​7 best beaches in France for a summer escape

From the glamorous French Riviera to the quieter Mediterranean coastlines of Corsica and southern France, the country offers beaches suited for luxury travel, family holidays and outdoor adventures. Some beaches are known for celebrity culture and beach clubs, while others remain hidden behind cliffs and hiking trails. This slideshow highlights seven beaches across France that stand out for their scenery, accessibility, water activities and local atmosphere. From calm turquoise waters and white sands to dramatic limestone coves, these destinations continue to attract travellers during the European summer season.

Located near Saint-Tropez on the French Riviera, Plage de Pampelonne is one of France’s most recognised beach destinations. Stretching across nearly five kilometres, the beach is known for its long strip of golden sand, clear Mediterranean waters and beach clubs frequented by international visitors. Despite its luxury reputation, large sections remain public and accessible to tourists.The beach became globally famous during the 1950s and 1960s after attracting celebrities and filmmakers, and it continues to draw heavy summer crowds. Visitors can spend time swimming, sunbathing or dining at seaside restaurants and clubs. Early mornings and evenings are usually quieter, especially outside the peak July-August season.

Situated on the island of Porquerolles off the southern coast of France, Plage Notre-Dame is often considered among Europe’s most scenic beaches. The island itself is protected, car-free and accessible by ferry, making it quieter than many Riviera destinations.The beach is surrounded by pine forests and offers soft sand and shallow turquoise waters suitable for swimming and snorkelling. Because there are limited commercial facilities near the beach, many visitors bring food and supplies for the day. The island also attracts cyclists and hikers due to its nature trails and preserved landscapes. The calm environment and limited traffic make it popular among travellers looking for a slower and less crowded beach experience.

Located between Marseille and Cassis, Calanque d’En Vau is known for its dramatic limestone cliffs and narrow turquoise cove. It is part of the Calanques National Park, a protected coastal region famous for rocky inlets and hiking routes.Reaching the beach usually requires a hike through steep trails, which helps keep the area less commercialised. The beach itself is small and mostly covered with pebbles, but the clear water attracts swimmers, kayakers and snorkellers. Many travellers visit specifically for the scenery, with the towering white cliffs creating one of the most photographed coastal views in southern France. Summer temperatures can be high, so hikers often arrive early in the day.

Plage de Calvi is located in northern Corsica and stretches along a wide bay facing the historic citadel of Calvi. The beach is known for its soft white sand and shallow waters, making it particularly popular with families and leisure travellers.The surrounding area offers cafés, seafood restaurants and water sports facilities, allowing visitors to spend an entire day along the coast. The beach also provides views of nearby mountains and the old fortified town overlooking the bay. Compared to smaller hidden coves in Corsica, Calvi offers easier access and more facilities while still maintaining clear waters and scenic surroundings. Boat tours and diving activities are also common in the region.

Located between Nice and Monaco, Plage des Marinières is one of the few sandy beaches along a coastline better known for pebbled shores. The beach curves around the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer and offers calm waters suitable for swimming and paddleboarding.The area is popular for its colourful waterfront buildings, small cafés and views of anchored boats across the harbour. Unlike more crowded Riviera beaches, Villefranche-sur-Mer has a quieter village atmosphere while still remaining close to major tourist centres. Visitors often combine beach time with walks through the town’s narrow streets or visits to the historic citadel overlooking the coast.

Plage Mala is a small cove located between Monaco and Èze on the French Riviera. Hidden below steep cliffs, the beach is reached through a walking path and staircase, which helps limit large crowds even during summer.The beach combines pebbled and sandy areas with exceptionally clear water, making it popular for swimming and snorkelling. Parts of the beach include private sections with loungers and restaurants, while other areas remain public. Because of its secluded location and cliffside setting, Plage Mala is often considered one of the quieter beach options near Monaco despite being close to major tourist areas.

Situated near the old town of Antibes, Plage de la Salis is known for calm waters and family-friendly surroundings. The beach offers a mix of sand and small pebbles and provides clear views of the Mediterranean coastline and historic fortifications nearby.The shallow waters make it suitable for children and casual swimmers, while walking trails along the coast attract visitors during mornings and evenings. Antibes itself has long been associated with artists, writers and cultural tourism, and many travellers combine visits to museums, cafés and markets with time at the beach. Its central location also makes it a convenient stop for travellers exploring the French Riviera.