Tours on the coast of France. French seaside resorts
When most of us think of a holiday in France, we most often think of the romantic atmosphere and cultural chic of Paris with all its famous sights and recognizable places around the world. But few people know that you can find and feel the unique French flavor without the eternal city bustle and queues in museums in the southern part of the country, where you can fully enjoy the picturesque landscapes at no extra cost, gourmet cuisine and cultural program.
Before the trip, you should decide on the choice of hotel or inn, so you can choose the most advantageous offer. In addition, it will be easier to make a tourist route.
Rest will be more pleasant if you learn at least a few of the simplest and most common French phrases, so you can make an order in a cafe and buy something in a store without using a dictionary. In French culture, as in any other, there are distinctive features, some of which are better known in advance so as not to be in an uncomfortable position. For example, in France, a taxi driver turns on the meter as soon as he leaves for the address, and not when he picks up passengers.
As for financial side trips, that is, several simple rules which will help to avoid many negative moments on vacation. Firstly, it is best to cash out money through ATMs from a debit card - it is safe and cheap. Secondly, you should only use proven services, such as CouchSurfing. Thirdly, from July to August, the main tourist hype begins. At this time, hotels and inns are not only overcrowded, but accommodation prices are much higher. That's why optimum time for the trip there will be a period from May to June and the beginning of September, the weather at this time is warm and sunny, and prices are one and a half to two times lower. Fourth, to move around the city, you can buy a single ticket e.g. Eurail Regional. And another way to save money and get closer to the picturesque nature of France is to stop at a campsite for at least a couple of days.
Another aspect of significant spending on vacation is food. Here, too, there are a few simple rules that will help you spend money wisely. To begin with, you need to pay attention to which stores or shops on the market buy products. locals. They, during the time that they live there, have already managed to find places where you can buy the most delicious and fresh products at the best price. And yet, for sure, you should not eat in cafes in hotels, the prices there are designed for tourists and it will be cheaper to go to a small cafe or bistro. In general, in terms of food, the south of France is a gourmet paradise, in any, even in the most small cafe with democratic prices, you can have a tasty and hearty dinner with pea soup-puree with cream, croutons and parmesan and beef tartare with a glass of dry rose wine.
As for cultural program to diversify it, it is not always necessary to buy tickets to museums, theaters and galleries; throughout the year, exhibitions, festivals and concerts are held in the south of France, where performers of various music perform, a visit to which will not cost a cent.
Don't know where to spend your vacation? Torn between a trip to Europe and a vacation at sea? How about relaxing by the sea in Europe? Despite the fact that France is known in wide circles as the birthplace of romantic city in the world, Paris, as a trendsetter and producer of wonderful fragrances, this is not all that France has to offer you. Holidays in France by the sea are distinguished by their sophistication and originality, and its wonderful beaches are the favorite places of many show business stars and blue-blooded people. The sea coasts of France cover more than 3 thousand kilometers, and the riches donated by nature and improved by people create the conditions for a truly elite vacation. France with a seaside holiday is a great option to spend the summer! Let's talk about the most famous and traditional seaside resorts in France, where you can go with your family or friends.
Holidays on the French Riviera
Nice is one of the most wonderful cities that offer holidays on the Cote d'Azur of France. 200 years ago English high society noticed the coast of Nice, as beautiful place in order to improve their health after the endless rains and fogs of Albion. Since then, rest here is considered royal. On the Promenade des Anglais, which occupies the entire coast of Nice, there are all the amenities that a noble person needs. Tall palm trees, clear azure sea, the luxury of coastal villas, trendy shops and restaurants, as well as bright blue benches and umbrellas, known throughout the world.
The city of Cannes is the real beach paradise, which boasts the purest and finest golden sand. The beaches in Cannes are mostly private, so all the necessary amenities: sun loungers, umbrellas, showers and tables for drinks are essential attributes of high service, but the cost of this service, unfortunately, "bites". An affordable alternative is the public beaches of Plages du Midi and Plages de la Bocca, where you can also buy umbrellas and sun loungers, but for more affordable price. The only caveat is that it is very crowded and noisy. On all Cannes beaches, without exception, those who wish can ride jet skis, skis and even take a parachute flight behind a boat. Here you can sunbathe topless.
