18 Beaches Near Paris to Spend A Day on the Water

If you’re looking for the best beaches in Paris, you’ll be disappointed to hear that there are no beaches in the city itself.

In fact, Paris beaches don’t exist at all.

And honestly, it’s one of the things I hate about living in Paris.

However, Paris is located relatively close to several beach destinations worth visiting for a day trip. If you’re hoping to escape the hustle and bustle of Paris for a day or two, there are plenty of beautiful beaches located within a few hours of the city.

From the popular Deauville Beach in Normandy to the dramatic cliffs of Etretat Beach, there are plenty of beaches to choose from that are perfect for a day trip from the French capital!

In this post, I’ll share my top 18 picks for the best beaches near Paris. I’ll also share some helpful tips on how to get to each beach from Paris and what you can expect when you arrive.

So, whether you’re looking for sandy beaches or pebble beaches, a relaxing day by the water or an adventurous day exploring the coast, be sure to add one of these beaches near Paris to your travel bucket list!

Best Beaches near Paris; TLDR

• Best beach in Paris – Paris Plages
• Closest beach to Paris – Dieppe Beach
• Best beach near Paris by train – Deauville Beach
• Best north coast beach near Paris – Plage de Cabourg
• Best Normandy beach – Etretat Beach

Ile de France Beaches (Beaches nearest to Paris)

1. Paris Plages

• Location: Pont des Arts and le quai de Loire du canal de l’Ourcq (2 locations)

Though not actually a real beach, Paris Plages is the closest thing you’ll find to a beach in Paris.

This man-made beach is located along the Seine River on the Left Bank in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. It’s open daily from mid-July to early September every year, in an effort to bring a little bit of summertime fun to the city.

The beach is free and open to the public, and there are plenty of activities to enjoy, including sunbathing, swimming (in a designated pool area), kayaking, volleyball, ping-pong, and more. There are also food kiosks selling refreshments like ice cream, crepes, and sandwiches.

Amenities

Paris Plages has everything you need for a perfect beach day including sand, sun loungers, palm trees, and even a beach bar. You can also take a dip in the river, though the water is not necessarily clean enough for swimming. Even if you decide not to swim, it’s still a fun place to sit by the Seine with friends. There are usually tons of people drinking, playing music, and just enjoying the sun and warm weather.

Getting there

The easiest way to get to Paris Plages is by taking the metro to Bir-Hakeim (line 6) or Alma-Marceau (line 9).

To get to the canal de l’Ourcq location, take the metro line 5 to Ourcq and walk to the Bassin de la Villette.

⚡ Related read: Top 7 Best Scenic Tours of Paris to Take in 2022

2. Ile De Loisirs Vaires-Torcy

• Location: Rte de Lagny, 77200 Torcy
• Distance from Paris: 20 miles (32 km) | 30 minutes by car

Ile de Loisirs Vaires is a large recreational park with a beach located about 30 minutes east of Paris. The park has a wide range of activities and attractions, including a water park with slides, a boating lake, fishing, horseback riding, mini-golf, and more. The beach area has a designated swimming area with lifeguards on duty, as well as a separate area for sunbathing. There are also food kiosks selling snacks and drinks.

Amenities

In addition to the beach, there are plenty of other amenities at Ile De Loisirs Vaires-Torcy, including a water park, horseback riding, mini-golf, and more. Even if swimming isn’t your thing, you can easily spend the day here enjoying all the recreational park’s activities. They even have an on-site fitness center and offer a variety of guided fitness classes, including yoga, Zumba, pilates, and even salsa dancing lessons.

Getting there

The easiest way to get to Ile De Loisirs Vaires-Torcy is by car, since it’s about a 30-minute drive from Paris. You can also take the RER A train from Paris (Gare de l’Est or Châtelet-Les Halles station) to the Torcy-Vaires station, which is about a 10-minute walk from the park.

3. Val De Seine Leisure Island

• Location: Chem. du Rouillard, 78480 Verneuil-sur-Seine
• Distance from Paris: 29 miles (46 km) | 1 hour by car

Val de Seine Leisure Island is a large recreational park located just outside of Paris, in the town of Verneuil-sur-Seine. The park has a wide range of activities and attractions, and offers watersports, golf, fishing, tennis, horseback riding, and more.

