Imagine france by the sea

LE HAVRE

DEAUVILLE

LE TOUQUET-PARIS-PLAGE

BÉNODET

PORNIC

HENDAYEBIARRITZ

LEUCATE

LE CAP D’AGDECASSIS

SPAIN

PARIS

DUNKIRK - FLANDERS - OPAL COAST

SAINT-JEAN- DE-MONTS

TROUVILLE- SUR-MER

CABOURG

ARGELÈS-SUR-MER

GREAT BRITAIN

BELGIUM

NETHERLANDS

Calais

Caen

Lille

Saint-Malo

RennesBrest

Nantes

Bordeaux

Pilat Dune

Montpellier Canal du Midi

Toulouse

Roscoff

Cherbourg

DIEPPE

COLLIOURE

N O R T H S E A

Mont Saint-Michel

La Rochelle

Marseille

Lacanau

SENSATION BRETAGNE

23 sea destinations

T H E C H A N N E L

A T L A N T I C O C E A N

M E D I T E R R A N E A N S E A

SAINT-TROPEZSAINTE-MAXIME

BASTIACALVI

L’ÎLE-ROUSSE

AJACCIO PORTO-VECCHIO

BORMESLES MIMOSAS

RENDEZ-VOUS ON THE FRENCH COAST!

Dotted along the 5,500km of coastline on mainland France and Corsica, the country’s seaside resorts offer a change of scenery, peace and quiet and a sense of discovery, where visitors can enjoy their natural unspoilt landscapes while still being able to take advantage of the activities you would find in a town or city… with the beach and invigorating sea air as a bonus!

Nowadays there's no need to choose between the city and the seaside… and with the North Sea, the Channel coast, the Atlantic, Mediterranean and Corsica to choose from, there’s a coastline and holiday for everyone! Ranging from Deauville, with its passion for horses and the cinema, and chic and sporty Biarritz to Saint-Tropez, the haunt of stars and celebrities, and Ajaccio, the city of Napoleon, each resort has its own inimitable history and character.

As well as their beaches, water sports and countless cultural and natural treasures, each and every resort provides an opportunity for leisurely strolls, some shopping, a chance to enjoy local products, and to take the time to live life à la française!

There’s never been a better time to head for the French coast!

MORE INFO: WWW.FRANCE.FR

LE LAVANDOU

ITALY

GERMANY

SWITZERLAND

NETHERLANDS

Balagne

Bonifacio

Corsica

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NiceCANNES

M E D I T E R R A N E A N S E A

"IMAGINE FRANCE BY THE SEA"

A NEW PERSPECTIVE TO REVITALISE THE IMAGE OF OUR SEASIDE DESTINATIONS

The aim of the Imagine France by the sea project introduced by Atout France is to provide a new perspective on the resorts along France’s coastline. Under the inventive eye of artist and photographer Maia Flore, France’s different coastlines will reveal their most poetic and unexpected character, providing an insight into their way of life, cultural and architectural heritage and natural spaces which will tempt international visitors with a real sense of escapism.

To increase their appeal to French and international visitors, France’s coastal destinations need to reinvent themselves. Highlighting the wealth of experiences on offer beyond the usual seaside attractions has, therefore, become a must. It is for this reason that Atout France* has called upon the artist Maia Flore with the aim of providing a new perspective on the extraordinary diversity of our coastal destinations.

Through a series of 54 photos, 4 films and 27 video clips, Maia Flore offers visitors “a journey with the sun”. From Corsica to the beaches of Northern France, the artist has bestowed her own individual character upon the 29 coastal resorts that she visited between May and October 2016, based around a day in each resort which enabled her to work with the sun’s changing light. Reflecting the artist’s dreamlike work, these destinations are revealed via a prism that is both dynamic and contemplative.

