French resorts are famous throughout the world. Once upon a time, the Russian aristocracy basked in the sun on the Cote d'Azur, and future record holders of the royal yacht clubs trained in Normandy. Today, the French coastline still remains one of the most attractive places for a relaxing beach and active holiday. We can roughly distinguish three main parts of the resorts: the Mediterranean, separately the Cote d'Azur with its crystal waters and the Atlantic coast
French resorts on the Atlantic Ocean
One of the most famous places on the French coast is Normandy - as much as 640 kilometers of northern rocky shores. There are not many beaches among them, but the development of seaside resorts in Upper and Lower Normandy is at its best.
Firstly, these are the ancient chalk cliffs of the town of Etretat, which have been popular since the time of the French Enlightenment. Hugo, Dumas, Maupassant, Manet and Monet loved to live here, capturing the harsh northern nature with word and brush.
Secondly, these are Deauville, Cabourg and Trouville, with Trouville and Deauville separated by an isthmus. Deauville has been known since the 19th century, when the Duchess of Morny decided to establish a French resort here. Everything here is gorgeous: from the wooden embankment made of African azobe wood from 1923 to the beach cabins named after... for example, Grace Kelly, who visited here. By the way, this place became the place where Coco Chanel appeared in the guise “a la garçon”. There is a famous casino, golf club, and hippodromes.
Cabourg is much freer and has more space on the beach. But there is also a casino and a yacht club where sailing enthusiasts relax. Normandy has a mild climate without sweltering heat, and due to its proximity to Paris, there are many residents of the capital on weekends. The temperature does not rise above +26°C in summer, and the water rarely warms up above +23°C, but it is not too cold for swimming.
To the west of Normandy lies the region of Brittany - the picturesqueness of this area and local beaches can captivate even a sophisticated heart. These are fishing villages for those who love peace and local French resorts, for example, Saint-Malo. The city's unique history makes it attractive to tourists who appreciate original entertainment. This is a pirate town that transformed in the 16th century into one from a quiet monastic refuge. It was then that a unique fortress was erected. Nowadays, numerous “pirate” festivals are held here. The marine world can be seen in the Grand Aquarium - there are many underwater inhabitants, and while diving, you freeze in front of the next pirate frigate that has fallen to the bottom.
Another coastline with beautiful green shores facing the Atlantic Ocean is Aquitaine. The main resort here is considered to be Côte d'Argen (Côte d'Argen, translated as Silver Coast) with fine silver sand. It is thanks to him that the beaches of the coast are so popular among seasoned people - there are strong winds, but this only inspires surfers and yachtsmen.
France is an incredibly beautiful country that has attracted travelers at all times with its eventful history, stunning culture and unique monuments of architecture and art. But an important factor of attraction for tourists are the absolutely amazing resorts of France on the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. They are ideal for a family holiday with children, for a honeymoon for newlyweds, just a relaxing holiday or an active pastime combined with educational excursions to interesting French sights or balneotherapy. France owns more than three thousand kilometers of coastline, both on the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Our article today is dedicated to the popular resorts of France on the picturesque Atlantic coast, located in the regions of Normandy, Aquitaine and Brittany.
It is worth immediately warning that the French Atlantic resorts are characterized by rather cool water, which even at the height of the summer season does not warm up more than twenty to twenty-two degrees, but it is incredibly clean and is excellent for a variety of wellness procedures. The swimming season on the Atlantic coast of France lasts only three months: June, July, August. The beaches of the Atlantic resorts of France are wide with white and pleasant sand. For the Atlantic coast of France, there is an urgent problem of constant ebb and flow of tides, when water can recede from the coastal strip by almost a kilometer. This is very typical for the French regions of Brittany and Normandy. That is why vacationers have to take water baths only during high tide. Like the French resorts of the Cote d'Azur, located on the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic resorts of France have an excellent infrastructure, and tourists have at their disposal not only wonderful beaches, but also a wide variety of entertainment: casinos, golf clubs, discos, nightclubs, as well as ample opportunities for medical procedures. Thalassotherapy is remarkably developed here, working wonders in healing various diseases, and this is understandable, because France is the birthplace of thalassotherapy. The country has dozens of excellent centers for the treatment of rheumatism, spinal problems, as well as places for post-traumatic rehabilitation.
French resorts on the Atlantic Ocean in Brittany. Brittany is located in a picturesque area, just west of the French region of Normandy. Here, vacationers will enjoy incredible views of the surrounding area and discover captivating fishing villages. This region has a rich and fascinating history, introducing you to ancient pirate cities, ancient monasteries and unique fortresses.