If you love untouched, untouched nature, then, when going to France for a vacation, be sure to visit the Calanque bays. White limestone cliffs are located on the coast between Cassis and Marseille. For centuries they have been exposed to the forces of wind and water, and the current mountain rivers carved their way, forming gorges that penetrate deep into the land. crystal pure water emerald-azure color and attracts tourists from all over the world. Only now you have to get to this place on foot along steep mountain paths, unless, of course, you have your own yacht. In addition, boats regularly depart from Cassis and Marseilles to the bays, but in this case, you will have to be content only with observation and photographs.
Another favorite place for celebrities who prefer to relax on the coast of France is the beaches of Saint-Tropez. The five-kilometer Pamplona beach, which is located near the city, is considered one of the most popular places for sunbathing, swimming and active rest. On its vast territory, traditional luxurious beaches with umbrellas and sun loungers, as well as beaches for nudists. One way or another, you will not be bored: jet skis, bananas, yachts, water skiing, as well as delicious cocktails at your disposal, for separate fee, Certainly.
Holidays on the Atlantic coast of France
Holidays on the Atlantic coast of France are represented by the provinces of Brittany, Normandy and Aquitaine. A truly wonderful representative of Normandy is the small seaside town of Deauville, which perfectly combines well-groomed green areas and golden sands of the seashore. Unlike the resorts on the Cote d'Azur, there is no unbearable heat here, so Deauville attracts people of all ages and even entire families with small children. In addition to a wonderful seaside resort, the city has much to offer tourists - many attractions, a casino, a hippodrome where the best Arabian horses compete, a horse auction, an American film festival, a world polo championship and much more. By the way, the famous Coco Chanel brought fame to this city. It was here that she, violating all the rules of decency, in 1913 for the first time publicly bathed in the sea, which until then was strictly forbidden by the rules of etiquette. It was this daring Mademoiselle that brought into fashion tan and comfortable clothes of simple cut made of cheap fabrics, which were previously worn exclusively by representatives of a rather poor class. And it was here that the first Coco Chanel clothing store was opened.
Picturesque resort town Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Aquitaine, a city of fishermen and corsairs, located almost on the border with Spain, on the shore of the bay Bay of Biscay. Its golden beaches have long won the love of couples with children. The city has both for tourism and for lovers of a rich holiday. It offers vacationers luxury hotels, casinos, golf courses and thalassotherapy centers. Holidays on the coast of France are much more pleasant with cultural and sporting events that this city is rich in: concerts classical music, all kinds of film festivals, pelata championships and much more at your disposal.
Ride on southwest coast is much cheaper than a holiday on the Cote d'Azur. Therefore, many students, young musicians and athletes rest in the resorts of the Bay of Biscay. Every year, the town of Biarritz hosts international surfing competitions that bring together wave conquerors from all over the world. In general, a holiday in France is a great option for a vacation. Be sure to consider it when you decide where to go this summer. We guarantee you that you will be satisfied with the high-class French service and the good-natured atmosphere that reigns in the resorts of this original country.
π Before we start... where to book a hotel? In the world, not only Booking exists (π for a high percentage of hotels - we pay!). I have been using Rumguru for a long time
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π And finally, the main thing. How to go on a trip, perfect without bothering? The answer is in the search form below! Buy . This is such a thing that includes flights, accommodation, meals and a bunch of other goodies for good money π°π° The form is below!.
Truly the best hotel rates
France has become one of the world leaders in the tourist market, not only thanks to Paris and its romantic coloring. If you drive around the country, you can see how versatile the rest it offers at any time of the year. To please everyone, you need different conditions and France satisfies all requests to the fullest.
Where is the best place to relax in France with children
30 km from Paris, there is a place where children can have fun and spend time all day long. This Disneyland Paris, perhaps the largest entertainment venue in Europe. Even Americans prefer their French counterpart to their Disneyland.
The territory of the park is divided into an amusement zone, Disney World, where children take pictures with cartoon characters, and the animation studio itself, where you can watch the process of creating animated films.
Of the other places where you can take your children, it is worth mentioning the Parc Asterix, the zoo located in the Bois de Vincennes and the aqua boulevard in French capital. Children will be able to communicate with animals at Georges Ville's farm, which is located in the same place, in Paris.
