Forget the glitz and glamour of Nice – France’s coastline is dotted with hidden gems that offer a more authentic and charming experience. From picturesque fishing villages to historic towns steeped in artistic heritage, these 18 coastal destinations will transport you to a world of cobblestone streets, vibrant markets, and breathtaking sea views. Let’s embark on a journey to discover the true essence of French coastal living, where every corner tells a story and every meal is a celebration of local flavors.
1. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: The Star of Provence
Nestled in the heart of Provence, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a testament to the enduring charm of French village life. Known as the “Étoile de Provence,” this town is famous for its 14th-century Chapelle Notre Dame de Beauvoir and 15 pottery ateliers producing exquisite faïence pieces. As you wander through its narrow streets, the scent of lavender and the sound of trickling fountains transport you to a bygone era.
“Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is not just a town, it’s a living museum of Provençal artistry,” says local potter Jean-Pierre Blanc. “Every piece of faïence tells a story of our heritage.”
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the nearby Gorges du Verdon, Europe’s answer to the Grand Canyon, offering breathtaking views and thrilling hiking trails for extreme sports enthusiasts.
2. Antibes: Where Picasso Found Inspiration
Antibes, with its 16th-century ramparts and cobblestone streets, captivated the heart of Pablo Picasso. This Côte d’Azur gem offers a perfect blend of history and Mediterranean charm. Stroll through the old town, where bougainvillea-draped buildings house quaint boutiques and cafes. The Picasso Museum, housed in the Château Grimaldi, showcases the artist’s works created during his time in Antibes.
For a touch of luxury, stay at the legendary Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, where the likes of F. Scott Fitzgerald found inspiration for “Tender is the Night.” As the sun sets, join locals at the lively Marché Provençal, where the aroma of fresh herbs and lavender fills the air.
3. Villefranche-sur-Mer: A Colorful Escape
Just a stone’s throw from Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer feels worlds away from the bustling Riviera. This charming fishing village is a kaleidoscope of pastel-hued houses cascading down to a pristine bay. The mysterious Rue Obscure, a 13th-century underground street, offers a glimpse into the town’s medieval past.
“Villefranche-sur-Mer is where time stands still,” muses local artist Marie Dupont. “The light here has inspired generations of painters, and the tranquility is a balm for the soul.”
Indulge in fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants, where the catch of the day is often just hours old. For those seeking a quieter alternative to the bustling expat destinations, Villefranche-sur-Mer offers a slice of authentic Riviera life.
4. Saint-Tropez: Beyond the Glitz
While Saint-Tropez is synonymous with celebrity and luxury, there’s more to this coastal town than meets the eye. Venture beyond the famous Plage de Pampelonne to discover the town’s rich maritime history at the Musée de l’Annonciade. The charming old port, with its pastel-colored houses and bobbing fishing boats, offers a glimpse into Saint-Tropez’s humble beginnings.
Take a boat tour around the Baie des Cannebiers to admire celebrity villas and hidden coves. As the sun sets, join locals for a game of pétanque in the Place des Lices, followed by a refreshing pastis at a nearby café.
5. Collioure: A Canvas of Colors
Collioure, nestled in the Pyrénées-Orientales, is a feast for the senses. This artistic haven, with its distinctive red-brick buildings and azure waters, inspired Fauvist painters like Henri Matisse and André Derain. The town’s Modern Art Museum showcases works that capture Collioure’s vibrant spirit.
Explore the walled old city, where the imposing Château Royal stands guard over the bay. For a unique experience, visit during the Fête de la Saint-Vincent in August, when the town comes alive with Catalan music, dance, and fireworks.
6. Lagrasse: Medieval Charm in Corbières
Officially recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in France, Lagrasse is a step back in time. This medieval town in the heart of Corbières wine country boasts a stunning 8th-century abbey and a maze of cobblestone streets lined with artisan workshops.
“Lagrasse is not just about preserving the past; it’s about living it,” says local historian Pierre Dubois. “Every stone here has a story to tell.”
Food enthusiasts should make a pilgrimage to the nearby three-Michelin-starred Auberge du Vieux Puits, where chef Gilles Goujon creates culinary masterpieces. After dinner, take a moonlit stroll along the medieval bridge spanning the Orbieu River for a truly magical experience.
7. Menton: The Pearl of the French Riviera
Known as the “Pearl of the French Riviera,” Menton basks in a microclimate that makes it the warmest town on the French Mediterranean coast. Its old town is a labyrinth of pastel-hued houses and steep staircases leading to hidden squares and panoramic viewpoints.
Visit in February for the famous Fête du Citron, where giant citrus sculptures transform the town into a fantastical wonderland. The Jean Cocteau Museum and the Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden offer cultural and natural escapes from the beach scene.
8. Hyères: Timeless Elegance
Once the playground of European aristocracy, Hyères retains an air of faded grandeur that’s utterly captivating. The medieval old town, perched on a hill, offers panoramic views of the coast and the Golden Islands. Architecture enthusiasts will marvel at the modernist Villa Noailles, a cubist masterpiece that hosts cutting-edge art exhibitions.
Nature lovers can explore the salt marshes of the Giens Peninsula, where flamingos wade in shallow waters. For those seeking to combine travel with remote work, Hyères is emerging as one of the top cities for digital nomads, offering a perfect blend of history, nature, and modern amenities.
9. Sète: The Venice of Languedoc
Often overlooked by tourists, Sète is a vibrant port town crisscrossed by canals, earning it the moniker “Venice of Languedoc.” This working-class town has a gritty charm and a rich maritime heritage. Take a stroll along the Quai de la Résistance, lined with colorful fishing boats and seafood restaurants serving the catch of the day.