- the place where the first thalassotherapy center appeared in France, this was in 1899. Roscoff is an excellent Breton beach resort, famous for its chic hotels and luxurious villas. It is not as noisy as the Dinard resort, so it is considered an ideal place for a relaxing family holiday, especially with small children. At the local “Institute and Center for Thalassotherapy”, you will be able to undergo a preventive course of treatment, during which the most modern balneological complexes of procedures will be used: a variety of showers, baths, swimming in healing thermal springs, mud or algae wraps, massages with medicinal herbs, essential oils and cosmetic procedures. Along the way, you can engage in active sports, physical education, and fitness. And thanks to experienced specialists, you will begin to eat properly after selecting an individual dietary menu.
– it is known as the place where the largest ebbs and flows occur on our planet. Saint-Malo has a unique history, inextricably linked with sea robbers, because it is a real “pirate city”, which turned into such in the sixteenth century, although it was previously a quiet monastic refuge. In those days, a formidable fortress appeared here, which tourists admire to this day. Very often, “pirate” holidays take place here, which generates the interest of travelers to choose this French Atlantic resort as their beach holiday destination. The diving here is very interesting, because at the bottom of the sea there are many sunken pirate frigates. As for the local beaches, they are magnificent: sandy and quite uncrowded, even at the height of the high season. A sea dam for swimming, protected from the tides, was built on the Bon Secours beach. The resort of Saint-Malo is home to a major French port for cruise ships. From here you can take ferries to England, Ireland, and Spain in two hours. Also, in Saint-Malo there is the famous Thalassotherapy Center “Les Thermes Marins”, which has been operating since 1963. Numerous visitors come to it to improve the health of their facial and body skin through SPA and thalasso treatments, as well as treatment using natural science methods. It is impossible to say that it is hot in the resort of Saint-Malo on summer days, because not even every year the record temperature can reach twenty-two degrees Celsius, but swimming in ocean water with a temperature of twenty or eighteen degrees is quite acceptable, and you can sunbathe perfectly . This Atlantic resort in France will be comfortable for people who cannot tolerate high temperatures. In addition, it is worth mentioning the huge seawater pools located in the local thalassotherapy center, where swimming is possible all year round.
The largest seaside resort in the French region of Brittany. The resort appeared under Emperor Napoleon III and developed rapidly in the nineteenth century. Today, holidays here are considered prestigious and respectable and are very popular among world celebrities. The resort is famous for its magnificent sandy beaches, picturesque natural attractions, amazing entertainment events and events that take place here, gathering world-famous stars every year at this French resort. A summer stay in Dinard will give you an exceptional holiday, especially when visiting the local thalassotherapy center, which offers guests one of several options for thalassotherapy courses: these can be general health treatments, sleep treatments, tonic treatments. By paying for a day of relaxation at the thalassotherapy center, which costs about one hundred euros, you will have a great time: visiting various wellness treatments, Finnish and Turkish saunas, swimming in a seawater pool, enjoying an underwater massage, relaxing in a jacuzzi. And in the evening, you can take a promenade from the beautiful central square to the sea, admiring the bright illumination and listening to music. The most impressive beach of the Dinard resort is Ecluse, located in the central part of the resort. Luxurious Victorian villas stretch along it, and in the center there is a casino.
A good beach resort in the south of Brittany, located along a narrow spit jutting far into the sea. It is worth noting that the swimming season here is very short and lasts only two months: July and August. But there are magnificent sandy beaches, with high snow-white dunes, surrounded by majestic pine forests, and the local thalassotherapy institute is the best in the world. People suffering from nervous disorders and metabolic disorders come to relax at the Atlantic resort of Quibron. By the way, not far from this resort there is the largest collection of ancient megaliths in Carnac - a popular natural attraction in France.
– this beach spot on the French Atlantic is often called the “pearl of the Emerald Coast.” The resort of Cancale stands on the shores of the beautiful bay of Mont Saint-Michel, from here you can see this world-famous island with the abbey. Oysters are bred in the cold and crystal clear local ocean waters. There are huge oyster farms here, covering an area of four hundred hectares. This is probably why Cancale is called the “oyster capital of France.” Those tourists who choose a holiday in the French Atlantic resort of Cancale can expect long walks along very clean and picturesque, but completely deserted beaches, and visits to numerous cafes where you can taste inexpensive seafood dishes.
French resorts on the Atlantic Ocean in Normandy. The French region of Normandy stretches for six hundred and forty kilometers along the northern cliffs bordering the coast of this country. There are not as many beaches here as in other Atlantic regions of France, but the level of development of the seaside resorts of Upper and Lower Normandy is at the highest level.