This recreational park is equipped with its own artificial beach, which has a designated swimming area with lifeguards on duty. There are two on-site restaurants here at Val de Seine Leisure Island where you can treat yourself to a midday snack or hearty lunch after a day of watersports and activities. And, for some extended fun, you can even camp here!

Getting there

The easiest way to get to Val de Seine Leisure Island is by car, since it’s about a 1-hour drive from Paris. You can get there using public transportation as well, but it’s a bit of a hike.

To get there by transport, take the RER A train from Paris (Gare de l’Est or Châtelet-Les Halles station) towards Cergy-le-Haut. Take the Houilles-Carrières-sur-Seine exit, and transfer to the J train towards EMMY Épone-Mézières. You’ll stay on the J train for 4 stops and exit at Les Clarières de Verneuil, then it’s a 37-minute walk to Val de Seine Leisure Island.

Pro tip: Download the app Citymapper while traveling in Paris for up-to-date information on all the easiest ways to get around the city and surrounding areas using public transportation. I use this app every day and I can’t tell you how many times it has saved my life – I swear by it!

⚡ Related read: 9 of the COOLEST Hidden Bars and Speakeasies in Paris

4. Ile De Loisirs De Jablines-Annet

• Location: Base de loisirs Jablines-Annet, 77450 Jablines
• Distance from Paris: 27 miles (44km) | 40 minutes by car

Another outdoor recreation park on the outskirts of Paris, Ile de Loisirs de Jabilines-Annet offers a lake beach with a designated swimming area, as well as plenty of other activities like fishing, sailing, canoeing, and more. You can pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the beach, or grab something from one of the on-site food kiosks.

This recreation park also has several playgrounds for the kids, making it a great spot for families. The Jabilines-Annet leisure island even has its own waterpark, camping, and group accommodation options.

Amenities

The amenities here include a waterpark, camping, group accommodation, fishing, sailing, canoeing, and more. They’ve got an equestrian center where you can take horseback riding lessons or go on a guided trail ride. You can also play mini-golf, volleyball, and go wake surfing, or just spend the day sunbathing on their 400-meter-long white sand beach.

Getting there

The best way to get to Ile de Loisirs de Jablines-Annet is by car. It’s about a 40-minute drive from the center of Paris. You can also take public transportation, but I wouldn’t recommend it, as it takes far too long and the smaller local buses are often sporadic and unreliable.

I’d recommend taking an Uber or Bolt here, or for a cheaper option, you can take the RER B train from Châtelet-Les Halles station about 40 minutes to Mitry-Claye station, and then Uber the rest of the way.

5. Plage de Meaux

• Location: 2 Chem. de la Marine, 77100 Meaux
• Distance from Paris: 34 miles (55 km) | 47 minutes by car

Plage de Meaux is another manmade beach located on the outskirts of Paris, this time in the town of Meaux. This beach is open to the public from June to September and offers a designated swimming area with lifeguards on duty.

In addition to sunbathing and swimming, you can also play beach volleyball or go for a walk along the scenic riverfront promenade.

Amenities

Plage de Meaux offers canoe rentals for those who want to explore the river, as well as a paddling pool, a kid’s play area, and a scenic promenade. If you get hungry, Plage de Meaux offers both a sit-down restaurant and fast food style options for a midday bite to eat.

Getting there

Again, the best way to get to Plage de Meaux from Paris is by car, and it’ll take you about 45-50 minutes.

You can also take public transportation by taking the metro line 4 from Châtelet-Les Halles station to Gare de l’Est station. From Gare de l’Est, you can hop on train P towards Meaux and you’ll stay on for one stop (about 40 minutes) until you get to Meaux station. From the Meaux train station, it’s about a 20-minute walk to Plage de Meaux.

⚡ Related read: Does Paris Syndrome exist?

North Coast Beaches

6. Plage Le Crotoy

• Location: 420 Prom. Jules Noiret, 80550 Le Crotoy
• Distance from Paris: 141 miles (227 km) | 2.5 hours by car

This stunning North Coast beach actually consists of two sides – the Bay side and the Sea side. The Bay side is more family-friendly, with a wide, sandy beach protected from the waves by a breakwater. Here, you can often see seals swimming and basking in the sun.

The Sea side is a bit more wild, with high cliffs and rougher waves. It’s a bit rockier and better for surfing, boogie boarding, and other water sports like kitesurfing. Either way, you’re sure to enjoy incredible views of the cliffs and coastline.