For a unique spectacle, visit during the summer to witness traditional water jousting tournaments, a tradition dating back to 1666. The panoramic view from Mont St-Clair offers a breathtaking vista of the Mediterranean and the Étang de Thau, famous for its oyster farms.
10. Sanary-sur-Mer: A Timeless Fishing Village
Sanary-sur-Mer seems to have escaped the passage of time, offering visitors a glimpse of authentic Provençal coastal life. The colorful harbor, lined with traditional pointu fishing boats, is the heart of the town. Every morning, fishermen sell their catch directly from their boats, a tradition that has remained unchanged for centuries.
Climb the 13th-century watchtower for panoramic views of the bay, then explore the vibrant market where local producers showcase the bounty of Provence. For families looking to combine education with travel, Sanary-sur-Mer offers mind-expanding adventures that turn the world into your child’s classroom, from marine biology workshops to traditional boat-building demonstrations.
11. Martigues: The Provençal Venice
Known as the “Provençal Venice,” Martigues charms visitors with its network of canals linking the Mediterranean to the Étang de Berre. This picturesque town has inspired countless artists, including Félix Ziem, who captured its unique light and colorful facades on canvas.
Explore the Miroir aux Oiseaux, a canal reflecting the pastel-hued fishermen’s houses, creating a mesmerizing play of light and color. Don’t miss the Chapelle de l’Annonciade, a 17th-century baroque gem overlooking the old port.
12. Erbalunga: Corsica’s Hidden Treasure
On the rugged coast of Corsica, the fishing village of Erbalunga offers a tranquil escape from the island’s more touristy spots. This picturesque hamlet, with its Genoese tower and pastel-colored houses, seems to grow out of the rocky coastline.
Wander through the narrow alleys, where time seems to stand still, and enjoy fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants. For the adventurous, the nearby Cap Corse offers spectacular hiking trails with breathtaking sea views.
13. Saint-Jean-de-Luz: Basque Charm by the Sea
Saint-Jean-de-Luz, nestled in the heart of French Basque Country, offers a unique blend of maritime heritage and Basque culture. The town’s protected bay, framed by colorful half-timbered houses, provides a safe haven for swimmers and a picturesque backdrop for leisurely strolls.
“Our town is where the mountains meet the sea, where French and Basque cultures intertwine,” says local chef Marie Etcheverry. “It’s a place where you can taste the essence of the Basque Country in every bite.”
History buffs will appreciate the Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste, where Louis XIV married Maria Theresa of Spain in 1660. For a taste of local life, visit the vibrant market halls, where you can sample Basque specialties like ttoro (fish soup) and gâteau basque.
14. Bandol: Wine and Waves
Bandol, tucked between Marseille and Toulon, is renowned for its robust red wines and pristine beaches. This charming seaside town offers a perfect blend of oenological delights and coastal relaxation. Start your day with a wine tasting at one of the local domaines, where the Mourvèdre grape reigns supreme.
Afterward, unwind on the sandy beaches or take a boat trip to the nearby Île de Bendor, a car-free island that’s home to a fascinating wine museum. As the sun sets, enjoy a glass of Bandol rosé at a beachfront restaurant, watching the last rays paint the sky in hues of pink and orange.
15. Pornic: Bretagne’s Coastal Gem
Pornic, with its imposing medieval castle and colorful fishing port, embodies the charm of southern Brittany. This seaside resort town manages to balance its historical roots with a lively modern atmosphere. Stroll along the coastal path, known as the Sentier des Douaniers, for stunning views of the Atlantic and hidden coves.
Don’t miss the chance to try the local delicacy, Curé Nantais cheese, paired with a crisp Muscadet wine. For those seeking winter adventures, Pornic can serve as a gateway to thrilling ski towns that rival the Alps at half the price, just a few hours’ drive away.
16. Trouville-sur-Mer: A Normandy Delight
Often overshadowed by its glamorous neighbor Deauville, Trouville-sur-Mer retains an authentic charm that harks back to the golden age of Norman seaside resorts. The town’s Belle Époque villas and vintage boardwalk evoke a nostalgia for simpler times.
Fish lovers should head straight to the bustling fish market, where you can sample fresh oysters and other seafood delicacies. For a cultural fix, visit the Villa Montebello museum, housed in a stunning 19th-century villa, showcasing works by local artists inspired by the Normandy coast.
17. Honfleur: An Artist’s Paradise
Honfleur, with its picturesque old harbor and slate-covered house facades, has been captivating artists for centuries. This enchanting port town, immortalized by Impressionist painters like Monet and Boudin, continues to charm visitors with its timeless beauty.
Explore the wooden Church of Saint Catherine, France’s largest timber-built church, before losing yourself in the narrow cobblestone streets lined with art galleries and craft shops. As evening falls, join locals at one of the harbor-side bistros for a plate of moules-frites and a glass of Calvados, watching the boats gently sway in the twilight.
18. Cassis: A Coastal Jewel
Tucked away between Marseille and Toulon, Cassis is a postcard-perfect town that captivates with its pastel-colored buildings and crystal-clear waters. The town is famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs, known as the Calanques, which form a series of stunning fjord-like inlets along the coast.
Take a boat tour to explore the Calanques, or hike the trails for breathtaking views. Afterward, relax in the charming town square, Place Baragnon, with a glass of local white wine and a plate of fresh sea urchins. For the best views, climb up to the medieval Château de Cassis, perched high above the town.
These 18 coastal towns offer a diverse tapestry of experiences, from artistic havens and historical landmarks to culinary delights and natural wonders. Each destination tells its own unique story, inviting travelers to step off the beaten path and discover the authentic charm of France’s coastal regions. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat, a cultural journey, or an active adventure, these hidden gems along the French coast promise unforgettable memories and a deeper connection to the heart and soul of France.