About 3.5 hours from Paris on a fast and comfortable train without transfers. Which is very convenient. The cost of a one-way railway ticket is from 70 EUR per person.
Stunningly beautiful bay, the length of the beach is about 9 km. The beach is sandy and wide. Very beautiful and well-groomed embankment. There are special paths for cycling. And in addition to all this splendor - silence, pine trees, clean air and horseback riding right along the ocean. If we talk about infrastructure, then in summer special playgrounds are set up on the beach. The city has a market and supermarkets.
The only thing you should always consider when relaxing on the Atlantic is the water temperature. At an air temperature, for example, in August, +28...+30 °C, the water temperature is +20...+21 °C. Because the ocean.
Also La Baule is one of the most famous centers of thalassotherapy. So adults can take care of themselves and pay attention to themselves. Or you can go and see the famous abbey of Mont Saint-Michel, which is located about 200 km from La Baule. Despite a decent distance, the trip is worth it. But the main advantages of La Baule are nature, air, silence, beaches and a bay of stunning beauty.
If we consider an alternative to La Baule, a kind of second option, then we can pay attention to La Rochelle. The resort is located on the shores of the Bay of Biscay in the Poitou-Charentes region. The train from Paris takes about 3.5 hours. Ticket price - from 60 EUR.
Both the air and the ocean are warmer here than in the north. The beaches are sandy and wide. Only 3 beaches: Chef de Baie, La Concurrence, Les Minimes. La Concurrence is located in the city center. Many yachts, boats (this is the port). But, in my opinion, the beach and La Baule bay are better. In La Baule, the bay and beaches are a picture in general.
La Rochelle is a port city with its own history. The old port, the home of Henry II, places associated with the adventures of the musketeers, the city gates and very beautiful streets.
The famous Fort Bayard is also located near La Rochelle. Be sure to go to the famous Aquarium of La Rochelle: 2 floors, 12 thousand marine animals. There are also sharks. In the Aquarium, of course. You can also make a trip from La Rochelle to Futuroscope Park, where children will be very interested.
If we take the other most famous French resorts of the Atlantic, then, of course, we can also say about Deauville, Biarritz, Arcachon, Saint-Malo. Each has its pros and cons regarding your particular request.
But the best option for you is La Baule. As the second option - La Rochelle.
And if the water temperature still seems low for you, then you - on the Cote d'Azur. And I would recommend in this case a holiday in Antibes - Juan-les-Pins. There is sand, pine trees, and nearby the famous Marineland park, and a convenient link to Nice airport (Antibes is very close from Nice).
And children can also be taken to the Ocean Museum in Monaco, take a walk to the Lerins Islands and find out the secret of the famous Iron Mask. You can also go to Eze, St. Paul de Vence, visit Grasse and the famous Fragonard perfume factory.
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France- an incredibly beautiful country that has attracted travelers at all times, with its eventful history, amazing culture and unique monuments of architecture and art. But an important factor of attraction for tourists are the absolutely amazing resorts of France on the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. They are ideal for families with children, for a honeymoon for newlyweds, just a relaxing holiday or an active pastime, combined with educational excursions to interesting French sights or balneotherapy. France owns more than three thousand kilometers of coastline, both on the Mediterranean Sea and on the Atlantic Ocean. Our today's article is dedicated to the popular resorts of France on the picturesque Atlantic coast, located in the regions of Normandy, Aquitaine and Brittany.
It is worth noting right away that the French Atlantic resorts are characterized by rather cool water, which even in the midst of the summer season does not warm up more than twenty to twenty-two degrees, but it is incredibly clean and perfect for a variety of wellness treatments. The swimming season on the Atlantic coast of France lasts only three months: June, July, August. The beaches of the Atlantic resorts of France are wide with white and pleasant sand. For the Atlantic coast of France, the actual problem is constant tides, when water can recede from the coastal strip for almost a kilometer. This is very typical for the French regions of Brittany and Normandy. That is why vacationers have to take water baths only at high tide. As in the French resorts of the Cote d'Azur, located on the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic resorts of France have a well-developed infrastructure, and tourists have at their disposal not only wonderful beaches, but also a wide variety of entertainment: casinos, golf clubs, discos, nightclubs, as well as ample opportunities for medical procedures. Thalassotherapy is remarkably developed here, working miracles of healing from various diseases, and this is understandable, because France is the birthplace of thalassotherapy. The country has dozens of excellent centers for the treatment of rheumatism, spinal problems, as well as places for post-traumatic rehabilitation.
French resorts on the Atlantic Ocean in Brittany. Brittany is located in a picturesque area, just west of the French region of Normandy. Here, vacationers are waiting for incredible views of the surroundings and acquaintance with captivating fishing villages. This region has a rich and exciting history, it will introduce you to ancient pirate cities, ancient monasteries and unique fortresses.
