25 Most Beautiful Beaches Near Paris for Summer 2026
Paris lures people from around the world every year with its magical atmosphere and incredible landmarks, not to mention amazing cuisine! But, if you’re looking to escape the bustling city life and want to know if there are any beaches near Paris, you’re in luck.
Don’t get me wrong – I absolutely love Paris. But, after traveling all over France to some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, everywhere from Deauville Beach in Normandy to Le Porge Océan near Bordeaux, there’s so much sunny relaxation to be had on the borders of France!
Travel times between Paris and these beaches will vary from a few minutes to several hours, but I can promise you that these beaches are worth traveling for. You may want to make a day or weekend trip out of Paris to get the most out of your time.
I’ve also provided a complete map labeling every beach on this list and answered some helpful questions regarding your options when traveling from Paris!
P.S. – be sure to download my FREE 3-day Paris itinerary below!
Best Beaches Near Paris by Train
Below are 25 of the most incredible beaches close to Paris that we wanted to share with you. Keep in mind that this list is far from all-inclusive and that there are hundreds of beautiful beaches scattered across the coastlines of France!
Be sure to do some research on how far each individual journey is to help you decide if you’ll want to stay the night in the local town versus traveling back to Paris.
Travel times will vary greatly depending on the beach and region, and not all of the mentioned beaches are accessible via train. Buses, taxis, Ubers, or car rentals may be required to access the beach!
1. Paris Plages
Did you know that the city of Paris strategically dumps sand along the canals to provide tourists and locals with a place to cool off, making Paris Plages the only beach in Paris? It’s pretty cool!
The sand is also occasionally dropped in spots around the city for impromptu beach games such as volleyball and frisbee. This is perfect if you have a hotel or accommodation directly in Paris and don’t want to have to go far for a bit of sand.
Among the most famous beaches in Paris, be sure to check it out if you’re stopping into France’s capital this summer! However, if you prefer to dip your toes in the ocean then you may prefer one of the other beaches below
2. Île de Loisirs Vaires-Torcy
Located just 30 minutes east of Paris by car, or an hour by train, the Île de Loisirs Vaires-Torcy is one of the best beaches near Paris for families and young children, and the nearest beach to Paris by train!
The beach is located on the banks of La presqu’île: a beautiful swimming basin that is optimal for water games and leisurely swimming.
Visitors can soak up some sun on the lovely white-sand beach before heading up to the green for lawn games, a cookout, or more tanning!
Visitors can also enjoy the nearby golf course, rent rackets for tennis, and practice their water sports with the Olympic-grade equipment that was used for the 2024 Île-de-France rowing and canoeing events!
The Île de Loisirs Vaires-Torcy is the perfect beach near Paris for people of all ages. Whether you want to stick your toes in the sand, go for a swim, or play 18 holes with a view of the ocean, the Île de Loisirs Vaires-Torcy has you covered!
3. Plage Sainte-Marguerite
This long, sandy beach in Pornichet, France just outside of Nantes, France is popular for kitesurfing and has two separate channels for wind sports and motor sports.
Visitors can now enjoy non-smoking sections of this beach as well as an on-duty lifeguard in the summers, free parking, and delicious restaurants open year-round.
This beautiful white sand beach is 3 hours and 50 minutes to Nantes by train, then a quick car ride away making it one of the best weekend beach trips from Paris!
Enjoy the calm, swimmable waters before heading into Nantes to explore the exciting history and culture of the popular French destination.
4. Plage de Dieppe
Easily reachable by train, this is one of the best beaches near Paris! Hop on the train at Saint-Lazare and get off at Gare de Dieppe, about a two and a half hour journey altogether. From there you’ll have about a 10-minute walk from the train station to Dieppe Beach.
It’s not your typical soft-sanded beach, but instead, it’s covered in beautiful small stones and pebbles (perfect for the avid rock collector). You can also find some nice sea glass here around some of the sandier parts!
The water is beautifully clear and the beach makes for a great quick getaway from city life. After your day at the beach, spend some time walking around the fishing port, the beautiful little town, the museums, and even the city castle, the Château de Dieppe.
