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Well, here we are, folks.
It’s the time of year we’ve all been waiting for: clear blue skies and sun-drenched coasts, only to immediately complain that it’s too hot now.
With the French Riviera becoming one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations in more ways than one, we have the inner scoop for the best alternatives to pelting the sea.
Call them ‘coolcations’ if you want, if you want to sound trendy, but the coasts are just as vibrant, the weather is still warm and beautiful, and you will find fewer footprints in the sand with more space to find the perfect spot along the beach.
If France is at the top of your bucket list this summer, you can kick-start your epic trip to Paris, but make sure you pack swimsuits and sunscreen for the following 4 undiscovered getaways to escape the summer heat:
Saint-Malo: It’s Brittany, beach!
Oops, we did it again…
We’ve found one of France’s best-kept secret destinations as millions opt for Parisian delicacies.
Saint-Malo is a seaside port city surrounded by dizzying granite walls that frame its old town, but what’s even more impressive are its beaches. special Plage du Sillonwhere sparkling golden sands, dramatic tides and fortress views are the perfect place to cool off without fighting the Riviera-level crowds.
Located in Brittany, an unsung region of France dotted with waterside hideaways, Saint-Malo stands out among the rest for its cozy boutique stays, authentic Breton crêperies, and springboard access to nearby gems like Cancale, Dinard, and even the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel.
Expect temperatures to hover around 68 to 77°F over the next few months.
Belle-Île: France’s little-known island
Honestly, I’d like to visit this island while at the same time waiting for this paragraph to be over so I can stop misspelling Belle-Île…
This tight-lipped gem that many locals keep to themselves is an immaculate hideaway with paradisiacal shores, Monet-painted sea cliffs and charming harbor towns where fishing boats bob beneath candy-colored facades.
Belle-Île is also in Brittany, although it’s fair to say that visiting the coast will give your trip a truly rugged feel, unlike much of the French coastline full of Speedo wearers and expensive beach clubs.
Getting here takes dedication, which is probably why it still feels tucked away.
Most travelers head to Quiberon first and then hop on the ferry to Le Palais, Belle-Île’s main port. The crossing takes about an hour, but once you get here you’ll find yourself in a sun-drenched maze of hidden beaches and amazing nature among beautiful storybook towns.
Honfleur: the closest worthwhile beach to Paris
History buffs know Normandy for its D-Day beaches and World War II memorials, while the French may remember those hard times, they tend to hold a special place as a lesser-known escape to avoid the sweltering heat and summer madness of the Riviera.
Those who flock to Paris may not realize that the beaches are indeed within easy reach; Honfleur is at least the closest for a day trip.
This dreamy townscape, dotted with half-timbered houses, is brimming with waterfront charm and French flair that come together like a real painting, but don’t sleep on the main beach. Plage du Butinwhere recent reviewers rave about how “Beautiful” it is, along with its scenic walkability from the Seine River.
Deauville: Honfleur’s neighbor is just as easy to reach
Along France’s northern coast, Deauville could win the popularity contest.
You may experience more crowds here than in Honfleur, as it is a popular place to escape the tourists of Paris for a day or two.
While you might want to keep an eye on the nudist beach – unless you’re into that sort of thing – there are plenty of beautiful beaches with cozy hotels and epic eateries, and yes, people wearing the right beachwear.
Rumor has it that there are 450 parasols ready to protect you from the glaring sun, but you might want to get up early in the summer to get one.
The last time we featured Deauville, locals said it was “one of the best beaches in France”.
Of course we are talking about France. You should also wander around the city as Deauville is packed with surprises, including a popular casino and the Les Planches promenade.