- the place where the first thalassotherapy center appeared in France, it was in 1899. Roscoff is a great Breton beach resort, famous for its luxurious hotels and luxury villas. It is not as noisy as the Dinard resort, so it is considered an ideal place for a relaxing family holiday, especially with small children. At the local "Institute and Center of Thalassotherapy", you can undergo a preventive course of treatment, during which the most modern balneological complexes of procedures will be used: a variety of showers, baths, bathing in healing thermal springs, mud or algae wraps, massages with medicinal herbs, essential oils and beauty treatments. Along the way, you can do active sports, physical education, fitness. And thanks to experienced specialists, you will start eating right after selecting an individual diet menu.
- it is known as the place where the largest tides occur on our planet. Saint-Malo has a unique history, inextricably linked with sea robbers, because it is a real one - a "pirate city" that turned into one in the sixteenth century, although it used to be a quiet monastic refuge. In those days, a formidable fortress appeared here, which tourists admire to this day. Very often, “pirate” holidays are held here, which generates the interest of travelers to choose this French Atlantic resort as the place of their beach holiday. Diving here is very interesting, because at the bottom of the sea there are many sunken pirate frigates. As for the local beaches, they are magnificent: sandy and rather sparsely populated, even in the midst of the high season. On the beach "Bon Secours" built a sea dam for swimming, protected from the tides. The Saint-Malo resort has a major French port for cruise liners. From here, by ferry, you can sail to England, Ireland, and Spain in two hours. And yet, in Saint-Malo is the famous Thalassotherapy Center "Les Thermes Marins", which has been operating since 1963. Numerous visitors come to it to improve the skin of the face and body, through spa and thalasso procedures, as well as treatment with naturological methods. It is impossible to say that it is hot in the summer days in the resort of Saint-Malo, because not even every year the record temperature can reach twenty-two degrees Celsius, but swimming in ocean water with a temperature of twenty or eighteen degrees is quite acceptable, and you can sunbathe perfectly . This Atlantic resort in France will be comfortable for people who do not tolerate high temperatures. In addition, it is worth mentioning the huge pools with sea water, located in the local thalassotherapy center, swimming in which is possible all year round.
The largest seaside resort in the French region of Brittany. The resort appeared under Emperor Napoleon III and developed rapidly in the nineteenth century. Today, rest here is considered prestigious and respectable and is very popular among world celebrities. The resort is famous for its magnificent sandy beaches, picturesque natural attractions, amazing entertainment events and events that take place here, gathering world-famous stars every year in this French resort. Summer time in Dinard will give you an exceptional vacation, especially when visiting the local thalassotherapy center, offering guests one of several options for thalassotherapy courses: these can be general wellness treatments, sleep treatments, tonic treatments. Having paid for a day of relaxation in the thalassotherapy center, which costs about one hundred euros, you will have a great time: visiting various wellness treatments, Finnish and Turkish saunas, swimming in a sea water pool, enjoying an underwater massage, relaxing in a jacuzzi. And in the evening, you can make a promenade from the beautiful central square to the sea, admiring the bright illumination and listening to music. The most impressive beach of the Dinard resort is - "Ecluse", located in the central part of the resort. Luxurious Victorian villas stretch along it, and there is a casino in the center.
A good beach resort in the south of Brittany, located along a narrow spit that goes far into the sea. It is worth noting that the swimming season here is very short and lasts only two months: July and August. But there are magnificent sandy beaches, with high snow-white dunes, surrounded by majestic pine forests, and the local thalassotherapy institute is the best in the world. People suffering from nervous disorders and metabolic disorders come to rest at the Atlantic resort of Quibron. By the way, not far from this resort is the largest collection of ancient megaliths in Karnak - a popular natural attraction in France.
- This beach destination of the French Atlantic is often called the "Pearl of the Emerald Coast". The resort of Cancale stands on the shores of the beautiful bay of Mont Saint-Michel, from here you can see this world-famous island with an abbey. In the cold and crystal clear local ocean waters, oysters are bred. Huge oyster farms are located here, covering an area of 400 hectares. Perhaps that is why Cancale is called - "the oyster capital of France." Those tourists who have chosen to rest in the French Atlantic resort of Cancale are waiting for long walks along very clean and picturesque, but completely deserted beaches, visiting numerous cafes where you can taste inexpensive seafood dishes.
French resorts on the Atlantic Ocean in Normandy. The French region of Normandy stretches for six hundred and forty kilometers along the northern cliffs that border the coast of this country. There are not as many beaches here as in other Atlantic regions of France, but the level of development of the seaside resorts of Upper and Lower Normandy is at the highest level.
- located in the northwestern part of France and belongs to the Lower Normandy region. The resort town stands on the picturesque coast of the English Channel, there is a lot of greenery, excellent sandy beaches and great leisure opportunities. At this resort you can meet various world celebrities who love to relax in this beautiful corner of France. There are many hotels, cafes, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, shops, a sports complex with tennis courts and numerous exercise machines. In summer, the air temperature ranges from sixteen to twenty-two degrees, the ocean warms up to twenty degrees. In addition to the standard beach activities in the resort of Deauville, you can get treated at the Algotherm Thalassotherapy Center, equipped with the most modern equipment: kinesiotherapy departments, a variety of baths and pools, and also, seaweed applications are performed here, there are gyms, beauty salons, a sauna, solarium, dietary restaurant. As for the beaches of the French resort of Deauville, this is a magnificent and very well-groomed sandy strip, with a wide wooden deck, on which you can stroll in the evening, enjoying the fresh sea breeze and magnificent sunset. The resort of Deauville has everything for wealthy vacationers and their chic life: a casino, a golf club, hippodromes.
