Look closely enough, and you’ll find that the best beaches in France aren’t all just on the famous French Riviera. Though the South of France has some pretty iconic stretches of sand—bonjour Antibes, Nice, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat—you’ll find many more spots to get some sun along France’s 3,400 miles of coastline. Ever checked out the strikingly beautiful shores of Normandy in the north? Or the gorgeous nearly-Spanish scenes of Biarritz, in the west? You could get technical and say that some of the best beaches in France include les plages of Tahiti, a part of the country—but the islands of Île de Ré in the Bay of Biscay and Belle-Île-en-Mer in Brittany prove that there’s more to France’s stunningly beautiful geography than meets the eye.
Below are 17 of the best beaches in France, found on various European coasts, and all offering a sampler of the beautifully diverse landscapes of the country. We’ve also included tips on how to get to these gorgeous French beaches, as well as where to stay nearby. Pack a pair of sandals, your best sunscreen, and get a taste of la douceur de vivre.
Additional reporting by Lilit Marcus. This gallery has been updated since its original publish date.
