The most expensive resort in France. Where is France located

France offers not only numerous attractions, excellent fashion shopping, but also high-quality seaside holidays. France is washed by the Atlantic Ocean in the north and the Mediterranean Sea in the south. The French themselves prefer the colder but clear water of the Atlantic. Tourists from all over the world have chosen the Cote d'Azur Mediterranean coast for their holidays. We will take a closer look at the two most popular beach holiday destinations in France.

Atlantic coast of France

The French themselves prefer to relax at Atlantic resorts - in the regions of Aquitaine, Brittany and Normandy, where famous beach resorts and thalassotherapy centers are located.

Ancient harbor of La Rochelle, west coast of France

Aquitaine, or rather a resort Biarritz- one of the most popular holiday destinations on the Atlantic coast of France and is considered the most fashionable resort. There are excellent sandy beaches here, but the downside can be the regular ebb and flow of the tides, when in some areas of the beaches the sea moves up to a kilometer away from the shore. The best entertainment in Biarritz is golf and surfing, and as an addition to your holiday you can book an excursion to the Bordeaux vineyards with an obligatory tasting of local wines.

Particularly popular in Brittany are the numerous coves where you can hide from prying eyes. However, the sand on the beaches of Brittany tends to be “dragging.” The most famous resort on the border of Brittany and Normandy is La Paule, where celebrities often gather not only to relax by the ocean, but also to play golf or taste delicious seafood dishes.

Resorts of Normandy - Deauville, Trouville, Cabourg- offer vacationers luxury apartments in hotels of the 18th-19th centuries, magnificent English Channel beaches and the opportunity to see world celebrities on the coast. Deauville is home to one of the best thalassotherapy centers in France. The most popular entertainment on the Atlantic coast of Normandy is horse racing, auctions and polo. True lovers will enjoy a special excursion - the “Road of Norman Cheeses”.

Speaking about a holiday on the Atlantic coast of France, one cannot fail to mention the cleanest beaches and clear water of the island Corsica, closer to the border with Spain.

French Riviera

The Cote d'Azur of France, or the French Riviera, is, first of all, a fashionable and upscale vacation. Here are the most popular resorts - Nice, Monte Carlo, Cannes, where all kinds of festivals, theatrical performances, and exhibitions are held.

To the west of Nice, the beaches in Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Antibes are sandy, and in the area from Nice to the border with Pebbles.

If you want to have fun and have fun, you should choose the most youthful resort on the Riviera - Antibes. Here you can find a full range of water activities and do all kinds of water sports. Best suited for a comfortable and relaxing family holiday Juan-les-Pins, where there are water and amusement parks, a children's sailing school and a tennis center.

Cannes is the center of cultural life of the Cote d'Azur. - here you can not only relax on the beach, but also ensure that you take part in a round-the-clock stream of world-class celebrity events.

IN Nice lovers of clean pebble beaches, good fishing and diving come here. One of the most memorable events in the resort life of Nice is the August carnival “Battle of the Flowers”. Lovers of classical music are recommended to visit the Nice Opera.

Saint Tropez- a former fishing village - is now an exquisite resort with a huge number of luxury villas and hotels, numerous boutiques and a famous antique market. Not everyone can afford to relax here, which is why many nightclubs have strict face control, and yachting, golf and tennis are popular among entertainment options.

French beach resorts offer a variety of water and sports activities, wellness treatments, rich nightlife and plenty of excursion opportunities for lovers of historical architectural values ​​and gourmets. To have a good rest on the beaches, you only need to choose a place to relax based on your financial capabilities and personal preferences, and hospitable French resorts will be able to satisfy every whim of a vacationer.

