Paris may be far from the sea, but that doesn’t mean beach lovers are out of luck. With creative urban escapes, peaceful lake shores, and charming coastal towns just a few hours away, there’s something for everyone who craves sunshine, relaxation, and a touch of adventure. Whether you’re a local looking for a quick day trip or a tourist planning a summer itinerary, this comprehensive guide uncovers the best beaches in and around Paris, complete with historical context, travel advice, and must-do activities to make every visit memorable.
1. Paris Plages – Urban Beach Magic in the Heart of the City
Each summer, Paris Plages transforms the capital into a seaside retreat unlike any other. From the banks of the Seine to the Bassin de la Villette, the city comes alive with vibrant activity, soft sand, and a joyful holiday atmosphere.
What to Expect:
- 🏖️ Enjoy a series of artificial sandy beaches along the riverbanks, complete with deckchairs, sun umbrellas, and fountains for cooling off.
- 🎶 The air buzzes with energy: live concerts, DJ sessions, open-air movie nights, and dance workshops bring people together.
- 🚣♀️ At the Bassin de la Villette, adventurous visitors can rent kayaks, pedal boats, or paddleboards, or take a dip in the floating pools.
- 🍧 Food stalls line the promenade offering ice cream, crepes, and refreshing drinks for an easy picnic.
Why It’s Special: Paris Plages redefines the idea of urban recreation. You can sunbathe while admiring Notre-Dame Cathedral or relax under palm trees just steps away from the Louvre. It’s the perfect example of how Parisians turn the city itself into a playground.
When to Visit: Early July to late August.
Cost: Free for everyone.
How to Get There: 🚇 Metro stations like Hôtel de Ville, Pont Neuf, or Stalingrad provide easy access.
Facilities: 🪑 Free loungers, shaded areas, clean public toilets, lifeguards at swimming areas, and mist showers.
Insider Tip: 🌅 Visit at sunset to enjoy golden reflections on the Seine and live music as the city glows.
2. L’Isle-Adam Beach – A Vintage Riverside Retreat
A beloved weekend destination for Parisians since the 19th century, L’Isle-Adam combines elegance, nostalgia, and fun. Situated along the Oise River, this historic river beach offers a peaceful escape from city life.
What to Expect:
- 🏊♂️ Two large swimming pools, diving boards, and classic wooden bathing cabins.
- 🎯 Leisure options such as tennis courts, mini-golf, and volleyball create a resort-style ambiance.
- 👨👩👧👦 Families will love the playgrounds, calm swimming areas, and picnic lawns.
- 🕊️ The surrounding village is filled with bakeries, terraces, and old-fashioned cafés for a relaxing afternoon stroll.
Why It’s Special: This spot offers more than just a swim—it’s a step into France’s summer traditions. L’Isle-Adam was once a favorite of artists and writers seeking inspiration in the fresh air.
When to Visit: Late June through August, open daily from 10am to 7pm.
Cost: €20 for adults, €12 for kids, and free for children under 5.
How to Get There: 🚆 Line H from Gare du Nord to L’Isle-Adam–Parmain, then a short walk.
Facilities: 🍽️ On-site restaurant, shaded picnic lawns, showers, changing cabins, and lifeguards.
Insider Tip: 🧺 Bring your own picnic basket and sit near the willow trees by the river—it feels like stepping into a Monet painting.
3. Île de Loisirs de Jablines-Annet – The Lake Beach Near Disneyland Paris
Just 45 minutes from the city, Île de Loisirs de Jablines-Annet offers one of the most complete recreational experiences near Paris. Spread across 450 hectares, it’s a hub for nature lovers, sports enthusiasts, and families.
What to Expect:
- 🏖️ A 400-meter-long sandy beach surrounding a clear lake ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
- 🏄♀️ Try windsurfing, sailing, or water-skiing, or rent kayaks and paddleboards.
- 🚴♂️ Explore bike paths and hiking trails that weave through lush meadows and pine groves.
