With its long coastline that touches the Atlantic Ocean, the English Channel, and the Mediterranean Sea, France has an impressive number of beach holiday locations to choose between. Especially for people in the UK, France has become the quintessential family holiday destination, and for those of us who have had the pleasure of travelling through France, it is very easy to see why. Today we’d like to combine beautiful beaches and family holidays into one helpful guide for families looking for their next big trip to France.
Just in case you’re a little sad that your favourite destination isn’t on this list, it’s worth stating that this list of French beach holiday destinations is completely subjective to Direct Owners. Perhaps we’ll make another list in the future and include one or two of your top spots!
A Fouesnant Beach Holiday
The first spot on this list is Fouesnant. Found in southern Brittany, in Finistère, this location is relatively straightforward to drive to from the UK: just get off the Eurotunnel and drive from Calais. The drive is approximately seven hours, but it’s mostly in a straight line and the roads should provide no problems. But if you’d like to save yourself the long drive, you can take ferry from Plymouth to Roscoff. The area of coast from Fouesnant to Bénodet has recently been referred to as the ‘Breton Riviera’ and with the idyllic white beaches and gorgeous waters, it’s easy to see why. The village of Fouesnant is also a treat for families who choose to stay there, and there is much more to see and do beyond playing on the beach. You can look forward to so many stunning hiking routes, bike rentals, and plenty of water sports.
A Cap Ferret Beach Holiday
The pristine beaches and general bustle around the coast at Cap Ferret will guarantee any family will have an excellent beach holiday there. What’s interesting, however, is that Cap Ferret’s long peninsula shape means that it almost feels as though it is a French island, complete with its classical architecture and beach resort atmosphere. It also is only a short distance from the city of Bordeaux, which allows for perhaps one or two excursions inland to experience the best the city has to offer. Then, at the end of your excursion, you’re right back in Cap Ferret, enjoying your family beach holiday on some of the finest sand in France.
A Family Trip to Perpignan (and Collioure)
Found almost at the most southern point of continental France, Perpignan is a beautiful city in its own right, but you’re here for beaches, and you certainly won’t be disappointed. Just a short distance away, in the town of Collioure, you’ll find several beautiful beaches. If you want to be especially close to them, you can stay in Collioure — it’s entirely up to you. While the beaches are nice in and of themselves, it’s the stunning backdrop of the Pyrenees Mountains that adds a unique sense of grandeur. Wherever you are in the world, there is something special when mountains meet the sea; if you’re looking for a beach holiday in France unlike any other, then a trip to Collioure should be close to the top of your list.
Your Beach Holiday in Montpellier
Montpellier is the third-largest city in France and it is found in the south, though significantly farther north-east than Perpignan. It’s worth visiting Montpellier simply to appreciate the decadent architecture and to drink in the sun-baked tranquillity of one of the great southern French cities. And the beaches here are truly exceptional. While you are spoiled for choice, with many lovely white-sand beaches looking out onto the Mediterranean Sea, we recommend visiting L’Espiguette beach. Not only will you find the sand soft, you will also be able to take advantage of the impressive beach bar. And the designated driver will be happy as the large car park at the beach is usually enough to accommodate guests in the height of summer.
Your Island Trip to Noirmoutier
