If you are like me when you think of France you really don't even consider a beach vacation. I know my first thoughts go to Paris, a far cry from any lovely beach town. But after visiting France and leaving Paris I quickly realized that France is so much more than just Paris. There are also lovely beach towns!
France offers an excellent holiday location for British tourists in particular because of the close proximity but these stunning beaches can be enjoyed by all. In terms of price, travel time, great resorts, food and wine it can even be done on a budget. Whilst planning your beach holiday for 2016, here are five suggestions that won't break the bank:
Urville-Nacqueville, Normandy
This beach is only a short drive from Cherbourg which is attainable via a ferry to France. The ferry port itself is only 10km west of Urville-Nacqueville which is located near a coastal countryside with sweeping expanses of fine sand. Tourists can enjoy surfing, windsurfing, sailing and diving at this beach. There's even horse riding available.
Plage de Gatseau, Île d’Oléron
The Île d’Oléron is on France’s second-largest island that has beautiful, undeveloped sandy beaches backed by dunes and pine woods. There is miles and miles of beach that extends along the south-west coast, and acres of space for tourists to enjoy ball games at low tide, and often a good surf. The prettiest strand among this island is the more intimate Plage de Gatseau which overlooks the channel between the island and mainland. It contains soft sand, spattered with shells.
Sainte-Marine, Brittany
The little port of Sainte-Marine offers a lovely crescent of fine sand. Located among neat lawns above the jetty, a 10-minutes walk south brings you to the mouth of the Odet, where a supremely unspoiled beach stretches west for four kilometres.
Cavalaire-sur-Mer, Provence
This beach is as close to St Tropez as you need it to be. The Cavalaire-sur-Mer is easily affordable for families and has a safe main beach one cannot see the end of. Every maritime activity known to man is available. Located directly behind the beach are the Maures mountains which whisk you away from sea-sidery to tougher times in the twist of a hairpin.
Menton, Provence
Menton has the lazy sunshine zest, contains two vast beaches of sand, unambiguous light and the Alps dropping direct to the sea. The resort is realistically accessible by rail if you’re staying for an extended period of time, say a week.
What do you think? Have you been to any great beach locations in France? I'd love to hear about it in the comments section below!
