Fancy a natural getaway? From mainland France to Tahiti and Martinique, discover a selection of the most beautiful French islands with pristine beaches!
The beautiful beaches of France are a must-visit! From the shredded coasts of the islands of Brittany to the small fishing hamlets on the Atlantic coast, and the coves of turquoise water in the Mediterranean, there are so many natural wonders to discover along the French coastline. Don’t miss out on the stunning plage and the breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.
On the islands of French Polynesia, Guadeloupe, Tahiti, and Corsica, you can also see the diversity of landscapes of Hexagon! France also offers you many exotic island destinations thanks to its overseas territories.
Moreover, each summer, the French islands of Tahiti, France, île, and Guadeloupe see a drastic increase in tourists. We take you to meet some of the most beautiful French islands of Tahiti, France, île, and Guadeloupe for a weekend, a stay, or a holiday!
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Best Islands in France
France has some incredible options if you are looking for stunning islands to explore. There is something for everyone, from the tropical paradise of Tahiti to the picturesque Mont Saint Michel. The islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique offer a unique blend of Caribbean charm and French culture. Whether you are seeking relaxation on pristine beaches or adventure in lush landscapes, these French islands have it all.
1. Bréhat
This island of the Channel, also known as Enez Vriad in Breton, forms a stunning archipelago of beautiful France islands. It is accessible from Arcouest in the department of Côtes-d’Armor, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking the charm of Mediterranean islands.
Its stunning islands landscapes of moors and pink granite alternate with beautiful beaches, green and flowery plains. This rural setting on the tiny island is a call to contemplation and calm.
Bréhat, one of the beautiful islands in France, is a haven of peace for nature lovers and hikers. Cars are prohibited on this island, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the stunning beaches and serene surroundings. Whether you’re exploring Bréhat or dreaming of exotic destinations like Tahiti, this island is a must-visit for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
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2. Ouessant
Still in Brittany but further west, Ouessant is the westernmost of the Metropolitan French Islands in France! The two strips of land that make up the island territory are off the coast of Finistère, near Brest. Known for its stunning beaches, Ouessant is a hidden gem in the Caribbean.
Within the Armorique Regional Natural Park, Ouessant is distinguished by its shredded cliffs, coves, lighthouses, and small chapels.
Located in Guadeloupe, France, this island is known for its stunning beaches. Subjected to strong winds and currents, it exudes a wild atmosphere. It is an ornithological reserve home to colonies of seals and meadows where sheep graze peacefully.
As for activities, it promises beautiful walks on foot, by boat, or on horseback. Athletes will be able to participate in water sports such as diving, sea kayaking, or sailing. The visit to the lighthouses is also one of the must-sees!
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3. Port-Cros
In the Mediterranean Sea, the islands of Port-Cros and Porquerolles in France stand out. Port-Cros is known for its calm and ultra-reserved nature, making it less touristy compared to Porquerolles. To reach Port-Cros, visitors can take a boat from the cities of Hyères or Lavandou.
Port-Cros, located in France, is not only a national park but also an island. As a result, activities such as fishing, picking, and camping are prohibited on this Saint’s day. However, visitors can still enjoy exploring its treasures by walking along the marked trails.
Test the discovery of the Saint island in France by boat with aquascape! This day excursion is ideal for observing the marine environment from the portholes. The port, beaches, and diving spots complete the attractions of the Saint island.
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4. Belle-Île-en-Mer
The direction is south of Brittany, in the Atlantic Ocean. Off Quiberon in Morbihan, visit the famous France island of Belle-île-en-Mer, sung by Laurent Voulzy.
Its charming harbors and wild appearance have seduced many artists, especially in the islands of France, and it is easy to understand why.
Aside from the natural beauty of the islands’ cliffs and golden beaches, France’s island has many other treasures to discover. Citadel built on the plans of Vauban, the lighthouse of Kervilahouen, house of Sarah Bernhardt, needles of Port Coton …
Around these islands in France, you will also find many activities, exhibitions, and festivals, especially in the summer season.
To get to Belle-île-en-Mer, embark from Quiberon, Vannes, Port-Navalo, La Turballe or Le Croisic in France.
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5. Chausey Islands
The Norman archipelago of the Chausey Islands extends over 5,000 maritime ha and 365 islets at low tide! Suffice to say that this is a destination of choice for fishing and sailing enthusiasts in France.
The islands de territory is a nature reserve, making it a great place to observe seabirds.
Did you know that the granite stones of the Chausey Islands were used to build Mont-Saint-Michel, Saint-Malo, and some sidewalks of Paris and London?
