20+ Best Beaches Near Paris, France (less than 3 hours away)
Looking for beaches close to Paris to enjoy a getaway? It is not impossible.
Indeed, you will find very nice beaches near the French capital, and you will be able to get there quite quickly. And yes, the sea is closer to Paris than you think.
No matter what the season, even if it’s just to stroll on the beach, clear your head and get some fresh air, for a few hours or a weekend, it’s always good to know that there are options. Moreover, some of these beaches are among the most beautiful beaches and landmarks in France.
Follow this guide to find the 21 best beaches near Paris, ranked by distance.
Beaches Less than 3 Hours Drive/Train from Paris
To make this easier for you, I’ve classified the best beaches in France near Paris by distance and by means of transportation.
So let’s start with the beaches that are the closest and accessible in less than 3 hours, either by train or by car.
1. Deauville Beach
— by Vidyut from Triplyzer
Deauville is the closest beach to Paris and one of the most popular beach destinations in France. A short travel time of only 2,5 hours from Paris makes this resort town a darling of those seeking an escape.
Historically, Deauville rose to fame as a getaway for French royalty. The past is quite evident in its summer villas and chateaux found in and around the town. Now, the city is also known as the Parisian Riviera, teeming with luxury and glamour, and offering a sneak peek into the posh lifestyle of the rich and famous.
The main beach is a mile-long stretch of golden sand dotted with colorful umbrellas, a perfect spot for rest and relaxation. Along the beach, don’t miss the Planches de Deauville, a wood promenade along the beach cabins named after famous American actors.
In the city, you will have a slew of entertainment options – such as the game of polo, horse racing, golf, and gambling. The historic Casino Barrière de Deauville is worth visiting for its beautiful architecture alone. Appreciate the grandeur as you take in its elegant façade, and wander the majestic entrance hall.
Other unmissable visits await you such as Eglise Saint Augustin, a historic church worth visiting for its mix of Roman and Gothic architecture, and the Place du Marché, a one-stop-shop where you will come across stalls selling baked goods, wine and cheese, and fresh produce.
Avoid visiting in the summer as it is the busiest season, September-November is the best as the weather is pleasant and the prices are on the lower side.
🚙 Travel time by car: 2 hours and 30 minutes
🚄 Travel time by train: 2 hours and 15 minutes
🏠 Recommended accommodation: Ibis Styles Deauville Centre
2. Dieppe Beach
— by Richard from RJOnTour
Dieppe is a beautiful holiday resort on the coast of Normandy and is a rather pretty town with a large beach and other tourist attractions.
Historically, Dieppe was the first seaside holiday resort in France because, in 1824, Duchess Berry introduced the seaside holiday trend to the country. Since then, Dieppe has become a popular destination with tourists from the aristocracy of Paris. This is because she created the beachfront, built a ballroom and theatre.
Nearly 200 years since then, Dieppe is still a popular seaside resort and a great place to visit. The city is at its most vibrant each Saturday when the award-winning farmers’ market comes to town selling local produce, food from the sea and lots of delicious street food.
There are a lot of things to see and do in Dieppe, including enjoying its beautiful pebble beach and cliffs of the Normandy coastline. Dieppe also has many nice historical buildings to visit, including Château de Dieppe, various churches, and other historic buildings.
The port of Dieppe is also a beautiful place to explore with fun things to see, including a carousel and many seafood restaurants overlooking the harbor. The local restaurants serve some delicious locally caught seafood here, including the marmite dieppoise, a local delicacy. While visiting Dieppe, you can also enjoy a boat trip along the local coastline or go on a fishing trip.
To drive to Dieppe from Paris takes just over 2 hours, however for a relaxing train journey, it takes 2 and a half hours with a change in Rouen. Trains depart from Paris St Lazare every 2 hours and the beach is a 12-minute walk from the train station.
🚙 Travel time by car: 2 hours and 40 minutes
🚄 Travel time by train: 2 hours and 30 minutes with a connexion in Rouen
🏠 Recommended accommodation: Gîte Dieppe Mer Studio 2
3. Plage de Trouville
The seaside resort of Trouville-sur-Mer is located in the heart of the Côte Fleurie in Calvados. Located about 2 hours from Paris, it borders Deauville and it is a good choice if you want to make a round trip during the day, either by car or by train.
