Searching for the best family beaches in France? This country offers countless family holiday destinations that include a good mix of culture, beautiful cities, picturesque towns, charming villages, all-around stunning scenery, and memorable seaside experiences.
There are many fantastic family-friendly beaches in France just waiting to be explored. You’ll find sparkling seas, calm waters, pebbled shores, and soft white sand among numerous fantastic beach destinations for families. Here you can not just take delight in the French sunshine, but also swim, snorkel, do water sports like jet-skiing and kite-surfing.
The French coast is also an irresistible magnet to the world’s travellers of all kinds, from blase jet-setters to backpackers thirsting for an adventure of their lifetime. Nevertheless, not all French beaches are known to the public, making it possible for a traveller to find unspoilt savage locales, and indulge in true communion with nature.
Our list of the best family beaches in France includes both world-known gems and little known jewels in the North, South, or West coasts of the country that beg to be found.
Table of Contents
Essentials for a Successful Family Trip to France
Planning a family trip to France can be an exciting adventure, but having the right essentials in place will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some valuable services to consider for a memorable vacation:
- Finding the Best Flight Prices: Flying to France can be expensive, but booking your tickets in advance can significantly cut costs.
- Timely Accommodation Booking: France is a popular destination, especially during the high season when accommodations can fill up quickly. To secure your family’s ideal stay, make your reservations well in advance, ensuring you have a comfortable base to return to after your adventures.
- Travel Insurance: Proper travel insurance is essential for peace of mind during your trip. Not only does it protect against unexpected incidents, but our travel blog also offers an exclusive 5% discount on travel insurance for readers from certain countries—check if this deal applies to you!
- Advance Train Ticket Booking: Many regions of France are well-connected by an extensive train network, making it easy to explore. By booking your train tickets in advance, you can enjoy significant savings and avoid last-minute hassles, ensuring a smooth journey between destinations.
- Car Rentals for Convenience: France boasts a fantastic road system. Renting a car is a great option for families looking for flexibility. Booking a car allows you to explore the picturesque countryside and hidden gems at your own pace, maximizing value and convenience during your travels.
- Day Trips and Guided Tours: France is filled with incredible sights and experiences, and booking day trips or guided tours can enhance your travel itinerary. These organized excursions not only save time but also provide valuable insights into the local culture and attractions, ensuring your family makes the most of every moment.
With these essentials in mind, you’re well on your way to creating unforgettable family memories in France!
The Best Beaches in the South of France
The south coast of France is home to some of the country’s finest beaches. Along the French Riviera, you’ll find a stunning variety of both sandy and pebbled shores. In the Côte d’Azur, thanks to its well-connected train network, it’s easy to explore many of these must-visit seaside spots. In this section, we’ll guide you through the very best beaches in the South of France.
Nice in France
Nice is one of the best beach holidays in France for families. The beach of Nice stretches along the whole Baie Des Anges (Angle’s Bay) with a length of almost 10 km.
It is divided into several sections, each with its own name. Nice certainly gives you an extensive choice of what you would like your beach experience to be. Keep in mind though that some of the beaches charge an entrance fee and provide extra amenities such as showers, sunbeds or a playground for kids, while others are public and accessible for everyone.
- Blue Beach is an excellent option for families with kids. The private beach includes a swimming pool, a trampoline, and options for watersports activities.
- Le Voilier Beach offers a public beach area and a private section with a kid’s playground.
Nice and its beaches are a great destination all year round. The temperatures are hot in summer and relatively mild in winter. The best time to visit Nice is during the shoulder season between March and May or between September and October. During this time, you can enjoy the beautiful weather and swim in the sea whilst avoiding the crowds and the high prices of peak season.
Nice has a lot more to offer besides its beautiful beaches. Take a walk along the Promenade des Anglais and climb up the hill to Colline du Chateau, a viewpoint that provides a panoramic view over Nice, the beach and the Sea. The picturesque old town of Nice with its impressive architecture is also worth exploring.
Nice is considered one of the prettiest towns on the French Riviera, making it a great place to stay and explore surrounding areas and beaches from there.
Submitted by Maria, A World of Destinations
Tip: Two of the best neighborhoods to book hotels in Nice are Vieux Nice, known for its charming narrow streets, vibrant markets, and historical sites, and Promenade des Anglais, which offers stunning sea views, easy access to the beach, and a lively atmosphere filled with shops and restaurants.
3. Ruhl Plage, Nice
Spending a day at the beach is one of the top things to do in Nice, and Ruhl Plage is one of the best options. Among the most iconic beaches along the French Riviera, Ruhl Plage is easily recognized by its striped parasols and exclusive service.