– located in the northwestern part of France and belongs to the Basse-Normandie region. The resort town is located on the picturesque coast of the English Channel, there is a lot of greenery, excellent sandy beaches and great leisure opportunities. At this resort you can meet various world celebrities who love to relax in this beautiful corner of France. There are many hotels, cafes, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, shops, and there is a sports complex with tennis courts and numerous exercise equipment. In summer, the air temperature ranges from sixteen to twenty-two degrees, the ocean warms up to twenty degrees. In addition to standard beach activities at the Deauville resort, you can receive treatment at the Algotherm Thalassotherapy Center, equipped with the most modern equipment: kinesiotherapy departments, a variety of baths and pools, and they also perform procedures for applying seaweed applications, there are gyms, beauty salons, a sauna, solarium, dietary restaurant. As for the beaches of the French resort of Deauville, this is a magnificent and very well-groomed strip of sand, with a wide wooden deck, along which you can walk in the evening, enjoying the fresh sea breeze and a magnificent sunset. The Deauville resort has everything for wealthy vacationers and their luxurious life: a casino, a golf club, and hippodromes.
– there used to be a small fishing village here, which arose on the territory of Normandy back in Viking times. But the popularity of Trouville as a French seaside resort began with the opening of a hydropathic clinic here in 1860. It must be said that Trouville is simpler and more democratic, unlike its neighbor Deauville, separated by an isthmus. Life here concentrates on the Atlantic coast, with a beautiful promenade and magnificent sandy beaches, surrounded by picturesque surroundings. By the way, the Trouville resort is home to several families who have been fishing for centuries, and it is thanks to them that the city has an excellent fish market where you can buy the freshest seafood. It even has its own casino, located on a separate miniature island.
– located in the department of Calvados and belongs to the region of Basse-Normandie. The town of Cabourg has two magnificent beaches where tourists in search of shells love to stroll during low tide. There is a lot of space on the beaches of the Cabourg resort, and the water sometimes warms up to a record twenty-three degrees, with an air temperature of twenty-six degrees, but this is rather rare. You can stroll along the beautiful local embankment in the evening, breathing in the fresh sea air. The resort of Cabourg has excellent SPA centers specializing in thalassotherapy. Here there is something to keep active recreation lovers busy: there is a golf club, at the hippodrome you can take horse riding lessons, you can ride a map, play tennis, go to a yacht club, and do water sports. Every year in Cabourg the romantic film festival “Days of Romance in Cabourg” is held, at which time you can unexpectedly see some world celebrity leisurely walking along the embankment or leaving a restaurant. Also, the city of Cabourg is the center of French equestrian sports. At its hippodrome, the racing season begins in April and ends in October. Night races are considered especially spectacular; you can watch them not even from the stands of the hippodrome, but from a table in a local restaurant with panoramic windows.
- located at the mouth of the Seine River. It is popular among travelers looking for the flavor of antiquity in Normandy, walking along the picturesque city promenade of St. Helena, peering at the austere features of the Gothic temple next to the harbor, walking along the narrow ancient streets with neat houses. This Normandy resort in France has a lot of antique shops where you can find stunning works of art. Of course, the beaches of Honfleur are not competitors to the beaches of Deauville or Trouville, but it’s pretty good to swim, sunbathe, walk along the seashore, for which Honfleur is very loved by Parisians, and also for its simplicity and lack of ostentatious luxury and chic.
French resorts on the Atlantic Sea in Aquitaine. The region of France is Aquitaine, a magnificent and very green Atlantic coast, incredibly popular among surfers and yachtsmen, thanks to the strong winds that are constantly present here. The resorts of Aquitaine are well planned and incredibly comfortable for relaxation. There is a very mild and healthy maritime climate, beautiful and green nature, the cleanest and most transparent sea. The real pride of Aquitaine is a two hundred and fifty kilometer strip of magnificent sea beaches covered with golden sand, as well as fifty more internal beaches on the banks of rivers and lakes. In general, the territory of Aquitaine is divided into four main zones: the Medoc Peninsula, the Bay of Arcachon, the Landes - “Silver Coast”, the Basque Coast.
Resorts of the French Medoc Peninsula in Aquitaine on the Atlantic Ocean– these are ninety kilometers of excellent beaches, with a dozen small towns located on the ocean shore, where there is a mild climate, ideal for climatotherapy, including “light therapy” and “naturism”.
- famous for its seven-kilometer well-groomed sandy beach, where there are numerous schools and clubs for surfing, bodyboarding, an excellent equestrian and sailing center, a parachuting center, tennis, various flying clubs, day groups or beach children's clubs. And ten kilometers from the resort grow the stunning Medoc vineyards, where tourists come to taste and purchase world-famous French wines: “Medoc”, “Haut-Médoc”, “Saint-Estephe”, “Poyac”, “Saint-Julien” , “Listrac”, “Mulis”, “Margot”. The resort of Soulac-sur-Mer is located ninety-five kilometers from the French city of Bordeaux, where the nearest international airport is located.