- earlier there was a small fishing village that arose on the territory of Normandy during the time of the Vikings. But the popularity of Trouville, as a seaside resort in France, began with the opening of a hydropathic here in 1860. It must be said that Trouville is more simple and democratic, unlike its neighbor Deauville, separated by an isthmus. Life here is concentrated on the Atlantic coast, with a beautiful promenade and magnificent sandy beaches, surrounded by picturesque surroundings. By the way, the resort of Trouville is home to several families who have been engaged in fishing for centuries, and it is thanks to them that the city has an excellent fish market where you can buy the freshest seafood. It even has its own casino, located on a separate miniature island.
- located in the department of Calvados and belongs to the region of Lower Normandy. The city of Cabourg has two magnificent beaches where tourists looking for shells like to stroll at low tide. There is a lot of space on the beaches of the Cabourg resort, and the water sometimes warms up to a record twenty-three degrees, with an air temperature of twenty-six degrees, but this is rather a rarity. You can walk along the beautiful local promenade in the evening, breathing in the fresh sea air. The resort of Cabourg has excellent SPA centers specializing in thalassotherapy. Fans of outdoor activities will find something to do here: there is a golf club, you can take riding lessons at the hippodrome, you can go karting, play tennis, go to the yacht club, and do water sports. Every year Cabourg hosts the romantic film festival “Days of Romance in Cabourg”, at this time you can unexpectedly see some world celebrity slowly walking along the promenade or leaving the restaurant. And yet, the city of Cabourg is the center of French equestrian sports. At his hippodrome, the racing season starts in April and ends in October. Night races are considered especially spectacular, you can watch them not even from the stands of the hippodrome, but while sitting at a table in a local restaurant with panoramic windows.
- located at the mouth of the river Seine. It is popular among travelers looking for a touch of antiquity in Normandy, walking along the picturesque city promenade of St. Helena, peering into the strict features of the Gothic temple next to the harbor, walking along the narrow ancient streets with neat houses. In this Normandy resort of France, there are a lot of antique shops where you can find amazing works of art. Of course, the beaches of Honfleur do not compete with the beaches of Deauville or Trouville, but it’s pretty good to swim, sunbathe, walk along the seashore, for which Parisians love Honfleur very much, and also for its simplicity and lack of ostentatious luxury and chic.
French resorts on the Atlantic Sea in Aquitaine. Region of France - Aquitaine, a magnificent and very green coast of the Atlantic, incredibly popular among surfers and yachtsmen, thanks to the strong winds that are constantly present here. The resorts of Aquitaine are well planned and incredibly comfortable for relaxation. There is a very mild and healthy maritime climate, beautiful and green nature, the cleanest and most transparent sea. The real pride of Aquitaine is a two hundred and fifty-kilometer strip of magnificent sea beaches covered with golden sand, and another fifty inland beaches on the banks of rivers and lakes. In general, the territory of Aquitaine is divided into four main zones: the Medoc Peninsula, Arcachon Bay, Landes - "Silver Coast", Basque Coast.
Resorts of the French Medoc Peninsula in Aquitaine on the Atlantic Ocean- it's ninety kilometers of excellent beaches, with a dozen small towns located on the ocean, where a mild climate reigns, ideal for climatotherapy, including "light therapy" and "naturism".
- is famous for its seven-kilometer well-groomed sandy beach, where there are numerous schools and clubs for surfing, bodyboarding, an excellent equestrian and sailing center, and a parachuting center, tennis, various flying clubs, day groups or beach children's clubs. And ten kilometers from the resort, stunning Medoc vineyards grow, where tourists come to taste and purchase world-famous French wines: Medoc, Haut-Medoc, Saint-Estef, Poyac, Saint-Julien , "Listrak", "Mulis", "Margot". The resort of Soulac-sur-Mer is located ninety-five kilometers from the French city of Bordeaux, where the nearest international airport is located.
- the famous nudist, opened in 1950. Every summer season, more than fourteen thousand tourists come here - lovers of naturism, and forty percent are the French themselves. On the shores of the Montalivet resort, the capital of French nudism, there are one thousand eight hundred campsites, many shops, one hundred and seventy-two bungalows, sports and water entertainment centers.