Hugging the cerulean-blue coastline along the Promenade des Anglais, this beloved seaside spot includes a private beach restaurant, top-notch beachside service, and a salt-water swimming pool for the little ones.
Conveniently equipped with a lifeguard on duty, the on-site pool is ideal for families with young children. In addition, swimming instructors are available for kids who are looking to literally get their feet wet with some lessons.
Families will also have access to comfortable sun loungers as well as convenient lockers and showers located on-site. While the full-day fee for access to these wonderful amenities is a consideration, families will find the convenience, comfort, and peace of mind well worth it.
After a fun day at the beach, groups can easily make their way to one of the many restaurants located along the Promenade des Anglais. Children will also love the fact that this famous seafront boulevard includes a designated bike lane for additional fun on two wheels.
While Ruhl Plage is arguably frequented by travellers year-round, it’s busiest in the peak summer season. To avoid crowds, families should take advantage of visiting in the shoulder season (April – May and September – October) when crowds are more manageable. For a comfortable stay with a seafront view, families should consider Hôtel la Pérouse.
Recommended by Elena, The Carry-On Chronicles
4. Marseille
While Marseille is known as one of Europe’s largest ports, it’s also a fantastic place to discover some of Southern France’s lesser-known beaches. Renowned for their unique turquoise waters, the beaches in Marseille are appealing not only for their natural beauty but also because of the affordable accommodations available just a short drive away.
Here are the top ten beaches near Marseille: Les Plages des Corbières, La Plage Saint-Estève au Frioul, La Plage de la Pointe Rouge, La Plage de la Calanque du Sormiou, La Plage du Prophète, La Plage des Catalans, Plage du Prado, La Plage Calanque Port-Pin, La Plage Calanque d’En-Vau, and La Plage Calanque de Marseilleveyre.
Tip: The best neighborhoods to book hotels in Marseille include Le Panier, the city’s historic district known for its colorful streets and artistic vibe, and Vieux Port, which offers a picturesque waterfront atmosphere, bustling markets, and easy access to numerous dining and entertainment options.
5. Plage De La Palud
Plage de la Palud is on the island of Port Cros, a 30- to 60-minute ferry transfer from the continent in the Mediterranean Sea.
The whole island is a national park with no cars and no bikes. So you’ll have to walk for 30 to 45 minutes to reach the Plage de la Palud. It’s an excellent way to leave the crowd behind in the busy Mediterranean region.
Some parts are on uneven terrain and go up and down, so it is recommended to wear good shoes, and it may not be suitable for families with very young kids.
There’s a shop at the main port, but the rest of the island is wild, so make sure you bring all the things you’ll need for you and the kids for the day!
There are many other beautiful beaches in the region, but Plage de la Palud is quite special. Although the small beach is lovely with the Rascas Rocks in the bay, the best surprises lay underwater. A snorkelling trail with underwater signs allows visitors to learn more about the biodiversity of Europe’s oldest marine park.
It’s better to visit Port Cros outside the school holidays. It gets really busy in July and August. Early September is a lovely season with warm water and fewer visitors compared to the middle of summer. You should also have lovely weather in May, June and October, but the water may be colder.
If you book in advance, you can get accommodation on the island. For hiking enthusiasts, it’s worth staying overnight in Port Cros. If there’s no accommodation on the island, you can stay on the continent near Hyeres or Le Lavandou, where you can board a shuttle boat for a day trip to Port Cros island.
Recommended by the blog My Favourite Escapes
6. Plage des Estagnets
Estagnets beach is located between Hyères et de Giens Peninsula and is definitely one of the best beaches in France. For one it is located in a wonderful place with stunning views on the Pyrenees.
The beach is a long stretch that continues on Almanarre beach for 5km, which is rare in the South East of France.
It’s a fantastic place for kids, the water is shallow, which means it is safe even for the youngest ones and they can have a blast during the summertime. The kids also really loved searching for little crabs near the rocks, you may spot one if you are lucky.
It is a place easily accessible by walking from the Giens peninsula if you are staying in a hotel or a campground. The beach is also well equipped with a lifeguard station operational during the season, a bar/restaurant, toilets, showers and lockers.
On the Presqu’île de Giens (the peninsula), you can find restaurants, campings and other types of accommodations. You can mountain bike on a trail around the small island which has spectacular viewpoints. For dining options, we suggest heading towards Niel harbour for a few nice choices.
On the other side of the peninsula there is the Almanar beach which is famous for windsurfing, and now also kitesurfing. What makes this place really unique is that there are many beaches so you are spoiled for choice.