- famous nudist, opened in 1950. Every summer season, more than fourteen thousand tourists come here - lovers of naturism, and forty percent are French themselves. On the shores of the Montalivet resort, the capital of French nudism, there are one thousand eight hundred campsites, many shops, one hundred and seventy-two bungalows, sports and water entertainment centers.
is a small town located in the Gascony Bay of the French region of Aquitaine, in the southeastern part of the country. It grew up on the site of a modest fishing village in the nineteenth century, quickly gaining popularity among representatives of French bohemians thanks to its healing air and miraculous mineral springs. The French themselves love to relax at this resort. They come here to swim in the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, sunbathe on beautiful sandy beaches, admire amazing natural views, indulge in balneotherapy and taste amazing seafood delicacies - the freshest oysters. Arcachon is often called the "City of the Four Seasons", due to its quarters named "Winter", "Spring", "Summer", "Autumn". The resort of Arcachon is surrounded on all sides by excellent beaches. The city is located on the shore of a bay, which is the “inland sea of Aquitaine,” so you can swim there even in the cold season, because the water is “heated” by hot springs. Another advantage of a holiday in this Atlantic resort in France is that there are no big waves, which is ideal for families with children.
Resorts Cote d'Argent– this coastal strip of French Aquitaine has become famous throughout the world for its amazing, very fine and silvery sand. There are many resort towns, smoothly transitioning from one to another.
The most popular resort in Landov is the “Silver Coast”. The city is famous for the production of perfume oils, the Lemon Festival, and the lush and fragrant citrus gardens. The beaches of the French Atlantic resort of Mimizan are incredibly well-groomed and clean, they are equipped with shower cabins and everything necessary for tourists.
– the most fashionable French resort with excellent beaches and opportunities for yachting. Here travelers will find a wonderful climate and breathtaking views of the Pyrenees mountains. Biarritz has a wide variety of beaches to suit every taste: picturesque stretches of fine sand, secluded coves and secluded bays, beaches surrounded on all sides by cliffs. The resort of Biarritz attracts thousands of fans of crazy parties and upscale luxury holidays. This resort is often called “The King of Beaches and the Beach of Kings.” Biarritz is the oldest resort on the Bay of Biscay coast, located forty kilometers from the Spanish border. The most popular beach here is “Grand”; around it there are stunning villas, restaurants, casinos, and a high-class hotel - the “palace”. The beaches of Biarritz are no less loved by tourists - “Chambre d'Amour”, “Miramar”, “Milady”. But here, like other French resorts in the Atlantic, there are ebbs and flows. Biarritz is an excellent place for windsurfers, it is here that the most the best European schools for teaching this type of sailing. The most ideal conditions for surfing await you on the Cote des Basques beach. And for a holiday with children, it is better to go to the PortVieux beach - there are no strong winds and large waves. In addition, the resort of Biarritz is one of the most popular French thalassotherapy resorts.On the beaches of Biarritz there are specially equipped sections of the coast where it is customary to hold regular sports competitions.
– a place where you can get acquainted with the attractive Basque culture. It used to be a small village, but has become popular with holidaymakers thanks to the development of its famous neighbor Biarritz, located just five kilometers away. Bidart is a quiet and peaceful city where people come for relaxation and relaxation. There are well-organized beaches, of which there are five. They are divided by natural boundaries - rocky ledges extending into the sea. The largest beach is Central Beach, access here is very convenient, there is also good parking for cars. Thanks to the huge waves of the Atlantic, surfers love to relax here. There is also a surfing club in Bidart. For tourists coming with children, we can recommend visiting the Bid’a Park hydropark, which has three pools and a slide. It stands on the banks of the Uabya River, in the southern part of the city.
We told you about the famous French resorts on the Atlantic Ocean, located in the regions of Brittany, Normandy and Aquitaine. We hope that we were able to help you decide on your choice of vacation spot.
The Atlantic coast of France is a favorite holiday destination not only for the French, but also for tourists from around the world. Amazing atmosphere, fresh ocean breeze, relaxing on excellent sandy beaches, communicating with the ocean, kiting. As well as the ebb and flow of tides, which people have observed for centuries, endowing these natural phenomena with mystical meaning.
Every day a theatrical performance takes place on the coast. The main role in the performances here always belongs to one actor - His Majesty Ocean, whose artistic role is constantly changing. 
Either he is a comedian, and then everyone around him laughs, rejoices at the gentle waves and excellent weather. During such periods, many vacationers gather on the coast, who like to swim and take air baths. 
In addition to swimming, people master rock climbing, hide in coves, kite surf, sunbathe on sandy beaches, and add to their shell collections... 
The unobtrusive sun warms everyone with its warmth. The air, light, comfortable, transparent, with the aroma of the ocean, heals both body and soul. 
The ocean is a tragic one. Bad weather dominates such a dramatic production. And the only witnesses to the raging action are the silent rocks. 
Sometimes a performance is cancelled. This happens during periods of low tide, when, as they say, “the ocean is gone.” A silent scene appears. Lonely, lonely ships make a forced downtime, “sticking” to the ocean floor. 
