Three Best Beaches - France

Nice France Beaches

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Jackson) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:05:00 +0000

Knowing that we probably bit off more than we can chew, we had to respond to many emails about the beaches around the city of Nice, in France. If you follow the basics, you can have an enjoyable time around Nice and the beaches. Here's what we suggest. There is a lot to see around an ancient city like Nice. You can spend days looking at all it has to offer. Take in the attractions of Nice, France, in the morning hours. Hit a few cafes and have a nice meal. And in the afternoon, make your way down to the beach. The beach actually lines runs the length of the city on the ocean. You can walk it for miles and still be surrounded by vacationers. But find your little part of paradise. It's not hard and we'll help you out.

Many of the beaches in this part of France don't even have sand. They are covered by pebbles which are smooth from eons in the wave action along the shore. Remember that they might not be so comfortable for tender feet. You can buy beach shoes all along the shops that line the shore. But we brought flip flops. In our quest to find a nice area of the beach, we found as you will, the best areas are taken by private concerns, often hotels that line the beach as well. There are free, or public areas. These are well marked so don't worry. Even if you do get into the private area, you'll soon be escorted out or asked to prove you ... belong.

The best beaches of Nice, France are up at the more scenic end of the city, old Nice, toward the west. We found a few that if you pay their 15 euro fee, you can enjoy your afternoon. I suppose that pays for keeping trash off the pebbles. We didn't complain. The views were breathtaking and hey, we're here on the French Riviera!

But we found we couldn't bring our own food. We did have a bag that contained some goodies. It was frowned upon. Naturally, they want you to use their services. Along with French foods, they had umbrella rentals. You can also rent beach mats which take some of the pain from sitting on tiny rocks.

When you enter, don't expect to get near the shore unless you ask. Beach chairs are arranged in rows so you may just get that last row. There is a term used to ask for the ocean-side seats, the premier ligne, or first line of seats. It's worth it. Again, if you only have limited time, the private beach is the way to go. You may be disappointed with a public area where it can get loud and rambunctious.

If you don't want to spend the money, but want some of the goodness, find an area close to one of the private beaches - they're fenced off - and get as close as possible. There you will be able to enjoy the peace as well as the atmosphere. There are many facilities around the area, but like all places, unless you buy something, chances of using the bathroom or shower is unlikely. There are public showers along the beach in Nice.

Best times to visit Nice, France and the beaches is in July and August. It will be most crowded because these are the months the French take off on vacation as well. Plan ahead and use the services of someone who has been there and done it. You won't be disappointed.

Let's take a quick look at the Cote de Azur and surrounds now on the Best Beaches of France! >>

Cote de Azur - The French Riviera

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Jackson) — Wed, 30 Nov 2005 15:01:00 +0000

Have you ever thought of renting an apartment here on the French Riviera, with the pristine sunny beaches, the homes perched among the green hills, great cars, superstars - wow - is it really possible? And the answer surprisingly is "yes". What is unusual here is that you "can" fit in and you "will" find something just for you. The charm here takes me back to the 1920's. We have all heard how famous the French Beaches are, and even though the composition of the beach may not be fine, white powdery sand, the weather in high season is the draw for thousand who want a chance to enjoy it and take in the vista. Was is ever really about being seen here? Maybe? Still, with the next view on sunbathing here, the attraction is France in its glory. And to think that kings for centuries gazed out over the same sparking clear water.

When you take a moment to take it all in here, you'll still miss things and then when home you'll say - wow, I had no idea the sky was "that" blue, or the architecture was that wonderful. It makes little sense to me to see the Cote de Azur and French Riviera as a side trip. There is simply too much here to see in a few hours. And photos do little justice. Plan a few days, and you don't have to hotel right on the Riviera. You can find many options nearby and use your rental car to get around. If you do choose to use the beach, make sure you find a spot close into facilities as these are taken care of. If you're into people watching at any level, well, then Cote de Azur is your place.

Make sure you click on the images so you can see the best view. Looking for the world class beach with "bling-bling"? There are a few around St. Tropez along the French Riviera. This area was the hangout of starlet Bridget Bardot, but today the hotels and clubs are packed year-round with Hollywood's hottest stars.

Not far from Nice or Cannes, St. Tropez is a lively town, full of grand culture and shopping during the summer and can be a nice hideaway during the winter months. Hotels abound, and some great bargains can be made if you plan far enough in advance. Tourists planning vacations from all over the world make it once to St. Tropez, and with good reason. The area around the beaches is full of culture, gourmet food and exciting nightlife.

