As of today, some of the most sought-after tourist destinations remain the resorts of France by the sea. These are famous corners of the azure Mediterranean and the colorful Atlantic coastlines. Resort towns captivate their guests with wonderful natural landscapes, stunning beaches, and rich cultural and historical heritage. Various entertainment programs complement the image of an ideal country for beach, contemplative, and exciting sea vacations.
Nice
The Mediterranean city of Nice is the most popular spot on the French Riviera. The wonderful climate and developed infrastructure, magnificent beaches, and gentle turquoise sea, as well as historical and modern architectural ensembles, a wide variety of shaded parks, and picturesque gardens, attract millions of tourists from all over the world. The resort is surrounded by a series of wooded hills that end in low mountain ranges.
The emerald waters of the Mediterranean Sea, evergreen shrubs, palm alleys, and citrus trees create an impressive palette of colors. Tourists have access to both municipal and private pebble beaches. Comfortable conditions with sunbeds, umbrellas, changing rooms, and showers are offered only on paid coastal strips. A vacation in Nice will please even the most discerning travelers. There are luxurious hotel complexes, restaurants, theaters, and museums.
Luxurious palaces with lush decorative facades and a rich historical past leave a lasting impression. The old quarter of tightly clustered houses with red roofs, cozy cafes, and shops speaks of the city’s rich centuries-old history.
The central Massena Square, paved with light and dark stone slabs, is filled with architectural monuments, fountains, and sculptures. A walk along the well-maintained Promenade des Anglais, with its rest areas, benches, and elite houses silently demonstrating Nice’s aristocracy, will bring great pleasure.
Cannes
The overwhelming atmosphere of wealth and natural splendor reigns in the amazing French resort of Cannes. This world-famous cinematic capital hosts a grandiose film festival annually, featuring renowned actors and directors.
The city is located on the shore of the Napoule Bay, washed by the emerald waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The Esterel massif and a chain of picturesque green hills give the landscape a special charm. Thousands of tourists flock to Cannes to enjoy the immaculate beaches and admire the pompous palace complexes.
The resort is famous for its magnificent Croisette promenade, with sprawling palms, cypresses, and lush greenery of various plantings. Alongside it stretches a long, white sandy strip and a harbor for multi-deck yachts. On the opposite side of the main boulevard are luxurious villas, hotels, boutiques, casinos, and restaurants.
Cannes features both paid and municipal beaches. The only difference for free zones is the absence of sunbeds and umbrellas. It’s impossible to miss the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, where renowned competitions in film, music, and television are held. Here, you can see the Walk of Stars with handprints of legendary actors.
Saint-Tropez
The picturesque, cozy town of Saint-Tropez has transformed from a former fishing village into a popular jewel of the French Riviera. This iconic small resort gained fame and worldwide recognition thanks to numerous famous French films of the 20th century shot here.
Its streets remember the quirky gendarmes led by Louis de Funès, the charming blonde Brigitte Bardot, the funny Pierre Richard, and many other brilliant actors. The pastel-colored old low-rise houses adorn the long, narrow, well-maintained promenade, along which many tourists stroll.
The emerald bay harbor is filled with luxurious white yachts, light sailboats, and regular boats. The town exudes a unique Provençal charm, where stunning sandy beaches, pine forests, and secluded corners coexist with noisy discos and entertainment venues.
Historical landmarks include chapels, monasteries, galleries, museums, villas, and old defensive structures. The main attraction for tourists is the five-kilometer sandy coastline of Pampelonne, dotted with cafes and bars. The beach is divided into sections, each offering various options for engaging, active, or relaxing leisure.
Deauville
Located on the shores of the English Channel in Normandy is the bohemian resort of Deauville, rivaling the popularity of France’s southern azure coast. This charming place with neat quarters, bright flower beds, perfectly trimmed trees, and wide sandy beaches is surrounded by an aura of tranquility and respectability.
The city’s architectural appearance is striking. Half-timbered houses with characteristic sloping roofs and decorative facades give the resort a fairy-tale and festive atmosphere. The town hall and police station are housed in similar buildings. Deauville offers its guests a wide range of hotel and entertainment services.
Visitors have access to a golf club, casino, racetrack, thalassotherapy center, and numerous restaurants, bars, branded boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops. The vast sandy shore stretches for several kilometers, bathed by the ocean breeze and covered with colorful umbrellas.