Recommended by Asha Bhatia, Home Travel Guide
7. Plage d’Hendaye
The Basque Country in Southern France offers some of the nicest beaches in the country, especially for surfers. There are many options to choose from, but the Grande Plage in Hendaye is worth a stop.
Just to be clear, if you are looking for big waves and an epic surfing experience, the Grande Plage might not be for you. But if you are looking for a wide beach, with beautiful sand, small waves and shallow water, then you will appreciate this lovely spot.
The Grande Plage is located in the Bay of Txingudi near the Spanish border. It is indeed the perfect beach for families travelling with young children. Kids will be able to build sandcastles and play in the shallow water for hours.
At the same time, adults can enjoy sightseeing, with some famous spots to look out for, such as the iconic ‘twin rocks,’ two striking rock formations located at the end of the beach. Summer is the best time to visit and enjoy the Atlantic Ocean, though be prepared for the heat. Plus, there is not much shade on the beach, so make sure to bring your own umbrella. By the boardwalk, there are some benches and trees to get away from the sun.
While in Hendaye, make sure to visit the Château d’Abbadia. It’s located just outside the city centre.
Recommended by Emilie, Love Life Abroad
8. Beaulieu-sur-Mer, French Riviera
Located between the world-famous principality of Monaco and the picture-perfect Cannes, Beaulieu-sur-Mer is one of the grandest seaside resorts in the French Riviera.
The beach is a secret gate-away for beach lovers from Monaco, known for its scenic townscape. Plage de Fourmis is one of France’s best and offers excellent sunshine and warm waters.
Beaulieu-sur-Mer is even featured in popular English literature, described by S. Fitzgerald: “They dined at the new Beach Casino at Monte Carlo… much later they swam in Beaulieu in a roofless cavern of white moonlight formed by a circlet of pale boulders about a cup of phosphorescent water, facing Monaco and the blur of Menton.”
Keep in mind that Beaulieu-sur-Mer offers great premium accommodation like La Residence de la Reserve for a weekend with your loved ones near the sea.
9. Plage de l’Escalet
One of the most secret locales in France is L’Escalet. Situated close to Ramatuelle, with its popular plage de la Pampelonne, L’Escalet is a small beach in an area known for the world’s most chic private villas. Head here to meet the world’s rich and famous and splash in its turquoise water.
The beach is covered in white sand, which makes it one of Southern France’s cleanest and most alluring beaches.
For you to find lodging near Ramatuelle either rent a villa in Ramatuelle or find a hotel around St. Tropez. Keep in mind that motels and campings will offer much better prices than accommodation inside St. Tropez, where prices for a night are exorbitant.
Northern France and Its Best Family Beaches
Northern France features some of the most beautiful beaches in France which are both scenic and perfect for a family adventure. This section will take you through some of the very best beaches in the region.
10. Hardelot, Pas-de-Calais
Situated in Pas-de-Calais, Hardelot Plage, part of Hardelot-Neufchâtel Commune, is a seaside town known for a wide stretch of sand and tranquil charm of a Northern France seaside resort. Here you can do watersports, and go on a serene beach stroll.
Keep in mind that Hardelot is great for couples, making it one of the best places in France to bring your significant other to.
Here you can find great accommodation:
Keep in mind that since the locale is not yet popular with tourists, and is predominantly frequented by the French, prices for accommodation are much cheaper than on the Cote d’Azur, prized by the well-healed jet-setting community.
11. Le Touquet
Le Touquet is undoubtedly one of the best beaches in France for families due to its never-ending sandy beach, safe waters and numerous family activities. For many years my family made the trip over to France in the summertime so the children could have a real bucket-and-spade holiday.
Endless hours were spent building sandcastles, eating ice-creams and swimming in the Sea while we enjoyed relaxing on a traditional beach holiday.
If the children want a change from the beach, there are numerous things to do in Le Touquet that will suit all ages and interests. Aqualud is a vast water park on the beach with slides, a lazy river, indoor and outdoor pools and jacuzzis.
Further along, the beach is the magical carousel that is a landmark in Le Touquet or hop aboard Le Petit Train for a 30-minute whizz around one of the most beautiful towns in Northern France.
If cycling is an activity the family enjoys, then rental bikes are available along the beach. Take the nature trail through Parc Naturel de la Baie de la Canche to the estuary but don’t forget to stop at the dunes and have some fun rolling down them!
At the end of the day, head back to one of the many family-friendly accommodations in Le Touquet. My recommendation is Le Belvedere, a B and B owned by an English family.