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DIEPPELe Touquet-Paris-Plage is home to a wealth of natural riches and cultural heritage. With over 1,200 elegant hotel rooms available here, the resort is renowned for the wellbeing treatments on offer in its many spas and its thalassotherapy centre and is also a mecca for sports enthusiasts (golf, horse riding, sailing, sand yachting, tennis etc). uk.dieppetourisme.com

CHANNEL CoAST – NorTH SEA

DUNKIRK - FLANDERS - OPAL COASTHome to a town, a port and several seaside resorts, the 40km coastline of uninterrupted beaches shared with neighbouring Belgium attracts nature-lovers as well as those keen to experience the area’s contemporary art and architecture – not forgetting its warm and friendly atmosphere!www.dunkirk-tourism.com

LE HAVRELe Havre demonstrates its unique character by embracing both modernity and culture, where its marina and well-appointed beach stand alongside a town centre rebuilt by the architect Auguste Perret, aptly described as the “poet of concrete”. A town of art and history, Le Havre is also the cradle of Impressionism, as witnessed by the Musée Malraux, a museum home to the best Impressionist collection in France outside of Paris.www.lehavretourisme.com/en

LE TOUQUET-PARIS-PLAGELe Touquet-Paris-Plage is home to a wealth of natural riches and cultural heritage. With over 1,200 elegant hotel rooms available here, the resort is renowned for the wellbeing treatments on offer in its many spas and its thalassotherapy centre and is also a mecca for sports enthusiasts (golf, horse riding, sailing, sand yachting, tennis etc).gb.letouquet.com

TROUVILLE-SUR-MERA seaside resort along the Flower Coast (Côte Fleurie), just two hours from Paris, Trouville-sur-Mer owes its reputation to the charm of its fishing port, the beauty of its long, fine sandy beach and its architectural heritage. This idyllic setting between the sea and the countryside attracts tourists who have been following in the footsteps of writers and artists such as Flaubert, Proust, Monet and Boudin since the 19th century.www.trouvillesurmer.org

DEAUVILLEA prestigious resort located just 2 hours from Paris, Deauville boasts fine, well-preserved buildings in a setting that is perfect for wellbeing and relaxation. To experience Deauville to the full, take a stroll along its boardwalk with the sea as your backdrop and take your pick from a huge choice of leisure activities (casino, golf, sailing, horse riding, shows, festivals etc).www.deauville.org

CABOURGA seaside resort renowned for its 4km-long fine sandy beach and its Belle-Époque architecture made famous by the writer Marcel Proust, including its early-20C villas, casino and Grand Hôtel. The perfect setting for a romantic break. www.cabourg-tourisme.fr

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BÉNODETThe leading seaside resort in Southern Brittany, Bénodet is the perfect destination for visitors on holiday along the Atlantic coast, whatever their interest. The resort offers myriad options both on land and in the sea, ranging from boat trips and golf to wellbeing and relaxation, festive events and cultural heritage.www.benodet.fr/en

SAINT-JEAN-DE-MONTSLocated to the south of the island of Noirmoutier, this lively seaside resort is renowned for its 8km of long, gently sloping sandy beaches as well as the superb quality of its Atlantic waters. Here, you can choose between a wide array of activities with a focus on nature (forest adventure park and a network of safe cycle paths), wellbeing (thalassotherapy spa, water park, sea walking) and outdoor sports (kite surfing, sand yachting, golf, horse riding).www.saint-jean-de-monts.com

PORNICWith its delightful setting, boasting a castle overlooking the old port offering safe mooring for pleasure boats and crowned by a beautiful blue, and occasionally dapple-grey sky, Pornic is the picture-postcard image of Brittany. It is a place to which sports enthusiasts flock for a rush of adrenalin and where visitors from the city will delight in the complete change of scenery, attracted by Pornic’s wonderful quality of life. In addition, the coastline and the lush inland provide the perfect backdrop for hikes, mountain biking and horse riding at any time of year. en.ot-pornic.fr

ATLANTIC

HENDAYESpanning the border with Spain in Southwest France, Hendaye is a hugely popular destination for those keen to experience the myriad sporting activities and wellbeing options on offer here. Situated 25km to the south of Biarritz, at the foot of the Corniche Basque, the town boasts whitewashed houses with their typical red and green half-timbers as well as a brand-new thalassotherapy centre.www.hendaye-tourisme.fr/en

