Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France
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Coast of France
One of the best parts of vacation is feeling like you’re getting away – from your work and regular life – and slowing down for some days of relaxation. If you can do this in one of the best coastal towns in France, enjoying good food, wine, and long beach walks, then it’s heaven.
From the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel, the French coast is full of picturesque little towns with colorful fishing ports and wild, beautiful sea views.
If you are looking for France seaside towns for your next holiday or the best place to live in France by the sea, we can help. Go on reading for the best beach towns in France – and French coastal towns in general – that perfectly combine nature and cultural heritage.
Best Way to Explore the French Coast
The best way to reach these French seaside towns is by car. Public transportation tends to be scarce, especially on the weekends.
Driving in France is very easy, and having a car will allow you to explore other interesting sights nearby. If you don’t have a car in France, we recommend traveling by train to the closest city and hiring a car from there. Check out our best tips for renting a car in France.
Best Seaside Towns in France – Overview
If you are in a hurry, here’s a summary of the best beach towns France offers, with some recommendations on what to visit and where to stay.
- Northern France coastal towns: Barfleur, Etretat, Honfleur, and Deauville
- Western France beach towns: Cancale, Landerneau, Arcachon, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Saint-Martin de-Ré
- South of France towns by the sea: Collioure, Gruissan, Grimaud, Cassis, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Erbalunga.
Northern France Coastal Towns
1. Barfleur, Normandy
Barfleur is one of the most beautiful coastal towns in Northern France. This cute little town in the department of Manche, in Normandy, has charming granite houses, a picturesque fishing port, and a fortified church with the particularity of having an octagonal domed chapel and an arrowless bell tower.
Don’t miss the fish arrival on the port’s quay, an excellent opportunity to get a glimpse of local life. If you love mussels, Barfleur is the right place to be! While most of France’s mussels come from livestock, Barfleur’s mussels are fished in the East of the Cotentin Peninsula. Mussels & white wine in one of the port’s small restaurants is one of our favorite pleasures in Barfleur.
WHAT TO DO IN BARFLEUR
- Coastal walks, relax
- Sea sports, fishing
- Hiking, Biking
- Gastronomy
WHERE TO SLEEP IN BARFLEUR
Les Transats (top choice), Charmante Maison de Pêcheur (mid-range).
2. Etretat, Normandy
Located 20 km north of Le Havre, in the Seine-Maritime department, Etretat is one of the most beautiful towns to visit in Normandy. From Dieppe to Le Havre, the Alabaster Coast is made of no less than 140 km of impressive chalky cliffs, and it is in Etretat where the view is the most magical.
One of the best coastal towns Northern France has to offer, Etretat has a small pebble beach with two grand white chalk cliffs on both ends. It also has beautiful architecture of half-timbered houses in Anglo-Norman style and good little restaurants offering a fine selection of fresh fish and seafood.
If you want to combine a relaxing stay by the sea with some sightseeing, don’t miss Notre Dame de la Garde Church, on the top of the cliff, and the Gardens of Etretat, an interesting blend of landscape art and sculptures.
Etretat is a popular tourist destination, so you won’t be alone. Try to avoid weekends and book accommodation well in advance!
WHAT TO DO IN ETRETAT
- Coastal walks, relax
- Boat tour
- Shopping
- Gastronomy
WHERE TO SLEEP IN ETRETAT
Le Donjon (top choice), Dormy House (mid-range), La Vila 10 (mid-range), Hotel Le Rayon Vert (budget)
3. Honfleur, Normandy
Honfleur is one of the best Northern France seaside towns. Located in Normandy, where the Seine River meets the ocean, it is the perfect ensemble of picturesque alleys, small shops and restaurants, and traditional architecture of half-timbered façades.
The Old Basin and the Lieutenancy are the symbols of Honfleur, but the town boasts many other attractions like Sainte-Catherine Church (made of wood), the colorful market, and the Chapel Notre Dame de Grâce.
Honfleur is one of the top places to visit in Normandy. Set your base in Honfleur for an epicurean getaway and explore other coastal places nearby, like Deauville or Cabourg.
WHAT TO DO IN HONFLEUR
- Coastal walks, relax
- Sightseeing
- Gastronomy
- Rent a boat with or without a skipper in Honfleur
WHERE TO SLEEP IN HONFLEUR
Le Clos de Grace (top choice), Villa du Cedre (mid-range), La Maison de Lucie (budget), La Maison du Parc (bed & breakfast).