By Angela, Where Angie Wanders
12. Étretat
If you are looking for the most beautiful beaches in France, you might intuitively think about the sandy beaches in the Mediterranean Sea. But while the South of France is a great place to be, you should turn your attention also towards the North, to the Alabaster coastline.
The white chalk cliffs of the Alabaster Coast are reaching high above the shores and the fascinating rock formations should be on everyone’s bucket list.
The best village to marvel at this natural spectacle is the beach of Étretat, a fishing village in a bay tucked in between the cliffs.
It is a perfect day trip from Paris as it’s just a 2h drive from the capital and therefore a very popular destination for Parisians of all ages. While you might not find a sandy beach, pebbles over pebbles, the beach of Étretat is in particular a wonderful destination for families.
During low tides, the ancient oyster garden located right by the cliffs emerges from the sea, leaving thousands of little puddles filled with sea life. Shells, stones, plants, little crabs and sometimes even tiny fishes – a paradise to explore for children and adults alike.
The beach of Étretat is also a great place for some family-friendly hikes. The short hiking trail that leads up to the top of the cliffs is doable even for smaller children, and the stunning views over the precipice are one of the highlights of Étretat. Families with more hiking practice can also set off to explore the longer hiking trails of 3-4 km.
If you are getting hungry after your exploration, you are at a good spot. The region of Normandy is famous for crêpes, both sweet and savoury but also for mussels, fries and bubbly cider.
Recommended by Lena, Salut from Paris
Brittany: The Best Family Beaches
14. Plage de Boutrouilles, Brittany
The most popular beach of Kerlouan, one of Brittany’s most beautiful communes, is Plage de Boutrouilles. Little known outside France, it is great for doing watersports, playing volleyball, and walking on its white sands.
Keep in mind that Brittany, located on the French northern coast, can feel chilly even in summer. Go here in June-August to enjoy its wealth of pristine sand, but don’t forget to take a sweatshirt with you.
If travelling to Plage de Boutrouilles, also bear in mind that it has toilets, and all infrastructure, including a lifeguard station and volleyball nets.
What is more, it has great lodging houses like Outdoty, one of the best bed & breakfast to stay on Brittany’s ocean board, standing just over 1km away from the beach.
15. Perros-Guirec, Brittany
One more gem of the North coast of France is Perros-Guirec. It is a picturesque seaside resort. Here you can find great accommodations, food & drink establishments, and great beaches.
Thanks to its stunning sunsets and sunrises, three of its beaches are considered perfect for memorable family outings in France. Plage de Trestraou, Plage de Trestrignel, and Plage Saint-Guirec seem to have been made for fun-filled days with loved ones. Walk on the soft sand and enjoy the refreshing Atlantic breeze, perfect for creating lasting family memories.
Keep in mind that Agapa Hotel & Spa is an excellent choice for a family vacation, offering not only the chance to enjoy the natural surroundings but also unique spa services and fantastic dining options that cater to all ages.
16. Île de Ré, Nouvelle Aquitaine
The sand-covered beaches located on Ile de Re are considered by right the crown jewels of Nouvelle Aquitaine. Here you can find not only some of the best waves in the North of France for watersports but also great sand for walking, and picnicking on the scenic shoreline of the Atlantic.
The most beautiful of them is arguably Conche des Baleines, while Rivedoux Plage is the one of the best for promenade, kitesurfing and other watersports.
Other great beaches on Île de Ré include Rivedoux-Plage, Sablanceaux Beach, La Plage des Grenettes, La Plage de Gros-Jonc, La Plage des Gollandières, La Plage de la Patache, La Plage de Trousse-Chemise, and La Plage du Grouin.
Île de Ré isn’t just about watersports, walking, and swimming. While its stunning beaches are best enjoyed during the summer months, you can explore its architectural marvels, such as castles and religious sites, year-round.
The Best Family Beaches in the West of France
The western coast of France boasts some of the most stunning family-friendly beaches perfect for exploration. In this section, we’ll guide you to the very best of them.
17. Grande Plage, Biarritz, Basque Coast
Grand Plage promenade is one of the world’s most famous esplanades. It is also a postcard view of Biarritz, a seaside resort known for its signature casinos, beautiful townscape, and pretty parks and gardens.
But arguably, the most famous attraction of the seaside resort is Grande Plage itself with tents and beach clubs for children and another vast stretch of sand, Plage de Miramar. On these two beaches, you can stroll at your own pace, relax on the warm sand, or dive into the turbulent waters of the Atlantic, famous for its impressive surf.
