20 best seaside resorts in France – photo, description, map
Today, French seaside resorts remain one of the most popular tourist destinations. These are well-known corners of the azure Mediterranean and the colorful Atlantic coast. Resort towns captivate their guests with wonderful natural landscapes, amazing beaches and rich cultural and historical heritage. A variety of entertainment options complement the image of an ideal country for a beach, contemplative and exciting holiday at sea.
Nice
The Mediterranean city of Nice is the most popular destination on the French Riviera. The wonderful climate and developed infrastructure, magnificent beaches and the gentle turquoise sea, historical and modern architectural ensembles, a wide variety of shady parks and picturesque gardens – all this attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. The resort is bordered by a string of wooded hills that abut against low mountain ranges.
The emerald waters of the Mediterranean, evergreen shrubs, palm avenues and citrus trees create an impressive palette of colors. At the disposal of tourists are both municipal and private pebble beaches. Comfortable conditions with sun loungers, umbrellas, changing rooms and showers are offered only by paid coastal strips. Holidays in Nice will please even the most demanding travelers. There are fashionable hotel complexes, restaurants, theaters and museums.
Luxurious palaces with magnificent elegant facades and a loud historical past leave vivid impressions. The old quarter of houses closely pressed against each other under a red roof, with cozy cafes and shops testify to the rich centuries-old history of the city. The central Place Masséna, paved with light and dark stone slabs, is replete with architectural monuments, fountains and sculptures. It will be a pleasure to walk along the well-maintained Promenade des Anglais, where recreation areas are arranged, benches are installed and elite houses are lined up, silently demonstrating the aristocracy of Nice.
Cannes
A stunning atmosphere of opulence and natural splendor reigns in the amazing French resort of Cannes. This is the world-famous cinema capital, where a grandiose film festival is held annually with the participation of famous actors and directors. The city is located on the shores of the Napul Bay, washed by the emerald waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The Esterel mountain range and a chain of picturesque green hills give the landscape a special charm.
Thousands of tourists flock to Cannes to enjoy relaxing on perfectly clean beaches and contemplating the facades of pompous palace complexes. The resort is famous for its magnificent Croisette with sprawling palm trees, cypresses and lush greenery of various plantings. Along it stretches a long white sandy strip and a harbor for multi-deck yachts. On the opposite side of the main boulevard are luxury villas, hotels, boutiques, casinos and restaurants.
Cannes is characterized by the alternation of paid and municipal beaches. The only difference between the free zones is the lack of sun loungers and sun umbrellas. It is impossible to pass by the Palace of Festivals and Congresses, where the famous competitive events in the field of cinema, music and television take place. Here you can see the Avenue of Stars with the handprints of legendary actors.
Saint Tropez
The picturesque cozy town of Saint-Tropez has turned from a former fishing village into a popular pearl of the French Riviera. The cult small resort has gained fame and worldwide recognition thanks to a considerable number of famous French films of the 20th century filmed here. Its streets remember the wonderful gendarmes led by Louis de Funes, the charming blonde Brigitte Bardot, the funny Pierre Richard and many other brilliant film actors.
Pastel-colored old low-rise houses adorn the long, narrow, well-groomed embankment, along which numerous tourists take walks. The harbor of the emerald bay is filled with luxurious snow-white yachts, light sailboats and ordinary boats. The atmosphere of a special Provencal flavor hovers in the city, where amazing sandy beaches, pine forests and secluded corners coexist with noisy discos and entertainment venues.
Chapels, monasteries, galleries, museums, villas, as well as ancient defensive structures are of historical value. The main place of attraction for tourists is the five-kilometer sandy coastline of Pampelonne, dotted with cafes and bars. The beach is divided into sections, each of which offers all kinds of options for an exciting, active or relaxing holiday.
Deauville
On the banks of the English Channel in Normandy is the bohemian resort of Deauville, which is in no way inferior in its popularity to the southern azure coast of France. With neat neighborhoods, bright flower beds, perfectly trimmed trees and wide sandy beaches, this charming place is surrounded by an aura of calm and respectability. The architectural appearance of the city attracts attention.
Half-timbered houses with characteristic sloping roofs and elegant facades give the resort a fabulous and festive entourage. One of these buildings houses the city hall and the police station. Deauville offers its guests a wide range of hotel and entertainment services. At the disposal of vacationers there is a golf club, a casino, a hippodrome, a thalassotherapy center, as well as many restaurants, bars, brand boutiques, art galleries and antique shops.