- a small town located in the Gascony Gulf of the French region of Aquitaine, in the southeastern part of the country. It grew up on the site of a modest fishing village in the nineteenth century, rapidly gaining popularity among French bohemia thanks to its healing air and miraculous mineral springs. The French themselves love to relax in this resort. They come here to swim in the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, sunbathe on the beautiful sandy beaches, admire amazing natural views, indulge in balneotherapy and taste amazing sea delicacies - the freshest oysters. Arcachon is often called the "City of the Four Seasons" because of its quarters named "Winter", "Spring", "Summer", "Autumn". The resort of Arcachon is surrounded on all sides by excellent beaches. The city is located on the shore of the bay, which is the "inland sea of Aquitaine", so you can swim there even in the cold season, because the water is "heated" by hot springs. Another plus of relaxing in this Atlantic resort of France is that there are no big waves here, which is ideal for families with children.
Cote d'Argent Resorts- This seaside strip of French Aquitaine, has become famous throughout the world for its amazing very fine and silvery sand. There are many resort towns, smoothly passing from one to another.
The most popular resort of the Landes is the Silver Coast. The city is famous for the fact that perfume oils are made here, the Lemon Festival is held, and lush and fragrant citrus gardens bloom. The beaches of the French Atlantic resort of Mimizan are incredibly well-groomed and clean, they are equipped with shower cabins and everything necessary for tourists.
- the most fashionable French resort with excellent beaches, the possibility of yachting. Here travelers will find a wonderful climate and breathtaking views of the mountains of the Pyrenees. Biarritz has a wide variety of beaches for every taste: picturesque stretches of fine sand, secluded bays and secluded bays, beaches surrounded on all sides by rocks. The resort of Biarritz attracts thousands of fans of crazy parties and upscale luxury holidays. This resort is often called - "King of the beaches and the beach of kings." Biarritz is the oldest resort on the coast of the Bay of Biscay, located forty kilometers from the Spanish border. The most popular beach here is the "Grand", around it are stunning villas, restaurants, casinos, the highest class hotel - the "palace". No less beloved by tourists are the beaches of Biarritz - Chambre d'Amour, Miramar, Milady. But here, as in other French resorts of the Atlantic, there are ebbs and flows. Biarritz is a great place for windsurfers, it is here that the most the best European schools for teaching this type of sailing.The most ideal conditions for surfing await you on the Côte de Basques beach.And for families with children, it is better to go to the PortVieux beach - there are no strong winds and large waves.Except In addition, the Biarritz resort is one of the popular French thalassotherapy resorts.On the beaches of Biarritz there are specially equipped sections of the coast, where it is customary to hold constant sports competitions.
is a place where you can get acquainted with the attractive culture of the Basques. It used to be a small village, but it has become popular with holidaymakers thanks to the development of its famous neighbor, Biarritz, just five kilometers away. Bidart is a quiet and calm city where people come for relaxation and relaxation. There are well-organized beaches, of which there are five. They are divided by natural boundaries - rock ledges extending into the sea. The largest beach is - Central Beach, access here is very convenient, there is also good parking for cars. Thanks to the huge waves of the Atlantic, surfers love to relax here. There is also a surfing club in Bidart. For tourists who come with children, we can recommend visiting the Bid'a Park hydropark, where there are three pools and a slide. It stands on the banks of the Ouabya River, in the southern part of the city.
We told you about the famous resorts of France on the Atlantic Ocean, located in the regions of Brittany, Normandy and Aquitaine. We hope that we were able to help you decide where to stay.
Surprisingly, there is almost no detailed comparison of these completely different French coasts on the Russian-speaking Internet. But it is precisely the peculiarities of the climate and geographical location of the resort, if you did not know about them in advance, that can at least cause disappointment, or even completely ruin the long-awaited vacation.
Given that holidays in France are now expensive, I decided to make a comparison article resorts on the Mediterranean coast of France (primarily the Cote d'Azur in its broadest sense - from Marseille to ) and famous resorts in the south-west of France (from Biarritz to La Rochelle). In this review, we do not consider the northern part of the Atlantic coast of France (the seaside cities of Normandy and Brittany), since we have focused precisely on the possibility of combining tourism and a full-fledged beach holiday.
So, let's begin.
Climate
The best time to relax on the ocean is July and August. At this time, the water in the Atlantic in the coastal zone warms up to an acceptable 21-22 degrees (sometimes higher, but it's better not to wait). In the Mediterranean, the swimming season is longer - traditionally from June to September (velvet season). Already in June (depending on the weather, of course) it is quite possible to swim in fairly warm water (from 22 degrees and above). The hottest time both in the Atlantic and in the south of France is mid-July - the first half of August. At the same time, in the Atlantic, too, contrary to popular belief, there is suffocating heat, despite the constant winds from the ocean. In addition, the winds are insidious: it is easier to get a sunburn on the skin without even noticing it. If you are very sensitive to heat, choose the seaside resorts around Nice, not near Marseille. A more benign climate is due to the geographical position: its surroundings are covered by the Alpes-Maritimes and there is a special microclimate, so the high temperature is easier to endure due to relatively low humidity, in the evening a refreshing breeze usually blows. Including because of the pleasant climate, the Cote d'Azur has long been chosen for relaxation by monarchs and their entourage. And about the legendary heat in Provence at the peak of summer, I think it’s not even worth mentioning. This is really a difficult test for everyone, and even more so for people with health problems.