After a few hours on the beaches head to the Plage de Biarritz Lighthouse, one of the most romantic spots in the Atlantic Coast of France, and then head to the town’s bars and restaurants, or even gamble in its casinos.
Keep in mind that Biartiz offers not only ritzy hotels like Hotel du Palais but also great youth hostels. Also bear in mind that the best time to visit Biarritz just like the rest of North-West France resorts is June-September.
18. Les Sables d’Olonne, Vendée
A charming seaside town in the Vendée department, it’s renowned for its expansive sandy shoreline, making it one of the best spots in France to relax on the warm sand and take in the refreshing sea breeze of the Atlantic. What makes it especially enjoyable to visit is the abundant sunshine during the summer months.
Les Sables d’Olonne and its surroundings also boast a wealth of cultural attractions, including the Georges Clemenceau House and Ars-en-Ré, often called France’s most beautiful village, as well as a fantastic zoological park just 2 km away.
The local culinary delights are equally impressive, and accommodation options cater to everyone—from jet-setters to backpackers—with Ibis Les Sables d’Olonne arguably offering the best value.
The Best Beaches for Families in Corsica
Corsica is a French island that lies off the West Coast of Italy, North of the island of Sardinia. The island has some of the very best beaches in France for families.
19. Palombaggia
One of Corsica’s longest and most stunning beaches, Palombaggia is a one-of-its-kind destination for sun-lovers, swimmers and snorkelling aficionados alike.
It boasts not just a great stretch of sand and pellucid waters, but also a gob-smacking panorama of the Cerbicale, a small archipelago consisting of five islands, beloved by birds.
You can benefit from the beach to the utmost if you visit in May-September. In May you can still profit from the freshness of the Corsican spring, while September offers a great chance to combine mild heat with warm water and nonchalant walks around the beach area.
If you wish to hike in the scenic surrounding mountains, you can put up in one-of-its-kind accommodation close to the beach such as Les Bergeries de Palombaggia, a five-star hotel, one of the best near Palombaggia and Porto Vecchio, a magic seaside town known for its citadels, old-town, yacht-filled marina, convivial locals and authentic Corsican atmosphere.
20. Porto Pollo, Corsica
Located in Serra-di-Ferro commune in Southern Corsica, Porto Pello is a long stretch of sand, which offers a great chance to find a sun-lit spot far away from throngs of tourists.
A great location, limpid jade-green waters corruscating in the distance, and fragrant maquis surrounding the beach, make it one of the best places in the Mediterranean to swim, laze around on warm sand, or go around the Corsican shrub and to imagine yourself a Corsican maquisard.
You can not only find great accommodation at places like L’Escale Hotel, but also splendid camping grounds like U Cassedu. Head here in May-September to profit from the most pleasant months to visit Corsica.
Best Family Beaches in France FAQs
Where are the Nicest Beaches in France?
North France, Southern France, Western France, and Corsica each offer something unique. Depending on what you’re looking for, you can head to the North-West Coast, where Biarritz is among the most famous beach resorts; explore Southern France, highlighted by the glamorous French Riviera with destinations like Cannes, Nice, and the luxurious St. Tropez and Ramatuelle; or take a boat trip or flight to Corsica, a true gem with numerous pristine beaches and lush landscapes, which is considerably greener than its neighbor, the Italian island of Sardinia.
Are there white sand beaches in France?
France is home to numerous stunning white sand beaches. Some of the most well-known include Corsica’s Palombaggia, the beaches of Île de Ré on the French North Coast, and the beautiful sandy shores of the Côte d’Azur, also known as the French Riviera, such as La Plage de Pampelonne, Plage de Portissol, the secluded Plage de L’Escalet, and La Plage de la Garoupe, among others.
Are there any sandy beaches on the French Riviera?
While some beaches on the French Riviera are pebbled, there are many splendid sandy beaches to enjoy. Several large seaside resorts in the South of France feature beautiful sandy shores. You can visit Antibes to bask in the sun on the warm sands of Juan Les Pins beach or soak up the sunshine at Cannes’ municipal beach, known for its excellent sand.
However, some of the best sandy beaches on the French Riviera are located away from the bustling towns. The top five include La Plage de la Baumette, La Plage de Portissol (Sanary-sur-Mer), La Plage de Pampelonne (Ramatuelle), La Plage de la Garoupe (Cap d’Antibes), and La Plage Mala (Cap d’Ail).
Travel to these beaches for swimming and sunbathing, but keep in mind that accommodations nearby can be limited, with most options consisting of high-end private villas. Among them, the white-sand Plage de L’Escalet stands out as one of the most exclusive.