A wooden walkway runs parallel to the beach for comfortable strolling. Changing rooms are historic beach cabins with carved partitions decorated with the names of American movie stars.
Collioure
On the southern coast of France lies the picturesque old town of Collioure with its rich architectural heritage. It is located a few kilometers from the Spanish border. This unique provincial corner is a haven of peace and tranquility.
The rocky landscapes, green hills, and authentic quarters with old buildings were immortalized in works by talented European artists, poets, and writers. The town’s landmark is the Church of Notre-Dame-des-Anges, built on the cape’s edge in the 17th century.
Its round tower served as a lighthouse for a long time. The medieval Royal Castle, situated on the Mediterranean shore, impresses with its austerity and grandeur. Curious tourists can walk along the winding narrow cobblestone streets lined with houses with colorful facades. Several sandy and pebble beaches allow vacationers to enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear sea bays.
Biarritz
Biarritz is one of the picturesque and prestigious resorts on the Atlantic coast. The charming rocky landscapes, endless sandy beaches, powerful oceanic energy, and historical landmarks make the resort a worthy place for a pleasant vacation. The mild climate and clean ocean air, rich in iodine vapor, restore and invigorate a person’s vitality.
Biarritz royally welcomes its guests, offering a rich cultural and entertainment program. Festivals, fashion shows, museums, galleries, boutiques, department stores, gambling establishments, golf clubs, equestrian sports, and many other resort pleasures allow tourists to experience the surrounding luxury of service. The clean, wide sandy beaches offer excellent infrastructure for a comfortable stay.
Guests can enjoy various water activities: catamaran and boat rides, surfing and diving, and parachute flights over the vast ocean expanse. Numerous architectural masterpieces in Biarritz leave unforgettable impressions. During walks, you can see exquisite villas, ornate chapels, modern hotel complexes, a majestic Gothic cathedral, and a beautiful Orthodox church.
Villefranche-sur-Mer
The wonderful hospitable Mediterranean resort of Villefranche-sur-Mer, located five kilometers from Nice, is nestled on the slopes of green hills. In the deep-water bay, shaped like a huge cup, rows of boats, yachts, and majestic cruise liners dock. The small town attracts tourists with its cozy atmosphere.
The narrow winding streets, sharply rising and hiding behind descents, are lined with low-rise houses with colorful facades, old chapels, cafes, and restaurants. The tightly packed buildings form a solid wall that follows the contours of the mountainous terrain. Luxurious villas built on the cliffs and surrounded by lush vegetation come into view.
The sandy beach stretches along the bay for 800 meters. The coastline is framed by picturesque capes. The azure waters of the sea bay gently caress the rugged cliffs of the fort built in the 16th century.
Cabourg
The elegant resort of Cabourg is ideal for a quiet family vacation. This peaceful corner belongs to the Lower Normandy region. Neat, well-maintained quarters abound with half-timbered houses. The garden and park vegetation is represented by alley plantings, flower beds, and perfectly green lawns.
The main decoration of the small town is the magnificent English Channel coastline, known for its strong tides. Beach vacations on the sandy shores, equipped with resort infrastructure, can be combined with walks along the picturesque long promenade. Numerous spa salons are popular. For active recreation enthusiasts, there are a golf center, yacht club, racetrack, and sports grounds.
La Baule
The delightful corner of La Baule stretches along the stunning coast of the Bay of Biscay in the Atlantic Ocean. This place is deservedly ranked among the prestigious resorts of France and the Old World. The multi-kilometer strip of golden sandy coastline is located in a bay shaped like a huge crescent.
Tourists have extensive opportunities for an exciting vacation. This is facilitated by luxurious hotel complexes and villas, exquisite restaurants, gambling establishments, various sports clubs, and sailing schools. The beauty of landscape gardening opens up stunning park areas. The city’s streets are lined with pines, poplars, and alders. The half-timbered buildings captivate with their intricate architectural elements.
The resort has gained worldwide recognition thanks to modern centers specializing in health and cosmetic thalassotherapy treatments. A wide nine-kilometer well-maintained beach stretches along the city, surrounded by alleys and parks with a wonderful variety of plantings. Vacationers have access to sunbeds, umbrellas, rental equipment, and gear for water sports.
Dinard
The northwestern region of France, Brittany, possesses all the necessary qualities to attract tourists from all over the world. One of the province’s popular spots is the town of Dinard. It captivates with its sandy beaches, hilly landscapes, and beautiful green gardens.