Plus, the town is known for its excellent restaurants that are serving up locally caught seafood and exquisite wines to pair with it!
5. Plage de Mers-les-Bains
Just under three hours northwest of Paris by car, the Plage de Mers-les-Bains is known for its stunning light-blue waters and its unique envelopment by cliffs on either side.
Visitors will enjoy the calm waters and historical buildings flooded with art nouveau architecture lining the beachfront which are perfect for picking up some lunch in the middle of the day.
You’ll also find plenty of street parking along the waterfront, so you’ll rarely have to park far from the beach unless you find yourself there on a Saturday in the late morning in July.
You can also reach the town of Le Tréport, France in about 4 hours by train if you don’t plan on renting a car for your vacation.
Le Tréport is a great spot to visit in the summers owing to its lively beach scene and summer businesses, but come fall the town tends to shut down.
This can be great if you’re hoping for a quieter, less busy beach experience, but I would recommend avoiding it come September if you’re hoping for sunny weather and warm temperatures.
6. Plage des Ailes
In the southwest of France in the small town of Mimizan, the Plage des Ailes is known for its white sand and long stretches of coastline. This makes it great if you’re looking to get away from the crowds and find some space to spread out your towel!
Plus, you’ll find ample parking in the town and amazing shopping nearby, so you’ll be close to all of the action of this lesser-known summer town most enjoyed by the locals.
The Plage des Ailes is also well known for its amazing sunsets! So, if I were you, I would jump on a Friday morning 4-hour train from Paris to Labouheyre and spend the day soaking up as much sun as possible before hitting the town for an amazing seafood dinner.
Afterward, I’d grab a bottle of wine and some cheese and take to the dunes where I’d sit and wait for the sunset on a warm summer’s eve. You may want to consider a thermos, however, as public drinking isn’t legal in France.
7. Plage du Butin
Located around 2.25 hours from Paris by car, this popular beach is a real stunner. Covered in fine, white sand and a small amount of seaweed, this beach makes for the perfect playing area for kids and adults.
Situated in the town of Honfleur, off the northwestern coast of France, the Plage du Butin offers a small area to soak up some sun and is within view of the nearby port and promenade.
Come to enjoy the salty ocean air and the beautiful views, but stay for the outstanding seafood restaurants and convenient concession stands located all around!
This beach is a great fit for people of all ages and preferences owing to its unique blend of scenery, calm waters, and nearby attractions.
After your long day on the beach and night out on the promenade, opt to grab a cozy little cabin along the boardwalk or jump on the train or bus and head down to our next favorite beach spot – Deauville!
8. Deauville Beach
Owing to its close proximity to the Plage du Butin, Deauville Beach is easily reachable in 2.5 hours by car or just under 3 hours via train (includes some walking) from Paris.
Located on the coast of Normandy, Deauville Beach is also close to some significant historical sites from World War II making it a great place for history buffs to spend a few hours.
But, in addition to enjoying this beach’s expansive white sands, visitors can take long walks along the promenade, check out the street vendors, and take some time to photograph the vibrant umbrellas that line one section of the beach.
Like to bodysurf as we call it here in the States? This is one of the best beaches near Paris to enjoy the waves!
There isn’t too strong of an under current and the waves break close to the shoreline, making it an excellent choice for people traveling with kids who love to play in the water!
Most Popular Beaches Near Paris
9. Berck Sur Mer Beach
Easily recognized for its iconic colorful houses, the Berck Sur Mer Beach is one of the most popular beaches near Paris! Located about 2 hours and 30 minutes by car from Paris, the town of Berck is in the far northwest of the country.
Guests can spend hours relaxing in the refreshing, calm water or they can take advantage of the several concessions nearby!
Rent bikes and make the 2.5 kilometer trek from Seals Beach (Plage des Phoques) to the Berck Sur Mer Beach (it also makes for a lovely walk) or spend a few hours popping in and out of the dozens of shops that line the promenade.
If you decide to head this far north of Paris, it will probably be best to find a place to stay. Owing to the town’s smaller size than most other beach destinations, it could be difficult finding public transportation later in the evening.