Vacationers, instead of basking in the azure waves, are forced to look for other activities, although far from the most boring. For example, they take walks along the ocean floor. 
And the enterprising French living nearby, armed with buckets, shovels and other simple devices, diligently collect the gifts of the ocean, literally lying under their feet. 
In some places, special structures have been built in shallow waters ( Bouchots) for growing mussels and oysters on an industrial scale. 
Residents of the Atlantic coast of France, who closely monitor changes occurring in nature, know the schedules of the ocean's ebb and flow. And if on all the roads, on all the approaches to the water element there is a line of cars and many Frenchmen plying from the surface of the water to their cars with buckets, then we can definitely say that the ocean has “gone” and we will have to swim next time. 
There are so many people who want to collect seafood that there are limits on the amount of “prey” collected by one person so that the ecological balance is not disturbed. 
And in the evening, local residents and tourists vacationing on the Atlantic coast of France will feast on the freshest delicacies presented to them by the ocean. 
Following the ebb of the tide, the tide inevitably begins and the ocean returns. Water refills its territory. And all living things adapt to the rhythm of the breathing of His Majesty of the Atlantic Ocean. 
Surprisingly, there is almost no detailed comparison of these completely different French coasts on the Russian-language Internet. But it is precisely the peculiarities of the climate and geographical location of the resort, if you did not know about them in advance, that can at least cause disappointment, or even completely ruin your long-awaited vacation.
Considering that holidays in France are now expensive, I decided to make a comparison article resorts of the Mediterranean coast of France (primarily the Cote d'Azur in its broad sense - from Marseille to ) and famous resorts of southwest France (from Biarritz to La Rochelle). In this review, we do not consider the northern part of the Atlantic coast of France (the seaside cities of Normandy and Brittany), since we focused specifically on the possibility of combining tourism and a full-fledged beach holiday.
So, let's begin.
Climate
The best time to relax on the ocean is July and August. At this time, the water in the Atlantic in the coastal zone warms up to an acceptable 21-22 degrees (sometimes higher, but it’s better not to wait). In the Mediterranean Sea, the swimming season is longer - traditionally from June to September (velvet season). Already in June (depending on the weather, of course) it is quite possible to swim in fairly warm water (from 22 degrees and above). The hottest time both on the Atlantic and in the south of France is mid-July - the first half of August. At the same time, on the Atlantic, too, contrary to popular belief, there is suffocating heat, despite the constant winds from the ocean. In addition, the winds are treacherous: it is easier to get a sunburn on your skin without even noticing it. If you are very sensitive to heat, choose the seaside resorts around Nice rather than those near Marseille. The more benign climate is due to its geographical location: its surroundings are covered by the Maritime Alps and there is a special microclimate here, so high temperatures due to the relatively low humidity are more easily tolerated, and a refreshing breeze usually blows in the evening. Also because of its pleasant climate, the Côte d'Azur has long been chosen as a holiday destination by monarchs and their entourage. And I don’t think it’s even worth mentioning about the legendary heat in Provence at the peak of summer. This is a truly difficult test for everyone, and even more so for people with health problems.
Sea ocean
Everything is clear here: someone loves one thing, and someone else loves another. Fans of the ocean, big waves and water sports flock to the Atlantic, as Biarritz, Hossegor (Sort-Hossegor) and the Spanish city of San Sebastian, located near the border, are considered the “mecca” of European surfing. The waves in Hossegor are so good that this small place hosts the prestigious World Surfing Championship every fall. Those who like to contemplate vast spaces, the power and energy of the ocean, and endless beaches will like the Atlantic more. But in the Mediterranean Sea, you can be sure that in most places during your vacation you will be able to swim in the calm, warm sea almost every day and swim without fear of being carried away by the current.
Beaches
In terms of beauty and length of beaches, in my opinion, the Atlantic coast definitely wins. Between Biarritz and La Rochelle there are hundreds of kilometers of beautiful wide beaches with soft golden sand. Almost all the beaches of Aquitaine are among the most beautiful beaches in France. For a beach holiday, you should pay attention to such resorts as Biscarrosse, Mimizan, Mollier-et-Maa.
The south of France also has no shortage of beautiful beaches, but they are completely different from the ocean ones. From Nice to the Italian border the beaches are pebble, only in some places with small patches of small soft pebbles and sand, such as in. Real sandy beaches start in the Antibes area and stretch along the coast towards the Esterel mountain range. The Esterel massif is famous for its “paradise” bays, quite suitable for filming commercials. But you can’t get to these wild beaches without a car, and many of them have a very steep descent to the sea. Another area of the south of France with good beaches are the nearby small resorts.