Sea ocean
Everything is clear here: someone loves one thing, and someone else. Fans of the ocean, big waves and water sports tend to the Atlantic, because Biarritz, Hossegor (Sort-Hossegor) and the Spanish San Sebastian, located near the border, are considered the "Mecca" of European surfing. The waves in Hossegor are so good that this small place hosts the prestigious World Surfing Championship every autumn. Those who like to contemplate vast spaces, the power and energy of the ocean, endless beaches, will like the Atlantic more. But on the Mediterranean Sea, you can be sure that in most places during your vacation you will be able to swim almost every day in the calm warm sea and swim without fear that you will be carried away by the current.
Beaches
In terms of the beauty and length of the beaches, in my opinion, the Atlantic coast definitely wins. Between Biarritz and La Rochelle hundreds of kilometers of beautiful wide beaches with soft golden sand. Almost all the beaches of Aquitaine are among the most beautiful beaches in France. For a beach holiday, you should pay attention to resorts such as Biscarrosse, Mimizan, Mollier-et-Maa.
In the south of France there is also no shortage of beautiful beaches, but they are completely different from those of the ocean. From Nice to the Italian border, the beaches are pebbly, only in some places interspersed with small soft pebbles and sand, as, for example, in. Real sandy beaches start in the Antibes region and stretch along the coast towards the Esterel mountain range. The Esterel massif is famous for its "paradise" bays, quite suitable for filming commercials. But you can't get to these wild beaches without a car, moreover, many of them have a very steep descent to the sea. Another area in the south of France with good beaches is the nearby small resorts.
Beaches on the Atlantic, photo
Beaches Cote d'Azur photo
Landscape and vegetation
The landscape of the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts of France is very different. The Cote d'Azur has all the attributes of southern nature that are so dear to people living far from the sea: picturesque mountains on the horizon, lush Mediterranean vegetation (pine-pines, many types of palms, cypresses, luxurious flowers, etc.). The southwestern coast of France is the kingdom of pines, but these are pines of a different kind than in the south. The pine forests of these places and the ocean are a great combination, besides, breathing “coniferous” air is useful for people with various diseases of the respiratory system. Another difference between the south and Aquitaine is that the latter is a predominantly flat region, while relaxing here, you will not see mountains. Except for Biarritz, where the powerful mountain range of the Pyrenees looms on the horizon. But Biarritz is no longer territorially Aquitaine, but the French Basque Country.
Typical landscape of Aquitaine
Pine forests of the Atlantic coast
Nature of the Cote d'Azur
Transport accessibility
The Côte d'Azur wins on this point, because Nice has an international airport with direct flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg, as well as major cities in Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan and others. Five minutes by taxi (or 20 minutes by public transport) from the airport - and you are already in the center, from where it is convenient to get to other cities of the French Riviera by train or bus. Cons: during the season, tickets for direct flights to Nice are expensive, so many tourists fly here with a transfer.
Getting to the Atlantic is more difficult and longer. From Russia, these are always connecting flights (via Paris to Bordeaux or Bayonne). There is also an option to fly to Paris and then get to Bordeaux (the main city of Aquitaine) by high-speed train TGV. But in any case, you will need a rental car in these places to relax, especially to visit all the interesting sights. Public transport here is not as well developed as on the Cote d'Azur, and many beautiful beaches cannot be reached, for example, by any bus.
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Accommodation
Both on the Atlantic coast and on the Cote d'Azur there are resorts that do not need advertising. and, Antibes and, on the French Riviera, as well as Biarritz on the Atlantic - these are already “prayed” places for world celebrities, billionaires and smaller caliber businessmen curling around these “sharks”, but who want to join the “party”. The infrastructure for the rich has been created in the south and south-west of France since about the middle of the 19th century, so there are enough top-level hotels in the famous historical resorts (5 stars or a special category - "palace" palais). The presence of such places automatically raises the price level at the resort and cuts off tourists who want to relax on a budget. In this regard, it should be borne in mind that even if you manage to rent relatively inexpensive accommodation in the vicinity of Monaco, Saint-Tropez or Biarritz, the cost of recreation (prices in shops and supermarkets, cafes, restaurants, etc.) will be much higher than in lesser known places.
Prices
Both the resorts of the Atlantic and the south of France are approximately equal in terms of prices for hotels / apartments / food / entertainment (which makes up the total cost of a vacation), that is, it cannot be said unequivocally that somewhere you will spend less money, but somewhere more. Everywhere, a significant part of the budget is spent on restaurants, so in this case, the only option to save money is to rent a private apartment / apartment and cook on your own.
If we talk about the contingent of vacationers, then a huge number of tourists from all over the world come to the Cote d'Azur, and the Atlantic is, first of all, a favorite vacation spot for the French, many of whom do not like the south because of high prices, traffic jams and a large number of the same foreigners. Although, in fairness - in July / August, during mass holidays in France and Europe, the highways towards both the Atlantic coast and the Mediterranean Sea are stuck in traffic jams.
shopping
If for you a vacation is also a time to replenish your wardrobe (for example, at summer sales), then in this regard, of course, the Côte d'Azur is preferable. Boutiques and large shopping centers, French and international brands, inexpensive and luxury - all this is compactly collected on the French Riviera. Entire shopping streets in Monaco, Cannes and Nice are at your disposal, there are often really good discounts due to the high competition between stores.
