10 Quiet Beach Towns in France With Authentic Local Charm

France isn’t short on beach destinations. You’ve probably heard of Nice, Saint-Tropez, maybe even Biarritz. And while those spots have their place, sometimes you want something slower, less glossy, and more rooted in local rhythm.

The kind of place where the baker knows everyone’s coffee order, and lunch still means a bottle of wine and a nap after. Sound good?

Here are ten beach towns in France where that laid-back authenticity hasn’t been sandblasted by mass tourism.

1. Collioure — Where the Pyrenees Meet the Sea

Just a few kilometers from the Spanish border, Collioure is tucked between mountains and sea. It’s the kind of place that makes painters lose track of time — which is exactly what happened to Matisse and Derain back in the day.

Picture cobbled lanes, pastel houses with red-tiled roofs, and a harbor where fishing boats bob lazily.

Tip: Try anchovies here — they’re cured locally and way different from the salt-bomb ones in tins.

2. Saint-Cast-le-Guildo — Breton Beauty Without the Buzz

If Brittany had a best-kept secret, this might be it. Saint-Cast has long beaches, dramatic cliffs, and a tiny port where boats still bring in fresh langoustines. It’s a great alternative to the more crowded Saint-Malo or Dinard.

Don’t miss: The customs path (“sentier des douaniers”) — it winds along the cliffs with unbeatable sea views.

3. Leucate — Windsurfers, Wine, and Oysters

Somewhere between Perpignan and Narbonne, Leucate offers a rawer slice of the Mediterranean. The town has a split personality: Leucate Village is all old stone houses and shady cafés, while Leucate Plage is a quiet stretch of sand where the wind rules.

Heads-up: Spring brings windsurfing events, so the vibe shifts slightly — but never in a “party town” way.

4. Barneville-Carteret — Normandy’s Quiet Charmer

Think old-school beach huts, soft sand, and sunsets that seem too good to be real. Carteret’s port is still working, and the fish market reflects that. It’s not trendy, and that’s the charm. If you like beachcombing or lazy afternoon bike rides, this one’s for you.

Bonus: You can hop a ferry to the Channel Islands from here if you’re feeling adventurous.

5. Soulac-sur-Mer — Vintage Vibes on the Atlantic

Soulac feels like a postcard from the 1930s — elegant villas, tree-lined streets, and locals doing laps on vintage bikes. It sits at the top of the Médoc Peninsula, facing the ocean. You get Atlantic waves but none of the noise you’d find in bigger surf towns.

A must: The Saturday market. It’s packed with regional specialties — from pineau des Charentes to perfect strawberries.

6. Saint-Pierre-Quiberon — A Thin Strip of Bliss

The Quiberon Peninsula is a long, narrow finger of land sticking into the Atlantic. Saint-Pierre is the quieter sibling of Quiberon town, with beaches on both sides: calm, protected bays on one, wild surf on the other.

Where to stay: Look for chambres d’hôtes in converted stone cottages — many families here rent out parts of their homes in summer.

7. Port-Vendres — Authenticity With a Working Port

Next to Collioure but way less busy, Port-Vendres still earns much of its income from the sea. Fishing boats unload their catch in plain view, and you can often eat seafood that was swimming that morning.

Want to get out on the water? maltacharters.com has options that keep things small and local. None of the mega-tourist vibes — just well-run charters with people who know the coast like their backyard.

8. Saint-Palais-sur-Mer — Chic, But Not Showy

Near Royan but far less polished, Saint-Palais has pine forests, sandy coves, and a mellow air that feels more family picnic than beach club. There’s just enough going on: cafés, little galleries, and old-timey carousel rides by the beach.

Great for: Anyone who wants to relax without being totally off-grid. Think bikes, baguettes, and rosé in the afternoon.

9. Wimereux — Northern Elegance With a Breeze

Just 30 minutes from Calais, Wimereux is a local escape for Parisians looking for sea air. It’s got Belle Époque architecture, a seaside promenade, and a windswept beauty that hits differently from the south.

Don’t expect turquoise water — this is the English Channel, after all — but the bracing salt air and peaceful atmosphere more than make up for it.

10. Île de Ré (Sainte-Marie-de-Ré in particular)

Okay, Île de Ré isn’t exactly under the radar anymore, but Sainte-Marie-de-Ré still feels low-key. It’s less flashy than its neighbors and more about village life: tiny bakeries, salt marshes, and bikes as the main mode of transport.

Pro tip: Go in late September. The crowds are gone, but the weather’s still golden.

Final Word

Quiet beach towns aren’t impossible to find in France — they’re just not shouting for attention. You have to know where to look, and sometimes you have to slow down a bit yourself to really enjoy them.

Bring the paperbacks, leave the high heels, and skip the tight itinerary. That’s kind of the whole point.