European Beaches

While France is certainly a small country by size, it no doubt provides its inhabitants with distinguished oceanic scenery. Bordering the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, France has a number of beautiful beaches that have drawn tourists from all over the world. The first beach worth considering is Saint-Jean de Luz, a beach just a few minutes from Spain. Located in the developing Basque County, Saint-Jean de Luz attracts many travelers on their way to Spain, since it is the last major town on the southern tip of France. Saint-Jean de Luz’s economy is experiencing steady growth; it is filled with coffee shops, shopping centers, and even offers year-round surfing lessons. The sea-based spa therapy is also known to be a featured attraction that the beach offers.

Many have complained that Saint-Jean de Luz, while charming and enjoyable, is in an area that is too condensed. One of the main issues of concern is the lack of parking spaces, which is expected to be addressed in the near future. If Saint-Jean de Luz isn’t feasible, then La Grande Motte may be more suitable. Just a short distance from the city of Montpellier, La Grande Motte offers several activities that make it not only a beautiful site but a recreational attraction as well. Activities offered include water sports, nature hikes, golf courses, and water parks, making La Grande Motte an appealing vacation spot for the whole family. The beach area also contains diverse wildlife. Do not be surprised to find flamingoes, white horses, and black bulls lurking in the area.

Sete and Argeles sur Mer are just two more of the many relaxation spots located in France. Sete is known as one of the central fishing areas in France. However, the beach area also contains a number of museums that describe the unique history of Sete and its neighbors. A visit to Sete is not complete without a climb on Mont Saint Clair, which provides a stunning perspective of both the city and the sea. Argeles sur Mer is a low-profile location that usually attracts more senior citizens. The beaches located along Cote Vermeille provide for both a peaceful and scenic environment. What’s also fascinating about Argeles sur Mer is that it is not far from Spain. Tourists can drive to and from Spain in a matter of minutes, making Argeles sur Mer an extremely popular travel spot in France.

One of the hottest vacation spots in the world, the French Riviera, contains a number of beaches that are both scenic and entertaining. It comes as no surprise, since France has three different bodies of water along its coastlines. One of the featured towns in the French Riviera, Nice, has an array of beaches that provide a monumental view of the Cote d’Azur, which is the French name for the blue waters of the French Riviera. Most of the notable beaches in France are private. While there are public beaches for those who plan on visiting for a shorter period, the main beach strip in Nice is divided into 15 segments.

The most notable beaches are found on the Route de Plages, which is translated into “Beach Road.” This strip of beaches contains sites that are suitable for people with different levels of excitement. For instance, Moorea and Club 55 are known to be highly appealing to young, single men and women who are looking for a memorable time away from home.

The beaches found in Antibes and Juan constitute roughly 25 miles of coastline, making this strip the longest in the French Riviera. The primary beaches found on this stretch include La Gravette, the central place de Ponteil; and Plage de la Salis. These beaches contain spots that can be small sandy inlets or rocky escapades, thus offering a diverse setting.

In contrast to the beaches found in Antibes, Juan-les-Pins is usually bustling with more excitement. The beaches in this location are known to be an international attraction, as the locations are full of activities for travelers of all ages. The Plage de Juan-les-Pins is the featured vacation spot in town, and is ranked as one of the top beaches in the French Riviera. What’s unique about the beach is the fact that it is primarily made up of sand, since the pebbles are removed quite frequently.

Finally, one can’t speak about the French Riviera without discussing the attractions located in Nice. The primary beach in this town is Beau Rivage, a private beach offering various leisure activities such as parasailing, windsurfing, and jet-skiing. There is also a casino located near this beach. Another neighbor beach in the area that draws much interest is Ruhl.

With a rich tradition dating back to the mid-19th century, Edenroc Hotel du Cap has been a staple resort on the French Riviera. Over the years, the Hotel has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the finest resorts in the region and has hosted a wide range of celebrities over the years, ranging from Ernest Hemingway to global film stars.

Located just off the Cape d’Antibes, the resort is situated on a private 22-acre park with its own sculpted rose gardens, which make it an ideal destination for romantic travelers. The entire natural surroundings are splendid, with breathtaking ocean views nestled by nearby tree forests that make for excellent, relaxing strolls. On the campus of the resort, you can enjoy a relaxation pool which has been carved into the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, which is meticulously overseen by the attentive waiting staff.

For those looking to venture out into the water, the Hotel has lunch-time private yacht excursions, as well as private beach tours available for guests. While the resort can be pricey (up to $1,000 during peak seasons), the luxurious amenities make for a timeliness, unforgettable vacation. Travelers during off-peak days can save considerably on room rates, and can still enjoy the well-appointed rooms and legendary guest services.

With just 121 rooms, the resort provides exceptional services and is among the world’s top rated luxury resorts. Each room is inspired by Napoleonic architecture, featuring 18th century antique furniture as well as modern spa and cuisine amenities. The hotel’s famous Le Billini bar is carves from genuine Corinthian limestone and serves an electric set of cuisine to cap off the perfect day of relaxation.