Biarritz is an opulent coastal resort that has attracted high-society visitors since the Belle Epoque. Biarritz has more beaches than the French Riviera, thanks to its excellent sandy shores, crashing waves, and invigorating ocean breezes.

The Grande Plage, one of its largest, is a lovely, broad beach in the shadow of the famed Hôtel du Palais, a luxury lodge that was originally Napoleon III and his wife Empress Eugénie's seaside house.

During peak season, the Grande Plage's vast shoreline is filled with sunbathers and striped cabanas. The Quai de la Plage promenade, which runs alongside the Grande Plage, encourages visitors to stroll leisurely while observing the breathtaking Bay of Biscay coastline. There are also seaside eateries and cafés on the promenade.

The Plage du Miramar, located right next to the Grand Place, is a beautiful natural setting that overlooks the Biarritz Lighthouse; this beach also boasts colorful striped beach tents that add an old-fashioned feel to the seaside landscape.

Because of its tremendous waves, Biarritz is Europe's surfing capital. The Côte des Basques, where surf contests are conducted, and the Plage de Marbella, a rough and mountainous beach with crashing waves, are both popular surfing locations.

Le Port Vieux, with generally calm waters, and Plage de la Milady, with a playground, are the ideal beaches for families with children.

Because Biarritz is located on the Atlantic Ocean, water safety is more critical than on the French Riviera, where the Mediterranean Sea is gentler. Bathing, swimming, and surfing are restricted during certain times of the year due to strong currents and dangerous waves. Swimming and bathing at Biarritz beaches is only recommended when lifeguards are on duty.

Biarritz is an excellent location for a coastal vacation in the south of France. Other appealing beach spots along the Atlantic Coast can be found in the area surrounding Biarritz.

Visitors to Arcachon can marvel at the highest sand dune in Europe, the Dune du Pilat. This famous summertime beach resort features a lovely seaside village, a fishing community, and a magnificent stretch of fine-sand beach.

Saint-Jean-de-Luz, about 20 kilometers south of Biarritz, is a lovely French village with historic houses overlooking a long, sandy beach.

Location: Nouvelle-Aquitaine

This sun-drenched French Riviera resort is renowned with beachside splendor and breathtaking Mediterranean landscapes. The town's exclusivity attracts celebrities, but anyone prepared to pay the price can enjoy the trendy coastal lifestyle.

Saint-Tropez was formerly an ordinary fishing village, and it has kept the charm of a tiny town in the Provence area, despite its reputation as an elite resort. Saint-old Tropez's town still contains classic open-air Provençal markets, outdoor cafés, and shaded squares popular with locals.

The Plage de Pampelonne, nestled in a tranquil bay, provides the luxury that tourists expect from a Côte d'Azur resort. There are both public and private beach clubs with amenities such as lounge chairs, parasols, cabanas, and well-kept toilets.

Several private beach clubs stand out: Eden Plage has a sophisticated restaurant, entertainment, and yacht shuttle services; Nikki Beach attracts celebrity clients; and Tahiti Beach has a boutique hotel and a gourmet restaurant overlooking the seafront. Le Club 55 is the most subtle private beach club on the Plage de Pampelonne, with a laid-back attitude.

For an even more relaxed atmosphere, visit the neighbouring Cavalaire-sur-Mer, which has the same sun and coastline but without the expensive pricing and elitist attitude. Families and those who prefer water sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and deep-sea fishing go to this lengthy beach.

Location: Provence

The Cap d'Antibes, unlike much of the French Riviera, is known for its sandy beaches. The Plage de la Garoupe, a superb white-sand beach tucked away in a little cove, is particularly lovely. Private beach clubs occupy the majority of the real estate at the Plage de la Garoupe during the summer, while the entire stretch of shoreline is free to the public during the off season.

The most exclusive private beach clubs are Plage Keller, La Petite Plage, and Plage Joseph, which feature lounge chairs, sun umbrellas, and sophisticated seaside restaurants.

