France’s southern coast is famous for its beaches and the chance to celeb-spot as you soak up the sun, but for those of us looking for a more down-to-earth beach holiday, you should look no further than France’s northern coast. What’s more, DFDS Seaways currently have 4 routes between the UK and France, with up to 50 crossings daily.
Baie d’Aurdiene, Brittany
Located on the north-western coast of the Brittany region, Baie d’Aurdiene is a rugged stretch of coastline with calm beaches which are ideal for families however, thrill-seekers will also enjoy the breaker waves, which attract surfers from all over Europe. There is also an abandoned German bunker from World War 2 that the history buffs will love.
Getting there: Our route from Newhaven to Dieppe is the most convenient route from the UK to Brittany, however you can also access this area easily from our ports in Dunkirk or Calais.
Normandy landing beaches, Normandy
Famously the site of the D-Day landings, and immortalised in films from The Longest Day to Saving Private Ryan, the beaches of Normandy were the host of one of Europe’s most pivotal military events. The long, sloping beaches now serve as a poignant but fascinating reminder of the conflict, now entering its 70th anniversary.
Getting there: Our routes from Newhaven to Dieppe are the most convenient routes from the UK to Normandy, however you can also access this area easily from our ports in Dunkirk or Calais.
Equihen-Plage, Nord pas de Calais
A golden, sandy beach on northern France’s Opal Coast, Equihen-Plage is popular with tourists from all over Europe. Equihen-Plage caters for families, couples and for those who prefer to get active in the great outdoors, with facilities for sailing, fishing and more available. Near the beach is Nausicaa, a world-class sea life centre and Boulogne, a large fishing town with hotels and facilities for tourists.
Getting there: Our routes from Dover to Dunkirk or Calais will get you across the channel in 2 hours or less.
Plage de Meneham, Brittany
Famously a hotspot for tourists with motorhomes and caravans, Plage de Meneham has some of the whitest sand beaches in the whole of France. A wholesome, family destination with coastal walks and outdoor activities available all year round, visit in the summer to make the most of the weather and explore the beautiful, rugged coastline and rolling countryside around this popular tourist area.
Getting there: Our routes from Newhaven to Dieppe is the most convenient routes from the UK to Brittany, however you can also access this area easily from our ports in Dunkirk or Calais.
Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, Nord Pas de Calais
You can often tell where a country’s real tourist hotspots are by where its citizens travel on their holidays, this is the case with Le Touquet. The playground of rich Parisians, it is perhaps the most elegant of the beach towns in this list. Le Touquet has always been home to artists, writers and great thinkers, and offers a unique coastal holiday for families on one of France’s best resorts. Head to the equestrian centre and you can even ride horses on the beach!
Getting there: Our routes from Dover to Dunkirk or Calais will get you across the channel in 2 hours or less.