Just like Deauville, la Plage de Trouville also offers a boardwalk and beach huts that will allow you to relax during your trip to Normandy. This one-kilometer-long beach is supervised all summer long, so you won’t have to worry if you are with kids.
Along the way, you will find activities for children and teenagers with inflatables, slides, and swings. For the older ones, a nautical center initiates you to the practice of sand yachting. Finally, you will find many bars and restaurants facing the sea, perfect for having drinks and enjoying the nightlife.
While going along the beach, you will discover at its other end a small more affluent district that allows you to appreciate many beautiful houses with unusual colors and shapes, typical of the region.
🚙 Travel time by car: 2 hours and 30 minutes
🚄 Travel time by train: 2 hours and 10 minutes
🏠 Recommended accommodation: Hotel Le Trouville
4. Plage du Butin, Honfleur
If you’re looking for a seaside vacation feel while in town, Honfleur is an excellent choice. Only 2 hours and 20 minutes from Paris, Honfleur is known as one of the most beautiful towns in Normandy, but also in France.
La Plage du Butin or Butin Beach is a white sand beach easily accessible by foot from Honfleur city center. Although it is not really recommended to swim there, this beach is a nice place to soak up the sun, and a great playing area.
The beach is well equipped, so you can stay there all day: free parking, changing rooms, bathrooms, and you can also rent some equipment if needed! There is also a playground, ideal if you are traveling with your family and young children. And if you didn’t bring food with you, a café awaits you on the beach with snacks and drinks.
There are bike paths that lead to the beach that get very busy with tourists and locals in summer. You can also enjoy various boat trips from this beach to discover the Normandy Atlantic coast.
If you decide to go there, I advise you to spend the whole day in order to enjoy the beach of course, but also the historical center of the town with its medieval houses, its old port, its wooden church, etc.
🚙 Travel time by car: 2 hours and 30 minutes
🚄 Travel time by train: 3 hours and 25 minutes with a change in Le Havre
🏠 Recommended accommodation: Au Bois Normand
5. Le Crotoy Beach
Nestled in the heart of the Baie de Somme in Picardy, the small town of Le Crotoy is situated on the shores of the English Channel, about 2,5 hours from Paris.
Popular for its south-facing beach, Plage Le Crotoy has become the place to be for practicing board sports (kitesurfing, kayaking…) and walking or horseback riding on the beach.
This fine sandy beach lined with 19th and 21st-century villas and beach huts offers a unique panorama, especially at low tide when the water recedes from the bay 14 kilometers off Le Crotoy.
Its lively downtown and its port are also worth a visit. Indeed, the city has a somewhat eventful history: alternately French and English during much of the Hundred Years War, the city has a magnificent fortress built in 1340 under Edward III of England. The city became a seaside resort in the middle of the 19th century, welcoming famous personalities such as Victor Hugo, Toulouse-Lautrec, Guerlain, and Jules Verne.
🚙 Travel time by car: 2 hours and 45 minutes
🚄 Travel time by train: 2 hours and 30 minutes with a change at Noyelles-sur-Mer
🏠 Recommended accommodation: Hôtel de la Baie de Somme
6. Cabourg Beach
With its 4 kilometers of length, Cabourg Beach is a perfect place to relax less than 3 hours from Paris, especially for couples.
The beach, located in the heart of the town of Cabourg in the Normandy region, is a real tourist attraction, charming both tourists and locals. For good reason, the place looks like a small corner of paradise on earth with its turquoise water and its kilometers of fine sand.
In addition to the classic water sports, Cabourg Beach also offers a wide range of activities. Indeed, if the Marcel Proust promenade (the longest pedestrian promenade in Europe) can be enjoyed on foot, it is also possible to discover it by sand yacht or horseback.
Like its neighboring towns, Deauville and Trouville, Cabourg is full of architectural gems. If you have enough time, stroll through the city center to discover a joyful mix of half-timberings, mosaics, and window boxes adorning the facades.
🚙 Travel time by car: 2 hours and 40 minutes
🚄 Travel time by train: 3 hours and 15 minutes with a change at Trouville-Deauville station
🏠 Recommended accommodation: Cabourg – Hyper Centre, plage
7. Yport Beach
— by Zoe from Together In Transit
One of the prettiest and quiet beaches on the Northern Coast, not far from Paris, is the small town of Yport. The best way to get there is by car, with exactly 222km between Paris and Yport. You can drive this within 2.5 hours without traffic, keeping in mind there may be a few toll roads along the way.
