French coast

As summer approaches, holidaymakers come to take advantage of France's maritime coasts to swim, sunbathe and try out new water activities. The shores correspond to the littoral, more precisely the border between land and sea. Cliffs or vast beaches, the landscapes are varied to satisfy tourists.

  • The French Riviera

The most famous of the French coasts is without hesitation the French Riviera. Stretching between Menton and Cassis, the climate is mild and sunny all year round. A diversity of landscapes is offered to you. Saint-Tropez, Cannes, Nice, and Antibes remain popular with the jet-set, as does Monaco, which is reserved for a luxury clientele.

There are many seaside resorts on the French Riviera, but there are also other little corners of paradise that are very wild. The creeks of Marseille, Cassis, and the Esterel Massif seduce nature-loving travelers. Just like the islands of Porquerolles, these sites are part of the Calanques National Park. Protected places, they guarantee you an incredible change of scenery. You will be able to try activities such as scuba diving, hiking, and even visit incredible museums such as the MUCEM. 

  • The Basque coast

The Basque Coast stretches from Anglet to Muskiz (west of Bilbao in Spain). Famous for surfing, prestigious seaside resorts follow one another: Anglet, Biarritz, Bidart, Guéthary, Saint-Jean-de-Luz ... From the Spanish border to the Landes, the coast is the scene of many amazing landscapes.  Beautiful sandy beaches, surfing spots, impressive cliffs, each of the resorts offers a unique setting. Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Biarritz welcome holidaymakers during international surfing competitions. Between the Grande plage and the Rocher de la Vierge, you can enjoy the coastline's tranquillity while taking advantage of the famous Basque festivals in the town. Anglet, which is wilder, has vast expanses of sand alternating between dunes and grass. The very windy climate makes it ideal for surfers. Guéthary appears as a small village, authentic and wild at the same time, a perfect destination for family holidays.

  • The Opal Coast

In the Nord Pas de Calais, the coastline consists of dunes, beaches, and cliffs. Incredible landscapes such as Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Griz-Nez attract many visitors every year. Enjoy discovering the port cities and other tourist sites such as the national center of the sea: Nausicaà. Like the Basque Coast, it is also a popular site for surfing and golf enthusiasts. Between walks, visits to fishing villages, historical heritage, you won't have time to get bored during your holidays on the Opal Coast.

  • The Silver Coast

It refers to the Aquitaine coastline that stretches along the Landes de Gascogne. From the Gironde estuary to the Adour estuary, the coast has the most extensive beautiful sandy beach in Europe. This privileged area will seduce you with its pine forests, numerous lakes and ponds, and the famous Dune du Pilat. On this coastline, you can also enjoy sports activities such as hiking, surfing, or cycling.

  • The Emerald Coast

Generous nature, spectacular tides, the Emerald Coast offers an exceptional heritage. You plunge into the heart of the city of sailors and great navigators by visiting the towns of Saint-Malo or Dinard. After a good breath of iodized air, you will appreciate generous gastronomy with local recipes and quality products.

  • The Vermeille Coast

This small coastline covers the coast from Argelès-Sur-Mer to the Spanish border. Along the Pyrenees, it is a little paradise for hikers and divers. Between sea and mountains, the weather is pleasant in summer. Seaside villages like Collioure show an authentic charm, vineyards, beaches, and incredible light have inspired great painters like Matisse or Picasso.

  • The Pearl Coast

Along the English Channel is the Côte Nacre, where you can find historical sites. Part of the landing beaches (Gold Beach, Juno Beach, and Sword Beach) can be located.  In Caen, you will come to admire the medieval architectural heritage while the Bec du Hoc will teach you the secrets of the Battle of Normandy.  On the River Orne banks, you could also explore the glorious past of William the Conqueror in the Abbey aux Hommes and the Abbey aux Dames.

  • The Love Coast

Salt marshes of Guérande, seaside resorts, and small fishing ports, the Côte d'Amour has everything to seduce. The coastline stretches from Mesquer to Saint Nazaire. You can enter windmills such as the Grand Blockhaus or explore the Renaissance-style Château de Careil between La Baule and Guérande.

  • The Coast of Light

It takes its name from its exceptional sunshine. The Vendée coast is well known for its numerous seaside resorts. Holiday-makers flock to the islands, small fishing ports and wild beaches when the weather is fine. Cultural activities and visits to historical monuments are also a must on the coast with the Ile Penotte district in Les Sables-d'Olonne or the castle of Talmont-Saint-Hilaire.

  • The Pink Granite Coast

As its name indicates, this site is made of granite, which gives it an extraordinary color, all the rarer as there are only three coasts of this composition in the world. The coastline stretches from Perros-Guirec to Trebeurden. The four communes it covers have a rich heritage with numerous menhirs, the city of Telecoms, the castle of Tonquédec, or the church of Brelevenez.

Come and visit France and its marvelous coasts, discovery, and change of scenery will be at the rendezvous! You will be able to take advantage of the seaside resorts or hotels nearby for an incredible holiday.

 

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