Where to relax on the sea
You can relax quite cheaply near the historical cities and castles of France on the northern and west coast. However, it is worth considering that in the English Channel the beach season lasts two months at most and it is better to come here in August. Northern resorts are called Trouville and Deauville, they are located in the Le Havre region.
If tourists appreciate summer coolness, they should pay attention to sandy beaches Valleys of the Loire, Aquitaine and Poitou. These regions are located on the Atlantic coast, the climate here is maritime and not hot. There are several distinctive features of the northern and western resorts. The water here is cool even in the height of summer, and there are also high tide levels. These places are not crowded, they are mostly visited by the French themselves, who come here for relaxation in health centers. The warmest water is in the very south, in Biarritz on the border with Spain.
Promenade des Anglais, Nice
Quite a different picture for mediterranean sea ββcoast. The areas of Nice, Toulon and Cannes were chosen for recreation by people with good income even by European standards, so the prices for everything here are appropriate. beach season in these places it lasts all summer and captures the beginning of autumn, there is both pebble beaches, and sandy. Even more points are given by the resorts of Corsica L'Ile Ros, Bastia, Calvi, Porticcio, Porto Vecchio. They seem to be designed to enjoy life.
Where to go for recovery
France has two resort areas specialized in such a service. The first is located on the coast, in Normandy, Aquitaine and Brittany (Saint-Malo, Deauville, Quiberon, Biarritz), and the second on Lake Geneva(Aix-les-Bains, Evian). Impeccable service and developed spa programs have led to a very high cost of recreation in these places. Another famous medical resort is located in the center of the country, in the city of Vichy.
Excursion rest
List excursion program France can be very long. Some of the most worth visiting are:
- the Eiffel Tower, the Ile de la CitΓ© and the Louvre in Paris;
- Rouen Cathedral, the tower of Joan of Arc, churches and castles in Normandy;
- the castles of Chambord, Villandry, Chenonceau, Amboise in the Loire Valley;
- the Promenade des Anglais, the Film Festival Palace, museums, the Opera House, the Roman Hill and old quarter in Nice;
- Basilica Saint Michel, Cathedral Saint-AndrΓ© and the museums of Bordeaux;
- Chateau d'If, Longchamp Palace, Cathedral, Marseille museums;
- Genoese Citadel, Bonaparte House, Sainte-Marie Cathedral and Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church in Corsica.
Ski resorts in France
A scattering of these resorts covers the entire territory french alps. These places are not only an excellent example for skiing, but also have a long history of sports. At one time, the resorts of Chamonix, Albertville and Grenoble were the capitals of the White Olympics. The Three Valleys ski area includes such famous resorts like Courchevel and Meribel. The level of local service is designed for elite skiers.
France proudly holds the palm for the quality and diversity of tourism. The hot Cote d'Azur and the cold Alps, the history of wars and revolutions embodied in stone, entertainment and the highest level of spa services allow this country to remain a favorite among tourists.
π Do we always book a hotel on Booking? In the world, not only Booking exists (π for a high percentage of hotels - we pay!). I have been using Rumguru for a long time, it is really more profitable π°π° Booking.
π And for tickets - in air sales, as an option. It has been known about him for a long time. But there is a better search engine - skyscanner - more flights, lower prices! π₯π₯.
π And finally, the main thing. How to go on a trip, perfect without bothering? Buy . This is such a thing, which includes flights, accommodation, meals and a bunch of other goodies for good money π°π°.
France presents huge opportunities for tourism. France is the largest country by area Western Europe, its borders by sea are 5500 km. She washes North Sea, the English Channel, the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
Most of the French in the summer try to get to the sea coast. Despite the fact that holidays in Normandy and on the coast Atlantic Ocean is very popular, best place for a beach holiday in France, the coast is still considered mediterranean sea. Here the most major resortsβ French Riviera or Cote d'Azur and Montpellier with surroundings.
