6 beaches near Paris: Where to go for sun, sand, and surf
Paris may be located inland, miles away from the British channel, but that doesn’t mean you can’t hit the beach while you’re visiting France. There are famous beaches in the south of France, such as Marseille’s Prado Beach on the Mediterranean Coast, but those are travel destinations that will involve a very long drive or a flight.
The nearest beach may be a few hours away by car, but exploring coastal Normandy is a worthwhile adventure from Paris. Visiting these gorgeous beaches near Paris can either be a weekend getaway or even a day trip.
Planning ahead of time will make this trip to the beach all the more enjoyable. Researching which beach is most appealing, arranging a place to stay, finding luggage storage in Paris, and figuring out how you’ll get there are all important steps to planning an epic weekend at the beach.
Here are some of the best beaches near Paris:
Deauville Beach
Located in Normandy, Deauville Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches near Paris. It’s a very popular destination for Parisians and tourists, and it’s known for its elegant boardwalk, colorful umbrellas, and pristine golden sand.
Travel distance from Paris
The coastal town of Deauville is about 120 miles northwest of Paris, making it one of the closest beaches near Paris. The drive between Paris and Deauville is about two hours, but Friday afternoon traffic out of the city can make it much longer, so plan accordingly.
Activity recommendations
Deauville Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand that's perfect for sunbathing, swimming, horseback riding, and enjoying excellent sea views and breezes. The Deauville Beach boardwalk is a great place to take a stroll and enjoy the scenery.
The Casino Barrière de Deauville is the town's most famous landmark and offers gambling, dining, and entertainment. The Villa Strassburger is a beautiful villa and historic landmark in Deauville, which is only open to visitors during the summer months.
The best time to visit is summer when the weather is ideal for lounging on the beach and swimming in the channel. Deauville is known for its horse racing events, with the Deauville-La Touques Racecourse hosting races throughout the year, so check the schedule. The town’s boardwalk, bars, and restaurants are tons of fun during race weekend.
Dieppe Beach
Dieppe Beach is another beautiful and lively destination located on the coast of Normandy. The seafront is lined with colorful beach huts, cafes, and restaurants, making it one of the most popular beaches near Paris. Dieppe Beach offers stunning views of the English Channel, and the town's quaint architecture is some of the most attractive in Normandy. The town’s seafront promenade is a great place for a stroll, and there are plenty of benches and seating areas available for visitors to sit and enjoy the views.
Travel distance from Paris
Dieppe is about 100 miles northwest of Paris. The drive is approximately two hours. Because of the relatively remote location of Dieppe Beach, driving is the best method of transport.
Activity recommendations
Dieppe’s most prominent attraction is the Château de Dieppe. This impressive castle has been designated a national historic landmark and now houses the Dieppe Museum, which showcases the town's rich maritime history.
Foodies love Dieppe for its seafood, and the daily fish market is a must-visit. Similar to the Seattle Fish Market, you don't necessarily have to buy seafood ingredients for the trip to be worthwhile. Older and religious travelers love the Notre-Dame de Bonsecours Chapel. This beautiful chapel offers stunning views of the town and the sea, and its impeccably well-preserved features are gorgeous. Conversely, the Casino de Dieppe is a popular attraction in town and offers gambling, dining, and entertainment.
Like most beaches near Paris, summer is the best time to visit Dieppe, but there are events throughout the years that keep the town busy. Dieppe hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including the International Kite Festival and the Dieppe Canadian Film Festival.
Etretat Beach
Etretat Beach is a popular tourist destination located on the coast of Normandy. It's famous for its dramatic chalk cliffs, stunning sea views, and beautiful pebble beach. It’s easily one of the best beaches in France, especially if you want to snap some epic pics of Etretat’s chalk cliffs.
Travel distance from Paris
Etretat Beach is located about 130 miles northwest of Paris, making it just about doable as one of the best Paris beaches for day trips. The driving time is about three hours, depending on traffic. You can also take a train or bus from a Paris station like Gare du Nord to nearby towns like Le Havre or Fecamp, and then take a local bus or taxi to the town of Etretat.
Activity recommendations
The chalk cliffs are the main attraction at Etretat Beach, and they are truly spectacular. Take a walk along the coastal path to get the best views of the cliffs and the sea. The town’s Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde is very popular with tourists. This beautiful chapel is perched on top of a cliff and offers stunning views of the sea and the cliffs. It's a must-visit for anyone who loves architecture and history. The nearest beach is only a short walk from the chapel.
One of the must-see landmarks at Etretat is the Musee Arsene Lupin. This museum is dedicated to the iconic fictional character Arsene Lupin, created by the French author Maurice Leblanc. It's a fun and quirky attraction for anyone who loves literature and history.
Like other beaches near Paris, Etretat is most popular during the summer months. This can mean larger crowds on the beach, waits at restaurants, and higher costs for accommodations. It also means sunny weather, warm breezes, and ideal conditions for swimming.