The Chemin des Douaniers pathway (also known as the "Sentier de Tirepoil") is a 3.7-kilometer beachfront walk that follows the coastline over cliff sides and through a typical Mediterranean scenery at the southernmost tip of the Cap d'Antibes. Hikers will be able to see the stunning coastal views and lovely residences along the way.

Luxury accommodations are provided at the Cap d'Antibes Beach Hotel for guests who do not own a villa but would like to stay overnight on the Cap d'Antibes. This five-star Relais & Châteaux hotel features a private beach with views of the Iles de Lérins, which are located just off the coast.

Les Pêcheurs, the Michelin-starred restaurant of the Cap d'Antibes Beach Hotel, specializes on classic French cuisine with a culinary menu that includes superb locally caught seafood.

The public beaches of Juan-les-Pins, which span from near the town center, are among the major tourist attractions in Antibes. This neighborhood is alive with coastal activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, and parasailing, as well as shopping, dining, and people-watching at outdoor cafés.

Location: Alpes-Maritimes

This idyllic beach town, just a few kilometers from Italy, takes pride in its wonderful weather, with an average of 316 days of sunlight every year. Menton's shoreline features a variety of sandy and pebbly beaches, both private and public, with calm waters that are good for swimming.

Menton's medieval village charm, with its tiny cobblestone alleys, evocative stairs, and sea views, is another lure. Menton has been adorned with luxuriant gardens since the Belle Epoque, when well-heeled British residents constructed magnificent villas here.

The main holiday season lasts from mid-June until mid-September. In early June, the beaches are reshaped and the promenade seats are repainted in preparation for the incoming vacationers. During the summer, the beaches in Menton are cleaned every day, and most of them have lifeguards on duty in July and August.

Location: Alpes-Maritimes

The Plage de Palombaggia is a picture of island paradise, with a vast expanse of soft, fine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The beautiful journey to this picture-perfect length of beach is worth the trip in and of itself, with massive red granite cliffs and maritime pine trees contributing to the coastal landscape.

Palombaggia Beach is one of Corsica's best, thus it can get crowded. Tourists can avoid crowds by visiting during the off-season and yet enjoy bright weather and breathtaking surroundings.

Palombaggia Beach is located 10 kilometers from Porto Vecchio, an antique walled town with charming town squares, outdoor cafés, and a picturesque marina. Le Sentier du Littoral de Tamaricciu, a coastal walking trail, connects the Plage de Palombaggia to the adjoining Plage de Tamaricciu, a white-sand beach sheltered by pine and oak trees. The trek takes around an hour to hike each way.

The Plage de Calvi is one of the longest beaches on the island of Corsica, with sand stretching for many kilometers, and to the north, the little resort towns of Algajola and L'Île-Rousse have extensive beaches, both connected to Calvi by a tourist train.

Location: Corsica

Beachgoers can escape to a small bit of heaven by taking a 30-minute ferry voyage from Hyères to the Île de Porquerolles, which is an easy day trip from Marseilles (the Island of Porquerolles).

Porquerolles has a Mediterranean seaside appeal evocative of the Greek Islands, and is known for its dreamy island scenery and tranquil hidden beaches. Visitors to the Île de Porquerolles have the idea that they are going away from it all. Unlike somewhere else on the French Riviera, the island feels unknown and uncrowded.

Tourists prefer the Plage d'Argent because of its outstanding amenities, which include public restrooms, lifeguard coverage, and a chic restaurant. This gorgeous beach is nestled in a secluded cove and has a fine sandy beachfront and quiet seas that are great for wading, swimming, and stand up paddleboarding. The oceanfront restaurant offers spectacular sea views as well as excellent cuisine.

The Plage Notre-Dame, bordered by a pine forest and close to a yacht port, entices beachgoers with its sheltered, sandy shoreline and peaceful, turquoise waves. There are nice walking routes nearby.

The Plage de la Courtade, the largest beach on the Island of Porquerolles, is a beautiful stretch of white sand. This beach boasts calm, shallow waters that are popular with families with children.