4. Deauville, Normandy
If you are looking for Northern France beach towns, Deauville is the place to go. Nicknamed the “21st Arrondissement of Paris”, Deauville is Parisian’s favorite seaside town, with a beautiful old town, a casino, and thermal baths.
The last of the North France coastal towns on this list is also known for its American Film Festival, which attracts Hollywood stars from the US every year in September.
Don’t miss Deauville’s beach with its Art-Déco changing cabins. The cabins are delimited by white wooden barriers. On these, you can read the names of famous American actors and directors who came to Deauville as part of the American Film Festival.
WHAT TO DO IN DEAUVILLE
- Coastal walks, relax
- Sightseeing
- Gastronomy
- American Film Festival (September)
- Sea-kayak excursions to the cliffs of Deauville-Trouville
- Rent a boat with or without a skipper in Deauville
WHERE TO SLEEP IN DEAUVILLE
Manoir des Lions de Tourgéville (top choice), Hotel Barrière Le Normandy (luxury), Villa Augeval Hotel de Charme & Spa (mid-range), Hotel Le Patio – Deauville (budget).
Western France Beach Towns
5. Cancale, Brittany
Cancale, on the coast of Brittany in Western France, is world-known for its oysters, but of course, there is much more! Behind its picturesque port are beautiful traditional houses, an attractive sand beach, and breathtaking views over Mont-Saint-Michel’s Bay in Normandy.
Cancale is part of the famous GR34 Sentier des Douaniers (old customs officer’s path), a multi-day hike that runs along the Breton coast. Expect wonderful landscapes, secluded beaches, and other beautiful French coastal towns along this path.
WHAT TO DO IN CANCALE
- Coastal walks, relax
- Sea sports, beach, sunbathing
- Hiking
- Gastronomy
- Visit Mont Saint-Michel on a day trip
WHERE TO SLEEP IN CANCALE
Manoir des Douets Fleuris (top choice), Lagrange Vacances Les Hauts de la Houle (mid-range), La Mère Champlain (budget), L’Arrière Cour (apartments).
6. Landerneau, Brittany
Located in Brittany, in the Bay of Brest, Landerneau is a lively town between the river Elorn and the ocean. The town boasts a remarkable architectural heritage, with a historic trail dotted with beautiful churches and elegant residences dating from the 16th to the 19th century.
Landerneau’s top attraction is the Rohan Bridge, the only bridge in Europe still inhabited. The bridge was built during the 16th century to replace a wooden structure dating back to the 12th century, and it has been home to generations of wealthy artisans and linen merchants for more than 500 years.
When the sun shines, the stroll along Landerneau’s colorful riverbanks is full of charm.
WHAT TO DO IN LANDERENAU
- Coastal walks, relax
- Sightseeing
- Gastronomy
WHERE TO SLEEP IN LANDERENAU
7. Arcachon, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Located 65 km from Bordeaux, Arcachon is one of the best French beat towns in the Côte d’Argent, surrounded by the vast pine forests of the Landes.
Besides being famous for its sandy beaches, Arcachon has elegant 19th-century buildings and delicious seafood restaurants everywhere. This French seaside town is also known for its oysters, so much so that there are many oyster farms in Arcachon Bay to visit.
While in Arcahon, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Dune du Pilat, Europe’s highest sand dune (102 meters), and Bordeaux to stock up on some world-class wine!
WHAT TO DO IN ARCAHON
- Coastal walks, relax
- Sea sports, beach, sunbathing
- Jet-ski in Arcachon
- Bike rides
- Gastronomy
- Rent a boat with or without a skipper in Arcachon
- Paragliding above Dune de Pilat
- Visit Bordeaux on a day trip
WHERE TO SLEEP IN ARCACHON
Manoir des Douets Fleuris (top choice), Lagrange Vacances Les Hauts de la Houle (mid-range), La Mère Champlain (budget), L’Arrière Cour (apartments).
8. Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
This list of best seaside towns in France could not be complete without the Basque coast of France, in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a picturesque coastal town in the French Basque Country with a rich history and beautiful architecture. This lovely town is a must-stop for any French Basque Country road trip.