The resorts of the Atlantic coast also have no shortage of shops, but still French brands of clothing and shoes are more represented here (do not forget that the majority of vacationers here are French themselves), as well as many small private boutiques with clearly overpriced prices. In any case, in July, at the height of the French sales, in the shops on the coast between Biarritz and Arcachon, I saw almost no discount, and the discounts on the labels looked like a scam.
Attractions
By this criterion, I would certainly give primacy to the Côte d'Azur, although there are amazing sights in the south-west of France, like the largest in Europe. The seaside towns of the Cote d'Azur of France are located compactly, they are all different and each interesting in its own way, they are easy to reach on their own by bus or train, and in the mountains in the vicinity there are many beautiful small villages (also mostly accessible without a car). In addition, Monaco and Italy are nearby if you want to go to another country.
From Biarritz, you can also ride to neighboring Spain, but only if you travel by car. The distances between the cities of the southwestern part of France are not very large, but they do not allow one to see several places in one day, as is quite possible on the Cote d'Azur.
Elena Kurylenko
The resorts of France on the Atlantic coast are distinguished by their particular elegance and restraint. Perhaps because the British, stingy with emotions, like to relax here, especially since in past centuries these lands more than once passed from France to England and vice versa.
Or maybe because the French nobility used to rest here: for example, one of the resorts - Deauville - was built specifically for the rich. But most likely, this is the influence of the powerful and harsh Atlantic with cold salty air, winds and huge waves in bad weather, low tides that reveal kilometers of bottom, swift tides and huge flocks of seagulls.
The main resorts of the Atlantic coast of France are located in the regions of Normandy (Deauville, Trouville, Honfleur, Cherbourg, etc.), Brittany (Saint-Brieuc and Saint-Malo) in the northwest of the country and in Aquitaine in the southwest. The most famous are the Norman "brothers" Deauville and Trouville, 200 km from Paris and Biarritz, located in Aquitaine and even considered a "Russian" resort, because in the XIX-XX centuries. our fellow citizens loved it almost as much as Nice. Fyodor Chaliapin lived here in his own villa, Chekhov, the Nabokov family and the Grand Dukes visited, and in the Soviet years Biarritz became the home of the writer Vasily Aksenov.
attracts large crowds of tourists and island of noirmoutier. Here were built houses on the coast, luxurious villas. Auguste Renoir, describing Noirmoutier, said that this is a "delightful corner", the beauty of which can be compared with the south of France. The coast is bordered by the Chaize forest - maritime pines (pines) climb along the dunes in the east of the island, pass into ash-colored heather meadows, interspersed with strawberry bushes, mimosa blooming in February (by the way, the island is often called mimosa island), sage-colored rockrose and others flowers. The island is known for its mild climate and almost always clear skies.
For those who love 40-degree heat and constant sun, the resorts of the Atlantic coast of France are unlikely to seem very attractive. The climate here is quite mild and humid, but the summers are not as hot as on the Cote d'Azur. It is colder in the north, in Normandy and Brittany. It is nice here in summer, but in winter it is often windy, dank and damp, and the thermometer stays near zero. And besides, in the northwestern regions of France, cold water is year-round - even in summer the ocean does not warm up above + 17-19 ° С. But in Biarritz, thanks to the warm Gulf Stream in June-August, the water temperature reaches + 25 ° C, and in the air it is +30 or even more, and in the winter months, despite the winds, the temperature rarely drops below + 10 ° C. The city is in the Bay of Biscay with a special shape of the bottom, which contributes to the formation of continuous waves, which is in the hands of surfers. And by the way, it was here in 1957 that the beginning of surfing in Europe was laid.
The Atlantic coast of France is famous for its sandy beaches, rocky cliffs and unspoiled natural beauty. Most buyers of Atlantic real estate choose it because they consider it the most romantic place in France.
There is an excellent infrastructure here: many cafes with a wide selection of seafood, shops, consumer services, etc. The railway communication is wonderfully established not only with Paris, but also with other major cities of the state, so even the absence of airports and a direct connection with Russia does not cause any particular inconvenience. The only negative is that there are few Russians in these parts, so there is no Russian community. The resorts of the Atlantic are the favorite resorts of the British and basically everyone understands English, therefore, with the knowledge of only this language, Russians are comfortable there. But English is not enough here. The French do not like the British, especially on the Atlantic coast, because the inhabitants of Britain often fought with them, so it is more comfortable to communicate in French. To understand others, English, of course, will be enough, but in order to receive high-quality service and real pleasure from relaxing and living in France, one cannot help but learn French!
Here it is also worth considering that the French are very different from us: they have their own “quirks”. For example, lunch starts at 12 o'clock and this time is holy for them: even customer-oriented companies and shops are closed, and the language is a kind of bridge to another culture, without knowing which it is difficult to live in a foreign country.
