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The northern regions of France are often forgotten when summer holiday-makers develop their elaborate plans and itineraries. However, the truth is that the best beaches in Northern France can hold their own against many other contenders in Europe. While often susceptible to the unpredictable whims of tides, these lovely sandy havens simply beg a visit, many of them unique in their own way and capable of attracting all kinds of tourists. Find out if they’re calling out to you as well, and get packing. These gems of France’s northern coast should definitely be a part of your vacation list.
Berck-sur-Mer Beach, Hauts-de-France
Equihen-Plage Beach, Hauts-de-France
If not for River Canche interrupting it near Le Touquet, it could be said that Equihen-Plage and the aforementioned Berck-sur-Mer comprise one huge stretch of sand. Read more: Great Beaches of Spain Alas, the two are broken up, but the similarities are all there. Equihen-Plage Beach is, in a similar vein to its predecessor, a long and wide sandy beach just right for a perfect beach holiday. There’s so much space that it could never be said that it’s overcrowded, at least not until the high tide rolls in. When this happens, beachgoers usually huddle around the edges of rolling green hills that provide a breathtaking backdrop to an already stunning location. Go just a bit farther up north and you’ll get to the end of this infinitely long beach, expanding all the way from Berck-sur-Mer.
Baie d’Audierne Beach, Brittany
On the north-western edge of France lies Baie d’Audierne in Brittany. Words fall short in describing this place in all its light, and there’s no better way to experience it than to just head on out there and revel in the beauty of one of the best beaches in Northern France. It’s not just the warm, comfortable sand underneath your feet that’s rendered this place so incredibly stunning. Color of the sand matches that of surrounding sand dunes and low shrubbery, making Baie d’Audierne Beach shimmer as if it were made of gold. If for whatever reason, you decide to do something else, there will be too many natural features to help you get your fill. From marshlands and cliffs to ridges and the magnificent Goyen tidal river, this place deserves all the recommendations it gets.
Audresselles Beach, Hauts-de-France
Le Touquet Paris-Plage Beach, Hauts-de-France
Perhaps you remember Le Touquet from our stories of the infinitely long beach that encompasses several Northern France beach towns. Read more: Traveling Through Eurotunnel It would seem superfluous to revisit this sandy expanse once again, but Le Touquet is, after all, a story in itself. Not only does it have all of the aforementioned charms of this end of Hauts-de-France, but also known as Pas-de-Calais, but it also boasts a more entertaining setting for the younger crowd. Once you set foot in Le Touquet Paris-Plage Beach and hear the music blaring from the many pubs, nightclubs, and casinos, you’ll hardly wish for a more adventurous vacation. On top of that, you can also enjoy the benefits of having so many water sports to choose from while here.
Plage de Meneham Beach, Brittany
Merlimont Beach, Hauts-de-France
Hidden from luxurious cities lies a small but cozy town with one of the most alluring beaches of northern France, called Merlimont. The central beach of Merlimont belongs to the Hauts-de-France region. Merlimont Beach is mostly suitable for sand lovers and people with children because it offers a wide variety of water sports. Most importantly, you needn’t worry about safety, since it is supervised by lifeguards the whole summer season and even during the weekends in May. Therefore, this little piece of heaven offers you not only safety and relaxation on sand but there is a bar with the terrace on the beach where you can find your refreshments. During the low tide, you can find marvelous shells or you can bring a bucket from home and go fishing.
Cap Gris-Nez Beach, Hauts-de-France
Technically speaking, the beach is the smallest part of Cap Gris-Nez, but definitely a beautiful one. Warm sand awaits those adventurous enough to traverse the cliffs surrounding the beach. At this beach, you’ll be able to enjoy the sight of the sea in front of you, and rising hills all around you that provide a sea view unmatched on French Riviera. It’s one of the reasons why many visitors to this gorgeous piece of land actually go ahead and undertake exploratory missions that take them away from the beach and into the rocky surrounding areas. Moreover, it’s the closest you’ll get to Britain from mainland Europe, so you’ll also earn a new traveler achievement by visiting Cap Gris-Nez Beach.
St Cecile Plage Beach, Hauts-de-France
Just as appealing as any other prominent European beach, St Cecile Plage is a huge stretch of sand that’s so enormous that you’ll rarely have to come within 10 feet of any other beachgoer. Looming beyond the beach are hotels and apartments where tourists can settle down before heading out to one of the most expansive beaches in all of Northern France. Similarly to some other places on our list, it’s got small sand dunes decorating the surroundings of St Cecile Plage Beach, perfect for families and groups of friends.
Wissant Beach, Hauts-de-France
Last updated: April 2026. Tide schedules, lifeguard coverage, and parking rules vary—check local signage and official tourism sites before you swim or walk tidal flats.
FAQ: Northern France beaches
When is beach season?
Late spring through early autumn is the main window for comfortable beach days; winter walks can be dramatic but cold and windy.
Are northern French beaches sandy?
Many are wide sandy strands, but you’ll also find pebbles and chalky coastlines—water shoes help.
Is the water warm?
Generally cooler than the Mediterranean—set expectations for refreshing (not bathtub-warm) swims.
Driving vs trains?
Coastal hopping is often easiest with a car, but train + bike/walking works for some towns—map parking early in summer.