- 🐴 There’s even a horse-riding center, treetop adventure course, and zipline.
- 🍔 Relax at lakeside cafés serving burgers, fries, and cold drinks.
Why It’s Special: It’s the closest you’ll get to a beach resort feel without leaving the Paris region. You can swim in the morning, bike in the afternoon, and watch the sunset over the water by evening.
When to Visit: Late May to early September.
Cost: Around €8 for adults, €5 for kids during summer season.
How to Get There: 🚆 RER A to Marne-la-Vallée Chessy (Disneyland), then bus 67/68, or drive via A4 highway.
Facilities: 🛶 Equipment rentals, lifeguards, picnic zones, showers, campgrounds, and lodging options.
Insider Tip: 🌄 Book a campsite overnight to wake up to birdsong and a morning swim before crowds arrive.
4. Dieppe – Normandy’s Historical Seaside Haven
Dieppe, one of France’s oldest seaside resorts, offers a delightful mix of pebble beaches, maritime charm, and history. Located on the English Channel, it’s a popular getaway for Parisians seeking sea air and fresh seafood.
What to Expect:
- 🪨 Expansive pebble beaches that turn sandy at low tide—perfect for long walks.
- 🏰 Visit Château de Dieppe, a medieval castle housing maritime art and historical exhibits.
- 🦪 Enjoy some of the best scallops and oysters in Normandy, especially during the autumn seafood festival.
- 🪁 Don’t miss the International Kite Festival—a magical experience that colors the entire sky.
Why It’s Special: Dieppe combines seaside beauty with cultural depth. You can swim, shop, and tour historic sites all in one day.
When to Visit: May through September for swimming; year-round for sightseeing.
Cost: Free access.
How to Get There: 🚆 Train from Paris–Saint-Lazare (~2 hours via Rouen).
Facilities: 🧺 Beach huts, lifeguards, restrooms, restaurants, and art galleries.
Insider Tip: 🧀 Visit on Saturday morning for the market—stock up on Norman cheese and cider for a beach picnic.
5. Deauville – The Parisian Riviera
Synonymous with sophistication, Deauville is where Parisians have vacationed since the 1800s. Its golden beach, colorful parasols, and luxury atmosphere make it the perfect weekend escape.
What to Expect:
- 🌈 A kilometer-long sandy beach bordered by the glamorous Les Planches boardwalk.
- 🐎 Go horseback riding along the surf or attend one of Deauville’s famous equestrian events.
- 🏖️ Lounge under vibrant umbrellas or swim in the calm, lifeguard-patrolled waters.
- 🎬 Visit during the Deauville American Film Festival for a chance to spot celebrities.
- 🍽️ Enjoy fine dining at Michelin-starred restaurants or sip champagne at seaside cafés.
Why It’s Special: Known as the “21st arrondissement of Paris,” Deauville captures the best of luxury travel—combining art, fashion, and nature.
When to Visit: Late June to September.
Cost: Beach access is free; parasol and lounger rentals range from €10–€20.
How to Get There: 🚆 Train from Paris–Saint-Lazare to Trouville-Deauville (~2 hours).
Facilities: 🚿 Lifeguards, showers, restrooms, boutiques, and luxury hotels.
Insider Tip: 💃 Visit early morning for a quiet stroll on the beach before the crowds and photographers arrive.
6. Trouville-sur-Mer – Laid-back Seaside Charm
Just across a short bridge from Deauville, Trouville offers a warmer, more down-to-earth coastal experience. Its Belle Époque charm and long sandy shore make it ideal for romantic getaways or family trips.
What to Expect:
- 🏖️ A wide sandy beach lined with pastel beach huts and a scenic promenade.
- 🐟 A bustling fish market where you can enjoy oysters or shrimp fresh from the sea.
- ☕ Cute cafés and art galleries hidden in narrow streets behind the waterfront.
- 🎠 A children’s playground, fairground rides, and arcade games near the port.
