Beaches in France: Bay of Biscay, French Riviera and the Shores of Normandy

1. Plage des Grands Sables

Plage des Grands Sables is a convex beach that is situated between the lush headlands of La Croix and Spernec on the Isle of Groix, France.

This spectacular beach is Europe’s only convex beach, a big part of its claim to fame. The beach’s fine, soft sand ranges in color from bright white to dark red. The beach is supervised by lifeguards and is equipped with restrooms, drinking fountains, first aid stations, and water sports equipment rentals. Located within the shimmering Bay of Biscay, Plage des Grands Sables offers the perfect jumping off point for visitors to enjoy scenic sailing adventures.

Rtes Les Grands Sables, Groix, France, Phone: +33-2-97-84-78-00

2. Plage du Racou

Plage du Racou is a beautiful, beige sand beach that is located in the charming town of Argeles-sur-Mer, on France’s Mediterranean coast.

There are numerous small silted houses along the beach, separated by lush-green, colorful pathways. As visitors take the pathways to the beach, they’ll walk by a plethora of paddles, kayaks, and other nautical equipment out front of the beach houses. There’s plenty of space on the beach for visitors to find a peaceful spot and relax, or enjoy activities such as beach volleyball, Frisbee, and Bocce Ball. Should beach-goers work up an appetite, there are plenty of oyster bars, tapas bars, and seafood restaurants nearby.

Le Racou, Argeles-sur-Mer, France, Phone: +33-4-68-81-00-16

3. Plage de Surtainville

Plage de Surtainville is a wide, sandy beach that is located in Beaumont-Hague, a commune in northwest France.

The beach provides an idyllic haven for a variety of shore and water activities, such as paddleboarding, fishing, swimming, sand-ball, soccer, rugby, and much more. Plage de Surtainville is home to one of the best surf spots on France’s west coast, with the breakers being perfect for the beginner all the way up to the experienced surfer. The beach’s tidal zone is expansive enough for speed sailing and sand yachting all year round. During the summer, there is a lifeguard on duty during certain times.

1 Place de la Madeleine, Beaumont-Hague, France, Phone: +33-2-33-52-74-94

4. Serignan Beach

Serignan Beach is a sprawling, sandy beach that is located in Serignan, a commune in southeast France, on the country’s Mediterranean coast.

The beach features many natural sand dunes, some of which can reach heights of up to nearly 27 feet. The beach is idyllic, offering a paradise for relaxation and sunbatheing. There are a number of beach activities for visitors to enjoy, such as horseback riding, shore-cast fishing, and beach volleyball. Visitors will also have the opportunity to partake in a variety of fun water sports that include kitesurfing, windsurfing, and parasailing. Sunset walks along the soft sand beach are the perfect way to end the day.

Serignan, France, Phone: +33-4-67-32-15-99

5. Le Touquet-Paris-Plage

Le Touquet-Paris-Plage is a beach that is centrally located in the seaside town of Le Touquet, France.

Locals and visitors flock to this beach in droves to sunbathe under the sun, enjoy a refreshing swim, and partake in a plethora of water activities. The beach is equipped with two patios that are situated below the parking lots, volleyball courts, restrooms, showers, and a promenade. Le Touquet-Paris-Plage is also home to three vibrant beach clubs with multiple bars and beach attendants available for beach-goers. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy everything from guided bike and horseback tours to romantic sunset strolls along the pristine, sandy beaches.

Boulevard de la Plage, Le Touquet, France, Phone: +33-3-21-05-33-51

6. Plage du Pin Sec

Plage du Pin Sec is a long, beige sand beach that is located along the Bay of Biscay, in southwest France.

The non-urbanization of the land around the beach is a major reason why the beach has been able to retain much of its natural beauty. The beach features many rolling sand dunes, providing its visitors with wonderfully-scenic backdrops when framed against the North Atlantic. This is a popular spot amongst local surfers, as the wave size and consistency is some of the best in France. During the warm summer, beach-goers can enjoy numerous fun and exciting water activities under the watchful eye of local lifeguards.

2 Pins de Calais, Naujac-sur-Mer, France, Phone: +33-6-68-60-65-13

7. Plage Beau Rivage

Plage Beau Rivage is a wide public beach that is located in southeast France, along the country’s Mediterranean coast.

Plage Beau Rivage offers less of a dramatic drop-off in water depth when compared to other local beaches. This gradual depth change makes this beach the perfect for location for many water activities, such as snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, flyboarding, parasailing, and much more. The beach also features restrooms and showers that are open for public use. Should beach-goers work-up an appetite, the Beau Rivage Private Beach Restaurant is an excellent choice; equipped with numerous umbrellas and sun loungers, and specializing in French/Mediterranean cuisine.

107 Quai des Etats Unis, Nice, France, Phone: +33-4-92-00-46-80

8. Castel Plage

Castel Plage is a scenic public beach that features a private beach restaurant, located in the city of Nice, in southeast France.

The beach is situated along France’s Mediterranean coast, offering warm, crystal clear waters and sunny skies. Castel Plage is a beach that is long and wide, it is also home to numerous large stones. The calmer waters in front of the beach are ideal for a snorkeling, or a relaxing swim. Castel Plage Private Beach Restaurant is among the oldest establishments still remaining in Nice; it’s an excellent place to grab a bite to eat while soaking in the breathtaking scenery of the beach and its surroundings.

8 Quai des Etats Unis, Nice, France, Phone: +33-4-93-85-22-66

9. Coco Beach

Coco Beach is a scenic public beach that provides a wonderfully-tranquil haven amid giant rock slabs and carved-out rocks.

The beach is nestled within the charming city of Nice, in southeast France, along the nation’s Mediterranean coast. Coco Beach’s rocks were leveled out to provide its visitors with a comfortable area to sunbathe. During the summer months the beach keeps a lifeguard on duty. The closest bus stop for Coco Beach is just a few minutes’ walk from the beach, at the intersection of Theodore de Banville and Jean Lorrain. There aren’t many dining options within close proximity to the beach, so it’s advisable to bring a picnic for a more convenient and relaxing experience.

2 Avenue Jean Lorrain, Nice, France, Phone: +33-4-96-89-39-26

10. Map of French Beaches

Use this custom map of coastal France to plan your beach holiday.