1) Le Touquet-Paris-Plage (Hauts-de-France)
Le Touquet, nicknamed the "Pearl of the Opal Coast", blends nature and elegance. Its Anglo-Norman villas hide in the pine forests, contrasting with the art deco architecture of the town center. A huge beach, lined with colorful cabins, welcomes families and sand yacht enthusiasts. Casino, racetrack, golf, tennis and thalassotherapy confirm the resort's prestige. The covered market and sunsets sublimate its charm. Cultural and sporting events complete a refined, worldly art de vivre that has attracted a loyal clientele for over a century.
The immense beach at Le Touquet / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: vvoennyy via depositphotos
- From Paris: ~250 km, ~2 h 45 by car
- Railway station: Étaples-Le Touquet (≈2 h 30)
- Airport : Le Touquet-Côte d'Opale
The seaside villas are also very beautiful / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: packshot via depositphotos
2) Étretat (Normandy)
The stunning cliffs of Etretat / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: by Wondershoot from Pixabay
Étretat is the magnificent spectacle of chalk cliffs plunging into the English Channel, forming the Aiguille and the most famous arches in France. The pebble beach lies at the foot of this unique setting, immortalized by Impressionists and writers alike. The village retains a discreet charm with its seaside villas, art galleries and hanging gardens. Cliff-top hiking trails offer breathtaking panoramas, especially at sunrise or sunset. Étretat combines wild nature and seaside elegance, becoming an artistic and tourist mecca.
- From Paris: ~205 km, ~2 h 30
- Station: Le Havre (≈2 h 20) + bus/shuttle service
- Airport : Deauville-Normandie
3) Deauville & Trouville (Normandy)
The famous Normandy Hotel in Deauville / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: HJBC via depositphotos
Deauville and Trouville are twin sisters with complementary charm. Deauville shines with worldly elegance, with its wooden boards, multicolored parasols, casino and luxury boutiques. It's also a mecca for horse racing and the American Film Festival. Just across the Touques, Trouville seduces with its authenticity: renowned fish market, lively beach, Second Empire villas and family atmosphere. Linked by a footbridge, they form one of France's most emblematic seaside resorts, where glamour, tradition and marine gastronomy coexist.
The beaches of Normandy are so vast that horseback riding is also possible / Photo chosen by Monsieurdefrance.com: depositphotos
- From Paris: ~200 km, ~2 h 15
- Train station: Trouville-Deauville (≈2 h 00)
- Airport : Deauville-Normandie
Trouville offers an impressive collection of Normandy-style villas / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: depositphotos
4) Dinard (Brittany)
Villas on the Malouine headland. Photo chosen by monsieurdeFrance: depositphotos.
Dinard embodies Breton seaside refinement. Its Belle Époque villas perched on cliffs overlook elegant beaches such as l'Écluse or Saint-Énogat. The Clair-de-Lune promenade, lined with palm trees and exotic gardens, offers a splendid view of Saint-Malo. As early as the 19th century, the resort attracted English high society, who left a unique architectural imprint. Even today, Dinard retains its discreet atmosphere, blending art exhibitions, galleries and festivals with a hushed ambience. Coastal paths and accessible coves add to the charm of a chic, intimate destination.
The view over Saint Malo is magical / Photo Jérôme Prod'homme (c)
- From Paris: ~420 km, ~4 h 30
- Train station: Saint-Malo (TGV ≈2 hrs 15 mins) + bus (15–20 mins)
- Airport : Dinard-Pleurtuit-Saint-Malo
La pointe du moulinet in the morning seen from Plage de l'écluse / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: Jérôme Prod'homme (c)
5) Quiberon (Morbihan, South Brittany)
The Quiberon peninsula is an elegant and iodized stopover, facing both the wild coastline and its Atlantic-beaten cliffs, and the gentler Quiberon Bay, ideal for swimming. Port Maria brings the town to life with its fishing and pleasure boats, while family beaches roll out their fine sand. Quiberon is also thalassotherapy, discreet villas and a sea light that magnifies the ocean. Nearby, the megalithic alignments of Carnac bring a unique historical dimension to this refined seaside holiday.
Quiberon is THE seaside resort for those who love the sea and the typical rocks of Brittany / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: depositphotos
- From Paris: ~500 km, ~5 h 15
- Train station: Auray (≈3 hours by high-speed train) + bus/shuttle (30 min)
- Airport : Lorient Bretagne Sud / Nantes Atlantique
Quiberon is in Brittany and Brittany is incredible colors / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: depositphotos
6) La Baule (Loire-Atlantique)
With its bay ranked among the most beautiful in the world, La Baule has been attracting an elegant clientele for over a century. Its 9 km of beach lined with Belle Époque villas and prestigious hotels make it a flagship destination. The embankment, bustling with cafés, restaurants and boutiques, links Pornichet and Le Pouliguen. Golf, sailing, horse riding and beach clubs keep the sporting and social spirit alive. Nearby, the medieval city of Guérande and its salt marshes add a cultural and natural touch. La Baule embodies a timeless Atlantic chic, blending refinement and relaxation.
