Secret beaches on France's Atlantic coast

Here are the corners of paradise that brighten our days whatever the season: of course, they're particularly stunning in summer, but still worth a visit year-round. These exceptional beaches are some of the best-kept secrets in France, and the perfect spots for some wave-gazing. Swimming is not always supervised by lifeguards and vigilance is required.

Meschers-sur-Gironde south of Royan

South of Royan (External link) , facing Médoc, stop at Meschers -on-Gironde, a veritable balcony overlooking the Gironde estuary, the largest in Europe. At the foot of the cliffs lie secret beaches, small coves with gentle curves nestling on tongues of fine sand: the beaches of Nuns, Vergnes, Suzac and more, one right after the other.
Beaches guarded during the on-season
Find out more about Meschers-sur-Gironde (External link)

La Conche du Mimbeau on the Arcachon basin

This magical place, nestled in the 800 meters (2624 feet) long and 30 meters (98 feet) wide peninsula of Cap Ferret, has a superb panorama on the Bassin d'Arcachon (External link) . You can spot seabirds hatching and growing there, and small fishing boats and pinnacles (traditional pine wood boats) gliding through the tides. This beach, easily explorable at low tide, is ready to share all its secrets with you. Allons-y!
Beaches not guarded in season

Find out more about Cap Ferret (External link)

Maguide beach on the Landes coast at Lake Biscarrosse

The Landes landscape undulates in a series of sand waves, blond dunes planted with fragile seagrass, where only a few streams manage to snake their way through the dunes. One such stream is Huchet, along the beach of Chênes Lièges, located in Moliets-et-Maâ. But, our favorite is Maguide beach at Biscarrosse lake (External link) ; it's one of the best spots to have a romantic picnic and enjoy water worthy of the lagoons of the Pacific.
Supervised beach in season
Find out more about Biscarosse (External link)