Saint-Jean-de Luz was a village of whale hunters that became a privateers’ town. In 1660, Saint-Jean-de-Luz hosted King Louis XIV and Infanta Maria Teresa of Spain’s wedding because of its ideal location right on the border of France – Spain.
Wander around the town to admire its main sights. Visit the harbor with a view over the Rhune Mountain on the left, Ciboure town, Maurice Ravel’s house on the opposite side, and the pink Maison de l’Infanta and Place Louis XIV on the right.
But of course, in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, you also want to enjoy a coastal walk to admire the landscape and typical houses. Not far from the Grande Plage, you can visit Église Saint-Jean Baptiste, where the royal wedding took place. The Church has an interesting boat shape, wooden galleries, and a colorful altarpiece.
WHAT TO DO IN SAINT-JEAN-DE-LUZ
- Coastal walks, relax
- Sea sports, beach, sunbathing
- Sightseeing
- Rent a boat with or without a skipper, in Saint-Jean-de-Luz
- Gastronomy
WHERE TO SLEEP IN SAINT-JEAN-DE-LUZ
Hotel Txoko (top choice), Grand Hotel Thalasso & Spa (luxury), Hotel La Marisa Grande Plage (mid-range), and Hotel La Réserve (mid-range).
9. Saint-Martin-de-Ré, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Saint Martin-de-Ré is one of the best French coastal towns on the Atlantic. It is located on Ile-de-Ré, one of the most coveted islands of France for a beach holiday.
Saint-Martin-de-Ré is a fortified town, with 12 km of fortifications dating back to the 17th century but extensively modified later by Vauban. These fortifications were built to protect Saint-Martin from the English, who, by the way, never came around.
Saint-Martin-de-Re has a lively atmosphere, especially around the port. There, you will see many 17th and 18th-century houses, and they seem to have changed little over the past three centuries.
Then walk uphill to the old church. The church has a bell tower you can climb to admire the panorama of Saint Martin and the sea, and it’s also the best way to see the overall design of the fortifications surrounding the town.
WHAT TO DO IN SAINT-MARTIN-DE-RÉ
- Coastal walks, relax
- Sea sports, beach, sunbathing
- Sightseeing
- Hiking, biking
- Gastronomy
- Rent a boat, with or without a skipper, in Saint-Martin-de-Ré
WHERE TO SLEEP IN SAINT-MARTIN-DE-RÉ
South of France Towns by the Sea
10. Collioure, Occitanie
Collioure is one of the most beautiful coastal towns in the Catalan Country in Southern France, nestled between terraced vineyards and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
Collioure’s light and colors inspired artists like Matisse and Derain, who created the Fauvism art movement characterized by the use of bright colors.
Collioure is one of the best south of France towns by the sea for a short holiday. Visit the Château Royal, home of the Kings of Mallorca in the 13th century. Stroll along the town’s winding lanes, savor a glass of wine on the café-terraces with sea views, and visit the town’s beaches and creeks for a dip. In Collioure, life is beautiful!
WHAT TO DO IN COLLIOURE
- Coastal walks, relax
- Sea sports, beach, sunbathing
- Hiking
- Gastronomy
- Rent a boat, with or without a skipper, in Collioure
WHERE TO SLEEP IN COLLIOURE
11. Gruissan, Occitanie
Gruissan, on the Languedoc coast in the region of Occitanie, is a town with two parts. There’s the town perched on a hill – an intriguing labyrinth of streets built around a 13th-century castle where it is a pleasure to get lost –, and there’s the seaside town with a typically Mediterranean atmosphere.
Gruissan’s seaside town is perfect for spending some days on the coast of France. The town is characterized by typical houses built on stilts on the beach. It also has a colorful marina full of boats and yachts, buzzing with bars and restaurants.
Whether you want a relaxing holiday or a most active stay with activities like surfing, water skiing, or land yachting, Gruissan won’t disappoint. Gruissan also offers the table’s pleasures, with food from the land and the sea, wines, and a delicious local peanut tart.
WHAT TO DO IN GRUISSAN
- Coastal walks, relax
- Sea sports, beach, sunbathing
- Hiking, mountain bike
- Sightseeing
- Gastronomy
- Rent a boat, with or without a skipper, in Gruissan
WHERE TO SLEEP IN GRUISSAN
12. Cassis, Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur
Cassis is one of the most beautiful South of France coastal towns, and it is located on one of the sides of the Parc National des Calanques de Marseille – Cassis. This picturesque town near Marseille, so typical of Provence, is one of the best coastal towns in France for a weekend of “dolce far niente” by the sea. Cassis is also one of the best day trips from Marseille, easy to reach by train.