Plage Le Crotoy is also a great place to catch the sunrise or sunset, so definitely don’t miss that when you’re here!

Amenities

There are several restaurants and cafes along the Promenade Jules Noiret, as well as a few small shops. You can also find several beach bars on the Bay side of the beach. If you’re looking for more active pursuits, there are plenty of options here too. You can go sailing, windsurfing, or kitesurfing.

There’s also a golf course and an equestrian center nearby. The town of Le Crotoy is filled with unique things to do as well, such as a tour of the Eglise Saint Pierre and a horsedrawn carriage tour of the city.

Getting there

The best way to get to Plage Le Crotoy from Paris is by car since it’s about a 2.5-hour drive from the city center and a fairly straightforward drive.

You can also take the TER train from Gare du Nord station in Paris to Noyelles-sur-Mer station, about an hour and 45-minute ride. From Noyelles station, you’ll have to take a 10-minute bus ride to Le Crotoy center, and you can walk to the beach from there.

Find train tickets to Le Crotoy Beach

Where to stay near Plage Le Crotoy

• $$$ – Villa des Sarcelles (Luxury beachfront villa)
• $$ – Gîtes Centre Ville Le Crotoy (Apartment near the beach)

7. Plage De Cabourg

• Location: Promenade Marcel Proust, 14390 Cabourg
• Distance from Paris: 142 miles (228 km) | 3 hours by car

Also called “The Beach of Romantics”, Plage de Cabourg is a lovely beach located in the Normandy region of France. This beach is well-known for its long promenade lined with beautiful, pastel-colored houses. It’s a great place to take a romantic stroll, enjoy the views, and people watch.

The promenade also has several restaurants and cafes, so it’s the perfect place to enjoy a meal or snack with a view. Lined with over 4km of warm, fine sand, Cabourg Beach is also a great beach for sunbathing, swimming, and simply relaxing.

Amenities

In addition to the restaurants and cafes along the promenade, you’ll also find several beach bars on the sand. Plage de Cabourg also has several hotels nearby, the Casino de Cabourg, a movie theater, and a golf course in the area. If you’re looking for things to do beyond lounging on the beach, there are tons of water activities available like paddleboarding, jetskiing, kitesurfing, and even flyboarding!

The city of Cabourg itself is ripe with things to see and do, even if you don’t want to spend the day at the beach.

Getting there

The best way to get to Plage de Cabourg from Paris is by train. You can take the TER train to Caen from Paris-Saint Lazare station (about a two-hour ride), and then take the #20 bus from Caen station about 35 minutes to “Varaville: le Home” bus stop. From there, you can reach the beach on foot.

Note: the bus that takes you from the Caen station to the beach only runs once about every two hours, so plan your timing accordingly.

Find train tickets to Cabourg Beach

Where to stay near Plage de Cabourg

• $$$ – Hôtel & Spa Les Bains de Cabourg by Thalazur (Luxury spa hotel)
• $$ – Kyriad Prestige Residence Cabourg (Best value for money)
• $ – iBis Budget Cabourg Dives sur Mer

8. Berck Sur Mer Beach

• Location: Esp. Parmentier, 62600 Berck
• Distance from Paris: 155 miles (249 km) | 2h 45 min by car

Berck sur Mer Beach is located right along the English Channel in the Pas-de-Calais region of France. It’s a popular beach destination for both French and English visitors, as it’s only about an hour’s drive from Calais (the closest city in France). With nearly 12km of sand, there’s plenty of room for everyone to enjoy a spot on the beach.

Be sure to take a walk along the promenade to see the colorful beach huts that line the shore! It’s this beach’s most iconic feature.

Amenities

In addition to the beach huts, you’ll also find a few restaurants and cafes along the promenade. There are also a few small shops selling beachwear, souvenirs, and snacks. If you’re looking for more things to do, Berck is also home to a large kite festival that takes place every year in April (the International Kite Festival). You can also visit the Maison des Artisans et des Metiers d’Art, a local museum that showcases the region’s traditional crafts.

Getting there

The best way to get to Berck sur Mer Beach from Paris is by train. You’ll take the TER train from Paris Gare du Nord to Rang Du Fliers Verton, about a 2-hour drive. From the Rang Du Fliers Verton you’ll have to call an Uber or a taxi to go the rest of the way, but it’s only a 6-minute drive from there to the beach.