The beach to be seen? Plage Port Grimaud! Wealthy sunbathers and international beach bums cruise the beach. But don't let the crowds stop you. The Cote de Azur offers exciting beach options for any taste - and I mean any. Plage de Tahiti is notorious for its clothing-optional policy. And if you're bringing the whole family, make sure you stop by at least one of these gems: Plage de la Bouillabaisse, Plage des Graniers and Plage des Jumeaux, which also offers beach side playgrounds.

Plage de Pampellone has over three miles of beaches and hotels throughout the area. You'll find yacht harbors all along the famous Cote de Azur, or French Riviera. While you're taking a break and venturing from the beach or your hotel, check out the open-air markets, boutiques or local groceries. Pick up a bottle of olive oil from the area, or wine.

BEACH INDEX:

Sand - medium grain, coral/loam mix
Facilities - full on all popular beaches
Shade - umbrella rentals
Sports - some snorkel gear rental
Notes - the Riviera is packed with tourists all summer, expect crowded restaurants and even more crowded highways. Best months to visit are June and September, when you can enjoy the beaches and nice summer weather away from the hordes. Last two weeks in July and the entire month of August are hot holiday time for French families and other Europeans on vacation. Plan accordingly. Closest airport - NCE (unless you have your own jet).

Which French beach was Napoleon's favorite? - Next >>

Biarritz Beaches - Napoleon's Favorite Resort

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Jackson) — Wed, 30 Nov 2005 13:39:00 +0000

Biarritz, France surfing. Ah, yes. Two words that one week out of the year go hand in hand. The Biarritz Surfing Festival draws surfers from all over the world. See our other video below for some rad surfing action, right here in Biarritz, France. There are over 5 Km's of beaches here - and people frequent them year round. You, no doubt, want to experience Biarritz Beaches in the fullness of summer. And you'll find that it's one of the most wonderful times of the year. But let us warn you that it can get quite toasty in France as well. Peak times are early and late summer. But don't let those seasons stop you from visiting this jewel of Napoleon's France.

Yes, he loved it here, but it's the same reason everyone else does. It has an awesome vibe to it. The beach here is nice. It is brown but fine sand that packs well. This is what makes it good to find a beach chair. At the same time, you will see that as the beach approaches the Bellevue area, it turns more rocky and finally into the outcropping that is the center part of Biarritz. Gentle wave give way to huge surf throughout the year. But it doesn't matter. You can enjoy both by getting onto the beach and hanging out, taking in the spectacle that is the Basque area.

Biarritz established itself as a popular coastal resort in the mid-19th century when Napoleon III and his wife Eugenie used to spend their summers here. Since then it has proved popular not only with royalty but also with Europe's rich and famous.

Biarritz lies along the Basque coast, near Spain's Basque region. You can easily see the influence even today in the Biarritz architecture and cuisine. Any of the many hotels in this beautiful French resort town reflect that.

There are five beaches in all, each with a distinct history. Once a fishing village, this area became a European surf mecca when in the late 50's American filmmaker Peter Viertel brought a longboard from California and surfed the huge waves astonishing the locals.

Today Biarritz, France is home to the "Biarritz Surf Festival" attended by over 150,000 surfing enthusiasts.

You will find this area of France astoundingly picturesque with majestic hotels and old resorts with all of the amenities. But book your hotel early; this is one popular place for both local Europeans and people from all over the world.

If you tire of the beach and don't want to be cooped up in the hotel, head for the local aquarium, one of the best in the region. Or, walk to several of the museums of Biarritz. Check with your hotel concierge for times and locations.

Other attractions include the old whaling port which looks a lot like it did many years ago when whaling was the prime means of commerce. Biarritz is full of boutiques with the finest from Europe. And at night, the City Casino stays open until morning. You can also head off to the local disco and dance away any energy you may have left.

BEACH INDEX:

Sand - dark, coral/loam mix, some debris
Facilities - various along all beaches
Shade - none
Sports - none except surf rentals at select beaches
Notes - a popular destination for international tourists, who flock to the beach during the summer months. Biarritz becomes crowded during the July Surf Festival, and hotel prices increase. The climate in Biarritz is always temperate: winters are comfortable (average 50 degrees F), and summers are warm (average 72 degrees F). Biarritz has an average of 61 rainy days per year. Closest major airport - CDG.