An extensive strip stretches for several kilometers of excellent sandy shore, fanned by the ocean breeze and covered with multi-colored umbrellas. Wooden flooring stretches along the beach for a comfortable walk. The dressing rooms are historic beach houses with carved partitions emblazoned with the names of American movie stars.
Kolliur
On the sea coast of the southern part of France, the picturesque old town of Collioure with a rich architectural heritage nestled comfortably. It is located a few kilometers from the Spanish border. This is a unique provincial corner of peace and tranquility. The local rocky landscapes, green hills, original quarters with ancient buildings are sung in their works by talented European artists, poets and writers.
The hallmark of the city is the Church of Notre Dame de Anges, built on the edge of the cape in the 17th century. Its round tower served as a lighthouse for a long time. The medieval Royal Castle, located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, amaze with its severity and power. Inquisitive tourists can walk along the winding narrow cobbled streets, where houses with multi-colored colorful facades stand. Several sandy and pebble beaches allow vacationers to enjoy swimming in crystal clear sea bays.
Biarric
Biarritz is one of the most picturesque and prestigious resorts on the Atlantic coast. Enchanting rocky landscapes, endless sandy beaches, powerful energy of the ocean waters, historical sights make the resort a worthy place for a pleasant stay. The mild climate and clean ocean air, containing iodine vapor, restores and increases the vitality of a person.
Biarritz royally welcomes its guests, offering them a rich cultural and entertainment program. Festivals, fashion shows, museums, galleries, boutiques, shopping malls, gambling establishments, golf clubs, equestrian sports and many other resort pleasures provide tourists with the luxury of service around them. On clean, wide sandy beaches, there is an excellent infrastructure that allows you to enjoy a comfortable stay.
All kinds of water activities are available to guests: catamaran and boating, surfing and diving, parachuting over the vast expanse of the ocean. Unforgettable impressions are produced by numerous masterpieces of Biarritz architecture. While walking here you can see exquisite villas, openwork chapels, modern hotel complexes, as well as a majestic Gothic cathedral and a beautiful Orthodox church.
Villefranche-sur-Mer
The wonderful hospitable Mediterranean resort of Villefranche-sur-Mer, located five kilometers from Nice, comfortably settled on the slopes of green hills. Boats, yachts and majestic cruise ships moor in orderly rows in a deep-sea bay shaped like a huge bowl. The small town attracts tourists with its cozy atmosphere. The cramped narrow streets, rising sharply and hiding behind the slopes, are built up with low-rise buildings with multi-colored facades, old chapels, cafes and restaurants.
The buildings pressed against each other form a solid wall, repeating the outlines of the mountainous relief. Luxurious villas, erected on the rocks and immersed in lush vegetation, open up to the eye. The sandy beach stretches along the bay for 800 meters. The coast is framed by picturesque capes. The azure waters of the sea bay caress the harsh ledges of the walls of the fort, built in the 16th century.
Grave
The elegant resort of Cabourg is ideal for a relaxing family vacation. This quiet and peaceful corner belongs to the Lower Normandy region. Neat well-groomed quarters abound with half-timbered houses. Landscape gardening vegetation is presented in the form of alley plantings, flower beds and perfectly green lawns.
The main decoration of a small town is the magnificent coast of the English Channel, which is characterized by strong ebbs and flows. Rest on sandy beaches equipped with resort infrastructure can be combined with walks along the picturesque long embankment. Numerous spas are popular. For supporters of active pastime there is a golf center, a yacht club, a hippodrome and sports grounds.
La Baule
A delightful corner of La Baule is located on the amazing coast of the Bay of Biscay of the Atlantic Ocean. This place deservedly belongs to the cohort of prestigious resorts in France and the Old World. A multi-kilometer strip of golden sandy coast is located in a bay that looks like a huge crescent.
Tourists expect the widest opportunities for an exciting holiday. This is favored by fashionable hotel complexes and luxurious villas, gourmet restaurants and gambling establishments, various sports clubs and sailing schools. The beauty of garden landscape art opens up stunning park areas. The streets of the city are planted with pines, poplars and alders. Half-timbered buildings amaze the eye with their bizarre architectural elements.
The resort has earned worldwide recognition thanks to modern centers specializing in the provision of health and beauty treatments thalassotherapy. A wide nine-kilometer well-maintained beach stretches along the city, around which alleys and parks with a wonderful variety of plantings stretch. Sun loungers, umbrellas, equipment rental and water sports equipment are available for vacationers.