Offers and prices
An important plus that attracts fellow citizens in search of foreign real estate in the French Atlantic is the relatively low cost of housing.
Prices are about two to three times lower than on the Cote d'Azur or in Provence, with buyers from Russian regions showing the main interest, while Muscovites and St. Petersburg still prefer southern France. Although the cost of housing in the Atlantic in comparison with "Lazurka" is only 25-30% less. On the shores of the Mediterranean Sea for 2 million euros you can buy a villa of 250 square meters. m. with a plot of 20 acres, and in Biarritz for the same money you can buy a house with a total area of 350 square meters. m., which is attached 80 acres of land.
The French Atlantic offers a wide variety of accommodation - from modest apartments in old houses with small footage and modern apartments in condominiums to expensive villas and real castles. And the cost of real estate depends not only on the size and condition of housing, but also on the infrastructure around and on the proximity to the sea. The average price per square meter in apartments is 3.5-5 thousand euros, and in houses it can be higher, and significantly - 5-10 times, and this despite the fact that this year there is a slight decline (and last year By the way, there was a very good growth).
The highest price level in Deauville, where among the proposals there are especially many detached houses in the Norman style and many castles - it was not for nothing that it was known as a resort for the aristocracy. A simple studio with an area of 26 sq. m. here it costs 114 thousand euros, and a three-room apartment with an area of 72 sq. m. in a residential complex with its own garden in the city center will cost 440 thousand euros. An old Norman house with a garden, also in the center of Deauville and 500 meters from the sea, can be bought for 900 thousand euros. At the same time, the owners will have 7 bedrooms and a garage for 2 cars at their disposal, but soon they will have to make repairs.
Modern villas ranging from 200 to 300 sq. m with two bathrooms and 5 bedrooms 10 minutes from the sea cost an average of one million euros. Well, you can become the owner of a real Normandy castle for 5-6 million euros. For example, a three-level castle with a living area of 1300 sq.m. is being sold for 5 million euros. The house has 12 rooms, 8 of which are bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. And it is surrounded by 14 hectares of beautiful landscape park.
However, if Russians choose the Atlantic, then much more often Biarritz, preferring either traditional houses or apartments in good modern complexes - after all, it is south and warmer, and the prices are more democratic.
The minimum budget required to buy an apartment is 75-85 thousand euros. For example, a studio with an area of 24 sq. in the city center costs 79 thousand euros, and a tiny studio with an area of only 15 square meters, but on the coast (next to the central beach) can be bought for 84 thousand euros. And an apartment with 3 rooms near the beach (area 48 sq.m.) Is estimated at 211 thousand euros.
A modest house in Biarritz costs an average of 500-600 thousand euros. For such money you can get a 1-2-storey building with an area of 150-200 sq. m. with 4-5 bedrooms and not very far from the sea. But more impressive houses with gardens and swimming pools are more expensive - about 1.6-2.8 million euros. You can also buy a castle (there are not as many of them as in the north, but this type of property is also available) at a price of 3 million euros. For example, for 3.3 million, a completely restored castle of the 19th century with an area of 500 square meters is offered. m, with two living rooms and 8 bedrooms, a beautiful veranda, a heated pool and a plot of 1 hectare.
Easy to buy - expensive to maintain
It is quite simple to become the owner of real estate on the French Atlantic coast, and if you do not have enough own funds, you can take out a mortgage for up to 25 years with an annual interest rate of 3-4% with a down payment of 30% in a French bank.
The likelihood of fraud when buying is minimal. The law clearly regulates the actions of both the seller and the buyer. All payments go through a notary who guarantees the security of the contract and compliance with legislative acts. He is responsible for ensuring that the transaction is valid. And notary services cost about 2% of the transaction amount. In addition, if a loan is attracted to buy a home, the bank also checks the purity of the transaction.
Taxes in France, alas, are known for their very immodest size. When buying real estate in the secondary market, they make up about 5% of the transaction amount, and if you buy a new building, then 1-2% plus VAT, already included in the cost of the object. And after registering the property, you will have to pay taxes associated with ownership: If the owner lives in his house for more than 183 days a year, they are moderate, and if not, they can reach up to 7% of the cost of housing.
At the same time, buying real estate in France does not give a residence permit, let alone citizenship, at most - you can get an annual Schengen multivisa that allows you to stay in the country for no more than 180 days a year. Thus, if there is no desire to move to France permanently, you will have to pay in full for owning real estate:
- real estate tax or land tax (taxe foncière), which depends on the region, type of property and status of the owner, but averages 0.5% of the value of the property,
- tax on accommodation (taxe d'habitation) - an average of 0.5%, they are paid by those who live in an apartment or in a house on January 1 of the reporting year,
- property tax (ISF - impôt de solidarité sur la fortune), which constitutes a serious tax burden, but, however, applies only to real estate worth more than 800 thousand euros.
