Best Beaches in Northern France: Top 10 Normandy & Brittany Picks (2025)
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Tid til at læse 13 min
Best Beaches in Northern France
The coastlines of Normandy and Brittany offer some of the best beaches in France, combining dramatic landscapes, charming seaside towns, and rich cultural history. From the striking cliffs of Étretat to the elegant boardwalks of Deauville, and the hidden coves along Brittany’s rugged shores, northern France is full of unforgettable beach destinations. Whether you’re planning a summer escape or a scenic road trip, this handpicked list of the best beaches in Northern France highlights 10 must-see spots for relaxation, adventure, and coastal beauty.
Table of contents
Best Beaches in Northern France 1. Île Vierge Beach – Brittany 2. Quiberon Beach – Brittany 3. Pointe de Saint-Hernot – Crozon Peninsula 4. Étretat Beach – Normandy 5. Deauville Beach – Normandy 6. Trouville-sur-Mer – Normandy 7. Cabourg Beach – Normandy 8. Omaha Beach – Normandy 9. Saint-Malo Beach – Brittany 10. Plage de l’Éventail – Brittany
1. Île Vierge Beach – Brittany
Turquoise waters and one of France’s best-kept secrets
Île Vierge Beach, nestled on the Crozon Peninsula in Brittany, is a secluded gem renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs. Accessible only by foot or boat, this hidden cove offers an unspoiled natural setting that's perfect for those seeking tranquility and breathtaking scenery. The beach's pebbled shore and surrounding pine forests create a picturesque backdrop, making it a favorite among nature lovers and photographers.
- 🌍 Location: Île Vierge, Crozon Peninsula, Brittany, France (Google map)
- ✅ Highlights: Secluded cove, turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, serene atmosphere
- 👎 Downsides: Access requires a hike or boat; no facilities nearby
A hidden paradise for the adventurous
Reaching Île Vierge Beach is part of the adventure. A scenic hike through coastal trails or a boat ride reveals this secluded spot, rewarding visitors with unparalleled natural beauty and a sense of discovery.
Perfect for snorkeling and nature photography
The clear waters and rich marine life make it an excellent spot for snorkeling. The unique rock formations and vibrant colors provide stunning opportunities for photography enthusiasts.
Preserving its untouched charm
As there are no amenities, visitors are encouraged to bring essentials and respect the natural environment, ensuring that Île Vierge Beach remains a pristine retreat for future explorers.
2. Quiberon Beach – Brittany
Crashing waves and windswept cliffs on Brittany’s wild coast
Quiberon Beach lies at the heart of the Quiberon Peninsula, a dramatic stretch of Brittany where rugged cliffs meet the Atlantic. Known for its raw natural beauty and powerful surf, the Côte Sauvage ("Wild Coast") offers breathtaking ocean views, rock formations, and a sense of untamed freedom. It’s perfect for scenic walks, surf watching, and recharging in nature’s embrace.
- 🌍 Location: Quiberon Peninsula, Brittany, France (Google map)
- ✅ Highlights: Cliffside views, coastal trails, wild surf, dramatic Atlantic backdrop
- 👎 Downsides: Not ideal for swimming; strong currents and rough seas
Where the Atlantic puts on a show
Quiberon’s west-facing beaches are all about movement and sound — crashing waves, swirling winds, and ever-changing skies. It’s an energizing place that leaves you feeling small in the best possible way.
Walking trails with postcard views
The Sentier des Douaniers coastal path runs along the cliffs, offering sweeping views over sea-sculpted rocks and hidden coves. Bring your camera — and your windbreaker.
Sunsets you’ll never forget
Evenings on the Wild Coast are magic. The sky turns fiery over the Atlantic as waves shimmer below. Find a spot on the rocks, sip something warm, and let the natural drama unfold.