Search tours to France
Cote d'Azur
The Cote d'Azur (CΓ΄te d'Azur) is located in the southeast of the Mediterranean coast of France. This is the most popular and fashionable resort, known for its high prices And developed infrastructure. The largest city is Marseille, famous for the movie Taxi. Here you can visit the Chateau d'If, where, according to legend, the Count of Monte Cristo languished. Apart from Marseille, the most famous cities- St. Tropez, Antibes, Nice, Cannes, Monte Carlo. The CΓ΄te d'Azur is famous for its mild mediterranean climate And big amount sunny days(300 days a year). The beach season lasts from late May to September, the water temperature ranges from 20 to 25 degrees. Coastline rugged and rocky. From the Italian border to Antibes, the beaches are pebbly, then sandy.
Nice also has beaches with imported sand. From entertainment, casinos are popular, which are available in almost every major city, the most popular - in Monte Carlo. Not far from the town of Biot is an amusement park, which includes the largest marine zoo in Europe, Marineland, a butterfly park, Antibes Land amusement park and a water park.
Montpellier
Despite the fact that Montpellier itself does not have direct access to the sea, its surroundings are popular place holidays on the Mediterranean coast of France. Nearest beaches located just 10 km from the city. The population is about 600,000 people.
If you love like me uncharted places, where the foot of a Russian tourist almost never set foot, then you, of course, are here. Here you will not hear not only Russian speech, but also, with a high probability, English. The exception is hotel employees and information bureaus.
How to get to Montpellier
Montpellier has an airport. In addition, the city is connected to Paris by rail. Schedule and ticket prices can be found. For example, when I bought train tickets from Paris to Montpellier, there was a discount for a group of three people - 30 euros for each. Unfortunately, when I started booking, I realized that this rate does not apply to a child, and therefore I cannot use the promotion. As a result, I had to buy 2 adult tickets for 35 euros, and for a child of 4 years old, the ticket, ironically, cost 42 euros, because. children are not issued non-refundable rate. After German railways, where children, in principle, travel for free, this was an unpleasant surprise.
Another convenient search tickets for all types of transport, see. 
Mobile tickets are supported.
Also, OUIGO economy class trains run from Paris to Montpellier, or rather, they do not depart from Paris itself, but from the Marne-la-Vallee station, where tickets can be bought just for ridiculous money - from 10 euros for an adult, but, unfortunately, I failed to do this, tk. they only accept credit cards from French banks.
Another cheap way get to Montpellier - bus. Look for prices and tickets from Paris and other cities. 
Where to stay
If you are interested beach holiday, then you can stay in any of the villages in the vicinity of Montpellier. All beaches are amazing. You can also stay in the city itself and go to the beach by bus or bike.
Having previously studied the information, I settled on a choice of two villages - Le Grau-de-Roi and La Grande-Motte. They are 5 km apart and about 35 km from Montpellier. Both have excellent beaches and excellent infrastructure for recreation. They are easily accessible from Montpellier by bus, and there is also a local train to Le Grau-de-Roi. Since I planned to stay in an apartment, and the office of the company where you need to get the keys was in La Grande Motte, as a result, I chose this city. And she didn't regret it.
La Grand Mote
La Grande Motte is just a magical place. The city was built in the 60s in a unique single architectural solution. All the main buildings were erected almost simultaneously on the previously almost deserted coast among sand dunes. The buildings are built in the style of the pyramids, inspired by the architecture of the ancient Maya. These pyramids house modern hotels and apartments. We rented an apartment in one of these buildings, located almost on the seashore. The main contingent of vacationers are families with children, for the most part French, tourists from Russia for 10 days of rest, we have not met.
The beach strip stretches continuously for many kilometers. The beaches are very wide and clean and have a blue flag. In fact, these are natural dunes, equipped with everything necessary for recreation. On the beaches there are cafes, toilets, showers, changing rooms, equipment rental. It also preserves the unique natural vegetation of the dunes, which are asked to be treated with care.
The water in the sea is absolutely transparent and clean. But we were not lucky with the weather. Despite the fact that we were in La Grande Motte in the second half of August, the air and water temperatures were quite low - at the level of 20 degrees. It was like a holiday in Egypt in winter time. True, local residents said that such weather is absolutely atypical. 
In La Grande Motte, you will not be bored during your vacation. In addition to the beach, the city has a promenade, which is nice to walk along and admire the yachts, several beautiful and cozy parks, fountains. In the city in summer season rich program for vacationers. For example, we caught a children's party with various competitions, a carnival and festive fireworks. There are various free fitness classes. Booklets about activities are available at the Tourist Office.
