When summer comes, the only thing on your mind is going to the beach! Without further ado, discover the most relaxing beaches within reach of the train. Take a trip to the sea with your friends and family.
Book a train ticket
Book a train ticket
Here’s a selection of beaches within trains’ reach:
1. The classic one: Le Touquet-Paris-Plage
Twelve kilometres of fine sandsurrounded by colourful cabins and wild dunes. Welcome to Le Touquet! Once you arrive at the Etaples station, hop on an electric shuttle bus for 1€: the beach is only 10 minutes away. After a peaceful rest, a large range of activities awaits you to discover the area: guided tours (offbeat, nature or architecture), bike or Segway rides, shopping in Rue Saint-Jean, golf, museums..…
You can also sleep at Le Touquet’s iconic hotel: The Westminster. It is the ideal destination for an enchanted break: entirely out of touch with time.
Don’t forget to taste the local speciality: the ratte du Touquet. This mouth-watering potato dish is on many restaurants’ menus. You can also find it at the market (rue Jean Monnet) on Thursday and Saturday mornings.
2. The iconic: Saint-Malo
Saint-Malo is an ideal destination to relax in the open air thanks to its beaches, medieval fortifications, and its historical heritage. It is a 20-minute walk from the station to the beaches. Did you know the Sillon beach was voted “most beautiful French beach” on Tripadvisor?
At the bottom of the ramparts, the Éventail beach, with its white sand, also makes quite an impression: the view ofthe Fort Nationalis unbeatable. A trip to this iconic monument is a must: it was built in 1689 by the architect Vauban to protect the city.
Next, take a tour of the city, while walking along the ramparts. The surroundings are beautiful! Feeling peckish? The traditionalBreton crepesawait you in any restaurant. When the evening comes, have a rest at the Hotel du Louvre.
3. The authentic one: Saint-Pol-de-Léon
Accessible by car in 20 minutes from Morlaix station or by TER from Roscoff station,Saint-Pol-de-Léonis a charming seaside resortbetween Roscoff and the Carantec peninsula. Less touristic and busy than the surrounding beaches, it attracts travellers searching forauthenticity andwild beaches.
Head toSaint-Anne for an afternoon of walking and relaxation. A strip of land will take you totheislet directly ahead. It’s magnificent!
Another hidden gem: the artichokes. Saint-Pol has even made this its speciality. After a good night's sleep at the Hotel de France, head for Roscoff. The journey by TER from Morlaix offers 47 minutes of breathtaking views of the English Channel. An absolute must-do!
4. The family-friendly one: La Rochelle
Welcome to Minimes beach, a vast stretch of sand popular with families, located between the port and the Pointe des Minimes. It is the biggest of the three beaches ofLa Rochelle. The people of La Rochelle and visitors enjoy coming here to practice water sports: kayaking, stand-up paddle, sailing, fishing or kite flying. In summer, you can also find a beach volleyball court. Offshore, there is a superb view of the Phare du Bout du Monde, Fort Boyard and the islands of Ré and Oléron.
At the foot of the Minimes beach, a path will lead you along the coastline to discover, by foot or bike, magnificent views of the ocean.
You can get there with two bus lines (Illico 3 and 4) from the SNCF station, which will drop you off near Minimes beach. You can also access the beach by taking the Sea Bus, the Yélo, which leaves from the Old Port: it’s a unique and fun way to get around La Rochelle, especially with your family!
The wild one: la Côte bleue
If you enjoy discovering splendid panoramic landscapes from the comfort of your seat in a TER (regional train), hop on the one that runs from Marseille to Miramas! It’s the “Train de la Côte Bleue ”. It covers 32 km of creeks bathed in turquoise water, viaducts and tunnels...And on top of this, it’s a unique way to visit the region.