The largest island of Chausey, known for being the homeport of the marine painter and navigator Marin Marie, is where you can find his house. It is the first thing you see when you disembark on the islands.
In addition to this house, the lighthouses, semaphore, and islands to visit, you will have the opportunity to admire the white sand beaches and the unspoiled nature of this French island.
You will probably see dolphins during the crossing from Granville to the islands of Normandy with some luck!
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6. Corsica
The undeniable star of the French islands of the Mediterranean, Corsica seduces many French and foreign tourists.
It must be said that the island is large and diverse. Paradisiacal beaches, shredded peaks, maquis, perched villages, local cuisine… Corsica is as conducive to trips for two as it is to family stays!
On the trip: idleness on the beaches of the Gulf of Ajaccio, hikes near the Bavella pass, tasting of cheese and charcuterie specialties… A few hours by boat from Marseille, Nice, or Toulon, you will dive with delight into the Corsican culture and its preserved nature.
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7. Porquerolles
Porquerolles is the best known of the Hyères islands but also one of the most famous French islands. Renowned for its paradisiacal beaches, it is the delight of scuba diving and snorkeling practitioners. Nearly 180 species of fish live in its marine park.
Hikers also enjoy the many marked trails in Port-Cros National Park, located on the islands. Vineyards and flowery natural areas complete the landscape of this island, accessible in just twenty minutes from the peninsula of Giens in the Var.
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8. Sein Island
In the Iroise Sea, in the Atlantic Ocean, this two-kilometer-long island is five kilometers from the Pointe du Raz in Brittany. Legend has it that the mythical city of the kingdom of Ys is located here, engulfed in the Bay of Audierne.
We walk here on foot, between islands, port, small beaches, coves, and lighthouses … Two menhirs are to be seen, near the moors and fields surrounded by low walls.
The wind sweeps the islands, and the tides punctuate the possibilities of walks. Don’t forget to check the tide times on the islands, so you don’t get trapped!
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9. Yeu Island
Located off the coast of the Vendée, the Île d’Yeu is a stunning island spanning 10 km. With its breathtaking landscapes of dunes, grass, and rock, it offers a variety of attractions. A visit to the Grand Phare and the Old Castle is a must for anyone exploring the islands.
The fortress stands on an island rock surrounded by the sea, plunging the visitor into a wild and shredded atmosphere on the islands.
Small churches and chapels, markets, and fishing ports can also be discovered on foot or by bike on the island.
On the other hand, water activities are varied, ranging from diving and sailing to kayaking, fishing, surfing, or paddleboarding.
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10. Huahine Island – French Polynesia
Head to French Polynesia, in the Archipelago of the Society, to discover one of the most scenic French islands…
If the names of Bora-Bora, Tahiti, or Moorea make you dream of tropical island paradises, you will be more than conquered by Huahine.
Less touristy than its neighbors, it is part of the Leeward Islands, located 175 kilometers from Tahiti. They are two islands connected by a dot.
The seabeds beneath turquoise bays and lagoons are extraordinary. From its archaeological remains, you can learn many things about Tahiti’s history and the Polynesian archipelago.
The island lives on vanilla, its tropical fruits, and peaches. Discover its specialties by talking to the locals.
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11. Les Saintes – Guadeloupe
A few minutes from Guadeloupe, the Saintes archipelago will instantly make you forget about stress and pollution. Its two small islands, Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas, and its seven uninhabited isles make up a beautiful, calm natural landscape.
Colorful fishermen’s houses, villages that live to the rhythm of the ambient heat, beautiful Creole villas with floors… No doubt, you are here on a beautiful island in the heart of the West Indies and very close to the sea.
Put on a snorkel mask and fins to admire the underwater life around the island. Then, take a break and relax on one of the stunning dream beaches, like Pompière. While you’re there, make sure to visit Fort Napoleon for an interesting historical experience.
There are also plenty of walks in the villages and hikes in the middle of nature to keep you occupied on one of the most beautiful French islands.
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12. Isle of Pines – New Caledonia
On the other side of the world, one of the most picturesque French overseas islands is the Isle of Pines. Located in the south of New Caledonia, it is emblematic of this wonderful Pacific archipelago.
The island’s turquoise lagoon, lined with white sand beaches, owes its name to the columnar pines erected along its coastline.
The flagship activity on the island is to observe the multicolored fish that evolve in numbers around the coral rocks.
Enjoying a dish of lobsters on the island with your feet in the sand or sailing in an outrigger canoe are also part of the unforgettable experiences of this postcard destination.
The most beautiful islands in France are now known to you! Have you ever visited one of them? Tell us in the comments!