10. Étretat Cliffs and Beach
If you’ve been researching the ultimate France itinerary, there’s a pretty good chance that you have come across Étretat along the way. Étretat is best known for its stunning cliffs and natural stone arches that line the sweeping French coastline just north of Le Havre.
While you could technically spend weeks here enjoying the scenery that drew Claude Monet to create nearly two-dozen beautiful paintings, most of us don’t have that much time.
If you’re able to take a weekend beach trip from Pairs, I highly suggest the Étretat cliffs. Not only do they provide several amazing hiking trails and endless scenic vistas, but there are also several lesser known beaches nestled between the stone arches.
Enjoy the pristine white sands that have been untouched by people and gawk at the breathtaking cliffsides that form this beautiful part of France’s coastline.
At just 2.5 hours away from the city by car, Étretat provides some of the most tranquil beaches near Paris that you can get to!
11. Plage Dunes de la Slack
Around 3 hours and 15 minutes from Paris is the town of Wimereux, France. Home to the beautiful Plage Dunes De La Slack, you’ll find a sweeping coastline backed by lush seagrass and fun tidepools on the rocky edges of the beach.
The surf is often good with great opportunities for surfing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, swimming, and even snorkeling!
All beachgoers are welcome here, including your furry friends (just be sure to clean up after them!)
After a day basking in the sun on this more secluded beach in the northwest region of France, visitors can visit the impressive Stützpunkt 207 Fischreiher fortress, check out La pointe aux Oies, or even play a round of golf at the Golf Wimereux club!
The beach itself offers a peaceful escape from the bustling metropolis that is Paris, but it’s also nearby some great restaurants, museums, and interesting history.
12. Plage de Cabourg
Situated on the Normandy coast of France, the Plage de Cabourg is one of the most popular beaches near Paris.
Covered in vibrant umbrellas and lovely soft sands, and with excellent waves for swimming and paddle boarding, this one gets an all-around perfect score for the ultimate family beach!
Couples can enjoy privacy on the vast amount of beach available while children and families can enjoy making sand castles, going boogie boarding, or picking out an ice cream on the promenade.
All throughout the day, visitors will find a lively promenade overflowing with unique shops, bars, and restaurants, as well as opportunities to bet some money at the casino or enjoy a picnic in the nearby park.
Plage de Cabourg is one of the overall best beaches in France for people of all ages due to its long stretches of golden sand, lively pavilion, and its vast amount of options for different activities!
13. Plage de la Côte Des Basques
In the far southeastern town of Biarritz, the Plage de la Côte Des Basques floods with tourists every summer looking to enjoy the great waves along with the admirable boardwalk boasting incredible views over the Bay of Biscay.
People come from all over to watch the surfers here catch big waves owing to the region’s higher wind speeds. Children can enjoy the tidepools on the rockier edges of the beach, while couples can enjoy leisurely swimming in the warm, summertime water!
While the Plage de la Côte Des Basques does take a little more travel time than other beaches on this list (about 4.5 hours by train), it is still one of the best beaches in France near Paris.
14. Plage de l’Arène
Positioned just east of the town of Cassis, France, the Plage de l’Arène is one of the most beautiful inlet beaches in the country. Similar to the Calanque d’En-Vau, visitors can enjoy tranquil, turquoise blue waters, a rugged coastline, and plenty of nearby gems worth exploring.
But, they don’t have to endure all of the walking and travel time that it takes to get to the Calanques.
After a day full of swimming in the pristine waters of Cassis, take a hike or ride down to the Falaises de Cassis where you’ll get to stand on the most incredible observation deck overlooking the town and crystal clear waters!
Or, you can also opt for a full-day kayak tour through some of the most gorgeous coves in the region! I recommend Kayak Cassis Calanques Immersion for its outstanding 5-star reviews across the board.
15. Calanque d’En-Vau
The Calanque d’En-Vau is located inside a national forest, situated directly between Marseille and La Ciotat, France. In addition to rock climbing and a plethora of water sports, people can enjoy the crystal clear turquoise waters that this region is best known for.
