The best beaches in France to visit this summer

With a staggering variety of coastlines – from sheltered nooks of iridescent sea on the Mediterranean to romantic cliffs towering above slate-coloured churning ocean in Normandy – France is home to some of the best beaches in Europe. You can laze on a mattress under a parasol with a bucket of Champagne or hike rugged stone bluffs for privileged access to remote corners. Add to that the active pursuit of getting there, by boat, kayak, bike or on foot, which is part of the fun. Still, plonking down a towel on the sand doesn’t mean you have to rough it. Whether floating in the salty sea or slicing through the waves, the ultimate luxury is to take in the authentic spirit of the place.