FRANCE IS KNOWN FOR ITS MESMERIZING LANDSCAPES. HERE’S OUR SELECTION OF SOME OF THE MOST EYE-CATCHING BEACHES TO VISIT THIS SUMMER OFFERING SECRET COVES, SPARKLING SHALLOWS, AND SEAFRONT GLAMOUR
PLAGE DE L’ESCALET – Ramatuelle
Located between Cap Camarat and Cap Taillat in the French Riviera, Plage de l’Escalet seems to come straight out of a postcard. Spread out on about 350 meters, this half-sand, half-pebble beach features a combination of golden sands, polished rocks and translucent waters.
For all your adventurers at heart, a part of the beach is wilder and has secluded coves and rocky inlet to explore and admire. And if you’re in the mood for a little hike, there is a very lovely and easy path by the sea that you can follow from the beach to Cap Taillat, a protected site that offers splendid panoramas. To end the day in style, treat yourself with a Michelin-star meal at La Voile at La Réserve, Ramatuelle – a five-minute drive from the beach.
PLAGE DE PALOMBAGGIA – Corsica
Elected in the top 10 best beaches in Europe, Palombaggia is located 12 km south of Porto-Vecchio in Corsica – approximately 15-20 minutes by car. Flanked by mountains and covered with umbrella pines, fine golden sand and pink porphyry cliffs, this beach stretches over 2 kilometers and looks like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
Since Palombaggia is a protected natural site, you’ll get to encounter many multicolored fishes swimming between the rocks. The beach also has substantial facilities for water sports: sailing, jet-skiing, kayaking, diving and snorkeling, so that you can fully experience its clear water.
For a walk with your feet in the water, Palombaggia offers a very pleasant stroll along the coastline to the south, to reach Punta de Colombara passing by the magnificent beach of Tamaricciu. Finally, for a gastronomic dinner after tanning all day, head to La Table de Mina to feel the aromas of their gourmet grills.
PLAGE DE PALOMA – Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
If you’re looking for a beach for a special photo session, then look no further: Paloma Beach has everything you need for a successful Instagram shooting. According to Holidu, it is actually one of the top 10 most-posted beaches in France on social media. Facing east, it offers a breathtaking view on the cliffs of Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Eze.
The water is clear, the environment is wild and it is no coincidence that it was an emblematic place of the French Riviera in the 20s. It is divided into two parts, a public and a private one, and has been the favorite spot of famous personalities like Matisse, Elton John or Tom Cruise for many years. In the private area, at the Paloma Beach restaurant, you can enjoy seafood delicacies on the dock for a romantic dinner.
PLAGE DU BUSE – Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
Located between Monaco and Menton, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin is a charming village overlooking the sea. Off the beaten path and far from the roads, la Plage du Buse is not your typical touristy beach. It is a calm, quiet, rocky beach with turquoise waters and a heavenly atmosphere. This 400-meter-long beach is a privileged location, from which you can admire magnificent villas and private properties that recall the style of the Belle Époque.
If you are in the mood for a stroll, Cap Martin offers outstanding walks along the Corbusier path, to go from Roquebrune to Menton while admiring spectacular panoramas and lush vegetation. Finally, at the entrance of the beach, you’ll find a small restaurant in the form of a cabin called Le Cabanon to savor a gourmet dinner on the waterfront.
PLAGE DE LA MALA – Cap-d’Ail
Plage de la Mala is located in Cap-d’Ail, on the coast of the French Riviera, west of Monaco. This hidden beach is nestled in a cove and surrounded by majestic cliffs, making this place simply fascinating. To get there, you can either arrive by boat from the sea or take the coastal path, which is quite steep, which is why you don’t want to forget your adventurous spirit and a good pair of shoes.
Whether you choose to dive into the magical crystal-clear water from the pontoon and the cliffs or to have a peaceful picnic by the water, this location will surely seduce you. Plage de la Mala is about 200 meters long and is divided into two parts: a part with a wilder aspect, and a part with two restaurants / private beaches called Eden Plage Mala and Réserve de La Mala, where you can discover Mediterranean cuisine and sip on an exquisite cocktail while enjoying the beauty of the moment.
PLAGE D’HERLIN – Belle-Ile-en-Mer
Plage d’Herlin lies on the south coast of the lovely Belle Île island, in Brittany. This movie-like island is renowned for its sharp cliffs and stunning greenery. Bounded by high cliffs, Plage d’Herlin is a sandy beach in the shape of a fan narrowed towards the sea. The waters are clear, calm and transparent and the air feels pure and peaceful.
This coastline is actually fiercely protected, so you might spot barnacles and mussels cling to the rocks. For a culinary moment, a 15-minute drive will take you to the Hotel du Phare’s restaurant in Belle-Île-En-Mer, for fresh, seasonal, local and above all very flavourful meals – with a breathtaking view over the port of Sauzon.
SANTA GIULIA – Porto-Vecchio
You’ve probably heard of this beach before as it is one of the most famous beaches in Corsica. Nestled in protected golf, made of granite, porphyry and limestone, the bay of Santa Giulia is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica – and in the world.
Located near Porto-Vecchio, at the foothill of a mountain, it is the closest thing you’ll find to paradise: endless fine white sand, crystal clear turquoise water, exotic coastline appearance… Santa Giulia Bay is part of the international marine park of the Bouches-de-Bonifacio that protects a variety of beautiful fish and sea beds, so you can expect to see wonders underwater. It is also one of the most complete nautical centers in the region, featuring among others water skiing, water wings, fly board, paddle, scuba diving…
To enjoy fresh fruit platters, coffee, organic wines, salads and more on the beach, we recommend L’Oasis, an ecological beach bar that promotes local agriculture.
BAIE DES MILLIARDAIRES – Antibes
Located between Nice and Cannes, Antibes abounds in attractive beaches, harbors, coves and varied landscapes where you can stroll and linger all summer long. The “Bay of Billionaires” was once accessible only by boat, but can now be reached by foot.
This exceptional place is located in an enchanting environment of dense vegetation and Cape rock and is surrounded by splendid villas hidden among the trees – hence the name Billionaires’ Bay. Just 200 meters from there, you’ll find the Plage de l’Argent Faux, a rather unusual and unknown place: a concrete beach with a natural pool in the middle of the rocks located just behind the villa Eilen Roc.
Here you can swim in the azure waters, or venture out on the walking trail that circles the cape. For a gourmet break, La Joliette is a family restaurant that offers wonderfully assembled dishes.
PLAGE DE TROUSSE-CHEMISE – Ile de Ré
Ile de Ré is a charming island off the west coast of France near La Rochelle. Made famous in 1962 by Charles Aznavour in one of his songs, Trousse-Chemise beach (“rolled sleeves beach”) is one of Ile de Ré’s treasures.
You can access it by taking a small wooded and steep path, and it is bordered by the Trousse-Chemise Forest, where you can enjoy a lovely stroll or a picnic in the shade of the pines. This bucolic beach attracts families as well as kitesurfing and fishing enthusiasts, and the watchword is absolute tranquility. Opposite the swimming area is the Banc du Bucheron, a sandbank that you can also discover in this idyllic scenery.
For a typical French meal, head to Cabane de la Patache, where you can savor exquisite crêpes with a view.
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