Find train tickets to Berck sur Mer

Where to stay near Berck Beach

• $$ – Best Western le Sémaphore (located outside of the city)
• $ – Mister Bed Berck (Hostel)
• $ – iBis Budget Berck sur Mer

⚡ Related read: 8 Easy Day Trips from Paris (to other countries in Europe)

Normandy Beaches

9. Dieppe Beach

• Location: 6 Bd Maréchal Foch, 76200 Dieppe
• Distance from Paris: 109 miles (175 km) | 3 hours by car

One of the most famous beaches of Normandy, Dieppe Beach was the site of a major World War II battle. The Dieppe Raid was an Allied attempt to take control of the German-occupied port city of Dieppe. Though the raid was ultimately unsuccessful, it’s still remembered today. Dieppe Beach is a 1-mile long, wide pebble beach that is overflowing with things to do.

At Dieppe Beach, you sunbathe, swim, play tennis, go fishing, windsurf, and so much more. If you need a break from swimming, the 1.5km long promenade is the perfect spot for biking, strolling, or rollerblading. It’s also one of the closest beaches to Paris, and easily accessible by car or train.

Amenities

In addition to the many activities available on the beach, there is also a large casino right on the promenade. If you’re feeling lucky, why not try your hand at winning some money? There are also several restaurants and cafes along the promenade, as well as a few small shops. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent pedal cars and race down the beach!

Getting there

Dieppe Beach is located about 2.5 hours northwest of Paris by car. If you’re taking public transportation, you can take the train from Paris Gare Saint-Lazare station to Dieppe (about a 2-hour ride). From the Dieppe train station, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the beach.

Find train tickets to Dieppe Beach

Where to stay near Dieppe Beach

• $$ – Hôtel de la Plage (Beachfront hotel)
• $$ – Brit Hotel Dieppe
• $ – iBis Budget Dieppe Centre Port

10. Etretat Beach

• Location: 1 Pl. Victor Hugo, 76790 Étretat
• Distance from Paris: 130 miles (209 km) | 2 hr 50 min by car

One of the most picturesque beaches in all of France, Etretat Beach is located in Le Havre on the Normandy coast, about 3 hours from Paris. This small beach town is home to a number of famous cliffs, including the Falaise d’Amont and the Falaise d’Etretat. These cliffs make for a beautiful backdrop to the beach.

For several centuries, Etretat Beach was used strictly for fishing. However, in the 19th century, it became a popular seaside resort town for Parisians looking to escape the city. Today, it’s still a popular beach destination for both locals and tourists alike.

The beach itself is quite small, but it’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. At low tide, you’ll be able to see across the water for miles and even walk out onto the sand.

Etretat is an excellent place to explore the natural beauty of Normandy.

Amenities

This pebble beach offers plenty of activities like sailing, kayak rentals, paddleboarding, and more. You can even fish or walk through the rockpools at the base of the cliffs, where you’ll find some of Etretat’s tiniest sea creatures like crabs and shrimp.

If you want to explore the town, there are plenty of shops and restaurants to keep you busy. You can also visit the Musée d’Art Moderne André Malraux, which is located right on the beach, or try a seafood platter from one of the restaurants along the promenade.

Getting there

The best way to get to Etretat Beach from Paris is train, or with a bus company like BlaBlaCar. Blablacar has a bus that actually goes directly to Etretat from Paris, in a little over 3 hours of travel time. If you’re wanting to spend the day at Etretat but don’t have a car, this is the easiest and quickest option.

Where to stay near Etretat Beach

• $$$ – La Villa 10 Hotel Spa
• $$ – Hotel d’Angleterre Etretat
• $$ – New Windsor

11. Deauville Beach

• Location: Promenade des Planches, 14800 Deauville
• Distance from Paris: 130 miles (209 km) | 3 hours by car

Another iconic French beach town, Deauville Beach is located on the Normandy coast about 3 hours from Paris.

This chic beach town is a popular destination for celebrities, politicians, and other wealthy individuals. It’s also a favorite filming location for French movies and is often referred to as the “Parisian Riviera”, due to this area being so popular for Parisian tourists. The beach here is wide and sandy, making it perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or playing beach games.