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3. Pointe de Saint-Hernot – Crozon Peninsula
A hidden jewel on Brittany’s wild and wonderful coast
Pointe de Saint-Hernot, often called the “Tahitian Beach” of France, is a stunning cove tucked along the Crozon Peninsula. With its white pebbles, turquoise waters, and dramatic cliffs covered in lush greenery, it feels more like the South Pacific than the coast of Brittany. Accessible by hiking trails through protected landscapes, this beach rewards the adventurous with jaw-dropping scenery and peaceful seclusion.
- 🌍 Location: Pointe de Saint-Hernot, Crozon Peninsula, Brittany, France (Google map)
- ✅ Highlights: Turquoise water, secluded setting, dramatic views, coastal hiking
- 👎 Downsides: Access requires a hike; no facilities on site
A trail worth every step
Reaching Saint-Hernot means a hike through protected nature trails that wind through forest and cliffside. It’s not a casual stroll, but the views along the way — and the reward at the end — are nothing short of spectacular.
Color palette straight out of paradise
Brilliant blues, greens, and chalky white stones make this one of the most visually striking beaches in France. Whether you’re swimming, sunbathing, or just taking it all in, it’s a place that feels almost surreal in its beauty.
Perfect place to unplug
No shops, no wi-fi, no distractions — just nature. Pack what you need, respect the pristine environment, and enjoy a few hours of total peace surrounded by some of Brittany’s most unspoiled landscapes.
4. Étretat Beach – Normandy
Dramatic chalk cliffs and postcard-perfect views on the Alabaster Coast
Étretat Beach is one of the most iconic spots in Northern France, famous for its towering white cliffs and natural rock arches sculpted by the sea. The pebbled beach lies at the base of dramatic headlands that have inspired painters like Monet and writers like Maupassant. With cliff-top paths, a charming seaside village, and epic coastal views, Étretat is where nature puts on a show — every hour of the day.
- 🌍 Location: Étretat, Normandy, France (Google map)
- ✅ Highlights: Famous sea arches, chalk cliffs, coastal hikes, inspiring scenery
- 👎 Downsides: Pebble beach; can be crowded during summer months
Cliff paths with unforgettable views
Take the trail up to the Falaise d’Aval or Falaise d’Amont and you’ll see Étretat from above — sea arches, needle-like rock formations, and endless horizon. It’s one of France’s most scenic hikes, with views you’ll remember for a lifetime.
The beach that inspired masters
Artists and writers have long been drawn to Étretat for its surreal beauty. Sit on the shore or stroll the promenade, and it’s easy to see why. The light shifts constantly, painting the cliffs with new colors throughout the day.
Waves, wine, and wandering
After your beach and hiking time, explore the small town for seafood, local cider, or a stroll through art galleries. Étretat offers the perfect mix of nature, culture, and that moody coastal vibe Normandy is known for.
5. Deauville Beach – Normandy
Striped umbrellas and seaside glamour on Normandy’s coast
Deauville Beach is the epitome of classic French seaside elegance. Set along a broad stretch of golden sand, this beach is famous for its colorful parasols, art deco beach cabins, and the polished charm of its promenade. Just a short walk from luxury hotels, chic boutiques, and horse racing tracks, Deauville offers more than a day at the beach — it’s an experience steeped in French style and seaside tradition.
- 🌍 Location: Deauville, Normandy, France (Google map)
- ✅ Highlights: Iconic boardwalk, striped umbrellas, upscale town, film festival atmosphere
- 👎 Downsides: High-season crowds; pricey cafés and hotels nearby
Where elegance meets the Atlantic
From the elegant promenade to the iconic parasols lining the beach, Deauville is designed for those who love their beach days with a bit of polish. It’s equally popular with locals, celebrities, and Parisians escaping the city on weekends.
Stroll the Promenade des Planches
This historic boardwalk, built in 1923, stretches alongside the beach and is lined with beach cabins named after Hollywood stars. It’s a great place for a morning jog, an afternoon walk, or an ice cream-fueled people-watching session.