Yport is highly recommended for a beach trip from Paris as it is the perfect spot to get away from the busy city life for some peace. Try and spend at least a day here to enjoy Yport best. Start the day exploring the stone beach area and white cliffs, which is best to explore when the tide is out. This allows you to walk all the way around the corner of the white cliffs.
Enjoying a picnic here is also perfect, watching the fishing boats sail past and listening to the waves for some well-earned relaxation. However, if you don’t have a picnic on the beach, there are a few cozy restaurants to choose from. Le Petit Saint Pierre is highly recommended for a local bite to eat. They also serve the most delicious local ciders.
The area is also surrounded by a few beautiful cliff viewpoints, which can be reached by foot. From here you can see more along the Alabaster Coast and surrounding nature and of course Yport.
🚙 Travel time by car: 2 hours and 45 minutes
🚄 Travel time by train: 3 hours and 30 minutes with a change at Bréauté-Beuzeville
🏠 Recommended accommodation: Hôtel La Sirène
8. Berck Beach
Berck-sur-Mer is a seaside resort located in the north of France, not too far from Paris, known for its unique fauna and flora.
Like most of the beaches of the Opal Coast, Berck Beach is a huge sandy beach facing west, perfect to come and watch the sunset on a clear day. It is remarkable for its beautiful sand dunes offering nice walks and hikes with views. On the beach, you can rent one of the colorful huts to keep your belongings safe.
Along the coastline, seal watching is one of the most spectacular activities in the city. Between the Authie and the English Channel, these species bask in fish-rich waters in all seasons. However, you will have to keep an observation distance of 50 meters in order not to disturb their quietness.
The beach of Berck is also known for hosting international kite events as well as the kite festival, a magical event that will delight children and adults alike!
🚙 Travel time by car: 2 hours and 50 minutes
🚄 Travel time by train: 2 hours and 30 minutes with a bus change at Rang du Fliers – Verton – Berck
🏠 Recommended accommodation: Studio pour 4 pers – 250M plage – 1er étage
9. Étretat
— by Lena from Salut From Paris
Étretat is one of the best options for an easy getaway from Paris, less than 3 hours away. The small village on the shore of the channel is a very popular destination for Parisians who are keen on escaping the city buzz for a bit. Be it for a weekend away or a quick day trip.
Étretat is not your average sea town though. Tucked away in a bay on the beautiful Alabaster Coastline in the French Normandy region, it is known for spectacular rock formations and steep white cliffs.
If you are an avid hiker, follow the trail on top of the cliffs. No matter if you are in for a small loop or aiming to reach the next village, you will be granted fantastic views of the shore. But even if you are rather in for a relaxed day by the beach, Étretat delivers. Don’t expect sand though, especially not at high tide. Pebbles is what you get.
During low tide, the scenery completely changes when the ancient oyster gardens of Marie Antoinette are emerging from the sea. Perfect for a walk with rolled-up legs.
Étretat is also a great spot to sample delicious specialties from the region: mussels with french fries, crêpes, and galettes, and of course apple cider and Calvados, a strong apple spirit.
🚙 Travel time by car: 2 hours and 55 minutes
🚄 Travel time by train: 2 hours and 50 minutes with a change at Bréauté-Beuzeville
🏠 Recommended accommodation: La Famiglia
10. Le Touquet Beach
— by Pauline from France Pocket Guide
Located in the Pas-de-Calais, Le Touquet is one of the most famous seaside towns in France. It’s a popular destination for people living or staying in Paris since it’s an easy 3-hour drive from the capital, making it an excellent destination for a weekend away.
Le Touquet Beach is a 12-km long sandy beach that runs all the way from the town center to the Conche Bay nature park. In summer, you will enjoy relaxing on the beach and swimming in the sea. There are many colorful beach huts that you can hire.
But Le Touquet Beach is also famous for all the activities it offers. One of the most popular is sand yachting. You can rent a sand yacht from the local nautical center and roam along the beach. Windsurfing and surfing are also great options.
If you like horses, you will be delighted to know that you will also get the opportunity to go for a ride on the beach. The local horse riding center offers different types of horse riding treks.
