Well, here we are, folks.
It’s the time of year we’ve all been waiting for — bright blue skies and sun-kissed shores, only to instantly complain that it’s now too hot.
As the French Riviera becomes one of the hottest vacation spots in Europe, in more ways than one, we’ve found the inside scoop for the best alternatives to pelt the swelt.
Call them “coolcations” if you will, if you want to sound trendy, but the shores are just as vibrant, the weather is still warm and splendid, and you’ll find fewer footprints in the sand with more space to find the perfect spot along the beach.
If France tops your wishlist this summer, sure, you can kickstart your epic trip in Paris, but make sure you pack swimwear and sunblock for the following 4 undiscovered getaways to escape the summer heat:
Saint-Malo: It’s Brittany, Beach!
Oops, we did it again…
We’ve found one of France’s best-kept secret destinations while millions opt for Parisian delights.
Saint-Malo is a coastal port city surrounded by staggering granite walls framing its postcard Old Town, but what’s even more impressive is its beaches. especially Plage du Sillon, where sparkling golden sands, dramatic tides, and fortress views make for the perfect spot to to cool off without fighting Riviera-level crowds.
Located in Brittany, an unsung region of France dotted with waterfront hideaways, Saint-Malo stands out among the rest for its cozy boutique stays, authentic Breton creperies, and springboard access to nearby gems like Cancale, Dinard, and even Mont-Saint-Michel Bay.
Expect temps to hover in the 68 to 77°F range over the next few months.
Belle-Île: France’s Little-Known Island
Truthfully, I’d love to visit this isle, while simultaneously waiting for this paragraph to be over so I can stop misspelling Belle-Île…
This tight-lipped gem many locals keep to themselves is an immaculate hideout with paradisal shores, Monet-painted sea cliffs, and charming port towns where fishing boats bob beneath candy-colored facades.
Belle-Île is also located in Brittany, though we’d argue that going offshore elevates your trip to feel truly rugged, unlike much of France’s claimed coastline of Speedo-wearers and overpriced beach clubs.
Getting here takes commitment, which is likely why it still feels tucked away.
Most travelers first make their way to Quiberon, then hop on the ferry to Le Palais, Belle-Île’s main port, with the crossing taking roughly an hour, but once you’re here, you’ll find yourself in a sun-drenched maze of hidden beaches and astounding nature in between its delightful storybook towns.
Honfleur: The Nearest Worthwhile Beach From Paris
History buffs know Normandy for D-Day beaches and World War II memorials, while the French may remember those trying times, they tend to hold a special place as a lesser-known escape to avoid the sweltering heat and summer madness of the Riviera.
Those flocking to Paris may not realize beaches are indeed within close reach — Honfleur being the closest for a day trip at the least.
Lined with half-timbered homes, this dreamy townscape is brimming with waterfront charm and French flair that come together like a real-life painting, but don’t sleep on its main beach, Plage du Butin, where recent reviewers rave about how “gorgeous” it is, along with its scenic walkability from the River Seine.
Deauville: Honfleur’s Neighbor Is Just As Easy To Reach
Along France’s northern coast, Deauville may win the popularity contest.
You may experience more crowds here than in Honfleur, as it’s a popular spot to escape the tourists of Paris for a day or two.
While you may want to keep an eye out for the nudie beach — unless you’re into that kinda thing — there are ample beautiful beaches lined with cozy hotels and epic eats, and yes, people wearing proper beach attire.
It’s rumored there are 450 parasols ready to shade you from the beaming sun, but you may want to wake up early to snag one come summertime.
Last we featured Deauville, it was said by locals that it’s “one of the best beaches in France”.
Of course, it’s France we’re talking about — you gotta roam about town too, as Deauville is chock-full of surprises, including a popular casino and Les Planches boardwalk.