If you want to take a break from the beach, you can stroll down the famous wooden boardwalk, known as the Promenade des Planches. This boardwalk is lined with beach huts, restaurants, and shops. Deauville Beach is easily recognizable due to its iconic blue and white striped beach umbrellas and lounge chairs that have been seen in many photographs around the world.

Amenities

Deauville Beach offers plenty of activities like sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking. The beach has lifeguard surveillance throughout most of the year to ensure a safe swimming experience. There are also tons of tour companies here that offer guided boat trips and fishing excursions for those visitors who are feeling adventurous!

For those that want to stay on land, there are plenty of shops and restaurants along the Promenade des Planches, as well as a few museums and art galleries. You can also visit the Deauville Casino, which is located right on the beach.

Getting there

The best way to get to Deauville Beach from Paris is by train. From Paris-Saint Lazare station, you can take TER train towards Trouville-Deauville, which will take you directly to Deauville in just about 2.5 hours.

Find train tickets to Deauville Beach

Where to stay near Deauville Beach:

• $$$ – Villa Augeval Hôtel de charme & Spa
• $$ – Almoria Hotel & Spa
• $ – Marie Anne (Quaint bed & breakfast)

12. Plage De Trouville

• Location: Promenade Savignac Les Planches, 14360 Trouville-sur-Mer
• Distance from Paris: 130 miles (209 km) | 3 hours by car

Lined with magnificent 18th-century villas and rich in history and culture, the beach at Trouville-sur-Mer is one of the most underrated beaches in all of Normandy.

This beach town was actually one of the first seaside resorts in France and people have been coming here to enjoy the sun and sea since the 19th century! The beach is located just 2 miles from Deauville Beach, so you can easily hit both beaches in the same day for some extended exploring.

The shore at Plage de Trouville is long and wide, making it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or simply walking along the shore. The stunning neo-classical architecture of the 1800s contrasted with the modern-day beach umbrellas makes for a truly unique experience. It’s a calm beach that’s great for families with young children or those looking for a less crowded Normandy beach than some of the others on this list.

Amenities

In addition to the beach, Trouville-sur-Mer offers a wide variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. You can stroll along the Promenade des Planches, a famous wooden boardwalk lined with beach huts and restaurants.

Or, visit the Trouville Market to find fresh seafood and local produce. For those interested in art and culture, Trouville-sur-Mer is home to the Normandy Museum of Romanticism, which is devoted to the art and literature of the 19th century.

There are also several churches and chapels worth visiting, as well as the Trouville Casino.

Getting there

To get to Plage de Trouville from Paris, you’ll take the exact same route as mentioned above for getting to Deauville Beach. From Paris-Saint Lazare station, you can take TER train towards Trouville-Deauville, which will take you directly to Trouville in just about 2.5 hours. From the station, you can easily walk to the beach.

Find train tickets to Trouville Beach

Where to stay near Trouville Beach:

• $$$ – Cures Marines Trouville Hôtel Thalasso & Spa – MGallery
• $$ – Les Deux Villas
• $$ – Hotel Le Reynita

13. Omaha Beach

• Location: Rue Bernard Anquetil, 14710 Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer
• Distance from Paris: 216 miles (348 km) | 4 hours by car

Omaha Beach is best known as one of the D-Day landing beaches from World War II. It’s a somber beach with a lot of history, but it’s also an incredibly beautiful beach that shouldn’t be missed when visiting Normandy. The beach is located in the town of Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, which was actually the first town to be liberated on D-Day.

The beach is wide and long, with stunning views of the cliffs. It’s a great beach for swimming, sunbathing, or simply exploring the region’s history.

Amenities

In addition to the beach, there are several monuments and museums devoted to World War II in Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer. The D-Day Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in learning more about the Allied invasion of Normandy. There are also several monuments along the beach commemorating the soldiers who lost their lives on D-Day. For some extra fun, take a guided tour of the beaches on a D-Day Landing Craft Tank.

Getting there

Omaha Beach is located in the town of Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, which is about a 4-hour drive from Paris. If you’re taking the train, you’ll need to take the TGV from Paris Saint Lazare station to Bayeux, and then it’s about a 20-minute taxi ride from the station to Omaha Beach.

