The quaint French seaside towns you've probably never come across

Understated and quaintly chic, from Languedoc to Archachon, Provence to a mere Eurotunnel hop across the channel to Normandy and Cote-de-Opale, France is awash with pretty, tranquil – and still relatively undiscovered – coastal towns and villages, perfect for easing into a slower pace of local living. © Susanne Kremer/www.4cornersimages.com france holiday seaside towns book stay travel abroad french 2022 - Susanne Kremer/www.4cornersimages.com
Whether meandering through ancient cobbled alleyways, stopping in sun-dappled squares or watching fishermen unload crates of truly local catch, observing everyday life in these picturesque ports makes for a halcyon holiday. Here are 10 seaside havens offering everything you need for a truly charming break.

Saint-Valery-sur-Somme
Baie-de-Somme Hauts-de-France

The quintessential quaint coastal town. Its stone tower is reputedly where Jeanne d’Arc was detained, and gardeners will appreciate the herbarium established by nuns, now used by local chefs, while the less green-fingered can admire the now chi-chi fisherman’s cottages with colourful shutters. There are plenty of craft shops and delis to browse too, including one dedicated to the most gorgeously packaged tinned fish. Be sure to try a brioche-like Gateau Battu from hipster Watterlot pâtisserie, then head for waterfront Relais de Guillaume to indulge in Paté Picard made with samphire and Ficelle Picarde, a crepe dish made with ham, mushrooms and cream. © Provided by The Telegraph france holiday seaside towns book stay travel abroad french 2022 - Alamy

During the 19th century, Saint-Valery was particularly popular with artists and writers: stroll along the coastside boardwalk to see where Jules Verne, Sisley and Degas all stayed in the loveliest Belle-Epoque villas. Important to note, however, that it’s considered too dangerous to swim in Saint-Valery-sur-Somme on account of the shifting sands, so best to head to Cayeux-sur-Mer for your beach day instead.

Where to stay: The Velocipede is a veg-centric restaurant/cafe with pleasingly boho rooms and an art gallery, plus bike rental. (Double rooms from £106; 00 33 3 22 60 57 42; auvelocipede.fr).
Sauzon La Belle Ile, Brittany Sauzon is composed of white houses with multi-coloured shutters that match the wooden sailing vessels bobbing in the port. Jean Epstein filmed here and actress Sarah Bernherdt settled on Le Belle Ile. It’s something of a gastronomic institution, too, with special mention going to Restaurant Roz Avel, specialising in local lobster and langoustines.

Where to stay: Hotel Le Cardinal is a modern hotel with contemporary rooms praised for its ultra comfortable beds and soothing sea views. (Doubles from £180; 00 33 1 40 16 30 00; lecardinal.fr).© Provided by The Telegraph france holiday seaside towns book stay travel abroad french 2022 - Getty
Ploumanc'h
Brittany

Pink granite boulders are piled helter-skelter along the shore, casting a rosy glow on the untamed, extravagantly indented coast. Ploumanc’h is a small and perfectly formed fishing port with a sandy crescent shaped beach on Brittany’s Côtes d’Armor. Originally a place of prayer – in Breton, “plou” means parish and “manac’h” means monk – Ploumanac’h has a medieval chapel, and a part-submerged rock right on the beach is topped by an ancient shrine. Pack your walking shoes for a hike around the coastal footpath that winds its way past the dusty-rose Men Ruz lighthouse at the entrance to the Channel. Feast on roast lobster and grilled octopus in a seafront restaurant.

Where to stay: Hôtel St-Guirec et de la Plage is a beach-facing traditional seaside hotel where some rooms have large private terraces. (Double rooms from £75; 00 33 2 96 91 40 89; hotelsaint-guirec.com).

Source : The Telegraph