Beaches on the Atlantic, photo
Beaches Cote d'Azur photo
Landscape and vegetation
The landscape of the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts of France is very different. The Cote d'Azur has all the attributes of southern nature that are so lovely to people living far from the sea: picturesque mountains on the horizon, lush Mediterranean vegetation (pine trees, many types of palm trees, cypress trees, luxurious flowers, etc.). The southwestern coast of France is the kingdom of pine trees, but these are pine trees of a different type than in the south. The pine forests of these places and the ocean are a wonderful combination, and breathing “pine” air is useful for people with various diseases of the respiratory system. Another difference between the south and Aquitaine is that the latter is a predominantly flat region; while relaxing here, you will not see any mountains. Except Biarritz, where the powerful Pyrenees mountain range looms on the horizon. But Biarritz is no longer territorially Aquitaine, but the French Basque Country.
Typical landscape of Aquitaine
Atlantic Coast Pine Forests
Nature of the Cote d'Azur
Transport accessibility
On this point, the Cote d'Azur wins, because Nice has an international airport with direct flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg, as well as major cities in Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan and others. Five minutes by taxi (or 20 minutes by public transport) from the airport - and you are already in the center, from where it is convenient to travel to other cities of the French Riviera by train or bus. Cons: during the season, tickets for direct flights to Nice are expensive, so many tourists fly here with a transfer.
Getting to the Atlantic is more difficult and takes longer. From Russia these are always connecting flights (via Paris to Bordeaux or Bayonne). There is also the option of flying into Paris and then taking the TGV high-speed train to Bordeaux (the main city of Aquitaine). But in any case, you will need a rented car for your vacation in these places, especially to visit all the interesting sights. Public transport here is not as well developed as on the Cote d'Azur, and many beautiful beaches cannot be reached, for example, by any bus.
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Accommodation
Both on the Atlantic coast and on the Cote d'Azur there are resorts that do not need advertising. and, Antibes and, on the French Riviera, as well as Biarritz on the Atlantic - these are already “holy” places for world celebrities, billionaires and smaller businessmen hovering around these “sharks”, but who want to join the “party”. Infrastructure for the rich has been created in the south and southwest of France since about the middle of the 19th century, so the famous historical resorts have enough top-level hotels (5 stars or a special category - "palace" palais). The presence of such places automatically raises the price level at the resort and cuts off tourists who want to relax on a budget. In this regard, it is worth keeping in mind that even if you manage to rent relatively inexpensive housing in the vicinity of Monaco, Saint-Tropez or Biarritz, the cost of your vacation (prices in shops and supermarkets, cafes, restaurants, etc.) will be much higher than in lesser known places.
Prices
Both the Atlantic resorts and the south of France are approximately equal in terms of prices for hotels/apartments/food/entertainment (what makes up the total cost of a vacation), that is, it is impossible to say unequivocally that somewhere you will spend less money, and somewhere more. Everywhere, a significant part of the budget is taken up by expenses for restaurants, so in this case, there is only one option to save money - rent a private apartment/apartment and cook yourself.
If we talk about the contingent of vacationers, then a huge number of tourists from all over the world come to the Cote d'Azur, and the Atlantic is primarily a favorite holiday destination for the French, many of whom do not like the south because of high prices, traffic jams and a large number of those same foreigners. Although, to be fair, in July/August, during mass holidays in France and Europe, highways towards both the Atlantic coast and the Mediterranean Sea are jammed with traffic jams.
Shopping
If vacation is also a time for you to replenish your wardrobe (for example, at summer sales), then in this regard, of course, the Cote d'Azur is preferable. Boutiques and large shopping centers, French and international brands, inexpensive and luxury - all this is compactly collected on the French Riviera. Entire shopping streets in Monaco, Cannes and Nice are at your disposal, and there are often really good discounts due to the high competition between shops.
At the resorts of the Atlantic coast there is also no shortage of shops, but still, French brands of clothing and shoes are more represented here (don’t forget that the majority of vacationers here are French themselves), as well as many small private boutiques with clearly inflated prices. In any case, in July, at the height of the French sales, I saw practically no discount in shops on the coast between Biarritz and Arcachon, and the discounts on the labels looked like a scam.
Attractions
By this criterion, I would certainly give primacy to the Cote d'Azur, although in the southwest of France there are amazing sights, such as the largest in Europe. The coastal towns of the Cote d'Azur of France are compactly located, they are all different and each interesting in their own way, they are easy to reach on your own by bus or train, and in the mountains in the surrounding area there are many beautiful small villages (also mostly accessible without a car). In addition, Monaco and Italy are nearby if you want to go to another country.
From Biarritz you can also travel to neighboring Spain, but only if you travel by car. The distances between the cities of the southwestern part of France are not very large, but they also do not allow you to explore several places in one day, as is quite possible on the Cote d'Azur.
Elena Kurylenko
France is a fairly large country located in Western Europe. In the north and west it is washed by the waters of the Atlantic, its southern coast is caressed by the waves of the Mediterranean Sea. The largest cities in France are concentrated in the south, and the north-west is an amazing place, historical and picturesque. Somewhat harsh nature, rocks, waves grinding coastal stones, winds, ancient castles and fortresses. It is worth a closer dive into their history.