La plage de la Baule est immense / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: depositphotos
- From Paris: ~450 km, ~4 h 30
- Gare : La Baule-Escoublac (≈3 h 00–3 h 15)
- Airport : Nantes Atlantique
7) Île de Ré - Saint-Martin-de-Ré (Charente-Maritime)
The famous Île de Ré lighthouse/ Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: by Christoph Maurer de Pixabay
Île de Ré seduces with its natural chic and bohemian ambience. Saint-Martin-de-Ré, the historic heart, is protected by UNESCO-listed Vauban ramparts. The bustling port borders narrow streets where hollyhocks and white houses with green shutters make up an elegant postcard. Markets, bike paths through salt marshes and beaches, forests and listed villages like Ars-en-Ré offer a unique gentleness. Here, elegance meets simplicity: cycling, marine gastronomy and sunsets create an unforgettable art de vivre.
The port of Saint Martin/ Photo chosen by Monsieur de France : Dudlajzov via depositphotos
- From Paris: ~470 km, ~5 h 00
- Station: La Rochelle (≈2 h 50) + bus/bridge
- Airport : La Rochelle-Île de Ré
L'île de Ré is famous for its magnificent hollyhocks in summer/ Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: by Christoph Maurer de Pixabay
8) Royan (Charente-Maritime)
Royan offers a singular face blending Belle Époque architecture and 1950s modernism. Its south-facing Grande Conche beach attracts bathers and strollers alike, while Pontaillac seduces surfers and lovers of chic terraces. The Notre-Dame church, central market and preserved villas bear witness to a strong identity. Excursions to the UNESCO-listed phare de Cordouan and the Corniche de Vallières enrich your stay. Royan is a family-friendly yet distinguished resort, where the Atlantic light enhances an elegant, lively atmosphere.
The famous Cordouan lighthouse, a World Heritage site off Royan / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France :
- From Paris: ~500 km, ~5 h 30
- Railway station: Royan (≈3 h 45 via Saintes/Angoulême)
- Airport : Bordeaux-Mérignac / La Rochelle
Royan deserves a real detour / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: depositphotos
9) Arcachon (Gironde)
Arcachon seduces with its elegant, bright atmosphere. The Ville d'Hiver, dotted with extravagant 19th-century villas, contrasts with the Ville d'Été and its lively Thiers jetty. Pinasse rides on the basin reveal oyster huts, oyster beds and landscapes changing with the tides. The Dune du Pilat, the highest in Europe, offers an unforgettable panorama of the ocean and the Landes forest. Arcachon embodies the art of seaside living, with its markets, terraces and seaside promenades. It's a resort that combines architectural refinement with unspoilt nature.
The famous Pilat Dune / Photo chosen by monsieur de France: by Fran BEN from Pixabay
- From Paris: ~650 km, ~6 h 30
- Railway station: Arcachon (≈3 h 15 via Bordeaux)
- Airport : Bordeaux-Mérignac
Arcachon at sunset/ Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: depositphotos
10) Hossegor (Landes)
Hossegor is the chic surfing capital of France. Its La Gravière beach hosts world competitions, while the marine lake lined with Basque-Landesque villas reflects the Atlantic light. The town center combines trendy boutiques, Californian cafés and elegant restaurants. Hossegor is also a lively nightlife and spectacular sunsets. Out of season, the resort reveals a quieter charm, turned towards nature and cycling through pine forests and dunes. Hossegor embodies a refined, sporty art de vivre, attracting an international clientele.
Surfing is the Basque country's other national sport / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: depositphotos
- From Paris: ~730 km, ~7 h 30
- Station: Saint-Vincent-de-Tyrosse / Bayonne (≈4 h 00) + bus
- Airport : Biarritz Pays Basque
11) Biarritz (Pays Basque)
The bay of Biarritz in the height of summer with the sea, the waterfront and the green trees / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France : depositphotos
Biarritz, a former imperial residence, combines glamour and surf culture. The Grande Plage, dominated by the majestic Hôtel du Palais, embodies the resort's elegance. The Rocher de la Vierge and the lighthouse offer spectacular panoramas, while the Côte des Basques attracts longboarders from all over the world. The Halles district vibrates to the rhythm of bars and markets, and Basque gastronomy takes pride of place. Museums, thalassotherapy and festivals complete the rich offer. Biarritz captivates with its ability to combine aristocratic heritage with modern energy.