Dinar
The northwestern region of France, Brittany, has all the necessary advantages to attract tourists from all over the world. One of the popular places in the province is the city of Dinard. It fascinates with its sandy beaches, rolling landscapes and beautiful green gardens. The life of the resort does not tolerate fuss. A calm and measured atmosphere prevails here. Pleasant rest is favored by the fresh invigorating air of the Atlantic Ocean, the composition of pristine natural landscapes and the architecture of bygone centuries.
Luxurious mansions built at the turn of the 19th-20th centuries bring a special charm to the resort. A walk along the rocky coast under sprawling pines leaves a colorful impression. The sandy beach of Ecluse, stretched between two capes, impresses with its expanses. Parallel to the shore, chic Victorian villas stretch. Pleasantly surprised by the wide range of spa centers offering health and rejuvenation thalassotherapy treatments.
Mandelieu-la-Napoule
On the coastal rocky green hills in the bay of the emerald bay, the small Mediterranean town of Mandelieu-la-Napoule settled. This place is associated with golf courses, mimosas blooming everywhere and international regattas. Fans of various active types of recreation come here.
The deep water bay is ideal for sailing, diving, windsurfing and water skiing. In the harbor of Mandelieu-la-Napoule there are five ports, parking for yachts, a training center for the management of ships. The picturesqueness of the resort is amazing. Magnificent forest and mountain landscapes are harmoniously combined with the gentle turquoise sea and the cleanest sandy beaches.
Enchanting aromas of pine trees, mimosas and fresh sea breeze fill the air with a pleasant fragrance. Of the attractions of the resort, the castle of La Napoule of the XIV century stands out. The architectural monument was erected on the seashore, surrounded by lush plantations and a garden complex. The historic building serves as a museum, gallery and cultural center.
Juan-le-Pen
The relatively young resort town of the Cote d'Azur of France, Juan-les-Pins, is located in the depths of a secluded bay between two green capes. Extensive sandy beaches, a variety of colorful vegetation, as well as countless entertainment venues make this place a popular tourist destination. The well-maintained seaside boulevard abounds with trendy cafes, bars, restaurants, discos and branded boutiques.
Vacationers with children can expect a magnificent water park, an exotic butterfly garden and an oceanarium. Resort hotels offer their guests comfortable living conditions with a range of various services. The long coastline is covered with soft gentle sand. At the disposal of tourists, an abundance of water activities for every taste. An amazing pine grove and a palm alley stretches along the beaches. The stormy resort life is accompanied by theatrical and musical festivals.
Arkashon
The mighty emerald bay of the Atlantic Ocean washes the modern tourist city of Arcachon. This is a major fishing port, a famous oyster region and a popular resort area in France. It conquers with refined elegance and a measured pace of life. The amazing local nature contributes to a wellness holiday.
The resort has an excellent set of climatic advantages. This is favored by pine forests, sand dunes, sea air and clear waters of the bay. The city is full of architectural masterpieces that have shaped its delightful appearance. Here you can see luxurious mansions and villas with bizarre combinations of different styles of architecture.
It is impossible to ignore the Moorish Park, where palm trees, cedars and redwoods grow side by side. A magical collection of roses, as well as ponds and waterfalls, add to the natural beauty of the area. Along the walking boulevards of Arcachon stretches a sandy beach, the width of which reaches 300 meters. The coastline is not equipped with resort attributes. Tourists come here with their beach accessories. The bay is quite shallow with a smooth descent into the water.
Biscarros
Biscarrosse is located on the Atlantic coast of France in the Aquitaine region. This small settlement with well-groomed cozy green streets offers its guests a varied and exciting way to spend days of rest both on land and in ocean waves. The length of the coastline is more than 20 kilometers. A wide well-maintained sandy beach is surrounded by lush green thickets.
There are conditions for surfing, water skiing, scuba diving, sailing and fishing. In addition to beach activities, tourists can go horseback riding and archery, visit the water park and the museum of the history of hydroaviation, or take a bike tour along the paths of a pine forest. Among the architectural sights, the medieval castle of Montbron and the ancient church of St. Martin deserve attention.
Mimizan
The original settlement of Mimizan is buried in the greenery of lush coniferous trees and fragrant citrus orchards. This is one of the pearls of the Silver Coast of France, washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The resort is famous for the production of perfume oils. Mimizan occupies a flat area. The streets are lined with low-rise cottage-type buildings. Delight is caused by extensive beach areas, equipped with the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay.
