French beach holidays: top seaside towns by region

From the Breton coast to the Corsican beaches, France is full of seaside resorts for all tastes. Discover our selection, region by region, of the most beautiful seaside destinations for a successful holiday.

Between golden sand, secret coves and picturesque villages, France offers an exceptional diversity of seaside destinations, ideal for a getaway or a long-term stay.

From the wild charm of Brittany to the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, each region has its gems. Dreaming of a pied-à-terre by the ocean, a house or apartment by the sea in France? Here's our region-by-region selection of towns to discover for a perfect summer with your feet in the water.

1. Brittany: nature and history
2. Normandy: elegance and nature
3. Nouvelle-Aquitaine: surf and relaxation
4. Occitanie: the gentle South
5. Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur: a glamorous stopover
6. Corsica: the island of beauty par excellence

1. Brittany: nature and history

With its rugged coastlines, Celtic legends and wild landscapes, Brittany appeals to lovers of nature and heritage.

In Saint-Malo, the fortified corsair city, the ramparts offer a breathtaking view of the Channel. Houses and apartments in Saint-Malo
Across the bay, Dinard displays Belle Époque architecture inherited from 19th-century British holidaymakers. Houses and apartments in Dinard
On its windswept peninsula, Quiberon unfurls its wild coast and beaches ideal for swimming. Houses and apartments in Quiberon
In Concarneau, don’t miss the Ville Close, a fortified historic heart floating on the water. Houses and apartments in Concarneau

The Breton coast is also lined with hiking trails. The GR34, also known as the "customs officers' path", winds along cliffs and bays, passing remarkable megalithic sites like the Carnac alignments. And no trip to Brittany would be complete without sampling local culinary specialties such as crêpes, kouign-amann, far breton, seafood, chouchen and cider.

Brittany is an authentic place, sure to please everyone, whether you're looking for a peaceful, contemplative, nature-focused break or a more active, sporty holiday.

Related reading: Brittany, history of land and water

2. Normandy: elegance and nature

Normandy reveals a contrasting coastline of majestic cliffs, endless beaches and refined seaside resorts.

Deauville, a luxury destination on the Côte Fleurie, is known for its horse races, golf course and film festival. Visitors stroll along Les Planches, a boardwalk running parallel to the long sandy beach lined with cabins named after movie stars. Houses and apartments in Deauville
In Cabourg, Belle Époque charm is on full display along the promenade, the blue and white beach huts, and the iconic Grand Hotel once favored by Marcel Proust. Houses and apartments in Cabourg
Honfleur, with its old harbor flanked by timber-framed houses reflected in the water, is a charming medieval port town. Houses and apartments in Honfleur
Further north, Étretat impresses with its white chalk cliffs sculpted by the wind – a dramatic landscape that inspired Monet, Flaubert and Maupassant. Houses and apartments in Etretat

The region offers a subtle mix of elegant architecture shaped by centuries of history, a rich cultural life and awe-inspiring nature. It lends itself well to a relaxed exploration through swimming, cycling or historical sightseeing.

3. Nouvelle-Aquitaine: surf and relaxation

The Atlantic coast is the kingdom of surfers, wide beaches and a free spirit.

In Biarritz, once an imperial resort, powerful waves attract riders from around the globe. The elegant seafront still echoes the era of Napoleon III. Houses and apartments in Biarritz
Further north, Hossegor has become Europe’s surf capital, but is also prized for its marine lake and pine forest. Houses and apartments in Hossegor
Arcachon is a peaceful haven with a gentle way of life and distinctive architecture, especially in its Summer and Winter towns. Its proximity to the Dune du Pilat, the tallest sand dune in Europe, adds to its appeal. Houses and apartments in Arcachon
On the Île de Ré, accessible by bridge from La Rochelle, you’ll find a subtle mix of quiet beaches, salt marshes and villages with green shutters. It’s a perfect destination for either active or restful vacations. Houses and apartments on the Île de Ré

Nouvelle-Aquitaine is a region full of vacation possibilities: Basque inspirations, picturesque villages, a wild coast, major seaside resorts, Charente-Maritime and even Fort Boyard...

4. Occitanie: the gentle South

The Languedoc coast is bathed in sunshine and bordered by the Mediterranean.

In Gruissan, stilt houses and the old village dominated by the Barberousse Tower reflect a long maritime history. Houses and apartments in Gruissan
Cap d’Agde, a resort built in the 1970s, offers a variety of family activities including beaches, water parks and a lively port. Houses and apartments in Cap d’Agde
Further south, Collioure, a Catalan gem, inspired Matisse and Derain. This small port, overlooked by a royal castle, combines culture, history and Mediterranean charm. Houses and apartments in Collioure
In Sète, the hometown of Georges Brassens, canals and seafood-based gastronomy are central to the local way of life. Houses and apartments in Sète

Occitanie offers a rare blend of tradition, lively beaches and character-filled villages.

5. Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur: a glamorous stopover

The Côte d’Azur instantly conjures up images of sunshine, crystal-clear coves and terraced villages.

In Saint-Tropez, the port and narrow streets of the old town contrast with the festive vibe of iconic beaches like Pampelonne. Houses and apartments in Saint-Tropez
Cannes, famous for its film festival, combines culture, luxury shopping and golden beaches lining the Croisette. Houses and apartments in Cannes
Antibes, located between Nice and Cannes, boasts rich heritage with its ramparts, marina and Picasso Museum. Houses and apartments in Antibes
Near Cassis, the calanques amaze with their raw beauty, perfect for hiking or boat trips. Houses and apartments in Cassis

This region combines urban elegance with unique natural treasures.

6. Corsica: the island of beauty par excellence

Corsica is a concentrated blend of spectacular scenery, with turquoise seas and rugged mountains.

In Porto-Vecchio, beaches like Palombaggia and Santa Giulia rank among the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. The upper town, perched on a rocky promontory, exudes a typically Corsican atmosphere. Houses and apartments in Porto-Vecchio
In Bonifacio, dramatically perched on limestone cliffs, you’ll find a historic citadel and breathtaking views over the Strait of Bonifacio. Houses and apartments in Bonifacio
Further north, Calvi captivates with its protected bay, Genoese citadel and festive atmosphere. Houses and apartments in Calvi
L'Île-Rousse, founded by Pascal Paoli in the 18th century, is a peaceful resort ideal for family holidays. Houses and apartments in L’Île Rousse

Corsica, with its authenticity, nature and culture, is a unique destination for unforgettable stays.

Related reading: Corsica in 1,000 km and 10 stopovers

Whether you're looking for the buzz of high-end resorts, the charm of fishing villages or the peace of wild beaches, France offers seaside destinations for every taste.

This summer, let our selection inspire you and discover the finest seaside real estate listings on Meretdemeures.com:

You may also be interested in these articles:

French Riviera: 7 must-see towns for a summer holiday
Brittany, history of land and water
Corsica in 1,000 km and 10 stopovers
Renovating a coastal property: the smart way to buy a home in France for Less

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