Location: Hyères

Deauville, located on Normandy's Côte Fleurie, exudes gentility thanks to its Belle Epoque villas, elegant facilities, and premium atmosphere. The beaches of Deauville evoke the elegance of a fashionable 19th-century coastal resort.

Sunbathers lay under colorful umbrellas and use striped beach tents on the two-kilometer sandy shoreline of the Plage de Deauville. This iconic beach contains a historic boardwalk that dates back to 1923, Art Deco changing rooms, an Olympic-size saltwater swimming pool, and a tennis club. During the peak season, lifeguards are on duty.

Deauville is known as a polished seaside resort with high-end boutique shopping and a calendar of cultural events that includes music concerts, theatrical shows, film festivals, equestrian activities, and regattas.

Trouville, across the Touques river, is a more low-key family-friendly beach resort. The shops sell more T-shirts than diamond jewelry, and the beach is a bustling sight with children playing in the sand and families relaxing in the sun.

Trouville exudes a laid-back vibe that can be felt everywhere, from the beach to the local fish market. The Marché aux Poissons is held in the heart of town and is surrounded by renowned seafood eateries. Instead of yachts, fishing boats line the harbour, highlighting Trouville's down-to-earth.

Location: Normandy

The shoreline of Espiguette, a protected natural site about 40 kilometers from Montpellier in the Languedoc-Roussillon area and 30 kilometers from the Camargue Nature Park, is characterized by calm blue seas and rolling white sand dunes (a day-trip from Arles).

The enormous sandy beach is approximately 700 meters wide and runs for 18 kilometers. It is completely wild and unspoilt.

The striking sand dunes contribute to the enchantment of this unusual location. The tranquil waves of Espiguette Beach have been awarded the Blue Flag distinction for environmental purity and safety. Languedoc-coast Roussillon's is home to more than 40 Blue Flag beaches.

Location: Le Grau-du-Roi

Dinard is a popular beach location on Brittany's Emerald Coast, particularly for families. This vintage coastal resort includes sandy beaches with colorful, striped beach tents and Belle Epoque houses.

Dinard's sandy shoreline overlooks the Rance Estuary and the English Channel. The majority of the beaches offer public restrooms and showers, as well as lounge chair and beach tent rentals.

The Plage de l'Ecluse has the most amenities, including an Olympic-size pool filled with saltwater. It is highly protected, and its waters are warmed by the Gulf Stream, which also offers moderate weather into the fall.

The Plage de Saint-Enogat is framed by stately 19th-century coastal homes, lending the beach an aristocratic aura. Because of the kids' club activities offered throughout the months of July and August, this beach is a popular destination for families with young children.

The Plage du Prieuré is an ideal area for relaxing and sunbathing, with views of Saint-Malo in the distance. This beach is located in the Baie du Prieuré, a peaceful cove with calm seas suitable for swimming and wading. Sporty people can enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, open-air fitness equipment, and kayaking options.

The Plage de la Grande Salinette is a family-friendly beach with protected waters in the neighboring village of La Houle on the magnificent Bay of Saint-Briac-sur-Mer. Lifeguards patrol this beach, which has a Blue Flag classification for safety, during the summer.

Location: Brittany Coast

On France's Atlantic coast, a long bridge connects the island of Île de Ré to the mainland city of La Rochelle. With its tiny settlements and miles of bike paths flowing through farms and along white-sand beaches backed by pine woods, this lovely island appears to be a world apart.

Le Bois Plage en Ré, in the UNESCO-listed capital town of Saint-Martin-de-Ré, is the most well-known beach. The sands on the beach seem to go on forever, so it's easy to choose a position with lots of elbow room.

Farther afield, on the western end of the island, the Conche des Baleines, a long half-moon beach with golden sands flanked by pine trees, has an even more private air.

The Île de Ré's beachfront is covered in fine, pillowy sand for kilometres, and the best way to uncover the secret beaches is on an electric bike, which can be hired in Saint-Martin-de-Ré.

