Things To Do In Staithes (North Yorkshire), Best Travel Destinations for Families: Top 30 Worldwide & USA Best Travel Destinations for Families: Top 30 Worldwide & USA Vacations 2023. Its like once upon a time, before the towns grew, there were just dozens and dozens of palaces and castles neighbouring each other by a few miles or so just competing for who had the poshest pad. This is a gorgeous corner of Europe and we have found some of the hottest seaside spots. Or, head further south in this French region to an area dubbed as Suisse Normande (Normandys Switzerland) if youre a nature lover and like a few forests and hills in your landscapes. Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when youre feeling flush). If you want more of the south, Provence offers an embarrassment of road trips from the charming hilltop-perched villages of the Luberon to Arles and the Camargue with its salt flats and flamingos. On this drive through Normandy, youll explore the events of D-Day, when Allied troops stormed ashore to liberate Europe from Nazi occupation in 1944. Best road trip for WWII historyCaenUtah Beach; 142km (88 miles). This island off the coast is a secret haven for beach lovers. Instead, slide on your sunglasses, slip into your best swimsuit and sign into one of the oh-so-exclusive private beach clubs along the 5km-long (3-mile)Plage de Pampelonne for the full French Rivera experience. Here, kids can play at the seaside funfair, restaurants have plenty to please hungry beachgoers, and water sports fans have a whole host of options to choose from. Powerful North Atlantic storms rip apart the rugged coast of Brittany, while surfers pull into heaving tubes in the southwest. No. An easy 5-hour drive from the Euro-Tunnel will transport you to some of the best beaches in northern France and beautiful old resorts along the northern edge of Brittany. The prettiest section of the Loire Valley with the most to see and do is the area between Tours and Angers and takes approximately 5.5 hours by car from Calais. Rediscover the joy of travelling through, not flying over, with our favourite driving holidays to France. Alsace What Do You Need To Know About A French Vacation In Alsace Alsace is approximately a 6-hour drive from Calais, or 5 from Paris. Try another? **When to go:**In summer to make the most of the beach town. Oceano Dunes State Park is the only coastal area where you can drive in California. These days the A-listers you can expect to spot rubbing sun oil on their buff(ish) bodies include Bono, Leonardo DiCaprio and Naomi Campbell. Vendays-Montalivet is a coastal town of Gironde, in the pretty region of New Aquitaine. Cobbled towns of colourful half-timbered houses and little details that make you wonder if youve stumbled into Germany by mistake (its been owned by Germany several times through the ages and it definitely shows!). As a result, accommodation choices for families has vastly improved. The northern, pine-fringed end enjoys great views of the Pyrenees, and the rugged southern end is dotted with coves which are perfect for snorkelling or going exploring. With its talc-fine sand, warm shallow waters and undulating grassy dunes alongside the unique sandy isthmus known as a double tombolo thisexpansive beach is ideal for families with toddlers. As soon as the sun comes out, were all dreaming of France. Curve through the heart of the French Alps from Annecy, perhaps Frances prettiest lakeside city, to the slopes of 4808m (15,774ft) Mont Blanc, Western Europes highest peak. Alsace probably isn't the best place for a family holiday in France as the focus is more on history and food and drink, along with incredible scenery. Best beach on the French Riviera for millionaires and socialites. The Eurotunnel also known as Le Shuttle goes from Folkestone to Calais. Popular France holiday destinations like Dinard and Saint-Lunaire were once geared up for the wealthy elite travelling from Paris for a seaside vacation and still ooze style and sophistication today. I have more turrets than you. This is a popular holiday spot, so expect summer crowds, but with kms of sandy beach available, there's plenty of space to go around. There are little wooden fishing cabins on stilts far out into the waters of the bassin, and an ensemble of art-deco houses in Arcachon town itself, while nearby Cap Ferret is considered one of the most desirable beach towns in the southwest. , near to Saumur. This kilometre-long beach of golden sand is a summer favourite, when visitors to the French Riviera seek a little sand and sea to go with that glorious sun. The sand is surrounded by red rocks, forming a natural pool of water protected by the waves, making it a great place to swim, especially if you have little ones with you. Competitive comprehensive cover for you, your family and your vehicle. Happy planning and do drop us a line to tell us where you decide! Before the French Riveria stole its limelight, Grande Plage deep in the far southwest of France, in the stunning seaside city of Biarritz was the beach of choice for the elite and fashionable of Europe. