the lack of loungers and umbrellas.

The main draw in Cannes is the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès with its Walk of Fame. Nearby you will see yachts in the harbor and villas on the hills. For swimming, choose the central part of La Croisette: the entry into the water there is gentle.

Where to stay: Hotels in Cannes on Trip.com
Who it's for: for couples, events and shopping.
The catch: some beaches are paid, loungers are only available there.

3. Saint-Tropez

Panorama of Saint-Tropez with harbor and yachts

Saint-Tropez grew from a fishing village into the most glamorous resort on the French Riviera. It gained fame from 20th-century films, and today people come here for yachts and parties. The main beach is the five-kilometer Pampelonne stretch, lined with cafes and bars.

Snow-white yachts crowd the harbor. In the old quarters, chapels, monasteries and defensive walls have been preserved. In high season the center is packed, so you are better off leaving your car on the outskirts.

Where to stay: Hotels in Saint-Tropez on Trip.com
Who it's for: beach life and nightclubs.
The catch: it's noisy near the clubs until morning.

4. Deauville

Deauville boardwalk with umbrellas and flags

Deauville sits on the shore of the English Channel in Normandy. It's a bohemian resort with half-timbered houses, flower beds, and wide sandy beaches. The town has a golf club, a casino, a racetrack, and a thalassotherapy center.

A wooden boardwalk runs along the beach. The changing cabins are built as historic beach huts named after American movie stars. The water in the Channel stays cool even in summer, so people don't swim for long here.

Where to stay: Hotels in Deauville on Trip.com
Who it's for: a quiet getaway and golf.
The catch: the water is colder than in the south, and it's often windy.

5. Collioure

Collioure sits right at the Spanish border, a few kilometers from Catalonia. It's an old fishing town with narrow cobblestone streets and colorful facades. The resort's landmark is the Notre-Dame-des-Anges church on the edge of the cape, built in the 17th century. Its round tower served as a lighthouse for a long time.

The Royal Castle rises above the sea, with small sandy and fine-pebble beaches nearby. You can combine beach time with walks through the old quarters.

Where to stay: Hotels in Collioure on Trip.com
Who it's for: peace and quiet and trips to Catalonia.

6. Biarritz

Panorama of the beach and ocean in Biarritz

Biarritz is one of the most prestigious resorts on the Atlantic coast and was once a residence of European monarchs. Cliffs, endless sandy beaches, and powerful ocean waves have made it the surfing hub of southwestern France. The iodine-rich air here is good for recovery.

The town has museums, galleries, boutiques, a golf club, and a racetrack. Notable architecture includes a Gothic cathedral and an Orthodox church. In the evenings you can stroll along the promenade by the Grande Plage.

Where to stay: Hotels in Biarritz on Trip.com
Who it's for: surfers and active vacations.
The catch: the surf is strong, so swim carefully with children.

7. Villefranche-sur-Mer

Panorama of Villefranche-sur-Mer with bay and yachts

Villefranche-sur-Mer lies five kilometers from Nice (on the map), on the slopes of green hills. Yachts and cruise ships moor in its deep-water bay. The sandy beach here stretches for about 800 meters, which is rare for the French Riviera.

Narrow streets climb upward between colorful houses. Villas rise above the town, and a 16th-century fort stands by the water. It's easy to get here from Nice by train or bus.

Where to stay: Hotels in Villefranche-sur-Mer on Trip.com
Who it's for: a quiet stay near Nice.

8. Cabourg

Cabourg beach with promenade and buildings

Cabourg is a quiet family resort in Lower Normandy. Neat neighborhoods are lined with half-timbered houses, and flower beds and lawns stretch along the shore. The English Channel coast is known for its strong tides, so the water level changes throughout the day.

The town has spas, a golf center, a yacht club, and a racetrack. Sandy beaches with a gentle slope are convenient for children. It's best to come in July and August, when the water warms up more.

Where to stay: Hotels in Cabourg on Trip.com
Who it's for: families with children.

9. La Baule

La Baule sandy beach with houses along the shore

La Baule stretches along the coast of the Bay of Biscay. The golden beach runs for 9 kilometers here (on the map), surrounded by pines, poplars, and parks. The resort is known for its thalassotherapy centers: people come here for wellness treatments.

Along the beach you have access to loungers, umbrellas, and rentals of water sports equipment. Half-timbered houses give the streets a distinctive look. There are restaurants, casinos, and sailing schools.

Where to stay: Hotels in La Baule on Trip.com
Who it's for: families and thalassotherapy enthusiasts.

10. Dinard

Dinard is a popular resort in Brittany, in northwestern France. The town is known for its sandy beaches, hills, and green gardens, and the atmosphere here is unhurried, without the bustle. The fresh Atlantic air and 19th-century architecture draw visitors throughout the season.