Why It’s Special: Trouville feels like stepping into a vintage postcard—a touch of nostalgia mixed with genuine seaside hospitality.
When to Visit: June through early October.
Cost: Free access.
How to Get There: 🚆 Same train as Deauville; cross the bridge or take the ferry.
Facilities: 🛟 Lifeguards, showers, cafés, and restrooms.
Insider Tip: 🌅 Stay for sunset—the colors over the water are mesmerizing.
7. Le Touquet-Paris-Plage – The Northern Gem
Le Touquet, affectionately known as Paris-Plage, is a chic seaside town on the Opal Coast. With its golden sands, pine forests, and lively promenade, it’s perfect for travelers looking for fresh air and sports.
What to Expect:
- 🌬️ Miles of soft sandy beaches perfect for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sand yachting.
- 🏛️ Art Deco buildings, elegant villas, and stylish boutiques give the town an upscale charm.
- 🥾 Explore the Canche Bay Nature Reserve—ideal for birdwatching and photography.
- 🚴♀️ Bike rentals make it easy to explore the town and forest paths.
- 🍨 Cafés and patisseries serve regional specialties like gaufres (waffles) and crêpes.
Why It’s Special: It blends Parisian sophistication with northern coastal authenticity—a resort that feels lively yet relaxing.
When to Visit: June to September for beach activities; spring and autumn for peaceful walks.
Cost: Free access.
How to Get There: 🚆 Train from Gare du Nord to Étaples-Le Touquet (~3 hours), then shuttle or taxi.
Facilities: 🧴 Lifeguards, beach clubs, restrooms, snack bars, and family zones.
Insider Tip: 🧇 Sample waffles from a seaside stand—they’re warm, buttery, and unforgettable.
8. Étretat – The Scenic Masterpiece of Normandy
Rising dramatically from the sea, Étretat’s white cliffs have captivated painters and poets for generations. This coastal jewel offers one of the most iconic landscapes in France.
What to Expect:
- 🪨 Stunning chalk cliffs with natural arches and sea stacks, including the famous Porte d’Aval and L’Aiguille.
- 🚶♂️ Hike the clifftop paths for panoramic views or explore sea caves at low tide.
- 🧭 Take a guided boat or kayak tour to admire the cliffs from below.
- 🌺 Wander through the artistic Jardins d’Étretat, a blend of sculpture and landscape art.
Why It’s Special: Étretat is both a geological wonder and a cultural icon. Its cliffs have inspired countless works of art and remain one of France’s most photographed sites.
When to Visit: Late spring to early fall.
Cost: Free to access.
How to Get There: 🚗 About 3 hours by car, or train to Le Havre then bus.
Facilities: 🍽️ Restaurants, lifeguards in summer, showers, and small hotels nearby.
Insider Tip: 📸 Arrive early morning or stay for twilight when light and shadows play across the cliffs—perfect for photographers.
Final Travel Tips for Beach Trips Around Paris
- 🕶️ Best Time to Go: June to early September for sunshine and open facilities.
- 🚆 Getting Around: Trains cover most routes, but a car offers flexibility for hidden gems.
- 🎒 What to Pack: Sunscreen, hat, beach towel, snacks, and sturdy shoes for rocky beaches.
- 🇫🇷 Cultural Note: Modesty is appreciated at family beaches; always follow local etiquette and lifeguard rules.
- 💡 Bonus Idea: Plan a weekend route—visit Deauville, Trouville, and Étretat in a single trip for the ultimate coastal experience.
Conclusion
Whether you’re lounging at Paris Plages ☀️, exploring the lake beaches near Disneyland 🌳, or hiking the legendary cliffs of Étretat 🪨, you’ll discover that the Paris region holds more surprises than you imagined. From urban adventures to seaside elegance, these beaches prove that Paris isn’t just about museums and cafés—it’s also about sun, waves, and unforgettable summer memories. 🌞