France presents enormous opportunities for tourism. France is the largest country in Western Europe by territory; its borders by sea are 5,500 km. It is washed by the North Sea, the English Channel, the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

Most French people try to get to the sea coast in the summer. Despite the fact that holidays in Normandy and on the Atlantic coast are very popular, the best place for a beach holiday in France is still considered the Mediterranean coast. The largest resorts here are the French Riviera or the Cote d'Azur and Montpellier and its surroundings.
Search for tours to France

Montpellier

Despite the fact that Montpellier itself does not have direct access to the sea, its surroundings are a popular holiday destination on the Mediterranean coast of France. The nearest beaches are located just 10 km from the city. Population: about 600,000 people.


If you, like me, love unexplored places where almost no Russian tourist has set foot, then this is definitely the place for you. Here you will not hear not only Russian speech, but also, most likely, English speech. The exception is hotel employees and information desks.

How to get to Montpellier

Montpellier has an airport to which direct flights from Moscow began in 2019.

Where to stay

If you are interested in a beach holiday, you can stay in any of the villages in the vicinity of Montpellier. All the beaches are simply magnificent. You can also stay in the city itself and go to the beach by bus or bicycle.

Having previously studied the information, I settled on a choice of two villages - Le Gros-de-Roi and La Grande Motte. They are 5 km from each other and about 35 km from Montpellier. Both have excellent beaches and excellent recreational infrastructure. They are easily accessible from Montpellier by bus, and there is also a local train to Le Gros-de-Roi. Since I planned to stay in an apartment, and the company office where I needed to receive the keys was located in La Grande Motte, I ended up choosing this city. And I didn’t regret it.

La Grande Motte

La Grande Motte is simply a magical place. The city was built in the 60s in a unique, unified architectural design. All the main buildings were erected almost simultaneously on the previously virtually deserted coastline among the sand dunes. The buildings are built in the pyramid style, inspired by the architecture of the ancient Mayans. These pyramids house modern hotels and apartments. We rented an apartment in one of these buildings, located almost on the seashore. The main contingent of vacationers are families with children, mostly French; we did not meet any tourists from Russia during our 10 days of vacation.
The beach strip stretches continuously for many kilometers. The beaches are very wide and clean and have a blue flag. In fact, these are natural dunes equipped with everything necessary for relaxation. The beaches have cafes, toilets, showers, changing rooms, and equipment rentals. The unique natural vegetation of the dunes is also preserved here, which is asked to be treated with care.


The water in the sea is absolutely transparent and clean. But we were unlucky with the weather. Despite the fact that we were in La Grande Motte in the second half of August, the air and water temperatures were quite low - at 20 degrees. It was reminiscent of a holiday in Egypt in the winter. True, local residents said that this weather was absolutely atypical.


You won't be bored during your holiday in La Grande Motte. In addition to the beach, the city has an embankment, which is nice to walk along and admire the yachts, several beautiful and cozy parks, and fountains. The city has a rich program for vacationers in the summer season. For example, we saw a children's party with various competitions, a carnival and festive fireworks. Various free fitness classes are offered. Event brochures are available at the tourist office.
La Grande Motte has a huge number of cafes, restaurants and bars where you can taste delicious Mediterranean cuisine, such as fried mussels (moules). They are cooked in huge frying pans right in front of the restaurant and served in pots in 1.5 kg portions. And what a sauce!
A tourist excursion train runs around the city. You can take a regular bus to visit neighboring villages and admire the nature at the same time. If you're lucky, you can see pink flamingos through the bus window.
Among the excursions you can visit the nearby medieval fortress of Aigues Morgues, a national nature reserve, the medieval castle of Carcassonne, and the Haribo confectionery factory.

Excursions in the vicinity of Montpellier in Russian:

Where to stay in La Grande Motte

In La Grande Motte there are hotels of various star categories. But the main way of accommodation there is in apartments. Yes, yes, those same ones in the form of pyramids. Various options are offered - on the seashore, remote from the sea, with or without a pool.
Search for hotels and apartments in La Grande Motte:

I chose a company to book my stay

This is a Swiss company for booking apartments around the world, with a branch in Russia. The site is in Russian.
To search for accommodation in La Grande Motte, follow the link. .
When booking, you need to select an apartment, as well as additional services: bed linen, extra towels, Wi-Fi router. When booking the apartment, I did not order a Wi-Fi router, deciding if necessary to take it on the spot, but there were no routers on site, they were all disassembled. So I spent 9 days without the Internet.
As a rule, bookings are offered for 1 or 2 weeks, but other periods can be selected.
How does check-in take place?
The Interhome office in La Grande Motte is located in the Résidence du Parc II apartment building.