A place for film, fashion, and festivals
Deauville is home to one of Europe’s most prestigious film festivals and has long been a retreat for fashion icons and artists. The beach is an essential part of that cultural mix — timeless, stylish, and full of atmosphere.
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6. Trouville-sur-Mer – Normandy
Effortless charm and old-school vibes across the river from Deauville
Trouville-sur-Mer sits just a bridge away from Deauville, but the mood here is totally different — more relaxed, more bohemian, and full of vintage coastal character. Its long sandy beach is backed by a charming 19th-century promenade, traditional seafood stalls, and rows of pastel villas. Often called “the queen of beaches,” Trouville is loved for its authenticity, artistic spirit, and understated beauty.
- 🌍 Location: Trouville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France (Google map)
- ✅ Highlights: Historic promenade, cozy beach cafés, local markets, more laid-back than Deauville
- 👎 Downsides: Less polished; beach can get busy with families on weekends
Casual beauty with a vintage heart
The architecture here tells a story — grand yet weathered villas, Belle Époque façades, and a beach that feels lived in and loved. It’s less about glam and more about comfort, charm, and character.
Beach meets market life
After a dip or a sunbathing session, head to the fish market just steps from the sand. Grab fresh oysters, local cheese, or a crêpe and enjoy it at a seaside table. The beach and town feel naturally connected — no separation, just flow.
A quiet favorite of artists and locals
For generations, Trouville has drawn painters, poets, and laid-back travelers who prefer a beach with soul over sparkle. It’s a place to slow down, enjoy the breeze, and get lost in the rhythm of the tides and town.
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7. Cabourg Beach – Normandy
Romantic vibes and belle époque beauty on the Côte Fleurie
Cabourg Beach is pure Normandy nostalgia — a golden stretch of sand lined with turn-of-the-century villas and a curved promenade made for long, leisurely strolls. Known as the “romantic beach,” Cabourg inspired the writings of Marcel Proust and still carries the charm of a bygone era. It’s peaceful, elegant, and ideal for those who love a beach with cultural depth and slow, scenic days by the sea.
- 🌍 Location: Cabourg, Normandy, France (Google map)
- ✅ Highlights: Wide sandy beach, curved seafront promenade, literary legacy, great for couples
- 👎 Downsides: Quiet nightlife; feels more tailored for slow-paced holidays
A beach with a literary soul
Cabourg’s graceful architecture and tranquil vibe have inspired generations of writers, most famously Marcel Proust. His spirit still lingers here, in the shaded alleys and sea-scented air — perfect for journaling, daydreaming, or reading by the waves.
Perfect for long walks and slow days
The promenade, known as Le Grand Hôtel boardwalk, curves gently along the coast, offering postcard-worthy views at every turn. Whether you're walking hand-in-hand or just soaking up the soft light, it’s one of the most romantic stretches in northern France.
Serene sands and sunset skies
Cabourg is all about calm. The beach never feels rushed, the sea is often still, and the sunsets here are long and soft. Bring a blanket and a bottle of wine — you won’t need much else.
8. Omaha Beach – Normandy
Golden sands and powerful history on Normandy’s coast
Omaha Beach is more than a beach — it’s a place of remembrance, reflection, and quiet strength. Today, this wide and peaceful stretch of sand is serene and scenic, but it carries the deep legacy of the D-Day landings in 1944. Visitors come to walk the shoreline, visit the memorials, and feel the weight of history balanced by the beauty of the natural surroundings. It’s moving, meaningful, and unlike any other beach in France.
- 🌍 Location: Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France (Google map)
- ✅ Highlights: Historic WWII site, peaceful landscape, memorials and museums nearby
- 👎 Downsides: Somber atmosphere; not ideal for typical beach recreation
Where history meets the horizon
Standing on the sands of Omaha Beach, it’s impossible not to reflect. The calm waves and endless sky offer a striking contrast to the events of the past. This is a place to walk, to remember, and to appreciate peace.