Find train tickets to Omaha Beach

Where to stay near Omaha Beach

• $$$ – Manoir de Cléronde (Medieval castle stay)
• $$ – Domaine de L’Hostreiere
• $$ – Novotel Bayeux (15km from Omaha beach)

14. Butin Beach

• Location: Phare du Butin, Bd Charles V, 14600 Honfleur
• Distance from Paris: 120 miles (194 km) | 3 hours by car

Butin Beach is a smaller and lesser-known beach in Normandy, located in the town of Honfleur. It’s a great beach for those looking to escape the crowds of some of the more popular Normandy beaches. The beach is situated at the base of a cliff, so it’s sheltered from the wind and has calm waters, making it perfect for swimming. There’s also a small lighthouse on the beach that adds to the charm.

Amenities

In addition to the beach, Honfleur is a lovely town to explore with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops. The Vieux Bassin (Old Harbor) is a must-see, as it’s one of the most picturesque harbors in all of Normandy. You can also visit the Honfleur Museum, which is housed in a former church and contains a collection of paintings by Impressionist artists.

The beach itself is equipped with showers and a parking lot for those who drive here.

Getting there

Butin Beach is located in the town of Honfleur, which is about a 3-hour drive from Paris. If you’re taking public transport, I’d recommend getting the BlaBlaBlus that goes direct from Paris to Honfleur. The ride will take you about three and a half hours, and you can usually find tickets on Blablabus for fairly cheap (around $20 USD) depending on when you book.

Where to stay near Butin Beach

• $$$ – La Maison de Lucie
• $$ – Hôtel Monet
• $ – B&B Hotel Honfleur

15. Plage de Pennedepie

• Location: Chem. de la Mer, 14600 Pennedepie
• Distance from Paris: 120 miles (194 km) | 3 hours by car

Another hidden gem in the city of Honfleur is Pennedepie Beach. This beach is a bit more off the beaten path than Butin Beach, but it’s just as beautiful and perfect for a swim. The beach is located in a nature reserve, so you’ll feel like you’re miles away from civilization even though you’re only about 3 hours from Paris.

It is a smaller beach though, so there’s not much in the way of amenities. But it’s great for those who want a quiet beach escape away from the crowds the summer months in France usually bring.

The blue waters and golden sand will instantly put you at ease!

Amenities

As I mentioned, this beach is located in a nature reserve, so it’s perfect for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. There are hiking trails nearby if you want to explore the area, or you can just relax on the beach and enjoy the peace and quiet. This beach is located in the same town as Butin Beach, so you can enjoy both beaches in the same day if you wanted.

The city of Honfleur itself has a variety of activities to do as well, such as exploring the Vieux Bassin (Old Harbor) or visiting the Honfleur Museum. I’d definitely recommend staying here a night or two and exploring all that the town has to offer!

Getting there

To get to Pennedpie Beach, you’ll follow the exact same route as mentioned above for Butin Beach. Honfleur is easily accessible from Paris on Blablabus, so if you don’t have a car it’s no problem to get here. The ride will take you a little over three hours and tickets usually start at around $20 USD depending on when you book.

Where to stay near Pennedepie Beach

• $$$ – La Griotte & Spa&Piscine
• $$ – Hôtel Le Romantica

South Coast Beaches

16. Calanque D’EN Vau

• Location: 50 Av. des Calanques, 13260 Cassis
• Distance from Paris: 496 miles (799 km) | 8 hr 40 min by car

One of the most stunning beaches on the entire South Coast of France is Calanque D’EN Vau. This beach is located in the town of Cassis, which is about a 9-hour drive from Paris (or you can take the train which takes around 6 hours). The beach itself is nestled in between cliffs, and it has crystal clear waters that are perfect for swimming.

One extremely popular activity here in the Calanque D’EN Vau is standup paddleboarding. There are tons of companies here where you can rent a paddleboard or kayak and go at it alone, or go on a guided kayaking tour.

I definitely recommend doing this if you have the time, as it’s a great way to see the beaches and cliffs from a different perspective. And of course, no trip to the beach would be complete without swimming! The water here is crystal clear and extremely refreshing. There’s also a small beach bar where you can get refreshments, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes in the town of Cassis if you need more options.

Amenities

As I mentioned, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy at Les Calanques de Cassis. In addition to swimming and paddleboarding, you can also go cliff jumping, hiking, and explore the town of Cassis. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy in the town of Cassis – so much so that I made a whole list of the best things to do while in Cassis!

You can go wine tasting, visit the Calanques National Park, take a boat tour around the coast, or just stroll through the charming streets. I definitely recommend spending at least a day or two here to really enjoy everything that Cassis has to offer!

