Travel Journal

Beautiful Coastal Towns in France to Visit This Year

From the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, France’s coastline is full of charm, beauty, and timeless seaside spirit.

October 21, 2025

We’ve always loved exploring the French coast. No matter which part you visit, the wild Atlantic or the sunny Mediterranean, each has its own rhythm, light, and way of life. Some places are famous, like Nice or Saint-Tropez, but others remain more peaceful, less crowded, and full of local character.

Each one tells a story, shaped by the sea, the wind, and the people who have lived there for generations. Here are a few of our favourite coastal towns in France to visit this year.

Biarritz – Basque Soul and Surf Spirit

On the southwest coast, near the border with Spain, Biarritz has a personality unlike anywhere else in France. It’s elegant but relaxed, with Belle Époque villas sitting beside surf shops and beach cafés.

We love strolling through the old town, stopping at the Halles market to taste local Basque food, from fresh seafood to regional cheese and pastries. Don’t miss a stop at the Miremont pâtisserie, a local favourite since 1872.

For beaches, start at La Grande Plage for the view of the lighthouse and then wander to Port-Vieux or Milady Beach for something quieter. And of course, Biarritz is one of the best places in France to learn to surf, even if you’ve never tried before.

Explore the Basque Country with our 8-day Itinerary

Saint-Malo – History and Sea Breeze

On the northern coast of Brittany, Saint-Malo rises from the sea like something out of a storybook, stone ramparts, narrow streets, and the smell of salt in the air.

Walk the ramparts for sweeping views of the coast, then wander into the intra-muros, the walled city, where you’ll find pretty streets full of cafés and small shops. Saint-Malo’s history is everywhere, from the corsair legends to the tales of sailors who crossed the Atlantic centuries ago.

We love visiting outside of summer, when the light is soft and the town feels calm. Even in winter, it’s beautiful, wild tides, quiet beaches, and that unique Breton atmosphere that makes you want to stay longer.

Collioure – The Colourful Gem of the Mediterranean

Further south, near the Spanish border, Collioure is one of those places that instantly captures your heart. Once a small fishing village, it became famous in the early 1900s when painters like Matisse and Derain came here to capture its colours and light.

The harbour is the heart of the town, filled with fishing boats and surrounded by cafés where you can sit for hours watching the reflections on the water. Take a walk up to the Royal Castle or the Fort Saint Elme, or simply wander through the narrow streets of the Mouré district, full of flowers and pastel-coloured houses.

Collioure has a special mix of Catalan energy and Mediterranean calm, a place to enjoy good food, sunshine, and art, all in one.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat – Elegance by the Sea

On the French Riviera, between Nice and Monaco, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat feels both refined and peaceful. It’s known for its natural beauty, quiet coves, and beautiful villas hidden among pine trees.

A walk along the coastal path is one of the most beautiful experiences here, turquoise water on one side, gardens and old stone walls on the other. Make sure to visit the stunning Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, surrounded by nine themed gardens and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat has always attracted artists and writers, Cocteau, Chagall, and Matisse all spent time here, and it still feels like a secret escape on the busy Côte d’Azur.

Deauville – Normandy’s Timeless Seaside Charm

Just a couple of hours from Paris, Deauville has been the weekend escape for Parisians since the 19th century. It’s stylish but relaxed, known for its long sandy beach, colourful parasols, and famous wooden boardwalks lined with the names of Hollywood stars.

Behind the beach, the town is full of Belle Époque architecture, elegant boutiques, and cosy restaurants. You can visit the nearby fish market in Trouville, explore Honfleur, or take a walk along the Côte Fleurie for sea views and small villages full of charm.

Deauville’s history is part of its magic, from Coco Chanel opening her first shop here to the famous American Film Festival that brings a touch of glamour each September. Yet beyond all that, it’s still a place to breathe, slow down, and watch the waves roll in.

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