In addition to taxes, you still have to pay utility bills. On average, it costs 1-2 euros per month per 1 sq. m. housing. The rent depends on the type of heating (central, gas, electric), the area of the property, the availability of an elevator, etc. For a small apartment (1-3 rooms), all together is approximately 100,350 euros per month. Maintenance of a separate house will cost at least 3,000 euros per month. And for the year, the cost of utility bills and taxes will be approximately 70-100 euros per square meter.
Not for investment
You can't make money on the resale of local real estate. Real estate on the Atlantic coast of France is not an international product, and the market is mainly attended by local buyers and sellers, plus the British, and, therefore, housing will be difficult to resell, and the cost of such properties, if it increases, then very slowly.
And it is useless to expect special profits from renting out housing, since the season in these places is not long, there are relatively few people who want to relax, and in addition to the main taxes, you will also have to pay income tax in the amount of 20%. As a result, the profit will be a maximum of 4-5%.
Therefore, if the goal is a profitable investment, real estate market experts do not advise buying housing in these places. Taxes for non-residents are extremely high, when buying, you will definitely have to talk about the source of income, renting brings an extremely low income, and maintaining a house is extremely expensive - everything plays against buyers-investors.
By the way, our experts offer to start renting accommodation here, especially if it is only about spending a vacation here. There are a lot of offers for rent, much more than for sale. Rental prices are low and demand is not high. For example, in Biarritz, a studio with an area of 30-40 sq. m. with a balcony and close to the sea in the summer can be rented for 250-350 euros per week, and apartments with two bedrooms are not much more expensive - about 350-450 euros per week. And a villa with 5 bedrooms, a heated pool and a garden, and just 200 meters from the sea, can be rented for 3.5-4 thousand euros per week. In Deauville, prices are about the same, and besides, there are quite a few old houses for rent without pools, but not far from the sea, which can be rented for 1-1.5 thousand euros per week.
Well, if we are still talking about buying real estate, then experts recommend using it. In this case, at least there will be a certain annual income from the rental of the object, which the management company will pay regardless of the occupancy of the apartment. But it is usually small - 3-3.5% per year in general along the Atlantic coast and 3-5% in Aquitaine.
Summary of the magazine www.metrinfo.ru
France is a multifaceted country, ready to offer its guests historical sights, mountain holidays and beautiful beaches. And one of its most interesting and beautiful regions is the Atlantic coast. If you want peace and tranquility surrounded by picturesque landscapes, you should go here. Here you can rent a house for a vacation or, if you really like the place, buy it as a property, since the prices here are lower than on the popular and well-known Cote d'Azur, and the beauty of nature and infrastructure are not worse at all, and vacationers gather here more respectable and intelligent. Also, due to prices, real estate in these parts may be suitable for those who certainly want to live in France, but are not ready to pay for housing in Paris or Cannes. That's just for investment purposes, housing on the great and mighty Atlantic is definitely not worth buying.
Olga Agureeva. According to the journal
The sea coasts of France stretch for 3120 km. The gloomy cliffs of Brittany, the long ridges of the Atlantic dunes, the wonderful beaches and bays of the Mediterranean, the beautiful coast of Corsica and the southeastern Cote d'Azur ("Riviera"), attract millions of tourists.
About 270 beaches on all coasts of France are marked with the Blue Flag beach eco-symbol.
Coasts and main resorts of the country:
- Mediterranean coast - (, Juan-les-Pins,;
- Atlantic coast - province (), province (, Dinard, Quibron, La Baule), province (, Trouville-sur-Mer,);
Atlantic coast
The Atlantic coast of France is famous for its wide sandy beaches, but there is a problem of ebb and flow here: in some areas the sea can go up to 1 km from the coast.
Biarritz is one of the most famous resorts on the Atlantic coast. The wide sandy beaches of Biarritz stretch from two rocky ledges - Cape Saint-Martin and the Atalay plateau to the famous northern beach of Chambre d'Amour ("Love Room").
The beaches of Brittany are especially good in small coves hidden among the rocks. However, the water level in the sea here changes very noticeably. Therefore, vacationers swim, as a rule, during high tide, and during low tide they mainly collect shells and crabs, which the sea, retreating, leaves on the shore. Especially powerful tides in the northern part of Brittany. The sand on the beaches of Brittany tends to "tighten".
Cote d'Azur
To the west of Nice (Cannes, Antibes, Juan-les-Pins, Saint-Tropez) there are sandy beaches, in Nice itself and further towards Italy they are pebbly. Unlike the Atlantic coast, the beaches on the Cote d'Azur are not wide: a maximum of 30-40 meters.
On the Cote d'Azur, all the beaches are municipal. However, once every 4-5 years, part of the beaches is played at auction. Hotels or just rich people (those who are engaged in this business), having won the auction, receive a certain area of the beach for rent. Entrance to it becomes paid (about 20 euros per day). This price includes the use of a sunbed, umbrella, mattress and shower. Nearby free beaches have no equipment, but, as a rule, there are more people. In Nice, all four-star hotels provide their guests with a 50% discount on the use of a paid beach.
The Côte d'Azur also includes Monte Carlo, which you should definitely stop by if you happen to be in these parts.
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