Exploring beyond the French Riviera, discover the 10 most enchanting coastlines in France, as rated by vacationers
France, with its extensive coastline of over 20,000 kilometres, boasts a myriad of stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. A recent analysis by Google Maps has revealed the top 10 most beautiful beaches in France based on popularity, reviews, and scenic qualities.
The Plage des Blancs Sablons in Le Conquet, Brittany, takes the first spot. This long beach of blond sand is renowned for its raw beauty and wild atmosphere. The neighbouring Plage de Pen Hat, in the Presqu'île de Crozon, ranks second. Part of the Natural Regional Park of Armorique, this beach is famous for its spectacular cliffs and powerful waves.
Moving south, the Calanque d'En-Vau in the French Riviera stands out as a breathtaking cove. Its clear blue water and twisted rocks give it an air of a lost paradise. Pampelonne Beach in Saint-Tropez, a long and famous shoreline, comes in fourth.
Normandy's beaches also feature prominently on the list. The Plage du Mont Salva, a hidden cove outside main towns, is the fifth most beautiful beach. The Plage des Sablettes in Menton, with its wide sandy stretch, is sixth, while the Plage du Verdon in Martigues, known for its fine sand allowing safe swimming far from shore, is seventh.
Dieppe Beach in Normandy, with its 1,500-metre stretch perfect for strolling and swimming, comes eighth. Petit Ailly Beach, Varengeville-sur-Mer, Normandy, with its scenic sandy valley beach, is ninth, and Quiberville-sur-Mer Beach, Normandy, with its postcard landscape and white cabins, rounds off the top 10.
Other notable beaches include the Plage de la Baie des Trepassés in Pointe du Raz, Brittany, a mysterious and beautiful beach that offers a stunning panorama, especially at sunset. The Plage du Cap Blanc-Nez in the Hauts-de-France, dominated by the spectacular cliffs of the site of the Two Capes, is another grandiose escape, offering long walks by the sea and clear views of the English coastline on clear days.
The Plage de la Cigale in Saint-Tropez and La Plage de la Perle in Deshaies, Guadeloupe, are also worth mentioning. The former, a sandy beach with palm trees, is known for its lively atmosphere and the collection of classic cars that gather there every summer. The latter, although less known than Grande Anse, is worthy of a detour. Its golden sand, coconut trees, and clear waters make it a highly appreciated spot by tourists... and filmmakers, as the series Murders in Paradise was filmed there.
Finally, Omaha Beach in Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, carries a heavy emotional weight for those interested in the history of the D-Day Landings. It is a powerful place, where natural beauty meets solemn remembrance.
[1] Google Maps Data [2] Travel Writing Referencing Google Maps Data [3] Normandy Beaches [4] French Riviera Beaches [5] Martigues Beaches
- The Plage de la Baie des Trepassés in Pointe du Raz, Brittany, offers a stunning panorama at sunset, making it a noteworthy addition to your home-and-garden lifestyle travels.
- While in the French Riviera, lounging on the breathtaking Calanque d'En-Vau could give you a taste of an exotic home-and-garden lifestyle, with its twisted rocks and clear blue water that resembles a lost paradise.