Since the beach is located right by the town center, you can easily go for lunch or dinner there. You will find many restaurants and local bakeries serving delicious food. The Rue Saint-Jean is particularly well known when it comes to food and boutiques.
All in all, Le Touquet is an excellent choice for people who want to escape the city and are looking for a weekend getaway that could be either relaxing or sporty.
🚙 Travel time by car: 3 hours
🚄 Travel time by train: 3 hours with a change at Etaples Le Touquet train station
🏠 Recommended accommodation: Hôtel Gaspard
11. Omaha Beach, Normandy
Going to Omaha Beach is not a day at the beach like any other as it is the most famous beach of the Allied landing of 1944 in Normandy.
This beach along with its huge cemetery are true symbols of this event. Also called “Bloody Omaha”, it is on this beach that the heaviest losses occurred. This place of remembrance is overhung by cliffs where the Colleville-sur-Mer American Cemetery was built. More than 9,387 graves of soldiers who fell during the Battle of Normandy can be seen there.
Today, the beach itself has only a few ruins, but it remains a place full of history. You can also visit several important museums, notably the Overlord Museum and the Omaha Beach Memorial Museum.
To discover Omaha Beach in a different way, you can also choose to go on beautiful hikes and participate in activities on the beach (sand yachting, paragliding…).
Reaching Omaha Beach is an easy 3-hour drive from Paris with lots of parking facilities there. By train, it will take a bit longer as you will have to change once in Bayeux, then take the line 70 bus.
🚙 Travel time by car: 3 hours
🚄 Travel time by train: about 3 hours and 45 minutes with a change in Bayeux
🏠 Recommended accommodation: Appartement front mer proche omaha & utah beach – 3
Beaches Less than 2 Hours Flight from Paris
Most of the best beaches in France can be found in the South of France, especially on the Mediterranean Coast. Hopefully, France is not that big, so some of them are accessible in less than 2 hours by plane from Paris.
Here are the quickest beaches to reach from Paris by air!
Bonus: some of the beaches below are not in France!
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12. Plage du Prophète, Marseille
— by Nadine from Le Long Weekend
One of Marseille’s most beautiful beaches, Plage du Prophète welcomes you to spend the day swimming and snorkeling in gentle waters and sunbathing on its soft golden sand.
Beloved by both local families during the day, and young professionals who gather here for an apéro after work, it’s the ideal place to experience the real Marseille.
The sea here is shallow for a long stretch, making it perfect for little legs, or anyone who is learning to swim. And in the summer months, you’ll find volleyball and community games taking place at the rear of the beach.
It’s not the largest beach in Marseille, but it has loads of personality, and it’s backed by a stunning view of the city’s Corniche. There are also all the amenities you’ll need on hand, including a first aid station, showers, and lifeguards, and if you get peckish during your visit, just jump up to Chez Marco for pizza and pasta overlooking the water.
Marseille is just a quick 1h20 direct flight from Paris. From the Marseille airport, you can take the bus directly to the city center, from where you can walk to the centrally-located beach, or take bus 83 from the Vieux Port to the stop named Le Prophète.
✈️ Travel time by plane: 1 hour and 20 minutes
🚄 Travel time by train: 3,5 hours to Marseille Saint Charles train station
🏠 Recommended accommodation: JOOLIA SooHome
🔎 Read more: The very best hotels in Marseille
13. Prado Beach, Marseille
Prado Beach is 3.5km long and is the largest in Marseille, and the most famous. It is composed of 3 beaches, each with its own identity and atmosphere.
With its kilometers of coastline stretching to the horizon, the long Prado Beach was developed in 1970 in order to give a practical use to an otherwise little used and frequented area. Over time, Prado Beach has become a major attraction and attracts nearly 4 million visitors each year.
At the Prado, not only can you spend a pleasant day on the beach with sun, blue sea, surfing, and windsurfing, but you can also enjoy its facilities including gardens, refreshment areas, restaurants, parks with children’s rides, and an area dedicated to skateboarding. Everything you could need to spend a perfect beach day with family!
This beach is also popular with the sporty people who often come to play soccer on its golden sand, and with people who go for a walk or a jog.
