The charms of the French coastline in winter

The sky is low, the wind is blowing, the waves are powerful. Nothing beats this intense encounter with the elements. Along the cliffs of Étretat, in Normandy, the light is soft and the tumultuous waves highlight the rock.

Further south, on the Grande Plage in Biarritz, the golden sand reflects a few rays of sunshine, and you are alone facing the extraordinary swell.

And then, in the poetic Baie de Somme, which is adorned with a muffled silence, breathing in front of the sea becomes an almost meditative experience, where you feel intensely alive.

Winter brings a striking beauty to the French coastline with its low, changing light. In Belle-Île-en-Mer or Île de Groix, stormy skies, sudden clearings, and the metallic reflections of the sea, typical of Brittany, transform every walk into a living painting.

In Guéthary, in the Basque Country, the gentle way of life is accompanied by exceptional colors, particularly at sunset. Enjoy the silence and this unique, soothing energy.

Head to the French Riviera to take the Mimosa Route, which is at its most beautiful from January to March. The bright yellow flowers blend with the blue sky and turquoise sea, while the air is filled with their fragrance. You can even celebrate mimosa every year in the Var region in mid-February, following the flower parades in Bormes-les-Mimosas and Mandelieu-la-Napoule, for example.

On the Brittany coast, from December to March, the landscape is all the more sumptuous as it is adorned with pink, fuchsia, and red camellias. A fabulous contrast with the charcoal gray of the sky.

Finally, what incomparable joy it is to stroll through the heather in Corsica, where these wildflowers color the entire coastline with a coppery orange hue intensified by the gentle rays of the sun.

There's nothing more comforting than a seafood platter enjoyed in the warmth, with your eyes fixed on the ocean. Opposite Sète, in Occitanie, Maison Tarbouriech welcomes you to the Thau lagoon, right by the sea. Here, you can enjoy oysters in the enchanting setting of an 18th-century folie, nestled between vineyards and lagoons.

In another region with a warm atmosphere, in the bay of Saint-Brieuc, in Binic, the Michelin-starred restaurant Asten offers exquisite seafood cuisine with a panoramic view of the port and beach, free from tourists.

Outside of peak season, the beaches stretch endlessly and are perfect for long walks. On the Opal Coast, in the Hauts-de-France region, the hiking trails are sublime. The Deux Caps site, for example, offers marked trails that wind between the English Channel and vast windswept meadows. Here you can walk in the sea spray, wrapped up warm, free, sometimes alone, accompanied by the song of seagulls and the rolling of the sea.

On the Côte Vermeille in Occitanie, the sun is brighter and the sea is just as beautiful. The deserted beaches and blue skies are perfect for contemplation. Winter is the ideal season to take the coastal path between Le Racou and Collioure, passing by the Porteils coves and the Ouille cove.

Swimming isn't just for summer. Wearing a wetsuit, coastal walking is enjoyed on the Île de Ré and Île d'Oléron, along the Atlantic coast, and on the Hérault coast in Occitanie. It's an invigorating, energizing immersion that warms both body and mind. As for the tradition of New Year's Day swimming, it is gaining more and more followers every year, convinced by the benefits of ice-cold water on the body and mind. From Brittany to the French Riviera via the Basque Country, it's impossible to miss the cold bath. In Nice, the tradition dates back to the Liberation, and the invigorating dip takes place every December 22 on the Promenade des Anglais. So, shall we take the plunge?

When the crowds retreat, iconic places regain their magic. Climb the windswept Dune du Pilat. From the top of Europe's highest dune, you will be alone overlooking the Arcachon basin.

Cross the bay of the legendary Mont-Saint-Michel in the winter light and enjoy the famous omelet at La Mère Poulard in peace and quiet, or contemplate the ramparts of Saint-Malo under a slate-gray sky when the city returns to calm. Winter reveals these sites in their raw and tranquil state, giving you time to savor their beauty.