But which area in France is considered home to the Best Beaches? - Next >>

Corsica - The Best Beaches in France

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Jackson) — Sun, 20 Nov 2005 05:22:00 +0000

Planning a vacation in France and missing the fabulous island of Corsica would be a sin. We believe Corsica has the best beaches for spending a delightful European vacation. But there are over 200 of them around the island, so what do you do? We'll list our picks and comment on why these French beaches are a traveler's delight, and we will show you a few. It may not be possible to get to Corsica on your trip to France, but if at all possible, try to go as you will not be disappointed. The beaches here are of find sand, mainly quartz composition, and lightly packed. Highly reflective, they contrast greatly with the deep blues of the sea. And some times the sea plays with the sand and you get all different variations of colors. It can be quite spectacular.

Plan on finding a few coves like this one. There are few places on the globe we found like this. Mountains cascading down into the ocean and beaches between each giant. Rio is one. Corsica is another. The difference with Corsica is of course the brilliant coloring of the ocean here. Unlike the South Atlantic, the waters around Corsica are almost magical. Deep, rich hues that seem to be born out of the most breathtaking pallets. It's no wonder people come from all over simply to see God at His best. Another great feature of the beaches of Corsica is that they are generally, not all, but for the most part near towns with good facilities. This is important when you are traveling alone in the Corsican countryside.

The Island of Corisca sits off the southeastern coast of France. It is a large island, some 3370 square miles dressed with not only the best beaches in France, but a landscape as diverse and one can imagine. What's more, you'll see most of it unspoiled by man when you vacation in this recommended travel destination. The mild climate and terrain makes it heaven for climbers, hikers and paragliders - and excellent for improving your tan at the miles of beach.

We can only list the ones that made our top five list. Please try these if you can, then venture out to other spectacular beaches throughout Corsica.

Calvi - This magnificent strip of beautiful sand is the very best on the island. It has warm, shallow water making it perfect for families with small children, and for swimming late into the year - as the sun warms the shallow water close to shore. Calvi, Corsica is also a historic citadel. While you are winding down after hours at the beach, check out the citadel and museums. Recommended.

Plage de Loto and Plage de Saleccia - on the North coast; yes "plage" means "beach", like "playa" in Spanish. These gems are unspoiled. As you arrive at the beach, your eyes will immediately go to the color of the water. This site will not soon be forgotten. Don't forget the camera. Please note, there are no facilities at these beaches and, the access is rather tricky. Take your time making it down to sea level. It "is" worth it.

Plage de Palombaggia and Plage de Santa Giulia - on the South coast. These are near Porto Vecchio. Make your way down to the ocean after you pass the village. These two offer beautiful turquoise bays with fluffy, white sand and pine trees to shade you, should you need it. Please note, the world jet-set travel here when France's Cote d'Azur proves...tiring, dahling.

Don't forget that Napoleon was born on Corsica. There is a lot of history here. Ajaccio, the capital, is decked in white and is Napoleon Bonaparte's birthplace.

When should you come to Corsica? During the summer months, May and June, when there is plenty of sun and fewer visitors. How do you get to Corsica? There are flights out of Nice, a little over a half hour flying time, and you can opt for the ferry, a few hours ride leaving from Marseilles.

Beach Index

Sand - mostly white power, fine to medium grain
Facilities - note: many French beaches do not have on-site facilities, but have commerce close-by. Plan accordingly.
Shade - tall pines on most, some simply commercial buildings nearby
Sports - few beaches have sporting items for rental
Notes - on Corsica, all above highly recommended.

Jump on over with us for a glimpse at Algajola area on Corsica to see the wonderful beaches there.

Algajola, Corsica

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Jackson) — Fri, 15 Jul 2005 19:13:00 +0000

I love the sort of village Algajola, Corsica, is. It's small and very old in the Balagne Region on Corsica's northwest coast. Algajola is very old France - built on a rock outcroppings, this fishing village has a very cool citadel. The citadel was built during the Genoese rule. What makes Algajola a beautiful beach village is that the harbor is on the west side of town, and the beach - Plage Aregno - is around 1 km long, winds right to the village.

The beach around the Aregno side of town has finer sand. The closer you get to Algajola, the coarser the sand is. There are around a dozen very nice restaurants and we even found a beach bar. There's a small supermarket; weren't you thinking of renting an apartment here on Corsica?

We found bike rentals along with windsurf equipment, kayaks, and boogie boards. And locals tell us the diving here is spectacular. However, the wind can whip up - fun for the windsurf and body boarding.

Snorkeling is good here too, because of the rocky outcroppings that jut down into the water. It's clear water and mainly sunny skies making for a wonderful beach recipe.

Algajola, Corsica - Beach Index:

Sand - medium grain, coral/loam mix
Facilities - full. We even found a beach bar.
Shade - umbrella rentals
Sports - snorkel, windsurf, body board, diving
Notes - This is a great get-away-from-it-all beach. Plan a rental here.

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