Hidden Gem Beaches in France
We rank the 11 hidden gem beaches in France. En-Vau Calanque (France) comes first with 4.8 / 5, followed by Palombaggia, Saleccia.
The sea reaches about 21 degrees C in season, and most of these beaches are at their best from June to September. 2 of the 11 have easy access, and 11 are hidden gems.
1En-Vau Calanque
Cassis, Provence, France · 4.8 / 5 · Challenging access · about 22 °CA small pebble beach at the head of a narrow inlet between white limestone cliffs, with clear turquoise water, in the Calanques National Park near Cassis.
2Palombaggia
Corsica, France · 4.8 / 5 · Easy access · about 24 °CRed granite boulders, parasol pines and soft pale sand — Corsica's most photographed shoreline.
3Saleccia
Agriates, Corsica, France · 4.8 / 5 · Moderate access · about 23 °CA long white-sand beach with shallow turquoise water on the wild Agriates coast of Corsica, far from the nearest road.
4La Courtade Beach
Porquerolles Island · 4.7 / 5 · Moderate access · about 21 °CA long sandy bay on the car-free island of Porquerolles, with very clear turquoise water and woodland behind the beach.
5Plage d'Argent
Porquerolles, Var · 4.7 / 5 · Moderate access · about 22 °CA long, silvery-white beach on Porquerolles, the largest of the Iles d’Hyeres, within a national park and without cars.
6Plage de Roccapina
Sartene, Corsica · 4.7 / 5 · Moderate access · about 23 °CA wide sandy bay in south-west Corsica, watched over by the Genoese tower and the granite Lion of Roccapina.
7Calanque de Sugiton
Marseille, Calanques, France · 4.6 / 5 · Challenging access · about 20 °CA small rocky cove set between limestone cliffs in the Calanques National Park, reached on foot from Marseille.
8Plage de la Palue
Crozon, Finistere, Brittany · 4.6 / 5 · Moderate access · about 17 °CA wild sandy beach on the west coast of the Crozon peninsula in Brittany, popular with surfers for its Atlantic waves.
9Plage des Grands Sables
Groix, Brittany · 4.6 / 5 · Moderate access · about 18 °CA long sandy beach on the east coast of the island of Groix, famous as one of the few convex beaches in Europe.
10Calanque de Port-Pin
Cassis, Calanques National Park, France · 4.5 / 5 · Moderate access · about 21 °CA narrow limestone inlet between Port-Miou and En-Vau with a small pebble beach and calm turquoise water, reached on foot from Cassis.
11Plage de Piemanson
Salin-de-Giraud, Camargue · 4.4 / 5 · Easy access · about 23 °CA long, wild sandy beach on the Camargue coast near the mouth of the Rhone, with dunes and few buildings.
Quick comparison
| # | Beach | Country | Score | Water | Best season | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | En-Vau Calanque | France | 4.8 | 22 °C | May–September | Challenging |
| 2 | Palombaggia | France | 4.8 | 24 °C | June–September | Easy |
| 3 | Saleccia | France | 4.8 | 23 °C | May–October | Moderate |
| 4 | La Courtade Beach | France | 4.7 | 21 °C | May–September | Moderate |
| 5 | Plage d'Argent | France | 4.7 | 22 °C | June–September | Moderate |
| 6 | Plage de Roccapina | France | 4.7 | 23 °C | June–September | Moderate |
| 7 | Calanque de Sugiton | France | 4.6 | 20 °C | May–September | Challenging |
| 8 | Plage de la Palue | France | 4.6 | 17 °C | June–September | Moderate |
| 9 | Plage des Grands Sables | France | 4.6 | 18 °C | June–September | Moderate |
| 10 | Calanque de Port-Pin | France | 4.5 | 21 °C | June–September | Moderate |
| 11 | Plage de Piemanson | France | 4.4 | 23 °C | June–September | Easy |
How we picked these beaches
Included when we flag the beach as a hidden gem, meaning it is quieter than the headline beaches nearby, then ranked by editorial score. See how we rate beaches for the full method.
Frequently asked questions
Which are the top-rated hidden gem beaches in France?
Our top three are En-Vau Calanque (4.8 out of 5), Palombaggia (4.8 out of 5), Saleccia (4.8 out of 5). Scores are editorial ratings from the EuroShores team.
When is the best time to visit these beaches?
Most are at their best from June to September. Water temperatures average about 21 degrees C in season. Each beach page lists its exact season.
Which of these beaches are easiest to reach?
Palombaggia, Plage de Piemanson have easy access. The others need a walk, stairs or a rougher road, so check the access note on each page.
More lists
- Best Sandy Beaches in France
- Best Pebble Beaches in France
- Best Family Beaches in France
- Easiest Beaches to Reach in France
- Hidden Gem Beaches in Greece
- Hidden Gem Beaches in Spain
- Hidden Gem Beaches in Italy
- Hidden Gem Beaches in Portugal
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