✈️ Travel time by plane: 1 hour and 20 minutes
🚄 Travel time by train: 3,5 hours to Marseille Saint Charles train station
🏠 Recommended accommodation: Aparthotel Adagio Marseille Prado Plage
🔎 Read more: The best area to stay in Marseille
14. La Plage Calanque d’En-Vau, Marseille
The beach of the Calanque d’En-Vau is located about 28 kilometers from the center of Marseille towards Cassis, which adds a bit of a drive. But this incredible beach is one of Marseille’s must-sees, so we couldn’t fail to mention it in this list.
La Plage Calanque d’En-Vau is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches of the Calanques National Park. It is nestled in the hollow of impressive high cliffs overlooking the pebble beach and the crystal clear turquoise waters. It is however rather difficult to access since you will have to hike a little. But this doesn’t stop visitors from coming in crowds!
There are several ways to reach the Calanque d’En-Vau. Either by land, from the Col de la Gardiole following the GR 98 or GR 51 hiking trails that cross the Calanques massif from west to east, counting about 2 to 3 hours round trip.
It is also possible to go there by car or by bus (line 8 from Castellane), by the route des Crêtes, except in summer, because the access to the massifs is regulated because of the risks of fires.
Otherwise, you can also take a boat from the port of Marseille or Cassis, or rent a sea kayak from the beach of Cassis. This is the best way to enjoy it, but be careful, it is impossible to dock, it is only to visit.
✈️ Travel time by plane: 1 hour and 20 minutes
🚄 Travel time by train: 3,5 hours to Marseille Saint Charles train station
🏠 Recommended accommodation: Citadines Castellane Marseille
15. La Grande Plage, Biarritz
– by Leyla from Offbeat France
In a city famed for its seaside, La Grande Plage is queen among beaches. Once known as the Crazy Beach and eventually as the Empress’s Beach (in honor of Napoleon III’s wife, who made the town famous), this is the beating heart of Biarritz, where surfers and people watchers and bourgeois bathers converge. It is right downtown, after all.
The lighthouse at one end and the casino and town at the other are an invitation to stroll along the promenade, especially when it’s time for the notoriously spectacular sunsets. Grab a table at one of the cafés along the water, but get there early, before all the best seats are taken.
This beach consistently ranks among Europe’s favorite beaches and its postcard prettiness is one of the reasons why. It is an absolute must on any visit to the French Basque country.
Biarritz is known for its surf so if you’ve always wanted to catch a wave, this is your chance! Its nearly 500 meters of soft white sand are also an invitation to simply… chill. Rent a parasol or a tent, hand your kids over to one of the children’s clubs for an hour, and enjoy the view.
Getting to Biarritz from Paris is a short 1hr25min flight (plus a few minutes on the bus to get downtown) but sadly, the train takes a whopping four hours.
✈️ Travel time by plane: 1 hour and 25 minutes
🚄 Travel time by train: 4,5 hours
🏠 Recommended accommodation: Hôtel Cosmopolitain
16. Ponchettes Beach, Nice
— by Lisa from Waves and Cobblestones
The city of Nice, part of the alluring French Riviera, is only about a 1.5-hour flight away from Paris.
Nice boasts one of the most photogenic coastlines – a 4-mile stretch of beaches forming a beautiful arc against the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
One of the best public beaches in Nice is the Plage des Ponchettes or Ponchettes Beach. It features a sandy beach volleyball court, but the rest of the beach is made up of pebbles rather than sand. The pebbly beaches of Nice are a little tricky to walk on, but still great for sunbathing or people-watching. Bring along aqua shoes if you want to walk along the water’s edge or take a dip.
Ponchettes Beach is towards the eastern edge of Nice’s string of beaches and is close to the popular #ILoveNICE photo spot. It is also the beach closest to the Marché Aux Fleurs, a wonderful food and flower market. Be sure to make a stop at the market and enjoy some delicious local cuisine for your lunch. Or sample Nice’s favorite snack food, socca!
No visit to Nice is complete without a stroll along the iconic Promenade des Anglais. This 4-mile pedestrian walkway hugs the coastline. With the gorgeous beaches on one side and a myriad of hotels and restaurants on the other, the Promenade des Anglais is a favorite destination for tourists and locals alike.
🚙 Travel time by plane: 1 hour and 25 minutes
🚄 Travel time by train: 6 hours
🏠 Recommended accommodation: Studio Promenade des Anglais Negresco
17. Ruhl Beach, Nice
– by Elena from The Carry-On Chronicles
This is another beach in Nice, the perfect place to trade the hustle and bustle of Parisian life for the glitz and glamour of the sparkling Mediterranean all in one short flight.