I don’t suggest driving there yourself unless you’re doing the ultimate France itinerary as it will likely take you upwards of 9-10 hours. Instead, opt to take the train from Paris to Marseille, then rent a car or join a tour group to the national park for the day!
No matter how you plan on getting there, the Calanque d’En-Vau is absolutely worth a visit and is excellent for snorkeling, swimming, water games, and of course, lounging in the sun. For those who like a little more adventure, hiking and rock climbing are exciting options, as well!
16. Plage de la Côte Des Basques
Another beach in the southeastern town of Biarritz, the Plage de la Côte Des Basques becomes flooded with tourists and locals alike each and every summer.
The best time to visit is in late August and early September, when the weather is still warm but you’ll avoid the crowds.
Enjoy the beautiful, golden sand and rolling waves that are great for swimming and surfing, and be sure to walk along the boardwalk and take in the stunning scenery that surrounds this popular beach.
Then, enjoy some wonderful food at one of the many amazing restaurants in the area before bouncing between the local shops in search of a great French souvenir!
17. Omaha Beach
While the beach itself is quite beautiful, most people don’t come here just to relax in the sand. Omaha Beach in Normandy, France played a very large role on D-Day during World War II.
Shown above is the Les Braves, the steel sculpture that was built to commemorate all fallen American soldiers during the tragic battle that occurred on June 6, 1944. Along the coastline, you can still see the remains of former German bunkers that once defended this region during the Nazi Regime.
Nearby, you’ll also find the breathtaking Normandy American Cemetery, the interesting Overlord Museum, the Memorial Museum of Omaha Beach, the Omaha Beach Memorial, and many other attributes to the conflicts that happened here.
If you’re a history enthusiast or simply want to learn more about WWII, a visit to Omaha Beach surely won’t disappoint.
Enjoy a swim and soak up some sun before picking up your beach towel and checking out the incredible landmarks that make this area one of the most visited tourist destinations in France to this day!
If you’re interested in exploring Normandy a bit further, check out these 11 Top-Rated Normandy Tours from Paris!
Best Quiet Beaches Near Paris
18. Plage de Malo-les-Bains
Located in the town of Dunkirk near the northwestern border of France and Belgium, the Plage de Malo-les-Bains is one of the best family beaches on this list.
Its long stretches of gorgeous, golden sand lure in beachgoers from both France and Belgium every year and is often crowned one of the most popular beaches in this region of France!
Along with its great surf, the beach boasts a fun promenade covered in cafes and shops. Kids and adults alike also enjoy playing in the large tidepools that trap shrimp and crabs at low tide each day.
The Plage de Malo-les-Bains is also known for its significance during WWII as a landmark where one of the biggest evacuations of French, British, and Belgian soldiers took place in 1940.
Whether you want to play in the sand or hit the museums, this is one of the overall best beaches near Paris!
19. Plage Dragey-Ronthon
On the west coast of France, between the coastal cities of Granville and Saint-Malo sits the beautiful Plage Dragey-Ronthon.
Home to stunning blue water, an eclectic mix of gold and white sand, and some of the best seashells along the coast, this beach is easily one of the best quiet beaches near Paris.
In addition to a plethora of water sports that can be enjoyed here, guests can do some wildlife watching of migratory birds in the sand dunes or enjoy a long walk along the seemingly endless miles of French coastline on offer here.
Reachable in about 4 hours by train, the Plage Dragey-Ronthon is a fantastic spot to escape the wild city life and soak up some sun!
20. Plage de Saint-Estève
While a trip to Marseille isn’t exactly quick, it makes for one of the best weekend beach trips from Paris! You can reach Marseille via train in about 3.5 hours, then you’ll need to take a boat to get to the Plage de Saint-Estève. But don’t worry… your efforts will be well-rewarded!
Located on Les Îles, also known as the Frioul Islands which are a stunning archipelago home to several gorgeous beaches and hiking trails.