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. The French Coast is full of surprises, so why not read our guide to driving it? The result is an island where ancient coastal forests still dominate, and dusty footpaths lead to serene white sands. Plage de Tamaricciu, Porto-Vecchio, Corsica The gorgeous nine-mile stretch of white-sand coves from Plage de Palombaggia to Santa Giulia is for those who would gladly forgo a plump mattress on a glamorous private beach for a wade through these dreamy pale-turquoise shallows. Plus, there are ice cream stalls and seafood restaurants dotted along the waterside. Finding the life and soul of travel even with the kids in tow, THE BEST PLACES TO DRIVE TO IN FRANCE FROM UK. But a moment later, a weather system thunders in, the island turns dark and sinister, and you quickly understand why its reefs and shoals have claimed so many ships over the centuries. Best beach in Provence & the Cte d'Azur for snorkelers, castaways, and families. And, today they still retain a lot of that 19th-century charm and glamour. If you want to explore further, Paris is just a 40-minute train journey away (or drive to one of the citys 24-hour car parks). Published in: Sports & Outdoors If you are heading to the south of France this summer, no doubt it's the beaches you're looking for. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. The breakfast array was incredible and the hosts are on hand to pour you a glass of local wine at any time of day should you desire one. Sarlat-la-Canda is famous for its market, but small villages such as Issigeac are sleeper hits. It takes 35 minutes, with shuttles travelling up to four times an hour, and costs from 90 each way. The countryside beyond is a road-trippers dream! Best road trip for dramatic scenery and family adventuresAnnecySt-Vran; 363km (225 miles). The 10 Best Places In Brittany You Dont Want To Miss! This article was first published September 2020 and updated May 2023. Slip into the good life of the Mediterranean with Montpellier's best offerings, from terrace cafs and bars to vibrant music and art scenes. Click here to tell us more about your interests. With its rustic countryside, wine regions, and scenic beaches, it's hard not to fall in love with the South of France. In the far north, there are white cliffs and the old-fashioned seaside resorts of the English Channel (Manche in French), and over on the Mediterranean coast, the conditions are perfect for snorkeling, with warm waters and rocky coves. La Courtade is the closest beach to the village of Porquerolles itself, with a eucalyptus forest at its border, which will smell divine as you soak up some rays. The 6 best road trip destinations in the world, Highway to hell: road trip fails and how to avoid them, Paris 2024 Olympics: flights, tickets, accommodation - everything you need to know to go, France summer holiday plans? The Loire is Frances longest river. The waters here are warm and clear, excellent for swimming and snorkelling. If you find yourself coming from the opposite end of the country, perhaps arriving in Dieppe or Calais, or if you're travelling internationally and starting from Paris, feel free to reverse the route. To be honest though regardless of whether youre looking for the best places to drive to in France from the UK or not these places should be on everybodys bucket list! Getting there: Take Le Shuttle from Folkestone to Calais (35 minutes). For more details, see our guide to where can Brits travel this summer? But the journey itself is part of the trip. The best European beaches to have on your radar have been revealed in new research, with four UK beaches named in the top 25.. As part of TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice Best of the Best Awards, the team unveiled the best beaches - both globally and in Europe to inspire our future travel plans.While Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece unsurprisingly dominated the list, wanderlusts will be . This article was first published July 2020 and updated May 2023. Beach clubs, beautiful white sand and boho vibes are on offer at this world-famous strand in chic and sunny Saint-Tropez, a resort basically synonymous with one Brigitte Bardot. Small villages set around 12th-century churches are knotted together by country lanes. Porto, Corsica - one of the best beaches in France for wild nature 9. Just 45 minutes outside Paris, a clutch of old barns set in 500 acres of woodland has been redefined as Le Barn, a relaxed country hotel. Sports & Outdoors The best beaches in the South of France We share the best of beaches in South France for your next holiday by the sea. Doubles from about 85. Plus, once the playground of the Renaissance elite, there are so many sheltered parks (once used for hunting) ideal for day trips and picnics; it has earned its nickname The Garden of France for sure. Or, if youd rather, you can make appointments and do tours, followed by wine pairings and a chance to buy in bulk. Grab a set of wheels and hit the road to embrace the best of this magnificent country. