France bestows plenty of beauty and some of its beauty is seen within its luscious coastline. For those who wish to extend their holidays by the sea, discover our top 10 of the most beautiful beaches in France. We present to you our little favorite corners, to be preferred during a weekend in September, when the crowd will have given way to the only regulars in the area!
1. Crin Blanc Beach, Camargue
This beach, we love it for its wild and preserved coastline. Crin Blanc Beach is located west of the port of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, but away from the road. You have to cross the uneven sand dunes before reaching this haven of peace and authenticity. Here, we bathe there of course, but also we walk in search of driftwood. We recommend that you take the picnic to admire the sunset and the horde of pink flamingos crossing the sky in the same tone. If you are passing through the Camargue, don't forget to plan a stop at Les Saintes, to extend your holiday by the sea!
2. Guerzido beach, Ile-de-Bréhat
Who said that Brittany didn't rhyme with holidays by the sea ? Discover the charm of the Côtes d'Armor and especially the Île-de-Bréhat, our real favorite in Brittany. The island of flowers, carpeted with thousands of agapanthus, is a soft mixture of colors and rough granite rocks. The crystal clear water that surrounds it offers a striking contrast and is sure to disorient us. The beach of Guerzido, the main one of the island, transports us as on a small piece of heavenly land, in order to disconnect for a few moments.
3. Lotu Beach, Corsica
Do you know the Agriates Desert in Corsica? This immaculate expanse of land located in the north of the island of beauty is a concentrate of nature. An almost unreal water, a wild and green maquis, a dazzling sand… The panoramas are incredible. Even if the competition is fierce, the beaches of Agriates like that of Lotu are among the most exceptional on the island. We disembark there by boat and opt for a paddle or kayak ride to explore the surrounding coasts. It's more than just a beach, it's quite an experience to live!
4. Marbella Beach, Biarritz
Head to the ocean now, where the beaches are definitely favorite spots for surfers. In Biarritz, the cradle of the French Basque country, there are many wild beaches where the waves never seem to run out. We recommend Marbella beach for surfing in a pristine nature setting. If you are on the Atlantic coast but more towards the Landes, we recommend Biscarosse or Mimizan.
5. Calanque de Santa Lucia, Saint-Raphaël
The proximity of Saint-Raphaël to the Massif de l'Estérel offers a most astonishing landscape: this ocher rock contrasting with the deep blue of the sea is disturbing. It's not the image of the traditional beaches we're used to, but the area hides many intimate coves. Our favourite: Calanque de Santa Lucia. We like it because it is little frequented because it is quite difficult to access and for its shaded area under the pines. But what we appreciate above all is taking the tortuous road back, wedged between the impressive Estérel and the view overlooking the sea. Book a trusted villa to make the most of it.
6. Mine-d'Or Beach, Morbihan
It is without doubt the most attractive and romantic beach in our selection of seaside holidays. -Golden. The place is relaxing, and this makes it an ideal spot to recharge your batteries facing the immensity of the horizon. Book a trusted villa to enjoy this delicious spot.
7. Notre Dame Beach, Porquerolles
This one, we don't present it anymore! Notre-Dame beach located in Porquerolles, the largest of the 3 islands of Hyères, is certainly very famous but is no less fascinating in its beauty. Pine forests, cicadas, eucalyptus, turquoise water. All the charm of the Var can be found on this island and this beach!
8. Ficajola Beach, Corsica
Welcome to the creeks of Piana, which are full of small coves. Nevertheless, some are accessible only by sea. That of Ficajola is one of the few that can be reached by land, but it has to be earned: a small rocky path leads to the Holy Grail, a charming cove with its pebbles and its old fishing huts.
9. Anse de Paulilles, Pyrenees Orientales
Anse de Paulilles, between Port-Vendres and Banyuls, is a real jewel of the Catalan coast. Dominated by a vineyard, its beach is found in the heart of nature. Taking advantage of the Mediterranean climate, Paulilles is sheltered from the Tramontana thanks to the pines and rocks. All you have to do is put down your towel and admire this exceptional setting!
10. The cove of Establon, Marseilles
The creeks of Marseille are well known to all. However, some creeks, steep and difficult to access, remain confidential on the Blue Coast. This is the case of Establon, located between the Estaque district and Niolon. Take the path from the ledge and the valerian fields will indicate the continuation of the path. The water is translucent and the location conducive to holidays by the sea!
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*Written by Emma Methiviez