The Écluse beach between two headlands deserves special attention. Along the shore you'll see Victorian villas and mansions. Local spas offer thalassotherapy with wellness treatments.

Where to stay: Hotels in Dinard on Trip.com
Who it's for: a quiet getaway and wellness.

11. Mandelieu-la-Napoule

Mandelieu-la-Napoule lies between Cannes and Nice, on rocky hills above a turquoise bay. The place is known for its golf courses, blooming mimosas, and international regattas. The deep-water bay is well suited for sailing, diving, and windsurfing.

In the harbor you'll find a marina for yachts. Overlooking the town is the 14th-century Château de la Napoule, which today houses a museum and cultural center. The beaches are sandy and clean.

Where to stay: Hotels in Mandelieu-la-Napoule on Trip.com
Who it's for: golf and water sports.

12. Juan-les-Pins

Juan-les-Pins is tucked into a bay between two green headlands of the French Riviera. It's a relatively young resort with wide sandy beaches and a large selection of entertainment. The seafront promenade is packed with cafes, bars, restaurants, and boutiques.

Juan-les-Pins bay with yachts and mountains in the background

For families with children, there's a water park, an oceanarium, and a butterfly garden. A pine grove and a palm-lined avenue run along the beaches. In summer you can catch theater and music festivals.

Where to stay: Hotels in Juan-les-Pins on Trip.com
Who it's for: families with children.

13. Arcachon

Panorama of Arcachon Bay with beach, pine trees and boats

Arcachon sits on the shore of an emerald bay on the Atlantic. It's a fishing port, a famous oyster region, and a popular resort with an unhurried pace of life. The sandy beach along the boulevards reaches a width of 300 meters here (on the map).

The town's main green space is the Parc Mauresque with palms, cedars, and sequoias. It also has a rose collection, ponds, and waterfalls. The bay is shallow and the water entry is gentle, which is convenient for children.

Where to stay: Hotels in Arcachon on Trip.com
Who it's for: families and oyster lovers.
The catch: the shore is not equipped, so you need to bring your own umbrellas and loungers.

14. Biscarrosse

Saint-Martin church in Biscarrosse with tall spire

Biscarrosse lies on the Atlantic coast in the Aquitaine region. It's a small town with leafy streets where you can relax both on land and on the waves. The shoreline here stretches for more than 20 kilometers (on the map).

The resort is good for surfing, water skiing, and diving. Beyond the beaches, you also have horseback riding, archery, a water park, and a seaplane history museum. Among the sights, the medieval Château de Montbron and the old Church of Saint Martin stand out.

Where to stay: Hotels in Biscarrosse on Trip.com
Who it's for: surfers and active travelers.

15. Mimizan

Aerial view of Mimizan with river and beach

Mimizan is one of the resorts on the Silver Coast of the Atlantic. The town is surrounded by pine trees and citrus groves, and local producers make perfume oils. The resort sits on flat land, and its streets are lined with low-rise houses.

The beaches are wide and equipped with everything you need for comfort. The golden sand is notably clean. Here you'll find hotels, shops, and bicycle rentals and water sports equipment.

Where to stay: Hotels in Mimizan on Trip.com
Who it's for: beach vacations and cycling.

16. Lacanau

Lacanau-Océan beach with ocean and houses

Lacanau belongs to the Silver Coast and is known for its vast beaches, dunes, and pine forests. The pine-scented air here mixes with the salty ocean breeze. The resort is chosen by those who want to get away from it all in nature.

Lacanau is good for surfing: the town has a school for beginners. Beyond the waves, you also have kitesurfing, water skiing, cycling, and horseback riding. Guesthouses, villas, and small hotels offer accommodation at various levels.

Where to stay: Hotels in Lacanau on Trip.com
Who it's for: surfers and nature lovers.

17. Soulac-sur-Mer

People with dogs on a street in Soulac-sur-Mer

Soulac-sur-Mer sits on the Atlantic coast in Aquitaine. The resort's central beach stretches for seven kilometers (on the map) and is washed by ocean waters. The town has preserved 19th-century historic villas with varied architecture.

The main attraction of Soulac is the 12th-century Basilica of Our Lady. It is listed by UNESCO as part of the pilgrimage routes (as of 09/2026, Médoc tourist office). For a long time its walls were buried under sand dunes. For active recreation, you have surfing, catamarans, and water skiing.

Where to stay: Hotels in Soulac-sur-Mer on Trip.com
Who it's for: history and beach lovers.

18. Saint-Malo

Saint-Malo is located on the English Channel coast in Brittany. It was once the pirate capital of France, and today it is a city with a mighty fortress wall and a lively waterfront. The city was founded in the 12th century.

Inside the fortress walls you'll find medieval quarters and cobblestone streets. The sandy shoreline stretches for several kilometers, and along the beaches there are loungers, umbrellas, and equipment rentals. Long wooden breakwaters protect the shore from the Atlantic waves.