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in France The best restaurants in France The best places to visit in France The best hotels in France The best hotels in the South of France. A string of beaches one of which was voted the best beach in Europe in 2015 gives a refreshing goal to your explorations. Youll meander through the vine-carpeted countryside from Gevrey-Chambertin to Puligny-Montrachet, exploring some of the most storied vineyards in the world. Hence it is home to varied types of shorelines. Make travelling even easier with a LeShuttle account, Click here for our partner offers and savings. Brittany is one of the more popular holiday destinations in France and as a result a lot of accommodations only like you to book for a whole week during the summer. For those who love being by the sea but find it hard to sit still, even with the best of beach novels to hand, Plage de L'Almanarre is the place to go. It means you can spend all day soaking up a good novel, instead of too much sun). But it is also easy to find villas in the region with their own pool and a lot more privacy. No, but Leonardo Da Vinci lives at my place. Plus the pool is heated and the grounds are so pretty to enjoy some relaxation in. The softest, sandiest beaches are in the north of the island, but the wilder, less-crowded spots are to the west, backed by pine forests and tumbling dunes. Driving direct to this beach would take around 10 hours beginning on the A26 south from Calais, however you can opt for the A1 if you would like to drive past Paris and make a stop there, with the A6 returning you to the original route south of Dijon. It may even look familiar, given that it's a location used in many classic films, including Hitchcock's To Catch a Thief, and James Bond Never Say Never Again. , Palombaggia, a small slice of paradise just 10 kilometres from the ritzy town of Porto-Vecchio, also draws surfers who come to ride the waves on windy days. But one thing unites them all: a delightful lack of development that makes you think of how the Mediterranean must have looked a century ago. Yes. le de Loisirs Vaires-Torcy 3. Theres absolutely nothing not to like about Palombaggia. When you reach the coast at Hyres, the Tour Fondue ferry service takes you across to the island. Amiens. Your email address will not be published. Alternatively, the 1TB and 2TB models can be bought for $89.99 . The building of these manors meant that tiny villages and tons of vineyards cropped up in the area, too, and now the entire region is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Grab your swankiest swimwear and get ready for some celeb-spotting at this sophisticated Cte dAzur beach named for Picassos daughter Paloma. The bopping le de R might be better known, but if you want to discover one of Frances best-known beach secrets, take the spectacular bridge over to Rs sister island Olron. When the great French film director Jacques Tati was looking for the perfect beach setting for the adventures of his endearing clown, Monsieur Hulot, he was thrilled to find Saint-Marc-sur-Mer. Along this coast, there are surf breaks to . Now though, let's get started with our guide to exploring the Normandy Landing beaches and Mont St. Michel over two days. Although the weather might not always cooperate, this is a great kids' beach holiday destination and a place for long clifftop walks followed by an ice cream on the seafront. Here you'll find clean, clear waters fringing the scenic Languedoc region, and plenty of shops and restaurants to boot. Stop in Reims, which is halfway along its the largest city in the Champagne region and has a crop of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Every year it hosts fun-board and kite-surfing competitions. French royalty used to favour the area for their getaways, and so the surrounding countryside is dotted with grand chteaux and impressive estates. 