Ruhl Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the city and one of the most beautiful destinations in France. Located along the iconic Promenade des Anglais seafront, it is beloved for its vibrant blue water, upscale atmosphere, and the trendy seaside restaurant that shares its name, Ruhl Plage.
If you’re planning to spend the day at Ruhl Beach – one of the best things to do in Nice – it is best to arrive in the morning to secure a prime spot on the sand. While an umbrella and sun lounger will cost approximately 28 euros depending on the season, this grants you exclusive access to dine at Ruhl Plage as well as enjoy other convenient amenities, including lockers and shower access.
In addition, given the prime location of Ruhl Beach along the Promenade des Anglais, there are plenty of activities to enjoy beyond the sand as well. This popular seafront boulevard is lined with many fabulous restaurants, the famous Le Negresco Hotel, and a designated bike lane for bikers and skaters.
Plus, for an incredible panoramic view over the boulevard, consider making the hike up to Castle Hill, one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Nice.
🚙 Travel time by plane: 1 hour and 25 minutes
🚄 Travel time by train: 6 hours
🏠 Recommended accommodation: Hôtel restaurant Oasis
18. Plage Saint-François, Corsica
If you want to discover heavenly beaches in France, Corsica is waiting for you. Saint-François Beach is located in the capital of South Corsica, Ajaccio, which is a very beautiful sunny city full of dreamy places to swim.
Plage Saint-François is one of the most famous in Ajaccio. Sandwiched between the ramparts of the citadel and many restaurants and bars, it is located a stone’s throw from the city center. Very popular with both Corsicans and tourists, this lovely sandy beach is particularly photogenic.
This fine sandy beach offers plenty of space for everyone, ideal for relaxing or playing with friends. As for the sea, it is crystal clear, with a gentle slope, especially on the eastern part, which is much calmer.
In spite of its proximity to the city center, the beach of Saint-François is not particularly crowded, and this is because it doesn’t have any bathing establishments. It is therefore the perfect place to escape the chaos of the city and get away from the daily stress.
Going to Ajaccio from Paris is pretty quick as it only takes 1,5 hours. You can easily make a round trip in one day. From Ajaccio airport, a bus (line 8) will take you to the city center in 20 minutes.
🚙 Travel time by plane: 1 hour and 35 minutes
🏠 Recommended accommodation: Résidence 18Bonaparte
19. Plage Terre Sacrée, Corsica
Plage Terre Sacrée, or Sacred Earth Beach, is also located in Ajaccio, about 20 minutes by transport/drive from the city center. It is made up of several small sandy coves and large rocks at the water’s edge, which makes it one of the prettiest and most famous beaches in Corsica!
Plage Terre Sacrée is a real postcard thanks to its crystal clear sea, its soft sand alternating with pink granite rocks and its luxuriant vegetation. The beach owes its name to a monument located on the granite blocks, a commemorative stone of the battles of the 1st World War dedicated to the soldiers who died for France.
On this beach, you can alternate walks between the rocks, refreshing swims, and moments of relaxation under the sunshades that can be rented.
Frequented all year round by locals, Sacred Earth Beach attracts a lot of tourists in summer because of its easy access, parking facilities and restaurants. Le Week End restaurant is, by the way, an excellent place where you can taste local specialties and fresh fish.
🚙 Travel time by plane: 1 hour and 35 minutes
🏠 Recommended accommodation: Creste E Mare
20. Barceloneta Beach, Spain
And yes, Barcelona is only 1h40 by air from Paris! And in addition to being one of the best beach destinations in Europe, Gaudi’s city is full of history and incredible monuments to see at least once in your life. So I highly recommend you to go there if you have the opportunity.
Barceloneta is the city’s largest and most popular beach. It is located right in the center of the city, on the shore of one of the most characteristic neighborhoods of the city, the old fishermen’s barrio that is part of the Ciutat Vella. Just behind it, you will find bars and clubs for a vacation atmosphere 365 days a year.
Since this is a very touristy spot, it is inevitably very crowded. In other words, if you want to read in peace and quiet, this may not be the ideal beach. However, it is worth a visit. Dotted with several chiringuitos, it is a perfect place to spend the afternoon with friends. Between cocktails, swimming and animations, you will spend an unforgettable day.
