Ah, the sun-kissed beaches of France! They are truly something special, with their exquisite beauty, inviting turquoise waters, and vibrant coastal culture. Picture yourself strolling along the French seashore, feeling the sand between your toes, and diving into the refreshing sea as we navigate through some fantastic French words for the beach in this guide. Today, we’re going to dive into the French language specific to the beach and explore some amazing French beaches where you can put these words to use.
So, whether you’re planning a vacation on the glamorous Côte d’Azur or daydreaming about the picturesque shores of Normandy, learning a bit of the local language will take your seaside experience to the next level.
French Beaches
Nice, French Riviera
Nice, located on the glamorous French Riviera, boasts some of the most iconic beaches in France. Promenade des Anglais is a vibrant stretch of pebbly beach (plage de galets), offering crystal-clear waters and panoramic views of the Mediterranean. Enjoy the beachside cafes, water sports, and the lively atmosphere that makes the French Riviera one of the greatest beach destinations our Earth has to offer.
Biarritz, Basque Coast
Nestled on the Basque Coast in southwestern France, Biarritz is a surfer’s paradise (paradis des surfeurs). It is famed for its long sandy beaches (beach le sable) and powerful waves that make it a favorite destination for water sports (sports nautiques) enthusiasts. Don’t miss the iconic Grande Plage, where surfers carve through the waves against a backdrop of stunning cliffs.
Plage du Sillon, Saint-Malo
In the charming picturesque French village of Saint-Malo, on the northern coast of Brittany, you’ll find the Plage du Sillon. This vast sandy beach (plage de sable) stretches for miles and is perfect for long walks along the shore, sunbathing (bain de soleil), or flying a colorful kite against the backdrop of the medieval walled city. Be sure to visit during low tide to witness the impressive sight of the sea retreating, exposing vast sandbanks (banc de sable).
Porquerolles Island, French Riviera
For a taste of paradise, head to the enchanting Porquerolles Island off the French Riviera. With its pristine sandy beaches, translucent waters, and untouched natural landscapes, it offers a peaceful retreat. Plage Notre-Dame, with its crystal-clear waters and surrounding pine forests (forêt de pins), is a highlight not to be missed.
Étretat, Normandy
Étretat, situated on the stunning Alabaster Coast of Normandy, is famed for its awe-inspiring cliffs and unique rock formations. The pebble beach at Étretat is a sight to behold, flanked by soaring cliffs (falaise) and the famous “Needle” rock formation. Explore the beach, discover hidden caves (grottes), and enjoy panoramic views from the cliffside hiking trails.
Île de Ré, Atlantic Coast
Accessible via a bridge from La Rochelle, Île de Ré offers a delightful coastal escape. Its sandy beaches, charming villages, and salt marshes (marais salants) create a serene and picturesque atmosphere. Plage de la Conche des Baleines is a standout beach, boasting expansive sands, rolling dunes (dune de sable), and bracing Atlantic waters.
Cap d’Agde, Languedoc-Roussillon
Cap d’Agde, located on the Languedoc-Roussillon coast, is a popular beach destination known for its stunning black sand volcanic beaches (plages volcaniques). Rich in natural beauty, the beach offers a mix of family-friendly areas and more secluded spots. Take a dip in the azure waters, enjoy water sports, or explore the nearby naturist village (village naturiste) if you’re feeling particularly adventurous!
French Words For The Beach
Ah, the beach! A place of relaxation, sun, and endless fun. If you’re planning to visit the beautiful beaches of France, knowing some key French words can enrich your beach experience.
| English | French |
| The beach | La plage |
| To be on the beach | Être à la plage |
| To go to the beach | Aller à la plage |
| At the seashore | Au Bord de la Mer |
| The sand | Le sable |
| A sandy beach | Une plage de sable |
| A pebbly beach | Une plage de galets |
| A little beach between cliffs | Une crique |
| A sand dune | Une dune de sable |
| A sandbank or temporary island | Un banc de sable |
| A cliff | Une falaise |
| A bay | Une baie |
| A peninsula | Une péninsule |
| A rock | Un rocher |
| A pine tree | Un pin |
| A coast | Une côte |
| An island | Une île |
Seaside French Vocabulary
Embarking on a seaside getaway in France becomes even more delightful when you’re armed with the right French vocabulary to navigate the beach with ease.
| English | French |
| The sea | La mer |
| The ocean | L’océan |
| A wave | Une vague |
| The water | L’eau |
| A current | Un courant |
| The wind | Le vent |
| High tide | La marée haute |
| Low tide | La marée basse |
Things To See And Do On A French Beach
A French beach offers an array of captivating sights and exciting activities that are bound to make your seaside adventure unforgettable. From the stunning landscapes of the Normandy coast to the glamorous beach towns of the French Riviera, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of our favorites:
| English | French |
| A boat | Un bateau |
| Seashells | Les coquillages |
| Seaweed | Une algue |
| Sunbathing | Le bain de soleil |
| To swim | Nager |
| To bathe, swim or just play around in the water | Se baigner |
| To surf | Faire du surf |
| To snorkel | Faire de la plongée libre / faire du masque et du tuba |
| To make a sand castle | Faire un château de sable |
| Swimming pool | La piscine |
| To tan | Bronzer |
| To get sunburnt | Attraper un coup de soleil |
| To collect seashells | Ramasser des coquillages |
Things To Take To The Beach In France
When it comes to heading to the beach in France, it’s essential to pack the right items for a memorable and enjoyable experience. From sun-soaked days on the glamorous French Riviera to tranquil moments on the sandy shores of Brittany, being prepared is key.
| English | French |
| A beach towel | Une serviette de plage |
| Sun umbrella | Un parasol |
| Sunglasses | Les lunettes de soleil |
| Sunscreen | De la crème solaire |
| Bathing suit | Le maillot de bain |
| A hat | Un chapeau |
| Sandals | Des sandales |
| Flip flops | Les tongs |
| A rubber ring | Une bouée |
| Lounge chair | Une chaise longue |
| A bucket | Un seau |
| A spade | Une pelle |
| Mask | Un masque |
| Snorkel | Un tuba |
| Fins, flippers | Des palmes |
Prepare For Your Perfect Summer Holiday With Ling
Learning some French before booking your beach summer holiday in France is the perfect way to prepare. Along with your sunglasses and sun cream, learning some French words and phrases will stand you in good stead when you stroll along the sand, enjoy a meal in a beachside restaurant, or book a boat trip around the bay. Our advice? Use the Ling app because it has everything you need to brush up on your French language skills, with lessons written by native speakers as well as quizzes and games to keep things entertaining. Download the Ling app today at App Store or Google Play.
