7 French Beach Destinations You Haven’t Heard of But Should Definitely Visit

France has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, and not all of them are on the French Riviera or the south of France. Discover 7 French beaches that aren’t full of tourists.

With over 3,000 miles of coastline, you’d be hard pushed not to find French beach destinations with which to fall in love. Most people flock to the big tourist areas on the French Riviera without realizing how many hidden gems there are in other areas of France. 

You’ll find some relatively undiscovered secret spots from the Calanques coast in the Mediterranean to the Basque coast near the Spanish border.

Imagine having a beach almost to yourself without the crowds, with an ocean as far as the eye can see. That’s what you get with the seven beaches on this list. Plus, the added bonus is that the resorts are much kinder on the wallet than places like Saint Tropez or Nice.

Saint-Raphaël

Saint-Raphaël, situated along the French Riviera, often goes unnoticed by visitors flocking to nearby hotspots like Saint-Tropez or Cannes. Positioned between these larger, more tourist-heavy towns, it stretches along 36 kilometers of coastline, making it a prime spot for beach lovers who prefer a quieter setting.

The beaches here are varied, offering everything from fine sand to pebbly shores. One of the best stretches is Plage de la Péguière, a family-friendly spot with fine sand and crystal-clear waters. 

Further down the coast, Plage de la Tortue lies adjacent to a pine forest and offers a stunning view of Île d’Or. Another beach worth mentioning is Plage Val Fleuri, divided into two sections. The first is more accessible and popular, while the second is wilder and less frequented, with natural rock formations creating shallow pools.

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Beyond the beaches is Esterel Massif, a volcanic mountain range that offers hiking trails with spectacular views of the coast and the deep red rocks that contrast with the blue of the Mediterranean. For those who love outdoor activities, exploring these trails is a must.

Quick History Hit

During World War II, the area played a key part in the Allied landings on August 15, 1944, known as Operation Dragoon. This operation was instrumental in liberating southern France from German occupation. 

Étretat

Étretat is a small coastal town in Normandy on a pebbled beach flanked by towering chalk cliffs. While cliffs such as Falaise d’Aval and the needle-like rock formation L’Aiguille are well-known, the town hasn’t really been discovered, especially compared to busier French seaside destinations.

The beach at Étretat is made up of smooth pebbles shaped over time by the sea’s erosion of the chalk cliffs. Walking along this beach provides stunning views in both directions, framed by the high cliffs that seem to rise straight from the sea. A long boardwalk, known as “Le Perrey,” runs the length of the beach. The views shift dramatically with the tides, so it’s worth visiting at both high and low tide for contrasting experiences.

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The cliffs of Étretat are perfect for hiking, as the paths along Falaise d’Aval and Falaise d’Amont offer stunning panoramic views of the coast and the English Channel. The steep walk up to the top of the cliffs is challenging but rewarding, with breathtaking vantage points that include sights of the Manneporte Arch and the lesser-known but equally stunning Roc Vaudieu​.

Quick History Hit

Claude Monet painted the cliffs numerous times during the late 19th century, immortalizing their unique beauty in his works. Guy de Maupassant, who grew up in the region, likened the arches of the cliffs to an elephant dipping its trunk into the sea. And Maurice Leblanc set his famous Arsène Lupin mystery, The Hollow Needle, in the caverns of these cliffs.

Biarritz

Biarritz, located on France’s southwest coast, was once a favorite summer retreat of Empress Eugénie, and Napoleon III built Hôtel du Palais for her. The beaches in Biarritz are diverse and offer something for every visitor. Côte des Basques, known as the birthplace of European surfing, attracts surfers from across the globe. 

Meanwhile, tucked into a small bay, Port Vieux provides a more tranquil setting, ideal for swimming and relaxing without the strong waves, making it perfect for families. Grande Plage, the main beach, stretches along the town’s promenade and is lined with restaurants and shops, offering a more bustling beach experience.

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Quick History Hit

In the 19th century, it became a fashionable destination for European aristocracy. Its elegant buildings, like the Imperial Chapel, reflect the influence of Empress Eugénie. The town was also a hub during both World Wars, serving as a base for German troops during the occupation. Today, visitors can still explore remnants of this period, such as the Rocher de la Vierge, a rock formation topped with a statue of the Virgin Mary, offering stunning views of the Atlantic.

En Vau 

Calanque d’En Vau, tucked away between Marseille and Cassis, is one of the most striking calanques along the Mediterranean coast. Accessible either by a steep, scenic hike or by kayak from the sea, this narrow inlet is framed by towering white limestone cliffs that plunge into turquoise waters. 