1. For rainy days or a break from the beach, Seaquarium du Gard-du-Roi is nearby too. And indeed, in days past, people did believe that this wild, storm-tossed island was the last stop on Earth. Weve chosen our favourite France holiday destinations no further than half a days drive from the channel tunnel in Calais. The breakfast array was incredible and the hosts are on hand to pour you a glass of local wine at any time of day should you desire one. Each village has a central market square, so if you time your drive right, you can hit a weekly market and sample the local specialties. Best road trip for grand chteauxChinonChambord; 189km (118 miles). Deciding On The Best Area To Stay In Venice? Drive from our Calais terminal, following the A26. Plage d'Hendaye, Hendaye. Equihen-Plage caters for families, couples and for those who prefer to get active in the great outdoors, with facilities for sailing, fishing and more available. Well, worry not, we reckon youve found the right article! Store and save your information, including passport details, vehicles, pets and payment methods and add it to your bookings automatically. So, grab your sunglasses, sandals, and SPF, and head to the coast. Best for rugged Celtic coastlines and fine seafoodSt MaloVannes; 642km (399 miles). Plage Hendaye is found on the Basque coast, close to Biarritz and a stone's throw from the Spanish border. It's a prime destination for fishing, boating, walking, gazing out into the turquoise waters of the Gulf, and yesdriving on the beach but there's a catch. Nestled deep within greenery, in a breathtaking location, Paloma is the best place for pure . Save up to 50% on high street prices when you buy wines, liqueurs and spirits inside our Folkestone terminal. The Samsung T7 Portable SSD comes in three sizes. This ultra-detailed 10 days in South of France itinerary will show you the best of the French Riviera, Provence, and Camargue. Plage de l'Estaque To find this group of three picturesque beaches located along the Cte Bleue, wander to the 16th arrondissement. 22. Whether its beautiful beaches, countryside hikes and bike rides, historical sites or cute little towns, weve got you covered with our top 5 choices of the best places to drive to in France from the UK. Here is a starter kit of fantastic road trips in France drive on the right and embark on your own perfect French adventure. Find the best places to visit on your next summer vacation with our list of the top beach destinations in France. Begin this wine journey in Chablis in the dpartement of Yonne, leaving ample time to taste the seven grands crus (premium vineyards) of this well-known winemaking town. The beach has been awarded a blue flag award for cleanliness and like the other beaches along this stretch of coast, Montalivet-les-Bains is popular with surfers looking to conquer the Atlantic waves. There are routes to suit all skill levels and even a few for young children, check out the Loire vlo riverside trail routes here. Coast along the A26 and look forward to the citys traditional dish of Gratin Dauphin. Visit the Fondation Maeght modern art museum and the Rosary Chapel, designed by Matisse, and end in Eze, a spectacularly scenic hill town perched high above the French Riviera. Table of Contents 2 Days in Normandy Day 1: Visit Mont St. Michel Ok, you win. A French destination seemingly where everything has been touched up in photoshop. With so many places to lay down your towel, it can be hard to know where to begin but don't worry here's our pick of the best beaches in France. First, it features barchan dunes, crescent shaped sand banks due to the winds that blow into them from the water. Calvi, Corsica 7. Palombaggia Beach, Porto-Vecchio, Corsica 8. The drive to the Loire Valley takes about 3.5 hours. Wrap up with a turn along the windy road leading up to amazing panoramic views at Domme. The narrowest point of the Verdon Gorge is 6 metres, and the widest 100 metres. The drive from Calais to Franche-Comt, near Frances eastern border with Switzerland, hugs the northern regions before heading south. But when life gets really stressful, what were all craving the most is a sandy beach. The regions chteaux and defensive walls remain most distinctive of all are bastide towns such as Monpazier, encircled by fortified walls and protected by sturdy ramparts. Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. There are plenty of restaurants nearby and the beach enjoys a great view of the old lighthouse. Plage de Malo-les-Bains. From our Calais terminal it's 415km (about 4 hours driving time) to Orlans, following the A1, and changing to the A10 once you pass through the outskirts of Paris. Sitting on the northwest corner of the Bay of Agay, this small but perfectly formed beach is more commonly known as Tiki Beach after the restaurant there. Today though, they do so on surfboards, and Biarritz and its environs have gained a well-earned reputation as one of Europes finest surf destinations. Incredible countryside vistas merge into unique and highly wanderable villages, castles and coastlines that will etch your journey into your memories. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Simply head to our tickets and fares page to see what suits you best. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Plage de Saleccia, Corsica 6. But, if youre still in the planning stages and asking where should I go on holiday in France? Youll be mingling with the moneyed beach-goers as you strut your stuff on this hip strip of sand. Visit the little village of Camembert and sample its infamous cheeses and some local apple cider at a picnic down by the river. A special Loire Valley bike train operates throughout the summer and many take the opportunity to hire bikes and enjoy cycling through some of the most beautiful French countryside lanes knowing their journey home is an easy one on the train. In short, a holiday to Alsace is a waistband-expander surrounded by warm, friendly locals where youll never put your camera away! Pyrnes-Orientales sits along the Spanish border, with more than one beach for you to enjoy. Why we love it:warm, clear water surrounded bythosecliffs? Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. La Salis is one of the main beaches along this part of the French coastline, and while it's busy in summer, as beaches tend to be, it's worth seeking out for the great swimming conditions. The drive from Calais takes about 6 hours. As soon as the sun comes out, were all dreaming of, Picture a silky strand flanked by pink granite cliffs and framed by sweet-scented pine trees up the beauty tenfold, then youd get Corsicas most famous beach. Similar to its nearby beach, Kingsgate Bay also allows dogs all year round and is overlooked by the 18th-century Kingsgate Castle. When to go: In September, when the French clear out and the streets get quieter. And luckily, France has them by the bucketload. Renowned as one of Cornwall's biggest and best beaches, and one of its most legendary surf spots, Fistral Beach is one of the best beaches to drive to for a fun day out. Best beach in Provence & the Cte d'Azur for families, hikers, and dreamers. 1. Then head over the high mountain pass of Col de lIseran to reach Bonneval-sur-Arc, an Alpine village of incomparable charm, and St-Vran France's highest village. From fantastic hikes to luxury beach resorts, France has it all. Best beach in northwest France for families, sailors, and seals. Jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, Ile de R is where Parisians go for a long, sandy weekend. From war museums to landing beaches, its a fascinating and sobering experience. The small town includes a seaside resort on the coast, Montalivet-les-Bains with a long and sandy beach (12km), backed by sand dunes and pine forest. Please try again - we'd not want you to miss out on the latest offers! The island has a beach for every mood, but none can be more classically beautiful than Palombaggia, in the sun trap southeast. France's toll road autoroutes are seductive shortcuts, but be aware that the scenery is much more magnificent on the smaller roads and the highways are packed with large trucks and virtually invisible speed-trap cameras. This is the ultimate destination for a romantic holidays, surrounded by towering cliffs and characterised by a series of narrow limestone coves. Brittanys beaches are less contrived than the resorts of Normandy or the South of France and more about connecting with the sea and nature, more remote and beautiful. And, thankfully, some of the best holiday destinations in France lay only a stones throw from Calais where you disembark. The town is built in the Catalan-style featuring a 14th-century church and 19th-century castle, perfect for a day trip. Plage de Palombaggia in Porto-Vecchio is no doubt one of the. The base 500GB model will run you $69.99 / 62 at Samsung's official website. Verdon Gorge is a French natural wonder - a spectacular 21-kilometre-long river strip that Mother Nature carved in rocky limestone. The unexpected thing about this most famous of beaches is that many parts actually remain remarkably unspoiled and as beautiful as the day Brigitte Bardot first brought international fame to the town and herself in the 1956 filmEt Dieu Cra la Femme (And God Created Woman). Bergheim, Ribeauville and Kaysersberg-Vignoble are our favourites. Getting there: Take Le Shuttle from Folkestone to Calais (35 minutes). Spending the summer in France is an easy choice for thousands of Brits each year, were particularly keen on our northern France holidays. The drive from Calais to Annecy takes about 8 hours break it up with stops in Reims or Dijon. Beachfire. The total driving time from Calais to Argels-sur-Mer, Pyrnes-Orientales is a little over 11 hours, meaning you can plan some wonderful stops on your way. Despite its forbidding nature, le dOuessant is an ideal place to rent a bicycle and peddle down country lanes, past fields full of sheep to hidden coves. Planning tip:If you're traveling with small kids and fancy a dip in the sea, you can't go wrong with the beautiful Plage d'Arcachon. It is just over 3 hours by car to the French region of Normandy and your journey takes you over the impressive Pont de Normandie in Le Havre. These seaside spots both require a ferry across the Gironde Estuary from the town of Royon. 216 miles: one week. But its not just beaches and harbours in Normandy.
best beaches in france to drive to from uk