Since my check-in was during non-working hours, I wrote to them in advance at [email protected], and the office staff left me the password for the safe, which was located next to the office. The safe contained the keys and a route to the apartment.
The next day I came to the office to fill out documents. There I paid the city tax and also left a deposit of 300 euros. Usually the deposit is paid by card, but since there was an error, I was allowed to pay in cash. When I checked out, the deposit was returned to me. The office staff spoke French and English.

Cote d'Azur

The Cote d'Azur is located in the southeast of the Mediterranean coast of France. This is the most popular and fashionable resort, known for its high prices and developed infrastructure. The largest city is Marseille, famous from the movie Taxi. Here you can visit the Château d'If, where, according to legend, the Count of Monte Cristo languished. In addition to Marseille, the most famous cities are St. Tropez, Antibes, Nice, Cannes, and Monte Carlo. The Côte d'Azur is famous for its mild Mediterranean climate and a large number of sunny days (300 days a year). The beach season lasts from the end of May to September, the water temperature ranges from 20 to 25 degrees. The coastline is rugged and rocky. From the Italian border to Antibes the beaches are pebbly, then sandy.

France is washed by several seas and one ocean. This country has many accesses to the big water, and there is also a huge variety of different resorts and beaches.

"French" seas and oceans

France has access to the following water bodies:

• English Channel;
• Atlantic;
• Mediterranean Sea;
• North Sea.

The most popular holiday destinations are located on the Mediterranean Sea. Most French beaches have the Blue Flag award, which indicates they are safe and environmentally friendly.

The coastline of the state has a length of 3.5 thousand kilometers.

« The most popular resort in France is the famous Cote d'Azur. In addition, this place has long been chosen by filmmakers for filming films.».

Many tourists, when planning their French Riviera, choose the Mediterranean coast. Residents of the country prefer the Atlantic coast for weekends and vacations.

Where can you relax by the sea in France?

The best resorts in the country are located on the Cote d'Azur. Cannes is famous not only for its golden sand, but also for its annual film festivals. Apart from beach holidays, Monte Carlo offers many other exciting entertainments. Nice has long become the French “Mecca” for tourists from the northern corners of the world.

On the Atlantic coast there are beautiful resorts in Normandy and Brittany. The La Baule resort on the border of two provinces has long been chosen by celebrities and simply wealthy people.

A budget holiday on the French shores involves visiting small seaside towns where the true French spirit reigns and an ancient and almost authentic atmosphere is preserved.

The Mediterranean Sea off the coast of France is the warmest and calmest place for a family holiday. The Atlantic often delights its guests with strong tides and big waves. Atlantic waters are ideal for water sports. There are fewer sandy beaches, but the nature around amazes with its diversity.

You can not only spend your holidays on the French sea, but also have the best health centers in the country. Even the sea air itself on the coast is considered healing.

The North Sea, which washes a small piece of France, is considered too cold for swimming, but there are also wild beaches where you can relax from the hustle and bustle in complete unity with nature. France is a country that can offer tourists all types of sea holidays for every taste and budget.

They will forever remain faithful to the beaches of these regions. Those who love the heat will go to the Cote d'Azur, those with a Nordic temperament will turn their attention to the Opal Coast and the English Channel coast.

Although summer is already coming to an end, there may be those who have not yet chosen a vacation destination or those who are already deciding where to vacation next. Just for such cases, TripAdvisor has presented a selection of the 10 best beaches in France.