Getting there

Calanque D’EN Vau is located in the French Riviera, pretty far from Paris, so the best way to get here is by train or by plane. By train, it will take you around 6 hours to get here from Paris. You can book tickets through the SNCF website, and prices start at around $60 USD.

If you’re looking for a quicker (and more expensive) option, you can fly into Marseille airport and then take a bus or taxi to Cassis – the journey will only take around 2 hours.

Find train tickets to Cassis

Where to stay near Calanque D’EN Vau

• $$$ – Royal Cottage
• $$ – Le Cassiden
• $$ – Hotel des Calanques

⚡ Related read: The Top 4 Best Beaches in Cannes, France

17. Plage De La Cote Des Basques

• Location: Boulevard du Prince de Galles 64200 Biarritz
• Distance from Paris: 487 miles (783 km) | 7 hr 50 min by car

A popular surf location and one of the most well-known beaches in all of France, Plage de la Cote Des Basques is located in the town of Biarritz. Biarritz is a beach town that’s located right on the border of Spain, and it’s about an 8-hour drive from Paris. The waves here are some of the best in the country for surfing, so if that’s something you’re interested in, this is definitely the place to come.

Even if you don’t surf, it’s still a great place to spend a day or two – there’s plenty of sand to sunbathe on, and the water is perfect for swimming. There are also a few restaurants and cafes right on the beach, so you can get refreshments without having to go far.

Amenities

In addition to surfing and swimming, there are also plenty of other activities to keep you busy at Plage de la Cote Des Basques. You can go sunbathing, of course, or take a walk along the promenade to get some great views of the beach. There’s also a casino and a few museums in Biarritz if you’re looking for something to do in the evenings.

Biarritz itself has tons of interesting history, and it’s definitely worth taking some time to explore the town.

Getting there

Plage de la Cote Des Basques is located in the town of Biarritz, which is on the border of France and Spain, so getting here by car from Paris is not ideal. The best route to go is to take the SNCF train from Paris to Bayonne, and then take a taxi or bus from there to Biarritz – the journey will take around 8 hours in total.

You can also fly into Biarritz airport, which is located just outside of town, but flights are few and far between.

Find train tickets to Biarritz

Where to stay near Plage de la Cote Des Basques

• $$$ – Brit Hotel Marbella (Luxury beachfront hotel)
• $$ – Hotel Anjou
• $$ – Hotel Florida

⚡ Related read: Where is the best place to surf in France?

18. Plages Du Prado

• Location: 211 av Pierre Mendès France, 13008 Marseille
• Distance from Paris: 487 miles (783 km) | 7 hr 50 min by car

Plages du Prado, also known as Prado Beach, is one of the most popular beaches in Marseille – and it’s located just a short drive from the city center. The beach is situated right next to a large park, which makes it a great place to come for a picnic or a walk. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes in the area if you need refreshments.

The water here is clean and clear, and it’s perfect for swimming. There are also a few parasailing and jet skiing operators in the area if you’re looking for some adventure. Plage du Prado was originally opened in the 1970s, and it’s been a popular spot ever since. The beach is known for being a popular spot for skating, sunbathing, and picnicking.

Amenities

In addition to swimming and sunbathing, there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy at Plages du Prado. There are tennis courts and a skate park, and the beach is also a popular spot for windsurfing. If you’re looking for something to do in the evenings, there are plenty of restaurants and bars in the area.

And if you’re a foodie like me, Marseille is the place to be! Some of the best foods to try in the French Riviera actually originate from this port city.

Marseille is one of the most visited cities in France, and you can easily spend a few days in this city exploring all the things to do here! The Port of Marseille, for example, is a great place to visit.

Getting there

The best way to get to Plages du Prado from Paris is to take the SNCF train from Paris to Marseille. The journey will take around 8 hours, and once you arrive in Marseille, you can either take a taxi or bus to the beach. You can also fly into Marseille airport, which is located just outside of the city.

Find train tickets to Marseille

Where to stay near Plages du Prado

• $$ – Aparthotel Adagio Marseille Vieux Port
• $$ – Novotel Suites Marseille Centre
• $ – iBis Marseille Centre

Related read: Top 25 Things to Do in Cannes

Thanks for reading!

I hope this guide to the best beaches near Paris was helpful!

Frequently asked questions about Beaches in Paris