BIARRITZKnown as the Pearl of the Atlantic, Biarritz is riding the wave of an exciting revival. Biarritz offers visitors the invigorating spirit of a city which combines a self-confident style with a touch of glam rock where surfing, golf, pelota, rugby and many other activities have established themselves to the delight of one and all! Discover the “Côte des Basques”, a beach where surfing was first introduced to Europe in 1957 and which has been chosen online as the best beach in France and the third best in Europe; the unusual Villa Belza, built on a rock; the city’s luxury boutiques beneath its famous arches; and the ever-bustling Les Halles food market.www.tourisme.biarritz.fr/en

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“SENSATION BRETAGNE” RESORTS Dotted from north to south along the coastline of Brittany, the 23 “Sensation Bretagne” resorts offer visitors a wide array of extraordinary experiences: visits that provide an insight into their urban heritage, architecture and gastronomy, environmentally friendly holidays, wellbeing activities and tours to offshore islands. Discover the true spirit and unspoilt nature of the Breton coast! www.sensation-bretagne.com

CHANNEL CoAST & ATLANTIC

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COLLIOURE'Located at the southernmost tip of France, just 26km from the Spanish border, this small Catalan port is nestled in a cove where the rocky landscapes of the Pyrenees meet the tranquil waters of the Mediterranean. Here, visitors can enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear waters of numerous sandy and pebble beaches and creeks.www.collioure.com

ARGELÈS-SUR-MERAt the foot of the Pyrenees, Argelès-sur-Mer extends along 10 kilometres of Mediterranean coastline. This nature destination is home to two nature reserves: Mas Larrieu by the coast and the Forêt de la Massane in the heart of the Albères mountains. This seaside resort on the French Catalan coast also hosts numerous festive events throughout the year.www.argeles-sur-mer.co.uk

LEUCATENestled between the Massif des Corbières and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, the resort of Leucate epitomises the Mediterranean way of life. Here, visitors can head to the local oyster centre to taste fresh oysters accompanied by a glass of Leucate wine before moving on to one of its beach bars for an unforgettable evening. Water sports enthusiasts flock here thanks to the unique setting which makes this one of the best venues for kite and windsurfing.uk.tourisme-leucate.fr

LE CAP D’AGDEOne of Languedoc’s liveliest resorts, Le Cap d'Agde is renowned as much for the trendy atmosphere of its quaysides and evenings spent tasting local products as its stunning natural setting, home to extensive white sandy beaches, volcanic cliffs, lakes etc. Combining modernity and a history that dates back 2,600 years, Le Cap d’Agde is a town that extends inland from the sea to the area around Pézenas, the town of Molière, and is a resort that entices visitors with the combined pleasures of wine and Mediterranean gastronomy. www.en.capdagde.com

MEDITErrANEAN

CASSISLocated at the heart of the Parc National des Calanques, Cassis reveals the intimate charms of its grandiose natural landscapes. Between the famous Massif des Calanques range and the majestic cliff at Cap Canaille, this flawless diamond exudes the full charm of Provence and the Mediterranean. Its sun-blessed terraces overlooking the port, elegant boutiques and culinary delicacies perfectly matched by its delicate local wines have made Cassis an idyllic must-see destination.www.ot-cassis.com/en

BORMES LES MIMOSASIn this enchanting setting by the sea, at the gateway to the Massif des Maures, the 12C medieval village of Bormes-les-Mimosas is recognised as one of the most beautiful “villages fleuris” (villages in bloom) in France, home to some 700 rare plant species. From January to Mars, the mimosa capital of the Var is embellished with an explosion of yellows and glorious scents. Close by, the famous beaches of Cabasson, Brégançon, l’Estagnol and Pellegrin boast over 17km of white sand and crystal-clear water.www.bormeslesmimosas.com

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LE LAVANDOUNestled at the foot of the Massif des Maures, Le Lavandou, the “town of dolphins and whales”, stands alongside the Mediterranean, looking out towards two islands, the Ile du Levant and the Ile de Port-Cros. Extending along 12km of coastline, the resort is home to 12 superb beaches, each with different sand textures and colours. This former fishing village is now a lively seaside resort offering a wide choice of sports activities. www.ot-lelavandou.fr/en