The beach of Porto-Vecchio, a commune in the south of Corsica, is recognized as the best. Six cities in the ranking belong to the Provence-Côte d'Azur region. This place is replete with luxurious vacation spots and is the most popular among tourists. The beaches of Brittany and Aquitaine are also noted.

10. Sainte-Marie-de-la-Mer (Provence - Alpes - Cote d'Azur)

Beaches: Sainte-Marie-de-la-Mer, Bambou Palm Beach

Average cost of a hotel room: 134 euros/day

The city of Sainte-Marie-de-la-Mer is located in the southeast of France, in the Bouches-du-Rhône department. The Camargue nature reserves are nearby. This resort has inspired many creative people, including Picasso, Hemingway, Van Gogh and Bob Dylan. In the house of the Marquis Baroncelli you can get acquainted with local traditions and see the arenas where bullfights are regularly organized. Not far from Sainte-Marie-de-la-Mer is the village of Les Lone, where you can see quaint huts built in the 1950s.

9. Saint-Malo (Brittany)

Beaches: Plage du Mole, Grand Plage, Plage de Bon Secours

Average cost of a hotel room: 111 euros/day

Saint-Malo is located in northwestern France, on the English Channel, and is known for the world's most powerful tides. The city has many attractions, including the Saint-Malo Castle, Saint Vincent's Cathedral, the Solidor Tower and a giant aquarium. Plage du Mole is the main center of attraction for tourists. After breathing in the fresh sea air, which will whet your appetite, you can treat yourself to local pancakes and try cider. Two years ago, TripAdvisor ranked Saint-Malo as the most popular destination in France among Europeans. In 2010, the famous Russian writer Boris Akunin lived and worked in the city.

8. Nice (Provence - Alps - Cote d'Azur)

Beaches: Promenade des Anglais, Castel-Plage

Average cost of a hotel room: 123 euros/day

5. Juan-les-Pins (Provence - Alps - Cote d'Azur)

Beaches: Juan-les-Pins

Average cost of a hotel room: 167 euros/day

Sea, palm trees, sun and music - all this is Juan-les-Pins, a fashionable resort on the Cote d'Azur, located between Nice and Cannes, near Antibes. Vibrant nightlife, an abundance of music cafes, bars and restaurants make this place popular among young people. Every year the world-famous jazz festival takes place here. Juan-les-Pans is also a center for water sports; popular sports include water skiing, catamarans and jet skis, windsurfing and yachting.

4. Cassis (Provence - Alps - Cote d'Azur)

Beaches: Calanques

Average cost of a hotel room: 119 euros/day

Cassis is another city on the Cote d'Azur, located in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, near Marseille. An old Provençal proverb says: “He who has seen Paris but not Cassis has seen nothing!” And these words are not an empty phrase. The majestic bay forms a bay with magnificent sandy beaches, walking along the promenade, you can enjoy the sun-drenched landscapes, and then get to Cape Kanai - one of the highest coastal cliffs in Europe. Local white wine is famous throughout France and beyond.

3. Calvi (Corsica)

Beaches: Calvi Town Beach

Average cost of a hotel room: 174 euros/day

Calvi is a commune that, according to legend, is the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. High mountains and hot sun attract thousands of tourists to this ancient town every year. It is convenient to get here thanks to Calvi - Sainte-Catherine Airport, from which there are flights to many major French cities. The main attraction of the city is the Citadel, surrounded by massive walls. The Ravellata lighthouse, built on a deserted peninsula, is also worth a visit. The 6 km long coastline is bordered by pine forest and washed by clear sea water. There are no strong currents or winds here, so it is an ideal place for

1. Porto-Vecchio (Corsica)

Beaches: Palombaggia, Cala Rossa, Santa Giulia

Average cost of a hotel room: 234 euros/day

And finally, the gold nominee of the rating, Porto-Vecchio. The beaches of this city were recognized as the best for the second time in a row. The most famous of them is Palombaggia, where white sand meets Italian pine trees. Tourists usually do not pass by the historical center, where the main attractions are located: the Church of St. John the Baptist, the Citadel and the Chiappa lighthouse. There are many restaurants in the city that serve local seafood. Many French celebrities lived in Porto-Vecchio, including Dalida, Jean Reno and Christian Clavier.