Long spacious endless strips are covered with velvety golden sand, which is distinguished by exceptional purity. Here you can feel the true power and energy of ocean waves. At the disposal of tourists there are hotels with excellent service, catering establishments and shops, rental of bicycles and equipment for water sports.
Lacano
The French town of Lakano is one of the Silver Coast resorts. It is a land of vast beaches, golden sand dunes, majestic waves, emerald pine forests and oyster farms. Coniferous resinous air is combined with a brackish fresh ocean breeze, resulting in ideal climatic conditions. Here, those who want to get away from the worldly bustle and be alone with pristine nature, soak up the sandy shore in the shade of lush vegetation and engage in active water activities will find something to their liking.
Furious waves of the ocean roll on the coastal zone, trying to win back as much sandy space as possible. Rest in Lacano is especially interesting for those who like to slide along the crest of the wave on the surf. The city has a training center for surfers. Among other active entertainments, kiting, water skiing, cycling and horse riding are popular. Numerous guest houses, villas and small hotels offer decent living conditions.
Sulak-sur-Mer
The hospitable town of Soulac-sur-Mer is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. This resort corner of the Aquitaine region offers travelers a lot of opportunities for an impressive holiday. Soulac-sur-Mer attracts lovers of both idle pastime and connoisseurs of architectural monuments, as well as supporters of active water entertainment. Hotels, restaurants, catering establishments, sports grounds and shops welcome their visitors.
The main center of attraction for tourists is the central beach. The vast sandy coast strikes with grandiose grandeur. Its length is seven kilometers. The endless beach area is washed by the emerald waters of the ocean. Here you can enjoy lying on the velvety soft sand, as well as water skiing, catamarans and surfing. A walk along the well-groomed embankment or along the paths of the nearby pine forest will leave a pleasant impression.
About 500 luxurious villas of the 19th century were built in the city. Historic mansions reflect an unusual architectural diversity. Curious tourists will be interested in seeing the ancient Basilica of Our Lady of the 12th century. The shrine, listed by UNESCO, was buried under sand dunes for a long time.
Saint Malo
On the southwestern coast of the English Channel there is a resort with an actively developing infrastructure – Saint-Malo. The history of its foundation dates back to the 12th century. This amazing place has preserved its historical and cultural heritage. The former pirate capital of France has turned into an interesting town in the Brittany region.
Tourists are given the opportunity to combine relaxation on amazing sandy beaches with unforgettable walks along the busy promenade and narrow cobbled streets of the medieval quarter surrounded by a fortress wall. The architectural ensemble of Saint-Malo fascinates with its stone monumental and severe appearance.
The majestic impregnable citadel with massive walls, towers and loopholes is the hallmark of the resort. The spacious coastal sandy strip stretches for several kilometers. At the service of vacationers there are rentals of sports equipment, sunbeds and umbrellas, pavilions with soft drinks. Long wooden piers provide protection from the swift powerful waves of the Atlantic.
Ayachcho
Ajaccio is the capital of the Mediterranean island of Corsica and the famous birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. In honor of the French emperor and his entourage, streets and squares, parks and fountains, restaurants and hotels are named here, as well as numerous pedestals have been erected. The sea coast, cliffs, bays, forests and mountains extending inland form a harmonious natural ensemble.
Despite the provincial atmosphere, a cozy resort corner has a developed infrastructure. Beach areas, guest houses, restaurants, shops and shops support the popularity of the tourist city. Acquaintance with historical sights will significantly enrich the recreation program. Of interest are Catholic churches, the ancient citadel, the port, palaces and the old city.
Architectural monuments are silent witnesses of the birth and youth of the famous native of Corsica. In the vicinity of Ajaccio, there are picturesque beaches with white sand, turquoise bays and rocky shores. Fans of outdoor activities are offered a variety of water activities for every taste. These are jet skis and catamarans, diving and snorkeling, yacht and boat trips.
Porticcio
In the southern part of the island of Corsica is the cozy village of Porticchio. He deservedly earned worldwide fame as one of the most popular resort places in France thanks to the wonderful sandy beaches and gentle emerald waters of the sea. For the ecological pristine cleanliness of the sea bays, the coastal strips of the resort are annually awarded the honorary title “Blue Flag”.
In Porticcio, tourists expect a comfortable and exciting holiday. This is favored by cozy hotels, thalassotherapy centers, restaurants of Corsican cuisine, retail shops and numerous entertainment venues. For lovers of water entertainment, there is an opportunity to go diving and fishing, take a boat trip, go water skiing.