A general view of Biarritz with the white lighthouse and the sea / Photo chosen by Monsieurdefrance.com : herraez via depositphotos
- From Paris: ~780 km, ~7 h 45
- Gare : Biarritz (≈4 h 05)
- Airport : Biarritz Pays Basque
The Villa Belza in Biarritz in the rising sun / Photo chosen by Monsieurdefrance.com : pascaleguere via depositphotos
12) Saint-Jean-de-Luz (Basque country)
Saint Jean de Luz is a beautiful city with its harbor and colorful houses / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: Xantana via depositphotos
Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a jewel of the Basque coast, protected by a crescent-shaped bay that ensures calm seas. Its bustling fishing port enlivens the center, dominated by the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church where Louis XIV married Marie-Thérèse of Austria. White houses with red half-timbering and pedestrian lanes breathe Basque charm. The hill of Sainte-Barbe and the Socoa dike offer superb vantage points. Saint-Jean-de-Luz combines tradition, authenticity and elegance, attracting a refined family clientele who appreciate its more intimate atmosphere than Biarritz.
Global view of Saint Jean de Luz in the Basque Country with its port and beautiful colorful houses / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: Xantana via depositphotos
- From Paris: ~800 km, ~8 h 00
- Railway station: Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure (≈4 h 30)
- Airport : Biarritz Pays Basque
13) Nice (Côte d'Azur)
Nice and the Bay of Angels / photo by Aleksandar Todorovic/Shutterstock.com
Nice embodies the French Riviera in all its splendor. The Promenade des Anglais rolls out its palm trees and Belle Époque hotels facing the Baie des Anges. Vieux-Nice, with its ochre streets and colorful markets like the Cours Saleya, breathes the Mediterranean. La colline du Château offers spectacular views of the city and the sea. Chagall and Matisse museums, Baroque palaces and festivals testify to an exceptional cultural wealth. Nice combines pebble beaches, Mediterranean ambience and urban refinement, making it a leading destination on the chic Côte d'Azur.
Nice / photo par Reuben Teo/Shutterstock.com
- From Paris: ~930 km, ~9 h 30
- Station: Nice-Ville (TGV ≈5 h 40)
- Airport : Nice Côte d'Azur
Nice la promenade des anglais / photo by Elena Elisseeva/Shutterstock.com
14) Cassis (Provence)
Cassis is a Mediterranean gem nestled between vineyards and spectacular calanques. Its small port, lined with pastel facades and lively terraces, retains an authentic atmosphere. The calanques of Port-Miou, Port-Pin and En-Vau offer stunningly beautiful turquoise waters, accessible on foot or by boat. The resort's charm lies in its natural elegance, its Provencal market and its vineyards producing renowned wines. Cassis embodies the alliance between preserved nature and discreet chic, attracting travelers in search of unique landscapes and a refined art of living.
One of the wonderful calanques of Cassis / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: depositphotos
- From Paris: ~780 km, ~7 h 30
- Railway station: Cassis (≈3 h 30 via Marseille)
- Airport : Marseille-Provence
15) Saint-Tropez (Var)
Saint-Tropez is the glamorous icon of the Côte d'Azur. Its port lines up luxury yachts and colorful pointus, symbolizing this unique contrast between prestige and Provencal authenticity. The beaches of Pampelonne attract the international jet-set, while the narrow streets of the old village unveil churches, squares and art galleries. Designer boutiques, prestigious restaurants and festive evenings keep the myth alive. But Saint-Tropez also retains Provencal charm with its markets and maritime traditions. It's the resort where elegance, festivity and Mediterranean culture meet.
Saint Tropez seen from the open sea / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: by Emma Blowers de Pixabay
- From Paris: ~880 km, ~9 h 00
- Train station: Saint-Raphaël (≈4 h 30) + shuttle bus
- Airport : Toulon-Hyères / Nice Côte d'Azur
From the English Channel to the calanques of Provence, France offers 15 chic seaside resorts where history, elegance and unique landscapes come together. Belle Époque villas in Dinard, the cliffs of Étretat, the parasols of Deauville, the beaches of La Baule, the ramparts of Île de Ré, surfing in Hossegor, the glamour of Biarritz, the intimacy of Saint-Jean-de-Luz or the Mediterranean glow of Nice and Saint-Tropez: each destination offers a refined art of living by the sea. Accessible from Paris by train, plane or car, these resorts make an ideal itinerary for discovering the diversity and prestige of the French coast.