When you are in Cassis, don’t miss the picturesque Port of Cassis and the imposing Château de Cassis. This former fortified castle built in the 8th century offers a superb view of the port, the bay, and the surrounding vineyards. Today, the castle is private property and proposes a bed & breakfast service and can also be rented for private events.
Cassis also produces wines, mostly whites. The Cassis vineyard has the merit of existing since the Greeks’ arrival on the French territory about 2600 years ago! There are a couple of wine producers in town who propose tours and wine tastings.
WHAT DO DO IN CASSIS
- Coastal walks, relax
- Water sports, beach, sunbathing
- Hiking
- Gastronomy
- Seak kayaking excursion in the Calanques of Cassis
- Rent a boat, with or without a skipper, in Cassis
WHERE TO SLEEP IN CASSIS
Hotel Les Roches Blanches (top choice), Le Jardin d’Emile (mid-range), Les Jardins de Cassis (mid-range), Sure Hotel (budget), HPC Suites (apartments)
13. Grimaud, Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur
Grimaud is one of the most colorful beach towns in France, located in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez on the French Riviera. Grimaud combines to perfection the charms of a medieval village with a colorful marina and beach fun (Port Grimaud).
In medieval Grimaud, you can visit the castle with an impressive view over the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, the church, a windmill, chapels, and streets typical of Provence in the Middle Ages.
Port Grimaud, instead, is the buzzing part of the town, a little Venice in the heart of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. It has colorful Provençal style houses and canals everywhere where land and sea are intertwined.
WHAT TO DO IN GRIMAUD
- Coastal walks, relax
- Water sports, beach, sunbathing
- Sightseeing
- Hiking
- Gastronomy
- Rent a boat, with or without a skipper, in Grimaud
WHERE TO SLEEP IN GRIMAUD
14. Villefranche-sur-Mer, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of the best beach towns in France for those who can afford it. It is located between Nice and Saint Jean Cap Ferrat and makes an easy day trip from Nice. Villefranche is one of the French Riviera’s most coveted places by the world’s millionaires!
Stroll around the port with its colorful boats. Villefranche’s port is known to be one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean, and it’s the base of numerous cruises in the summer. Then, visit the 16th-century Citadel overlooking the sea and admire the Old Town with its narrow streets, stairways, and colorful houses. Don’t miss the lovely Chapelle Saint-Pierre, re-decorated by the writer and filmmaker Jean Cocteau.
WHAT TO DO IN VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-MER
- Relax, sunbathing
- Sightseeing
- Visit Villa Ephrussi on a half-day trip
- Rent a boat, with or without a skipper, in Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Gastronomy
WHERE TO SLEEP IN VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-MER
Welcome Hotel (top choice), Hotel La Fiancée du Pirate (mid-range), Hotel La Flore (mid-range), Hotel de la Darse (budget)
13. Erbalunga, Corsica Island
Erbalunga is a charming ancient village located on Cap Corse, on Corsica Island. If you start your Corsica road trip from Bastia, Erbalunga will be the first village you will explore.
Erbalunga is a typical small village built on a remarkable site, with a pleasant marina, narrow streets, and colorful houses. There are also the ruins of a Genoese Tower, listed today as a historical monument. The Tower was built in the 16th century on a rock at the entrance to its port.
Be sure to book in advance a table at Le Pirate, one of Corsica’s most renowned restaurants, located in Erbalunga’s port. It is a bit expensive, but you’ll get the best of Corsica’s cuisine.
If you’re visiting Erbalunga in August, don’t miss its famous Music Festival dedicated to French and Corsican singers.
WHAT TO DO IN ERBALUNGA
- Coastal walk, relax
- Sunbathing
- Sightseeing
- Gastronomy
WHERE TO SLEEP IN ERBALUNGA
And there you have it, the list of the best French coastal towns to visit, ideally in late spring or summer. From Northern France coastal towns to South of France towns by the sea, the coast of France is varied, and there’s an ideal town for everyone. Now, all you need to do is decide which beach towns in France you want to visit (but we suggest doing them all!).