French Beaches Guide Best Beaches in France
While most people associate France with cultured cities, delicious food and romantic people, France has even more to offer a traveler than museums and croissants. France is a coastal country and has coastlines on both the Atlantic and Mediterranean seas. The beaches are dotted with quaint villages, large cities, luxury resorts and empty countryside. There are a number of different types of beaches in France catering to all types of beach vacations. The following are some beautiful beaches in France, each with its own special charm.
The peninsula of Cap Ferret near the city of Bordeaux has beautiful beaches on either side which offer excellent surfing and swimming. These relatively quiet beaches are conveniently close to the city and can be visited for a mere day trip, an extended weekend, or something even more permanent. The Peninsula offers numerous camping sites for tents and recreational vehicles. Some of these camp grounds offer five star accommodations with pools, restaurants and tennis courts while others are simpler.
At the foothills of the beautiful Pyrenees, and close to the border of Spain, Saint-Jean de Luz is a medieval village with a real old-world feel. On the Cote Basque, the culture here is uniquely Spanish and the baroque style architecture makes you feel as if you have taken a trip through time. The town is lively and filled with some of the coast's best sea food restaurants, wine bars and pubs. Take a sailboat cruise out of town or a train through the mountains for a lovely day trip, or simply stay on the beach.
Just a few miles from Montpellier, La Grande Motte is one of France's most active beach resort towns. Those travelers who want some water-themed adventures will find La Grande Motte an ideal spot for water skiing, jet skis, windsurfing and speed boating. Nearby nature preserves offer endless hiking trails and a water park offers a day of fun for those traveling with children. Local sites of interest include Camargue, where one can visit large flocks of flamingos, white horses and bulls.
The town of Sete has long been sought out by artists for its excellent lighting and brilliantly painted boathouses. The outdoor fish and produce market offers delectable local specialties, namely a wide array of fresh seafood. One of France's sunniest coast towns, Sete is an ideal spot from which to take a sailing cruise or stay on the beach and watch professionals train for the yearly boating events held here.
If vacationing in Nice, take a day trip to nearby Villefranche sur Mer. This is a quiet bathing beach, and a popular vacation spot for France's rich and famous. Though accommodation is limited, the small town is just a short drive from the city. Bring a picnic basket or visit the town's outdoor market for mussels, cheese, fruit and wine and an authentic French seaside experience.
There are hundreds of miles of French coastline, with some beaches yet to be discovered by tourists. Whether it's a quiet country vacation or a rich city trip; France's beaches offer all the fun of this fascinating country and the sun and sand to boot.
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