The resort’s life does not tolerate fuss. A calm and measured atmosphere prevails here. Pleasant relaxation is favored by the fresh invigorating air of the Atlantic Ocean, the composition of pristine natural landscapes, and the architecture of bygone centuries. Luxurious mansions built at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries give the resort a special charm.
Colorful impressions are left by a walk along the rocky coast under sprawling pines. The sandy beach of Écluse, stretching between two capes, impresses with its vastness. Parallel to the shore are magnificent Victorian-era villas. The wide possibilities of spa centers offering health and rejuvenating thalassotherapy treatments are pleasantly surprising.
Mandelieu-la-Napoule
On the coastal rocky green hills in the bay of the emerald gulf lies the small Mediterranean town of Mandelieu-la-Napoule. This place is associated with golf courses, blooming mimosas everywhere, and international regattas. Lovers of various active recreation types come here.
The deep-water bay is ideal for sailing, diving, windsurfing, and water skiing. The harbor of Mandelieu-la-Napoule has five ports, yacht berths, and a maritime management training center. The resort’s picturesque scenery is stunning. Magnificent forest and mountain landscapes harmoniously blend with the gentle turquoise sea and pristine sandy beaches.
The enchanting aromas of pine trees, mimosas, and the fresh sea breeze fill the air with pleasant fragrances. Among the resort’s attractions, the 14th-century Château de la Napoule stands out. This architectural monument, built on the seashore surrounded by lush plantings and a garden complex, serves as a museum, gallery, and cultural center.
Juan-les-Pins
The relatively young resort town of Juan-les-Pins on the French Riviera is nestled in a secluded bay between two green capes. Extensive sandy beaches, a variety of colorful vegetation, and countless entertainment venues make this place a popular tourist destination.
The well-maintained seaside boulevard is full of trendy cafes, bars, restaurants, discos, and branded boutiques. Families with children will enjoy the excellent water park, exotic butterfly garden, and aquarium. The resort’s hotels offer their guests comfortable accommodations with a wide range of services.
The vast sandy coastline is covered with soft, gentle sand. Tourists have access to plenty of water activities to suit all tastes. Along the beaches stretches a beautiful pine forest and a palm alley. The lively resort life is accompanied by theater and music festivals.
Arcachon
The majestic emerald bay of the Atlantic Ocean washes the modern tourist city of Arcachon. This major fishing port, famous for its oysters, is a popular resort corner of France. It captivates with refined elegance and a measured pace of life. The amazing local nature contributes to a healthful vacation.
The resort has a wonderful set of climatic advantages. Pine forests, sandy dunes, sea air, and clean waters of the bay contribute to this. The city is filled with architectural masterpieces that have shaped its delightful appearance. Here you can see luxurious mansions and villas with whimsical combinations of different architectural styles.
It is impossible to ignore the Moorish Park, where palm trees, cedars, and sequoias grow side by side. The magical collection of roses, ponds, and waterfalls complements the natural beauty of the area. Along the promenades of Arcachon stretches a sandy beach, up to 300 meters wide. The coastline is not equipped with resort attributes. Tourists come here with their beach gear. The bay is quite shallow with a gentle slope into the water.
Biscarrosse
The settlement of Biscarrosse is located on the Atlantic coast of France in the Aquitaine region. This small settlement with well-kept, cozy green streets offers its guests a varied and exciting vacation both on land and on the ocean waves.
The shoreline extends for over 20 kilometers. The wide, well-maintained sandy beach is surrounded by lush green thickets. Conditions are created here for surfing, water skiing, diving, sailing, and fishing.
In addition to beach activities, tourists can enjoy horse riding and archery, visit the water park and the Hydroaviation History Museum, or take a bike tour through the pine forest trails. Among the architectural attractions, the medieval Montbron Castle and the old Church of Saint Martin deserve attention.
Mimizan
The authentic settlement of Mimizan is nestled in the greenery of lush pine trees and fragrant citrus gardens. This is one of the jewels of the Silver Coast of France, washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The resort is famous for its production of perfumery oils. Mimizan occupies a flat area. The streets are built up with low-rise cottage-type buildings. The extensive beach areas, equipped with all necessary amenities for a comfortable stay, evoke delight.
The long, spacious, endless strips are covered with velvety golden sand, distinguished by exceptional cleanliness. Here, the true power and energy of the ocean waves are felt. Tourists have access to hotels with excellent service, dining establishments, and shops, as well as rentals of bicycles and equipment for water sports.
