Best Beach Holidays in France

Day trip

Return One way

From: Dover

To: Calais

Departing

Returning

Day trip

Departing

Day trip

Finding the best beach holidays in France

Travelling by ferry from Dover to Calais is one of the easiest ways to start your trip. Once you arrive, you’ll find some fantastic beaches within minutes of the port, making them ideal for day trips and short breaks. If you have more time, you can turn your journey into an unforgettable coastal road trip and explore the best beach holidays in France, all the way down to the Mediterranean.

Here are some of the best beaches to visit, whether you’re staying close to Calais or planning south of France beach holidays.

Best beaches in Northern France

Calais Beach – A Seaside Escape Minutes from the Port

Distance from Calais port: 10 minutes

Calais Beach is the most convenient destination if you want to enjoy the seaside almost immediately after arriving in France. Just a short drive from the ferry terminal, this wide sandy beach is perfect for a relaxing stroll or a day in the fresh sea air.

It’s also ideal for families on beach holidays in France. Children can enjoy the playground, mini golf, skate park, and plenty of space to run around and build sandcastles. Meanwhile, adults can relax along the promenade or watch ferries crossing the Channel – on clear days, you might even spot the White Cliffs of Dover in the distance.

After a day at the beach, head into the town centre where you’ll find plenty of restaurants serving local seafood, including fresh mussels with French fries, a regional favourite.

Le Touquet – One of the Best Beaches in Northern France

Distance from Calais port: 1 hour 30 minutes

Le Touquet-Paris-Plage is one of the most popular seaside resorts in northern France and is often considered one of the best beaches in north France.

Its huge sandy beach stretches for miles and offers plenty of space for sunbathing, beach games, and long coastal walks. The beach is also famous for activities such as sand yachting and horse riding along the shoreline.

The town itself has a lively atmosphere with boutique shops, cafés, and excellent restaurants, making it a great destination for a weekend beach holiday in France.

Normandy Beaches - Glamorous and something you can’t miss

Distance from Calais port: around 3 hours

For travellers looking for stylish holidays to Normandy beaches, Deauville is hard to beat.

This elegant seaside resort is famous for its colourful parasols, beautiful boardwalk, and iconic beach cabins named after film stars who have attended the annual Deauville American Film Festival.

The beach itself is wide, sandy, and perfect for sunbathing or people-watching. Beyond the beach, you’ll find luxury hotels, designer boutiques, a famous casino, and a range of prestigious events, including horse racing and polo.

More Great Beaches Near Calais

If you don’t want to travel far after arriving by ferry, there are several excellent beaches along the northern coast that are worth visiting.

Dunkirk Beach (40 minutes from Calais)
One of the largest sandy beaches in northern France, perfect for long walks and water sports.

Boulogne-sur-Mer Beach (30 minutes from Calais)
A relaxed seaside town with a sandy beach and a charming historic centre.

Wissant Beach (25 minutes from Calais)
A beautiful natural beach between Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez, popular with surfers and kite surfers.

These coastal destinations are ideal for short beach holidays in France or as quick stops during a longer journey.

Beach Holidays near Bordeaux

Arcachon is a fantastic destination for travellers seeking a relaxed beach holiday near Bordeaux.

Located on the Atlantic coast, this charming seaside town is known for its calm waters, sandy beaches, and exceptional seafood. It’s also home to the famous Dune du Pilat, the tallest sand dune in Europe. Climb to the top for incredible views across the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding pine forests.

Arcachon combines natural beauty with fantastic food, making it one of the most memorable coastal stops on a French road trip.

South of France Beach Holidays

Beach Holidays near Nice

Distance from Calais port: around 11 hours

For travellers seeking warm weather and turquoise waters, Nice, France, beach holidays are an excellent choice.

Located on the French Riviera, Nice offers beautiful Mediterranean views, vibrant beach clubs, and the famous Promenade des Anglais, a seafront boulevard perfect for walking or cycling.

While the beaches are mostly pebbled rather than sandy, the stunning scenery, warm climate, and lively atmosphere make Nice one of the most popular coastal destinations in France.

Marseille beach overlooking the coastline

Beach Holidays in Marseille

Distance from Calais port: around 10 hours

If you’re planning a South of France beach holidays, the Prado Beaches in Marseille are a fantastic destination.

These large urban beaches combine sand and shingle areas with open green spaces, making them perfect for relaxing and activities. Visitors can enjoy windsurfing, kite flying, beach volleyball, or simply soaking up the Mediterranean sunshine.

The nearby cafés, restaurants, and parks make it a great spot for families and groups of friends exploring the city.

Travelling to your beach holiday in France with P&O Ferries

Travelling to France for your beach holiday is easy and stress-free with P&O Ferries, whether you’re heading straight to Calais for a quick getaway or planning a road trip along the coast.

With our flexi tickets, you can have all the flexibility you need and can bring everything you want and need for your perfect seaside trip. From bikes and surfboards to beach toys, your holiday begins the moment you step on board, with panoramic sea views, family-friendly facilities, cafés, restaurants, and entertainment to help you relax and enjoy the journey.

Why not make it a full-on family affair and bring your furry friends too? Enjoy our pet lounge on our quick ferry to France, which makes it simple to start your French beach holiday early, stress-free, and in comfort.

Top 10 Beaches to Visit in France

If you’re planning a seaside trip, these are some of the best beach holidays in France:

Calais Beach – perfect for quick trips from the ferry
Wissant Beach – scenic natural coastline near Calais
Dunkirk Beach – a huge sandy beach in northern France
Le Touquet Beach – classic French seaside resort
Deauville Beach – glamorous Normandy destination
Étretat Beach – dramatic cliffs and incredible views
Arcachon Beach – relaxed Atlantic coast near Bordeaux
Dune du Pilat – Europe’s tallest sand dune
Nice Beach – iconic French Riviera destination
Prado Beaches, Marseille – lively Mediterranean beaches

Want to start planning your beach holiday to France? Book you Dover to Calais ferry now!

Beach Holidays in France FAQs

1 What are the best beaches in north France?

Some of the best beaches in northern France include Calais Beach, Wissant Beach, Dunkirk Beach, and Le Touquet. These destinations are easily accessible from the ferry port and offer wide sandy beaches perfect for day trips and short breaks.

2 What are the best family beach holidays in France?

Many northern French resorts are ideal for family beach holidays in France. Calais, Le Touquet, and Boulogne-sur-Mer all offer playgrounds, promenades, and large sandy beaches ideal for children.

3 What are the best South of France beach holidays?

The Mediterranean coast offers some of the most popular south of France beach holidays, including Nice, Marseille’s Prado Beaches, and destinations along the French Riviera.

4 Are there good beaches near Bordeaux?

Yes. Arcachon is one of the best locations for beach holidays near Bordeaux, offering sandy beaches, calm waters, and easy access to the spectacular Dune du Pilat.

5 How far are French beaches from Calais?

Several beautiful beaches are within an hour of Calais, including Wissant, Boulogne-sur-Mer, Dunkirk, and Le Touquet, making them perfect for quick seaside escapes after arriving by ferry.