© Bruce Tuten
Fodor's had a useful tidbit recently on how to tell public beaches from private beaches in France.
France has almost anything you could want in a beach. With extensive coastlines on the English Channel, the Atlantic, and the Mediterranean, any beach lover should be able to find just the right spot somewhere in France.
The coastline around Brittany, in Northern France, has lots of family-oriented vacation areas with plenty of attractions of the kids. Of course, if you're looking for something warmer, something more adult, there's the French Riviera. And the best beaches in France are offshore, in Corsica.
Not all beaches in France are public beaches. Private (usually commercial) beaches are not hard to identify. They tend to be roped off (you have to pay to get in), and be color coordinated (matching beach umbrellas, beach furniture and awnings).
The public beaches are acceptable; the private beaches usually offer more comfort, facilities, and dining options.