Lacanau
The French town of Lacanau is one of the resorts on the Silver Coast. This is a land of vast beaches, golden sand dunes, majestic waves, emerald pine forests, and oyster farms. The resinous pine air combines with the salty fresh ocean breeze, creating ideal climatic conditions.
Here, those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the world and be alone with pristine nature, bask on the sandy shore in the shade of lush vegetation, and engage in active water activities will find their passion. The raging ocean waves roll onto the coastal zone, trying to reclaim as much sandy space as possible.
A vacation in Lacanau is especially interesting for those who love surfing the waves on a surfboard. The city has a surfing training center. Other popular active pursuits include kitesurfing, water skiing, biking, and horseback riding. Numerous guest houses, villas, and small hotels offer decent accommodation conditions.
Soulac-sur-Mer
The hospitable town of Soulac-sur-Mer is located on the Atlantic coast. This resort corner of the Aquitaine region offers travelers many opportunities for an impressive vacation. Soulac-sur-Mer attracts lovers of idle pastimes, architecture enthusiasts, and active water sports supporters. Hotels, restaurants, dining establishments, sports grounds, and shops warmly welcome their visitors.
The main attraction for tourists is the central beach. The vast sandy coastline is striking in its grandeur. It stretches for seven kilometers. The endless beach area is washed by the emerald waters of the ocean. Here, you can enjoy lying on the velvety soft sand, as well as water skiing, catamaran, and surfing. A walk along the well-maintained promenade or the nearby pine forest trails will leave pleasant impressions.
The town has about 500 luxurious 19th-century villas. Historic mansions reflect unusual architectural diversity. Curious tourists will be interested in visiting the old Basilica of Our Lady from the 12th century. The shrine, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, was buried under sand dunes for a long time.
Saint-Malo
On the southwest coast of the English Channel lies the resort with a rapidly developing infrastructure — Saint-Malo. Its founding history dates back to the 12th century. This amazing place has preserved its historical and cultural heritage. The former pirate capital of France has turned into an interesting town in the Brittany region.
Tourists have the opportunity to combine relaxation on magnificent sandy beaches with unforgettable walks along the lively promenade and narrow cobblestone streets of the medieval quarter surrounded by a fortress wall. Saint-Malo’s architectural ensemble captivates with its monumental and austere stone appearance.
The majestic impregnable citadel with massive walls, towers, and battlements serves as the resort’s calling card. The extensive sandy shoreline stretches for several kilometers. Vacationers have access to sports equipment rentals, sunbeds, umbrellas, and pavilions with refreshing drinks. Long wooden piers provide protection from the swift powerful waves of the Atlantic.
Ajaccio
Ajaccio is the capital of the island of Corsica, washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, and the famous birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. Streets and squares, parks and fountains, restaurants and hotels, as well as numerous monuments, are named in honor of the French emperor and his associates. The coastal line, rocks, bays, forests, and mountains stretching inland form a harmonious natural ensemble.
Despite the provincial atmosphere, the cozy resort corner has a developed infrastructure. Beach areas, guest houses, restaurants, shops, and trading stalls maintain the popularity of the tourist city. The vacation program will be significantly enriched by getting acquainted with historical attractions. Catholic churches, an ancient citadel, a port, palaces, and the old town are of interest.
Architectural monuments are silent witnesses to the birth and youth of the famous native of Corsica. Picturesque beaches with white sand, turquoise bays, and rocky shores stretch around Ajaccio. Active leisure enthusiasts are offered many water activities to suit all tastes. This includes jet skiing and catamaran rides, diving and snorkeling, yachting and boating.
Porticcio
In the southern part of the island of Corsica lies the cozy village of Porticcio. It has rightfully gained worldwide fame as one of France’s popular resort spots thanks to its wonderful sandy beaches and gentle emerald sea waters. For the pristine cleanliness of the sea bays, the coastal strips of the resort are annually awarded the honorary title of “Blue Flag.”
In Porticcio, tourists can enjoy a comfortable and exciting vacation. This is facilitated by cozy hotels, thalassotherapy centers, Corsican cuisine restaurants, shops, and numerous entertainment venues. For water sports enthusiasts, there is the opportunity to go diving and fishing, take a sea trip, and ride water skis.
12 Best Resorts in France for Family Vacations