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However, the choice is not limited to the beaches of just 10 cities. There are other wonderful holiday destinations in France. Hendaye, the most southwestern city of France, located literally a stone's throw from Spain, on the Atlantic coast, has been undeservedly left out. The local beach stretches for 3 km and is the longest in the Basque territories. Do not forget Royan (Charente-Maritime) with its four bays and five beaches of “refined” sand, Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, located on the shores of the English Channel, the pearl of the Opal Coast, Maguero (Brittany) with its endless coastal strip, as well as the beautiful beaches of the resorts of Pen Sec (Gironde) and Buten (Calvados).

Rich in a variety of resorts from beach resorts to ski resorts. I have been to different regions of France and I can say that everyone can find something of their own here. What can we say about the numerous historical monuments? For example, the same Loire Valley. I went there in winter and visited only two castles. It took me the whole day. And there are a great many of them, and each of them has its own unique features, architecture and park landscape. Therefore, in some resorts and particularly noteworthy places, I advise you to stay longer.

Moreover, considering that the choice of housing in France is quite large. I stayed mostly in hostels and small hotels in France. I recommend them to you too, since expensive hotels do not always justify themselves.

If you are traveling to France with children, then first of all I advise you to go to Disneyland. It is located in the suburbs of Paris, about an hour's drive. Regional trains go there - RER. The price of a ticket to Disneyland for adults is about 100 EUR, and for children - from 50–70 EUR, depending on age. The park is divided into two parts and has a well-developed system for visiting particularly popular attractions. You buy tickets for them in advance, and before the designated hour you can walk around the park and explore it.

I was at Disneyland, and although I spent the whole day there, I only managed to see the first part of the park. I had neither the strength nor the time for the second one.

Near Paris there is also a less popular, but no less interesting “Parc of Asterix”. On its territory there are more than 30 attractions designed for children of completely different ages. There are several stylized sectors here - Gaul, the Roman Empire, etc. For children, a visit to this park will be not only interesting, but also educational. Getting to the Parc Asterix is ​​not difficult: special regular buses go there from the Louvre. The fare for them is 10 EUR. And tickets to the park itself cost from 40–50 EUR for children.

Carcassonne

A visit to Carcassonne, the best preserved medieval castle in France, will also be very interesting for children. It is located next to the city, with which it has a train connection (a ticket costs 15–20 EUR, travel time is almost an hour).

The city also has an airport, which, however, only accepts Ryanair planes. Various festivals are often held on the castle grounds. The price of the excursion is from 40 EUR.

Wine regions of France

These are special regions of France and a special type of tourism. There are even special programs that allow you to travel to France to work in the vineyards. As you know, wine is an integral part of French gastronomy. How can you imagine this country without this wonderful drink?

Champagne

I went there as part of a bus tour to two champagne producing factories. In general, the word “champagne” itself comes from the name of this region. When you first drive there, you are immediately surprised by the number of vineyards that stretch on both sides of the road to the very horizon.

The excursion cost me 80 EUR. By the way, we also had tastings, which was especially pleasing. I didn’t buy champagne at the factories, since it was very expensive there.

Bordeaux

How can one not remember Bordeaux when it comes to wines? This oldest region of France is famous throughout the world for its red wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grape varieties. Prices per bottle start from 10 EUR and go up to 1000.

What is especially pleasing is that in Bordeaux there are special excursions with tastings. They cost from 100 EUR, depending on the days for which the program is designed.

Burgundy

Another one of the oldest wine regions in France. Both white wines (Chablis) and red wines (Beaujolais) are produced here. The climate and fertile soils favor the growth of vineyards. There are over 100 grape varieties that produce some of the best wines in the world.