Barcelona city center can be reached in less than 30 minutes by taking the A1 line from the airport. To reach the beach, you’ll have to walk for about 30 minutes (the occasion to visit the city) or take the 59 or V15 bus.
🚙 Travel time by plane: 1 hour and 40 minutes
🏠 Recommended accommodation: Hotel Cantón
21. Playa Arenal Bol, Spain
— by Martina from Places of Juma
Playa Arenal Bol is a really beautiful beach close to Alicante, famous for its dramatic views of Calpe Rock. Although it is a bit over 2 hours away from Paris with the connection to the beach, we had to include it in this list because it is one of the best beach destinations in Europe.
This enchanting dream beach is located in the resort of Calpe on the Costa Blanca, and is the perfect place for a few relaxing days on the beach. Here you are far away from the hustle and bustle of the city of Paris and can relax optimally under the warm sun of Spain.
On a trip to Calpe, you will enjoy a long dream beach, which delights with fine sand and turquoise blue sea colors. Especially in spring it is pleasantly quiet here, the weather is usually wonderfully warm and even the sea invites you to swim. Perfect if you want to enjoy some sun before summer.
As mentioned above, the beach has a real special feature, the mighty rock Penon Ifach, which gives this sandy beach its unique backdrop. The beach motif is really ingenious and photographers come here especially to shoot grandiose pictures.
The long promenade is also beautiful and invites you to stroll along the coast. On the way, you will always discover interesting places, such as Roman baths and even pink flamingos, and so a beach vacation in Calpe becomes an unforgettable experience.
🚙 Travel time by plane: 2 hours and 10 minutes
🏠 Recommended accommodation: Port Europa
FAQ on the Best Beaches close to Paris
Find below some frequently asked questions about the best beaches near Paris France and my personal recommendations if you can’t choose.
If you have any other questions that are left unanswered after reading this, ask in the comments & I’ll get back to you soon!
Are there any beaches in Paris?
No, there are no beaches in Paris France, but you can find alternatives: Paris Plages.
Although Paris Plages is definitely less glamorous than the other beaches on this list, it is a little getaway in the heart of the capital. This area offers 4 kilometers of man-made beaches along the Seine to the Bassin de la Villette.
Despite the fact that you can’t swim, these Paris beaches are nice to spend a day enjoying the sun and lazing on the sand. There, you will find refreshment stalls, a petanque court, and deckchairs for maximum comfort.
Are there any other alternatives to the artificial beaches of Paris?
Yes, you can find several leisure centers around Paris located less than 1 hour from Paris and where you can actually swim.
Here are some of the best:
- Île de Loisirs Vaires-Torcy (about 30 minutes drive/bus from Paris)
- Ile de Loisirs de Bois-le-Roi (about 1hr20 drive/bus from Paris)
- Jablines-Annet Leisure Island (about 1hr15 bus/1-hour drive from Paris)
What is the nearest beach to Paris?
The nearest beach to Paris is the Île de Loisirs Vaires-Torcy as it is located only 30 minutes away from the city.
However, if you are looking for a true beach with the sea, the closest beach to Paris is Deauville Beach as it only takes 2 hours and 15 minutes with a direct train or 2 hours and 30 minutes by car.
What is the best closest beach to Paris?
For me, among the best France beaches near Paris listed in this post, my favorite is the Plage Terre Sacrée in Corsica.
But if you prefer not to fly, I would recommend choosing Le Touquet Beach for its beautiful dunes and the views over the bay, or Etretat for its spectacular cliffs.
Map of the Beaches near Paris
To get the free map of the beaches of Paris and closest beaches, simply click on the image below to open it in Google Maps. Then click on the “star” icon to save it to your own maps.
Visit Paris
Planning a trip to Paris? You can find below several other guides about this wonderful city to help you plan your trip.
- Famous landmarks to visit in Paris
- Where to Stay in Paris
- Best spots to view the Eiffel Tower
- Staying in Paris with Family
- Best spots for sunrise in Paris
- Visiting Paris in winter
- Day trip itinerary to Paris
And if you need more inspiration, check all my Paris travel guides.
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I hope I could help you to choose your beach and that you will enjoy your trip; if you have any questions, let me know in the comments below.
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