Where to stay: Hotels in Saint-Malo on Trip.com
Who it's for: for history and boat trips.

19. Ajaccio

Ajaccio waterfront with palm trees and boats

Ajaccio is the capital of Corsica and the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. Streets, squares, and hotels here are named after the emperor, and the city has many monuments in his honor. The coastline combines cliffs, bays, forests, and mountains in the island's interior.

This cozy resort still has well-developed infrastructure: beaches, guesthouses, restaurants, and shops. Among the sights worth seeing are the ancient citadel, the port, Catholic churches, and the old town. In the surrounding area there are beaches with snow-white sand.

Where to stay: Hotels in Ajaccio on Trip.com
Who it's for: for the sea and history on one island.

20. Porticcio

Porticcio coastline from the sea with mountains in the background

Porticcio lies in the southern part of Corsica, near Porto-Vecchio. The local beaches receive the Blue Flag every year for water quality. Sandy shores and emerald bays have made the village one of France's popular resorts.

Cozy hotels, thalassotherapy centers, and Corsican cuisine restaurants operate here. For active recreation, you have access to diving, fishing, boat trips, and water skiing.

Where to stay: Hotels in Porticcio on Trip.com
Who it's for: for a quiet getaway and diving.

Seaside resorts of France on the map

To plan your route, open the map below. It shows all 20 resorts: from Deauville in the north to Ajaccio and Porticcio in Corsica. This way you can quickly gauge the distances between coasts and decide where to go first.

Seaside resorts of France

Places on the map

1Nice Promenade des Anglais nearly 7 km, pebble beaches
2Cannes Capital of cinema, the Croisette promenade
3Saint-Tropez A glamorous resort, Pampelonne beach five kilometres long
4Deauville Half-timbered houses, a casino, a racecourse, the English Channel
5Collioure Church of Notre-Dame-des-Anges on the headland, the Royal Castle
6Biarritz Atlantic surfing hub, a former royal residence
7Villefranche-sur-Mer A deep-water bay, a 16th-century fort
8Cabourg A quiet family resort in Normandy, strong tides
9La Baule A 9 km beach on the Bay of Biscay, thalassotherapy
10Dinard Plage de l'Écluse, Victorian villas of Brittany
11Mandelieu-la-Napoule 14th-century Château de la Napoule, golf courses
12Juan-les-Pins A bay between green headlands, a water park and an aquarium
13Arcachon Oyster country, the Moorish park
14Biscarrosse A coastline over 20 km long, surfing and diving
15Mimizan The Silver Coast, perfume oils and pine forests
16Lacanau Dunes and pine forests, a surf school
17Soulac-sur-Mer A 7 km beach, a 12th-century UNESCO basilica of Our Lady
18Saint-Malo A pirate capital, mighty fortress walls
19Ajaccio The capital of Corsica, Napoleon's birthplace
20Porticcio Southern Corsica, an annual Blue Flag beach

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to go to the sea in France?

On the Mediterranean, it's comfortable from May through October, and warmest in July and August. On the Atlantic and the English Channel, the water is colder and the swimming season is shorter. If you want fewer people and mild weather, choose late May or September.

Which seaside resorts in France are good for a family vacation?

Sandy beaches with a gentle slope are convenient for families: Arcachon, Cabourg, Juan-les-Pins, and La Baule. Juan-les-Pins has a water park and an oceanarium. On the pebble beaches of Nice, kids need water shoes.

Where can I go surfing in France?

The Atlantic coast has the best waves. Biarritz, Biscarrosse, and Lacanau are known for their surf schools and consistent swell. Beginners will do well on beaches with instructors in Lacanau.

How much does a vacation at French resorts cost?

Prices depend on the coast and the season. The Mediterranean is more expensive than the Atlantic, and the French Riviera is the most expensive of all. Check exact accommodation prices for your dates, and budget with extra room for the high season.

Which seaside resorts are closest to Paris?

In northern France, that's Deauville and Cabourg in Normandy, as well as Saint-Malo in Brittany. You can get there by train or car in a few hours. For a short trip from Paris, Normandy is more convenient.

In short: what to book

There's no single resort that works for everything: each coast has its own strengths. Think about the purpose of your trip.

If you want a city and getting around without a car: Nice or Cannes.
If you want quiet and nature: Dinard, Lacanau, or Mimizan.
If you're going for the waves: Biarritz, Biscarrosse, or Lacanau.
If you're traveling with kids: Arcachon, Cabourg, or Juan-les-Pins.

Accommodation on the French Riviera and the Atlantic gets booked up in July and August, so reserve early. See hotels in France on Trip.com.

Where to swim in France: 20 seaside resorts from the Cote d'Azur to Corsica