Location: Atlantic coast

The golden-hued Plage de la Paloma is located on a little inlet of the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, a little paradise in the beautiful Cove of Scaletta that is sheltered from the storms and overlooks the Bay of Beaulieu. Paloma Picasso Beach was named after the painter because he loved to spend time here with his family.

The Plage de la Paloma emanates beauty and luxury in its charming hidden location. The beach also provides an opportunity to spot celebrities. Sunbathers join the beau monde while reclining on lounge chairs and taking in the seaside views at this beach.

A gourmet restaurant on the beach serves Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood. The outdoor seating at the restaurant offers leisurely meals while viewing the calm waves and the cerulean ocean.

Water sports such as paddleboarding, waterskiing, jet skiing, and sailing are available in addition to dining and sunbathing. Paloma Beach is only a 12-kilometer drive from Nice and would be an excellent day getaway.

Location: Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Saint-Jean-de-Luz is roughly 20 kilometers from Biarritz but has a different character and atmosphere. Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a classic old Basque fishing community, whereas Biarritz is upscale and glamorous.

Historic architecture, intriguing shops, and classic restaurants abound in this lovely town. Locals and visitors alike like exploring the evocative cobblestone streets and lingering over a tasty meal or a cup of coffee.

Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a renowned summer vacation location, with a long sandy beach (the Grande Plage) located in the center of town. This beach is popular with families with young children because of its calm waters, which are suitable for swimming due to sea walls that protect against ocean waves.

There are various beach clubs on the Grande Plage, as well as places to rent beach lounge chairs, sun parasols, and beach tents. More untamed beaches with undisturbed natural landscape can be found on the outskirts of town.

Location: Pyrénées-Atlantiques

The spectacular coastline environment of Étretat in Normandy attracted Claude Monet and other Impressionist artists with its towering cliffs that plummet into the Atlantic Ocean. In a series of paintings, Monet depicted Étretat's renowned Porte d'Aval arch and other cliff formations.

Although the Plage d'Étretat is a pebble beach, it is well-known for its stunning position. The beach, which is surrounded by cliffs, provides views of the 80-meter-high l'Aiguille ("Needle") formation.

Visitors should be cautious of the tides, which can rise swiftly and impede access to the shore from certain spots.

Location: Normandy

Arcachon Bay, located along the Atlantic Coast approximately an hour's drive from Bordeaux, has Europe's highest sand dune. An large pine forest surrounds the about 100-meter-high Dune du Pilat. This fascinating habitat, which spans more than 6,800 hectares, is continually changing in shape and size due to the effect of the winds and tides.

Hiking and paragliding are the primary draws of the Dune du Pilat, which offers breathtaking views of the ocean.

The Plage de la Corniche, located at the foot of the Dune du Pilat, offers breathtaking views of the deep-blue ocean waves and the enormous horizon. During the peak season, lifeguards patrol the beach.

Pyla-sur-Mer, a nearby seaside resort, is famous for its immaculate sandy beaches. The Plage du Petit Nice is a protected beach with public restrooms and a picnic area. This beach is less developed than most in France and lacks restaurants and cafes. From July to September, lifeguards patrol the beach.

Location: Atlantic Coast

The unspoilt, isolated beaches of Poitou-Charente on France's Atlantic Coast are a refreshing change from the hordes of the French Riviera. Royan, a sunny beach town on the "Côte de Beauté" (Coast of Beauty), has been a beloved seaside vacation since the Belle Epoque.

Royan boasts a number of golden-sand beaches, ranging from protected coves to broad sandy stretches. La Grande Corniche, which stretches for two kilometers along a large bay, is the principal beach, with excellent facilities and lifeguards on duty.

Royan's bays are also popular with cyclists, golfers, and water sports enthusiasts. Royan's spas include European spa treatments, massages, and wellness therapies for people looking to relax after a day at the beach.

Location: Atlantic Coast