Top 10 of France's most beautiful beaches

Why travel to the other side of the world in search of paradise beaches when we have everything we need in France?

With its diverse coastline, offering sandy and pebble beaches, vast stretches, and hidden coves, France has many paradisiacal spots to marvel at, swim, and relax.

Discover our top 10 most beautiful beaches in France!

Palombaggia Beach in Porto-Vecchio (Corsica)

Already featured in our list of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica, we couldn't leave it out of our ranking of the most beautiful beaches in France. Located in Porto-Vecchio, Palombaggia Beach is lined with maritime pines and small dunes of fine white sand. The presence of red rocks and its turquoise waters will give you a complete change of scenery. To top it off, this beach has managed to retain its wild side, delighting both locals and tourists.

Pampelonne Beach in Ramatuelle (Var)

This beach became an iconic spot near Saint-Tropez after the film And God Created Woman with Brigitte Bardot. Stretching over 4 km of white sand, Pampelonne Beach is set in a stunning bay that invites you to stroll, relax, and swim. It’s important to know that this beach is divided into several zones: a public beach, a private area with sunbeds, and a naturist section.

Deauville Beach (Calvados)

Another famous beach linked to cinema: Deauville Beach in Calvados!

Immortalized in Claude Lelouch’s A Man and a Woman, this beach is also known for its boardwalks along the neo-Pompeian baths, replacing traditional beach cabins, and for hosting the annual American Film Festival in September.

With 2 km of sandy beach, it’s perfect for a leisurely stroll. If it's too hot, relax under one of the colorful parasols. For the brave, take a dip in the fresh waters of the English Channel. It’s also the perfect spot for land sailing when the tide is low.

La Corniche Beach (Gironde)

This beach offers a breathtaking landscape steeped in history, located at the foot of the massive Dune of Pilat. More suited for walks than swimming, the view of the dune is unforgettable. Adventurous visitors can access it directly via the dune, while families may prefer the stairs at Pyla-sur-Mer. A guaranteed feeling of reaching the world's end!

Cap Blanc-Nez Beach (Pas-de-Calais)

Together with Cap Gris-Nez, this beach has been classified as a Grand Site of France since 1987. A must-see on the Opal Coast, you'll be amazed by its majestic cliffs rising over 130 meters high. Take advantage of low tide to walk along the vast fine sandy beach. On a clear day, you can even see the English coast in the distance.

Grande Plage d’Hendaye (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)

Stretching over 3 km of fine sand, this is the largest beach on the Basque Coast. A true paradise for surfers, many catch their first waves here. This beach also offers a stunning view of the Pyrenees. Families will appreciate its calm and charming surroundings, with rolling hills and traditional Basque houses.

It’s worth noting that the northernmost part of the beach is reserved for naturists.

Plage du Sillon in Saint-Malo (Ille-et-Vilaine)

Also called "Grande Plage," this 3 km stretch is located between the National Fort of Saint-Malo and the Pointe de Rochebonne. During high tides, the beach expands, providing a fantastic setting for a stroll, enjoyed by windsurfers, land sailors, and kite flyers alike. Admire the Paramé seawall and its charming Malouin villas, and swim sheltered from the wind thanks to its iconic wooden breakwaters.

Côte des Basques Beach, Biarritz (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)

Biarritz is known for its many attractions, including the Côte des Basques Beach, one of the most beautiful in France. This city beach is a paradise for surfers and lovers of vast seascapes. The view of the Spanish mountains and the Rock of the Virgin is breathtaking. Stroll along the fine sand, but be aware that as the tide rises, the beach completely disappears under the waves.

Paloma Beach, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (Alpes-Maritimes)

Near Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the small Paloma Beach, made up of several tiny coves, is a delight for nature lovers. Well-known to both locals and tourists, its wild surroundings, framed by numerous pines, create a postcard-perfect setting. Another iconic view: the turquoise waters of Anse de Scaletta with the villages of Beaulieu and Èze in the background.

Calanque d’En-Vau Beach (Bouches-du-Rhône)

We end our list of France’s most beautiful beaches with Calanque d’En-Vau, a true favorite at GILI'S. The Mediterranean coast boasts many calanques between Cassis and Marseille, but this one perfectly embodies a small paradise.

Accessible by foot or by boat, you can enjoy its turquoise waters and peaceful ambiance. Its towering cliffs will leave you in awe, enhancing the impression of having discovered a breathtaking hidden gem to be preserved.