Northern cities of France
They have stood for centuries, but life continues to this day in the proud architectural monuments of the secular and religious history of the north of France. For example, in Saint-Omer there is the Church of Our Lady - the pearl of Flemish church architecture, a magnificent combination of Romanesque and Gothic styles. It began to be built in 1200 and was completed in the 15th century.
Lille: city of industrialists
The main city of Northern France is Lille. There are many remarkable buildings of secular urban architecture, including the grandiose construction of the Old Bourse of the 17th century and the fortress of Louis XIV - a huge citadel, the construction of which took 60 million bricks and required the efforts of 2 thousand masons.
Arras: dark gothic
It is famous for the fact that Hamlet stabbed the old man Polonius to death through the Arras tapestry, and for the fact that one of the demon leaders of the Great French Revolution, Robespierre, was born here. But even today it is quite an interesting place. The 13th-century Gothic cathedral in the city of Amiens miraculously survived the bombings of two world wars. A true masterpiece is the finest wood carving in the design of the cathedral choirs, made by masters of the 16th century.
Honfleur: city of artists
Further west along the coast of Normandy there are wonderful resort towns and seaports known to us from history. The most picturesque of these places is the bay of Honfleur. From the collection of paintings in the Eugene Boudin Museum, one can judge that the artists Corot, Courbet, Monet and Dufy loved to work in Honfleur.
Deauville: flowery coast
A city of casinos and fashionable discos, the main resort on the English Channel coast, which to this day has retained the splendor that made it famous at the turn of the century. Deauville is the most prestigious seaside resort very close to Paris, nicknamed the “flower coast” and the “Parisian Riviera”.
Rouen: memory of Joan of Arc
Some distance from the coast, in Jumiège, there are the ruins of an ancient abbey, which was consecrated in 1067 to commemorate the conquest of England by William the conqueror. The main city of Upper Normandy, Rouen, is revered by the French as the site of the burning of Joan of Arc. Rouen has been one of the country's largest cities and a port on the Seine River since the Middle Ages. In addition to the cathedral of the 11th-12th centuries, there are other wonderful sights here.
On the coast of the department of Calvados you can see the beachheads of the landings during the Normandy operation on June 6, 1944 (D-Day) - “Omaha”, “Utah”, “Gold”, “Juno” and “Sword”. Behind Utah Beach, in Madeleine, there is one of the museums dedicated to this action. The main exhibition dedicated to Operation Overlord is located in Arromanches.
The largest river in northern France is the famous Seine, at the mouth of which one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, the Norman one, was erected. The first largest river port is in Paris, the second is in Rouen. On the banks of the Seine, which divides the capital into two parts, are located:
- The Louvre, which served as the residence of monarchs for many centuries, has now become a museum;
- Palace Caranavale;
- colorful Tuileries gardens;
- the famous Saint-Jacques Tower and many other attractions.
Atlantic coast
Before heading to the windswept Atlantic peninsula of Cotentin, from which the wild Norman conquerors sailed to England, we recommend taking a sip of Calvados, a wonderful locally produced apple vodka.
Caen: birthplace of William the Conqueror
The main city in Lower Normandy is Caen. This is where William the Conqueror lived before moving to England. William and his wife Matilda left as a legacy to future generations two beautiful monasteries - male and female, they are located to the west and east of the center of Caen.
In the Bayeux Cathedral you can see an ancient tapestry with an artistically woven depiction of events from the period of the Norman Conquest.
One of the most striking examples of church architecture in France and, perhaps, one of the wonders of the Western world as a whole is the monastery of Mont Saint-Michel, located in a small bay south of the Cotentin Peninsula. The monastery, built between the 11th and 16th centuries, stands on an island connected to the mainland by a dam. Try to visit during high tide.
Resorts on the Atlantic
French resorts on the Atlantic Ocean are widely represented on the coast of Normandy, which captivates with its austere beauty, and on the verdant shores of picturesque Aquitaine, and among the captivating colorful landscapes of Brittany. Even though the sea off the Atlantic coast is quite cool even at the height of the season, the water here is surprisingly clean, the infrastructure is well developed and recreation is varied and comfortable.
The most famous resorts of Normandy are Deauville, Trouville, Cabourg, which have magnificent beaches. Lovers of luxury and fashionability will appreciate the resort of Biarritz, located on the shores of Aquitaine. A tour to the city of Soulac-sur-Mer, famous for its vineyards, will attract true wine connoisseurs.
Brittany on the map of France occupies the northwestern tip of the country. Brittany also has wonderful seaside resorts with sandy beaches. Primarily in the Dinard area on the English Channel coast and La Baule on the Atlantic coast. But the main attraction of this area is its rocky coastline. All along the route, from Ploumanac to Tregastel, there are excellent places for swimming and Treberdin, from where you can see the pink granite cliffs of Brittany.