Omaha Beach, Normandy
Given its history, Omaha Beach might be one of the most famous beaches in the world, if not the most famous. Omaha Beach is a historic site located on the Normandy coast, France, which played a significant role in the D-Day invasion of World War II. Today, it's a popular destination for visitors who want to learn more about the history of the area and pay their respects to the soldiers who fought and died there. This is easily one of the best beaches in France for history buffs.
Travel distance from Paris
Omaha Beach is 155 miles northwest of Paris. The driving time from Paris to Omaha Beach is around three hours, depending on if you beat Friday traffic. It's also possible to take a train from Paris (Gare Montparnasse or other stations) to Bayeux or Caen and then take a local bus or taxi to Omaha Beach. However, it's better to have a car to explore the area and visit the various historic sites and museums.
Activity recommendations
One of the most striking features of Omaha Beach is the American Cemetery and Memorial, which is located on a bluff overlooking the beach. The cemetery is the final resting place of over 9,000 American soldiers who were killed during the D-Day invasion of Normandy. The memorial is a moving tribute to the sacrifice of these soldiers. There are also beautifully maintained gardens and a chapel on the grounds.
There are also several other historic sites and museums in the area, including the Overlord Museum, which provides an in-depth look at the D-Day invasion, and the Pointe du Hoc, which was a key strategic location during the battle. This is a vital piece of both European and American history, so it’s well worth the short drive from Paris.
The beach itself is a wide stretch of golden sand which is suitable for sunbathing and swimming. The sea can be quite rough at times, so it's important to be cautious when enjoying the beach. This beach is a great place for a walk, with stunning views of the cliffs and the sea, but the main attractions are the historical landmarks. This makes Omaha Beach suitable for year-round visits.
Trouville Beach
Trouville Beach (not to be confused with its neighbor Deauville) is one of the closest beach destinations to Paris. Trouville is a delightful little town that’s perfect for families, younger travelers, and couples looking to escape the city for some fresh ocean air and a lovely sandy beach. The long promenade is lined with cafés, restaurants, shops, and galleries. In other words, Trouville is your quintessential beach town.
Travel distance from Paris
The distance from Paris to Trouville is a little over 120 miles. By car, it takes around two to two and a half hours to make the drive. There are direct trains from Paris to Trouville-Deauville train station, with a travel time of around two hours to these beautiful beaches. Unless you have a car, taking the train is much more affordable than renting a set of wheels. If you’re watching your budget and want to take a quick (but cheap) day trip, taking the train is the best way to get there.
Activity recommendations
The beach itself is wide and sandy and stretches for about one mile. The water is generally clean and safe for swimming, and there are designated areas for water sports such as kitesurfing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding.
In addition to swimming and sunbathing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy at Trouville Beach. You can take a stroll along the promenade, browse the shops and art galleries, or sample the local seafood in one of the many restaurants. The town of Trouville itself is also worth exploring, with its charming streets and historic buildings. You can visit the fish market and the 19th-century casino or take a boat tour along the river.
Summer is the obvious choice for visiting any of the beaches near Paris, and Trouville is no different.
Le Touquet Beach
Le Touquet Beach is one of the best beaches located on the Opal Coast in northern France. There is a long stretch of fine sand with clear blue waters. The beach is wide, and there is plenty of space for families and small groups to relax and enjoy the sun.
Travel distance from Paris
The distance between Paris and Le Touquet is approximately 140 miles. It usually takes around three hours to drive from Paris to the nearest beach at Le Touquet.
Activity recommendations
Le Touquet Beach is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts, with a range of activities available such as kite surfing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding. The beach is located next to Le Touquet’s promenade, which is perfect for a stroll or even a bike ride. There are also plenty of shops and street vendors selling souvenirs, food, and drinks. Behind the beach, there are sand dunes that are a protected wildlife area. Visitors can explore the dunes and observe the local flora and fauna.
The peak season for Le Touquet Beach is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny, and the water is the most inviting for swimming. However, this is also the busiest time of the year, with more crowds and higher prices for accommodations. The months of May, September, and October can be good times to visit if you prefer a less crowded town and cooler temperatures.
Conclusion
While Paris is one of the absolute best places to visit on the planet, it’s a better place to visit for culture and cuisine than spending time on the water. Luckily, the nearest beach and seaside resort are only a few hours away by car, ideal for weekend trips from Paris, and there is a wide variety of beautiful beaches to choose from along the Opal Coast and in Normandy. There, you’ll find not only miles of golden sand but also amazing cliffs, dunes, and wonderful historic towns to explore. There’s nothing like escaping the city for a day of sun and fun, and luckily the best beaches near Paris are the perfect destinations for getting out of the city. Plus, these beaches are great attractions if you're traveling to Paris on a budget because who doesn't love free?