SAINT-TROPEZA village of sailors immortalised by numerous writers and artists, including Signac, Matisse and Colette, Saint-Tropez has, thanks to stars such as Brigitte Bardot, become a must-see destination along the French Riviera and a place famous around the globe. Despite the glamour that has cemented its reputation, Saint-Tropez is a paradox which harmoniously combines tradition and modernity alongside luxury and exquisite pleasure.www.sainttropeztourisme.com/en

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SAINTE-MAXIMEWith its 11km of Mediterranean coast, Sainte-Maxime is a haven of tranquillity where a stroll along the water’s edge will provide moments of pleasure that you won’t want to end. The full charm of Provence can be seen here, as witnessed by its houses with their roofs covered with old tiles, its typical market, its shopping streets and its shaded promenade. Whether you’re here with family or friends, you’ll be keen to make the most of the many leisure activities and major events that are on offer. www.sainte-maxime.com

BASTIABastia is a delightful city nestled beneath Cap Corse, with slate-roofed, pastel-coloured buildings which take on a golden hue at sunset. Its palaces and churches, hidden amid a complicated maze of narrow picturesque streets, reveal their priceless Baroque treasures to visitors. Equally appealing to nature-lovers are the nearby beaches of golden sand fringed by pine groves, secret creeks with crystal-clear water, and historic footpaths dotted with lofty Genoese towers, venerable Romanesque chapels and renowned vineyards.www.bastia-tourisme.corsica

CANNESThe “star” of the Côte d'Azur, Cannes is famous around the world for its galas, regattas, giant yachts and its film festival. This stunning destination stands in a magnificent bay looking out towards the two Lérins islands and is home to the prestigious La Croisette promenade lined by palatial properties and an old town with its delightful essence of Provence.www.cannes-destination.fr

CorSICA

PORTO-VECCHIOPorto-Vecchio is recognised as Corsica’s leading tourist resort thanks to the magnificent beaches lining its surrounding gulf and the lively narrow streets of its citadel. This picturesque town on a human scale offers an array of festive events and cultural and sporting activities for visitors. Its idyllic location between the mountains and the sea will also delight those keen to explore its hiking paths and beaches alike. Porto-Vecchio is destination that you’ll want to explore and return to time and time again!www.ot-portovecchio.com

MEDITErrANEAN (suite)

CALVISituated in the northwest of Corsica, Calvi boasts a Genoese citadel, a marina and a 5km-long sandy beach that encloses one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful bays. Renowned for its festive atmosphere, it hosts numerous festivals inspired by music, art, cinema and theatre throughout the year. And with activities ranging from water sports and hiking to cycling and horse riding, Calvi has something for everyone, both on land and in the sea.www.calvi-tourisme.com

AJACCIOThis dynamic city, the capital of Corsica, boasts numerous boutiques and prestigious museums. With its wide frontage overlook-ing the Mediterranean, this bright city with a perfect mild climate enjoys a naturally sheltered location backed by mountains and fringed by sandy beaches. Come the evening, when the lights of the city show-case it to the full, Ajaccio’s many wine bars provide the perfect setting in which to relax and unwind while you sip an excellent AOC Ajaccio wine.www.ajaccio-tourisme.com

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L’ÎLE-ROUSSEWith its friendly, relaxed atmosphere, L’Ile-Rousse is one of Corsica’s must-see resorts. Whether you’re enjoying a coffee on La Place, strolling along its seafront promenade or indulging in some shopping in the town’s pedestrian streets which come alive at night, you’re guaranteed a truly authentic Corsican stay here. And thanks to its strong cultural identity, numerous festivals and fairs are held in the town which pay homage to the island’s gastronomy and traditional way of life, while the many processions that take place here throughout the year bear witness to the town’s religious fervour, the origins of which are clearly evident in its history. www.ileroussetourisme.com

FRANCE STATION NAUTIQUEA resort with the FRANCE STATION NAUTIQUE label offers a wide range of top-quality nautical-based facilities, activities, products and services that meet the requirements and needs of all visitors. Whichever resort you’re visiting, it is first and foremost a guarantee of quality.www.station-nautique.com

LABEL

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Imagine France by the sea – Atout France – 2018. Credits: ©Atout France/Agence Vu'/Maia Flore.