The Bretons have retained their own language (it belongs to the Celtic group) and their customs. One of these customs is religious processions in which local residents participate in magnificent national costumes. The ancient Celtic origin of the customs is evidenced, in particular, by unusual circles made of stones. For example, in Karnak there is a place where the circles are made of 3 thousand giant stones. They were laid out by the ancient peoples of the north who inhabited Europe.
Walled city of La Rochelle
Further along the Atlantic coast is La Rochelle, a prosperous port city, which in the 17th century, on the orders of Richelieu, became the victim of a brutal siege, since the city's population was Protestants, they live there to this day. Today La Rochelle is the most popular port among yacht owners sailing in these waters, and the houses of the old town, especially on Palace Street, seem to take you back to the distant and glorious 17th or 18th century.
Bordeaux: city – wine label
Bordeaux also has a beautiful old part of the city, and its Grand Theater is one of the most beautiful in France. But the main attractions of Bordeaux - Medoc, Margaux, Pauillac and others - are stored in wine cellars.
Biarritz: luxury of kings
The favorite resort of Emperor Napoleon III and his wife Eugenie, as well as Bismarck and the Prince of Wales, who became King Edward VII. Here today you can feel the atmosphere of the former greatness of France. A little imagination - and in the flickering of crystal chandeliers in the mirrors of an ancient casino you can see images of the august persons of the past.
Southwestern cities of France
The southwest of the country has the largest number of magnificent parks, the most significant of which is the National Pyrenees Nature Reserve. The south-west of France is home to the rural landscapes of Auvergne, the hilly valley of the Dordogne River, and the delicious dishes of Périgord, which can be tasted in the cozy restaurants of such picturesque towns as Sarlat and Cahors.
Cahors: the charm of the south
The city is famous not only for its excellent white wines. The sights of this place are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The amazingly beautiful Saint-Etienne Cathedral, the beautiful Valentre bridge and the ancient boulevards of Cahors make it a real pearl of the southwest of France.
The small Vézère river valley east of Périgord, between Montignac and Les Ezières, contains the world's most amazing collection of prehistoric art.
Interesting:
The striking paintings on the walls of the Lascaux cave were carved 13-30 thousand years ago and depict animals frozen in motion, executed in three colors, using perspective and techniques that convey movement.
Carcassonne: walled city
To the south is the city of Carcassonne, which is of extraordinary interest to military historians. This is a real fortress, but so beautiful that it seems as if it has nothing to do with the war. A city from a fairy tale. There is no other such medieval monument in Europe.
Albi is another wonderful historical city, which today is best known for the fact that the French artist Toulouse-Lautrec was born there in 1864.
A city in the south of France, sung by many poets, the capital of these lands of Languedoc is the wayward and proud Toulouse. In the old district of the city there is a grandiose red brick fortress-church of Saint-Sernin and luxurious 16th-17th century mansions made of the same material. The museums of Toulouse are rich in sculpture from the Romanesque period. Today this city is the industrial capital of France; Airbuses and Concordes are built here.
The most beautiful cities
All of France is a charm and a dream. What are the most interesting, most beautiful cities in France? Our random list:
- deservedly headed by the most beautiful capital, full of sophisticated chic and charm. Paris captivates its guests with both the views from the world famous Eiffel Tower and the splendor of Notre Dame Cathedral and the grandeur of the Arc de Triomphe;
- Nice is the embodiment of elegance and unique charm, famous not only for its resorts, but also for the wonderful Rossetti Square with its stunning fountain and the cathedral located on it;
- Lyon, imbued with the spirit of antiquity, famous for its beautiful Roman amphitheaters, is also considered one of the most beautiful cities that is definitely worth a visit;
- Strasbourg is a city famous for its striking architecture and rich cultural heritage;
- Marseille is a seaport that has preserved the imprint of the majestic Middle Ages;
- Cannes, famous for its festivals, is a true garden city, on the islands of which there are many historical monuments, from a castle and an ancient monastery to the place of imprisonment of the truly legendary “iron mask”.
The list of cities in France, from whose wonderful views you can’t take your eyes off, can be continued endlessly.
And in the following articles we will lift the curtain on the mysterious events that invisiblely permeate Dan Brown's story about the Da Vinci Code, which took place in the French Languedoc in the citadels of Albi, Narbonne and Lourdes and the last refuge of the Cathars - the legendary fortresses of Montsegur and Querylibus.
You will understand why the cult of the Black Madonna flourished in Europe and especially in France, to whom more than 300 statues are dedicated in temples on the slopes of the Mont de la Madeleine mountain range. You will learn about the mysteries of Chartres Cathedral, which became the forerunner of the Gothic cathedrals of France.
