Many travellers venture across Europe in search of beaches with crystal-clear waters and miles of golden sands, but these popular spots can get crowded during peak seasons. New research finds the best alternatives are often closer to home, offering beauty, peace and convenience.
New research by ferry and cruise operator DFDS has uncovered France’s most beautiful beaches a stone’s throw away from the UK after collating and analysing over 5,000 Google reviews for positive keywords such as “clear water”, “picturesque” and “tranquil”, to uncover overlooked spots along the French coast.
The 10 most picturesque French beaches
| Rank | Beach | Location | Sentiment score/100 |
| 1 | Beach Cap Blanc-Nez | Calais, Northern France | 90.20 |
| 2 | Beach Grand Crohot | Bordeaux, Southern France | 86.50 |
| 3 | Beach Riva Bella | Normandy, Northern France | 84.13 |
| 4 | Conche of Whales | Ile De Rie, Western France | 79.50 |
| 5 | Grande plage de Carnac | Brittany, Northwestern France | 77.18 |
| 6 | Juno Beach | Normandy, Northern France | 76.70 |
| 7 | Le Porge Océan | Nouvelle-Aquitane, Southwestern France | 76.59 |
| 8 | Mala Beach | Nice, Southeastern France | 76.50 |
| 9 | Pampelonne Beach | Saint-Tropez, Southeastern France | 75.98 |
| 10 | Plage de Berck | Berck-sur-Mer, Northern France | 73.76 |
Beach Cap Blanc-Nez – Calais
Beach Cap Blanc-Nez in Calais takes the top spot in the research with an outstanding sentiment score of 90.2, even surpassing popular destinations like Nice and St Tropez. This striking coastal spot is celebrated for its towering cliffs, wide sandy stretch, and crystal blue waters. On a clear day, visitors can even catch a glimpse of the White Cliffs of Dover across the English Channel. Ideal for those seeking relaxation or a scenic adventure, Cap Blanc-Nez offers a tranquil alternative to France’s busier beach destinations.
Beach Grand Crohot – Bordeaux
Nestled on the Atlantic coast near Bordeaux, Beach Grand Crohot ranks in second place with a sentiment score of 86.5. The beach is known for its wild natural beauty, rolling sand dunes, and powerful waves- making it a favourite among surfers and nature lovers alike.
Beach Riva Bella – Normandy
In third place is Beach Riva Bella, situated on the Northern coast of Normandy, with a sentiment score of 84.13. This beach is known for its broad sandy shore and scenic views of the English Channel. It offers a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking a quiet escape from busier tourist spots. The beach is also rich in history, being close to several important D-Day landing sites.
Conche of Whales – La Rochelle
La Rochelle’s Conche of Whales beach is in fourth place, with an overall score of 79.5. Located on the Île de Ré, just off the coast from La Rochelle, this beach is renowned for its fine sandy shores and clear, shallow waters, making it ideal for families and swimmers of all ages. The beach itself stretches nearly 3km, starting from the Whale Lighthouse in Saint-Clément-des-Baleines.
Grande plage de Carnac – Brittany
Grande Plage de Carnac, situated in the seaside resort town of Carnac in Brittany, France, concludes the top five beaches with a sentiment score of 77.18. Stretching over 2 kilometers, this expansive beach is renowned for its fine white sands and southern exposure, making it ideal for sunbathing and beach activities. During the summer months, the beach is supervised, ensuring safe swimming conditions.
Disclaimer: While some Normandy beaches, such as Juno Beach and Riva Bella, appear in the rankings for their natural beauty, it’s important to acknowledge their historical significance as key D-Day landing sites. These locations are places of remembrance and commemorative importance, and any visits should be approached with the appropriate respect and sensitivity.
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