Plage de Saint-Estève is located on the biggest island directly west of the mainland inside a large cove that is filled with turquoise blue water and a lovely sandy beach surrounded by large rocks and stunning scenery.
Although it may require a little more planning than the previously mentioned beaches, the beaches on the Frioul Islands are by far some of the best quiet beaches near Paris that are still in France!
21. Sablettes Beach
Sablettes Beach, also known as Plage des Sablettes, is one of the best quiet beaches near Paris. Under 4 hours by train from Paris to Toulon, and then just a 20-minute drive from the train station, this beach should definitely be on your radar if you’re heading to Marseille.
Perfect for families, Sablettes Beach has shallow water and no steep drop-offs, making it ideal for young children.
It’s a quiet, family-friendly beach that is also very clean and well-kept. In addition to sunbathing and swimming, you can also rent surfboards onsite or enjoy one of the many nearby restaurants and cafes.
There are also public toilets at the beach, so you can be assured that you’ll always have a place to go when nature calls!
If you’re looking for a relaxing day at the beach but want to avoid the crowds of southern France, Sablettes Beach is definitely worth checking out.
22. Plage du Borrigo
Ever wanted to hit the beach just a few miles from the border of France and Italy? Well, here’s your chance! The Plage du Borrigo is located in the town of Menton, about 7 hours from Paris by train.
So, it’s not exactly day trip worthy to say the least, but if you have a few days that you can spare from the City of Lights, then I would certainly put this on your list of beaches near Paris to go see.
Known for its calm waters, clear blue sea, and warm sun, Plage du Borrigo makes for the perfect relaxing beach day whether you’re traveling alone, with your partner, or with young children.
Although it’s not as well-known as some of the other popular beaches in southern France, this hidden gem offers all the same perks that you’ll find at its more famous counterparts—without the crowds!
If you’re looking for a quiet beach day but don’t want to give up the perks of southern France’s amazing coastline, Plage du Borrigo is definitely worth checking out.
23. Le Porge Océan
Located almost as far southwest as you can get, Le Porge Océan is just 56 kilometers west of Bordeaux! If you’re coming from Paris, the train ride will take between 3-4 hours to Bordeaux, then you’ll have about an hour’s drive to the beach.
It’s the perfect spot if you want to combine your beach retreat with one of these amazing wine tours in France!
Easily recognized for its beautiful sand dunes, golden sand, and strong winds perfect for water sports such as windsurfing and kite surfing, Le Porge Océan is well known among summer enthusiasts looking for a good spot to shred up some waves.
Plus, with plenty of free onsite parking and nearby restaurants and shops, this beach caters to all crowds.
It’s not great for families traveling with small children who enjoy getting in the water due to the rough waves and stronger undercurrents, but it’s great for anyone looking for a beautiful nature escape just outside of one of France’s most famous wine regions.
24. Conche of Whales
Further north of Bordeaux will bring us to the lovely town of La Rochelle and better yet, the Île de Ré! With beaches scattered left and right, there’s only one that has truly caught tourists’ eye.
At the very western tip of the island sits what is known as the Conche of Whales, or Conche des Baleines.
This wide and beautiful sandy beach is known for its beautiful lighthouse, and like Le Porge Océan, is covered in lush sand dunes. It will take a bit of work to reach, as La Rochelle is about 3.25 hours by train from Paris, and you’ll then need to pay for a taxi to reach the beach an additional 50 minutes away.
But, with free nearby parking and great surf conditions, this is definitely a spot that any true beach bum needs to check out while they’re in the south of France.
So, if you love beaches and surfing but want to avoid all the crowds and chaos of southern France’s most popular beaches, Conche des Baleines is definitely worth the journey.
Whether you go solo or with friends, you’re sure to have a relaxing and fun day on what is arguably one of the most beautiful beaches near Paris in France.
25. Porigo Beach
Ever heard of the Quiberon Peninsula? My guess is probably not – but that’s okay! This is a great opportunity for you to get out and explore it. Whether you’re in search of a quiet beach escape on your own or with young kids, Porigo Beach is easily one of the best beaches near Paris.
