15 Best Beaches in France

While most people visit France to admire its iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Mont-St-Michel, I love my adopted home country for a different reason: the absolutely stunning French beaches. From the striking Atlantic Coast to the posh French Riviera, France boasts some of the best beaches in Europe that I just can’t get enough of.

As someone who was born and raised in Hawaii and spent most of her adult life in France, I consider myself a bit of an expert when it comes to finding and rating the most beautiful beaches in France. While everyone else is out skiing and snowboarding in the French Alps in the winter, I’m daydreaming about which beaches I’ll visit in the coming spring and summer months.

The beaches in France come in all shapes and sizes. You can find golden sandy beaches, wide pebbly beaches, and beaches that can only be accessed through a bit of hiking. If you’ve visited France before and are looking to explore more of this remarkable country, you’ve come to the right place!

We’ve compiled a list of the best beaches in France located all throughout the country! Start packing your swimsuits and flip-flops because you’re in for a sunshine-filled adventure around the coasts of France.

Best Beaches in France

1. Paloma Beach – Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Let’s start off this list strong with Paloma Beach, located on the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea and often touted as the best beach in France. This French Riviera beach is located on the eastern edge of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, a ritzy seaside town often referred to as “the Beverly Hills of France.” You’ll be blown away by the expansive villas, the scenic coastal path, and the crown jewel of the peninsula, the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel.

This pebble beach is among the most famous beaches on the French Riviera. From May to September, there’s a lovely (but expensive) beach club on Paloma Beach where you can rent sun loungers, umbrellas, towels, paddle boards, and also have lunch. Book your spot well in advance as they fill up quickly, especially for the front row.

See Related: Most Beautiful Small Towns in France

2. Palombaggia Beach – Corsica

There’s a little French island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea called Corsica, which is just a short ferry ride or flight from mainland France. This breathtaking island (along with its Italian…