Coastlines of France

The magnificent coastline of France varies dramatically in appearance from coast to coast. In total, the coastline stretches 3,140km in length and incorporates the North Sea, the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

Dramatic rocky cliff faces and soft sandy beaches bordered by heather are just some of the breath-taking scenes to behold along the French coastline.

The Northern coast is approximately 1,130 km long and probably offers the most diverse stretch of coastline in France. Its appearance is similar to that of the coastline in South West England and is made up of river estuaries and indentations. There are many harbours along this stretch of coast, offering familiar ports to passengers travelling from the UK.

Sea sparkling like emeralds and rose coloured granite are familiar sites along the North coast in Brittany. In Normandy, lush green countryside and picture postcard seaside towns border the coast. A familiar coastal landmark in Normandy to behold is of course the famous Le-Mont-St-Michel and is well worth the visit.

The western coastline of France stretches along the Atlantic coast from the Brittany peninsula to the Gironde. Irregular in shape, its is approximately 1,390 km in length and for the most part flat and sandy (excluding Brittany).

Finally you have the Mediterranean coast, which is about 620 km long and offers some of the best natural harbours of France, including Marseille, Toulon, and Nice. The coast is predominately bordered by rock and shallow waters.

Travelling by train with Eurostar and TGV to France couldn't be faster or easier and makes a coastal holiday all the more appealing and affordable.

Image: Rights of Use © MDLF/Nicole Lejeune

• Côte d’Amour/Vendée Coast - Pays de la Loire

  What better place to say "I love you" than along the pretty coast of the Côte d’Amour (coast of love). This stretch of picturesque coastline will have you reaching for your camera with its fine sandy beaches, rock formations and endless caves waiting to be explored. more

• La Côte d'Emeraude - Brittany

  La Côte d'Emeraude (Emerald coast) takes its name from the colour of the sea in the region. This particular section of coast covers two departments of Brittany: Ille-et-Vilaine and Côtes d'Armor. more

• Côte Fleurie - Normandy

  The Côte Fleurie consists of the Eastern coast of Calvados in Lower Normandy. The stretch of coastline, which runs along the Seine Bay, is named the 'Côte Fleurie' thanks to its beaches being bordered by lush green and flowered countryside. more

• Côte d’Opale - Nord-Pas-de-Calais

  The Côte d’Opale is conveniently located just 2 hours from Paris, London and Brussels. The 'Opal Coast' occupies the coastline between Calais and Berk-sur-Mer and has many attractive qualities including sandy beaches, cliffs and sand dunes. Aside from the industrial parks, there is plenty left of the natural landscape to offer a visitor to the area. Small fishing ports mingle with the larger seaside resorts making the area a perfect destination for a short break or a stop-over before travelling further inland. more

• Côte de Granit Rose - Brittany

  The Côte de Granit Rose (pink granite coast) is located in the Côtes d'Armor department of Brittany. It stretches for more than thirty kilometres from Plestin-les-Grèves to Louannec and is one of the most outstanding coastlines in Europe. This special pink rock is very rare and can only be found in two other places in the world, Corsica and China. more