It’s a challenging hike, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the route, but the views make every step worth it. Many visitors opt to kayak from Cassis, paddling through calm waters surrounded by dramatic cliffs.

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The beach at En Vau is pebbly rather than sandy, so water shoes are highly recommended. It’s a pristine, natural area, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and even rock climbing along the towering cliffs. Its beauty has not gone unnoticed by filmmakers, with scenes from the 1964 film Ghosts featuring its stunning landscape.

Quick History Hit

The Calanques were formed by ancient rivers that have long since dried up, carving these majestic inlets over millennia. 

Île de Ré

Île de Ré, located off France’s west coast, is an island with sandy beaches, salt marshes, and vineyards. The island’s beaches are some of the finest on the French Atlantic coast. Plage du Trousse Chemise, for instance, is a peaceful, untamed stretch on the island’s northwest. 

Its wild dunes and the shallow waters of Banc du Bûcheron make it ideal for walking or sailing. For watersports enthusiasts, Plage de Gros Jonc offers surfing, paddleboarding, and sailing facilities.

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Cycling is a popular way to explore the island, with over 60 miles of bike paths winding through vineyards and quaint villages like La Flotte and Saint-Martin-de-Ré. Saint-Martin, the island’s capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Vauban fortifications built in the 17th century. The view from the top of Phare des Baleines lighthouse is breathtaking.

Quick History Hit

The salt marshes of Île de Ré have been integral to the island’s economy and landscape for centuries. Dating back to the medieval period, the island’s unique geography made it an ideal location for salt production. Salt workers, or “sauniers,” harnessed the natural ebb and flow of the tides to evaporate seawater in shallow basins, leaving behind salt crystals. This labor-intensive process flourished in the 12th century, with salt becoming a valuable commodity traded widely throughout France and beyond.

Dune du Pilat

Dune du Pilat, located on the Atlantic coast of France, is the tallest sand dune in Europe. Situated at the entrance of Arcachon Bay, just 60 km from Bordeaux, this enormous dune spans 2.7 km in length and reaches over 100 meters in height. 

The dune is part of the Landes de Gascogne forest, and from its summit, you get unparalleled views of both the Atlantic Ocean and the dense pine forests inland. The contrast between the golden sand, lush green forest, and azure waters is one of the dune’s most striking features.

The Dune du Pilat constantly moves inland, pushed by wind and tides, advancing around 4 to 5 meters yearly. Climbing to the top of the dune is hard work but they’ve built some wooden steps into the side of the dune to make it easier. When you reach the top, you’re rewarded with breathtaking panoramas across Arcachon Bay, including the Banc d’Arguin, a protected sandbank that attracts migratory birds.

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The dune is also a hotspot for paragliding due to the strong updrafts created by its steep slopes. For those who prefer a more leisurely experience, the beaches at the foot of the dune are perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Watersports such as surfing and sailing are common along this stretch of coastline, with Arcachon Bay being a hub for maritime activities.

Quick History Hit

Archaeological discoveries in the area reveal evidence of human activity dating back 2,600 years, including findings related to salt mining. More recently, in 2013, a tourist uncovered a funerary urn dating back to the Iron Age, suggesting that the region was a site of protohistoric human settlements.

Soulac sur Mer

I’ve saved the best for last. Soulac-sur-Mer is a personal favorite, and I’ve spent some happy weeks here staying in a tiny place called l’Amélie. It’s located on the northern tip of the Médoc peninsula with over 10 km of fine sandy beaches. Just be careful because part of the beach at l’Amélie is a nudist beach. I got a bit of a shock when I turned left instead of right.

The coastline here is part of the Côte d’Argent, offering gorgeous views and plenty of watersports like surfing, sailing, and windsurfing. The beaches, such as Plage Centrale, are family-friendly and have lifeguards during the summer months.

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Beyond the beach and historical sights, Soulac-sur-Mer is surrounded by natural beauty. Pine forests and dunes are ideal for cycling or hiking, and the town serves as a starting point for a 130 km cycle route leading all the way to Cap Ferret. Visitors can also explore the nearby Médoc wine region for wine tastings or take a boat trip to the Pointe de Grave or across the Gironde estuary to Royan.

Quick History Hit

The town itself is steeped in history. Its most famous landmark, the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Fin-des-Terres, dates back to the 12th century. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, marking its importance on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. The basilica was nearly buried by shifting sands before being restored in the 19th century, and it remains a focal point of the town’s cultural heritage.​