The beach is known for its surprisingly calm waters which makes it perfect for families traveling with young kids, as well as anyone looking for a gentle kayak ride or paddleboard out on the water.
Owing to the beach’s calm nature, you typically won’t find any extreme water sports enthusiasts there, so it’s a very nice place if you’re looking for a nice place to relax in peace and quiet.
Not to mention, Porigo Beach also comes equipped with a shower to help you rinse all the salt and sand off of you before you make your way to your hotel!
The Quiberon Peninsula is just under 5 hours by train, so you’ll want to plan ahead if you are dreaming of visiting Porigo Beach.
Map of the Best Beaches Near Paris
Now that we’ve talked about some of the best beaches outside of Paris, here is a map to get an idea of where they are all located.
This can help you plan your itinerary and give you an idea of how far you’ll need to travel to get to the beach you want to visit from Paris.
FAQ
What is the Closest Beach to Paris?
It is quite the business tactic, but honestly, we’re here for it! If you don’t mind giving up the waves and smell of the salty air, then the closest beach to Paris is the Paris Plages.
However, if you’re looking for a real beach to swim and sunbathe at, then the closest beach to Paris is Dieppe!
If you’re looking to not leave the city, but still want even just the slightest amount of beach time, you’ll have to visit in the summer months. This goes against everything I normally advise when it comes to the best time to visit Paris, but needs must.
In the summers, Paris has several massive dump trucks come and dump some sand in two places along the boat canals of the Seine River for people to enjoy.
It’s a great way to provide people with a little taste of the “beach” without having thousands of tourists leaving the city to cool off.
Are There Beaches Near Paris?
Yes, there are dozens of beaches near Paris. Ranging in size and popularity, you’re never far from a good beach if you find yourself in the City of Lights. You just may need to plan a day or weekend trip to get there!
Take a peek at the list above to find out which beach is right for you.
Whether you’re short on time and just want a quick visit or you’re looking for a weekend beach trip from Paris, you’re sure to find something that will suit your travel needs.
Does Paris Have a Seaside?
No, Paris does not have a seaside. Paris is a city in the center of France with the Seine River being the only body of water to cross through it.
The closest seaside to Paris would be Le Havre, which is about 100km away from the center of Paris. So, Paris is not near the sea, but it is just a short trip to many beautiful beaches in France.
How Long Is It from Paris to the Beach?
Paris is about 200 kilometers from any beach in France, but most of them are easily reachable by driving, taking the train, or a combination of flying and public transportation.
Most beaches on this list are under 3 hours from Paris, but some may require a weekend trip to get the most out of your time.
How Many Beaches Does Paris Have?
Technically, Paris isn’t actually home to any real beaches owing to its location in the center of France.
However, it is located along the Seine River, which is where sand gets brought once a summer for people to enjoy. This is referred to as the Paris Plages or the “beaches of Paris.”
But, the city of Paris isn’t far from the west coast of France, so you’re never too far from a beautiful beach!
How Do I Get to the Beaches Near Paris?
Unfortunately, many of the beaches near Paris on this list and others won’t be a direct train ride from the city.
Instead, you’ll likely have to look for a combination of trains, buses, and possible taxis or Ubers to get you where you are going.
If this is the case, be sure to do the math on how much that will cost you altogether, as renting a car may be more time-efficient and could save you money!
Which Beach is Best from Paris by Train?
Plage Le Crotoy, Touquet Beach, and Plage de Mers-les-Bains are three of the best beaches that you can reach from Paris by train! They’re known for their gorgeous white sand, calm waters, and amazing shopping and food options nearby.
They all require between 2.5-3.5 hours of travel time each way, so it’s best to plan an overnight if you want to get a full beach day in!
No matter how much you love the hustle and bustle of city life, there comes a time when we all just need to escape to a place where we can sit back, relax, and enjoy the quiet. Yes, even in Paris!
So, I hope you enjoyed this list of some of the best beaches near Paris and it motivates you to get out of the city and explore France’s beautiful, rugged coastlines!
Next, be sure to download my comprehensive Europe summer packing list so you have it with you while you’re packing your bags!