Visit the memorials and museums
Nearby, you’ll find the Normandy American Cemetery and the Overlord Museum, both offering insight into the events that shaped modern Europe. It’s an educational and emotional experience that adds depth to any visit.
A quiet, humbling beauty
Omaha Beach is striking in its simplicity — golden dunes, wide skies, and a breeze that carries the silence of history. It’s not flashy, but it leaves a lasting impression on everyone who walks its shoreline.
9. Saint-Malo Beach – Brittany
City walls, tidal islands, and dramatic tides on Brittany’s coast
Saint-Malo Beach sits just below the fortified walls of the old pirate city, offering a unique blend of history, beauty, and tidal drama. The beach changes throughout the day with one of the highest tidal ranges in Europe — at low tide, you can walk to offshore forts and islands; at high tide, the sea nearly touches the ramparts. It’s a place where medieval stone meets wild Atlantic energy, perfect for explorers and history lovers alike.
- 🌍 Location: Saint-Malo, Ille-et-Vilaine, Brittany, France (Google map)
- ✅ Highlights: Massive tidal range, historic walled city, tidal islands, seawater pool
- 👎 Downsides: Tides can limit swimming times; busy in peak tourist season
Step into the tides — and history
At low tide, sandy paths appear leading to Fort National and Île du Grand Bé. It's a rare thrill to walk where the sea was just moments ago, with medieval towers rising behind you and Atlantic spray ahead.
Inside the walls, a world of character
After your beach time, step into Saint-Malo’s walled old town for crepes, cider, and cobblestone strolls. The city’s privateer past still echoes through its streets — a perfect pairing of beach and heritage.
Swim with a seawater twist
Even when the tide's out, you can dip into the ocean-fed pool built right into the sand. With diving platforms and epic views of the bay, it’s a fun and scenic way to cool off in true Saint-Malo style.
10. Plage de l’Éventail – Brittany
City-edge calm and sweeping tidal beauty in Saint-Malo
Plage de l’Éventail is a beautiful, lesser-known gem right beside the ramparts of Saint-Malo, offering a more laid-back alternative to its busy neighbor beaches. Framed by dramatic stone walls and facing Fort National, it’s a scenic spot where families come for easy swims, sunbathing, and beach games — all within steps of the historic city. Its central location makes it both accessible and atmospheric, especially when the tide is out.
- 🌍 Location: Saint-Malo, Ille-et-Vilaine, Brittany, France (Google map)
- ✅ Highlights: Family-friendly vibe, scenic fort views, close to cafés and old town, wide sandy area at low tide
- 👎 Downsides: Beach space shrinks significantly at high tide; can feel touristy in peak hours
A calm spot with postcard views
Set between the old town and Fort National, this beach has panoramic views of Saint-Malo’s stone ramparts and the ever-changing ocean. It’s great for those who want to relax with a view, without venturing too far from town.
Perfect for families and easy dips
The beach is shallow and generally calm, making it ideal for kids to paddle and play. With restaurants, creperies, and the bustling city just behind the seawall, you can spend a whole afternoon here with everything close at hand.
Low tide magic
When the tide recedes, a vast stretch of sand opens up — perfect for beach games, shell hunting, and walks out toward Fort National. The setting sun over the low tide flats is pure Brittany beauty at its best.
“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”
You chase the sun and live for perfect beach days!
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Table of contents
Best Beaches in Northern France 1. Île Vierge Beach – Brittany 2. Quiberon Beach – Brittany 3. Pointe de Saint-Hernot – Crozon Peninsula 4. Étretat Beach – Normandy 5. Deauville Beach – Normandy 6. Trouville-sur-Mer – Normandy 7. Cabourg Beach – Normandy 8. Omaha Beach – Normandy 9. Saint-Malo Beach – Brittany 10. Plage de l’Éventail – Brittany
