With water on three sides - the Atlantic Ocean, the English Channel (La Manche), and the Mediterranean - France is literally almost surrounded by lovely beaches.
Summer in French ranges from the fashionable central French Riviera beaches, to an 8-mile stretch of sandy seashore (La Baules, Europe's longest) on Brittany's Atlantic coast, along with stunning, picture postcard perfect beaches on the island of Corsica.
In all, France offers secluded getaways, high-priced resorts and playgrounds for the rich and famous, along with great family fun - or just pleasurable days lolling away the days in the French summer sun.
On the Riviera, St. Tropez is on the top of most visitors' lists for must-see beaches that include Bouillabaisse, Graniers, Port Grimaud and the famous clothing optional Tahiti Beach. Cannes
is most notable at the height of the summer for its Film Festival and circus-like atmosphere, but for beach-goers it's the free public beach in front of the Palais des Festivals.that is the most popular among the sandy beaches that line the famous promenade, La Croisette.
A view of Villefranche-sur-Mer in Nice on the French Riviera.
On the Web, explore more on where to go, and how to get there, what to see and experience, with travel tips and practical guides to a dream trip on the French coast...
Nice Convention & Visitors Bureau - Check out the home base for many tours of French Riviera beaches, including a comprehensive town and village guide, things to do and see, suggested itineraries.
Explore St. Tropez - Covering the Bay of St. Tropez and surrounding towns & villages with hotel & restaurant guides, markets, shopping, maps, directions, pictures, virtual tours and more from Trip Advisor.