La Grande Motte has a huge number of cafes, restaurants and bars where you can taste delicious Mediterranean cuisine, such as fried mussels (moules). They are cooked in huge frying pans right in front of the entrance to the restaurant and served in pans in 1.5 kg portions. And what's the sauce!
A tourist excursion train runs around the city. On a regular bus, you can go to neighboring villages, at the same time admire nature. If you're lucky, you can see pink flamingos through the bus window.
From excursions you can visit the nearby medieval fortress Aigues Morgue, national reserve, medieval castle Carcassonne, Haribo confectionery. Of course, there are no excursions in Russian.
Wind in the south of France
There is wind, as on any sea coast. It is believed that on the French Riviera, closer to the border with Italy, it is smaller. In La Grande Motte, the influence of the winds was felt, but was not critical. The direction of the wind greatly affects the temperature of the water in the sea. For example, one day played out violent storm, the wind blew sand, clothes, towels. The temperature in the sea rose several degrees at once, and the sea became very warm. On another day, the wind, on the contrary, brought a cold current closer to the shore, and the water became cold.
Rich in the most different resorts from beach to ski. I was in the different regions France and I can say that here everyone can find something of their own. What can we say about the numerous historical monuments? For example, the same Loire Valley. I went there in winter and visited only two castles. This took me a whole day. And there are a great many of them, and each of them has its own unique features, architecture and landscape of the parks. Therefore, in some resorts and especially notable places I advise you to stay longer.
Especially when you consider that the choice of housing in France is quite large. I stayed mostly in hostels and small hotels in France. I recommend them to you too, as expensive hotels do not always justify themselves.
If you are traveling to France with children, then first of all I advise you to go to Disneyland. It is located in the suburbs of Paris, about an hour away. There go regional trains - RER. The price of a ticket to Disneyland for adults is about 100 EUR, and for children - from 50β70 EUR, depending on age. The park is divided into two parts and has a well-developed system of visiting especially popular attractions. You take tickets for them in advance, and before the designated hour you can walk around the park and explore it.
I was at Disneyland, and although I spent the whole day there, I managed to see only the first part of the park. I didn't have the time or energy for the second one.
Near Paris there is also a less popular, but no less interesting "Asterix Park". On its territory there are more than 30 attractions designed for children of absolutely different ages. There are several stylized sectors - Gaul, the Roman Empire, etc. For children, a visit this park will be not only interesting, but also informative. Getting to the "Asterix Park" is easy: there are special Shuttle Buses from the Louvre. The fare in them is 10 EUR. And tickets to the park itself cost from 40β50 EUR for children.
Carcassonne
It will be very interesting for children to visit Carcassonne - the best preserved medieval castle France. It is located next to the city, with which it has a railway connection (a ticket costs 15β20 EUR, travel time is almost an hour).
The city also has an airport, which, however, accepts only Ryanair aircraft. Various festivals often take place on the territory of the castle. Tour price - from 40 EUR.
Wine regions of France
These are special regions of France and a special kind of tourism. There are even special programs that allow you to go to France to work in the vineyards. As you know, wine is an integral part of French gastronomy. How can you imagine this country without this wonderful drink?
Champagne
I went there with bus tour to two champagne factories. In general, the word "champagne" itself comes from the name of this region. When you just drive there, you are immediately surprised by the number of vineyards that stretch on both sides of the road to the very horizon line.
The tour cost me 80 EUR. By the way, we also had tastings, which was especially pleasing. I did not buy champagne at the factories, because it is very expensive there.
Bordeaux
How not to remember Bordeaux, if we are talking about wines. This oldest region of France is famous all over the world for its red wines from Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grape varieties. Prices for a bottle start from 10 EUR and go up to 1000.
What is especially pleasing is that Bordeaux has special excursions with tastings. They cost from 100 EUR, depending on the days for which the program is designed.
Burgundy
Another one of the oldest wine regions France. Both white wines (chablis) and reds (beaujolais) are produced here. The climate and fertile soils favor the growth of vineyards. There are over 100 grape varieties that produce some of the best wines in the world.
